Learning SOLIDWORKS CAM

Course details

SOLIDWORKS CAM is a powerful add-on that allows designers to turn models into ready-to-manufacture instructions for computer numerical control (CNC) machines. See how to convert the features of a 3D part into the NC G-code required to machine those features out of a piece of stock on a CNC machine. Instructor Kipp Bradford demonstrates how to identify features in a design for machining, prepare the toolpaths and operations, and generate the output file and setup sheet needed to manufacture parts.

Note: This course assumes familiarity with part and assembly modeling in SOLIDWORKS, as well as the fundamentals of CNC setup and operation.

Concepts

Introduction

From design to manufacture with SOLIDWORKS CAM

Setup

Quick start walkthrough
The CAM feature tree and CAM Toolbar
Define machine parameters
Define available tools
Define controller parameters
Define stock

Identifying Features to Machine

Automatic feature recognition
Interactive feature recognition

Operations and Toolpaths

Generate operation plan
Generate toolpath
Simulate toolpath

Generating Output

Post process toolpath
Output NC code
Beyond the basics

Machine Setup and Technology Databases

Tool selection
Tool crib
Machine definition and post processor

Stock and Fixturing

Defining the stock
Defining the stock from a sketch
Defining avoid areas with fixtures

Feature Recognition

Setting feature types
Setting feature strategy
Rebuilding features

Interactive Feature Recognition

Adding and deleting features
Reorganizing features
Suppressing features
Inserting features
Combining features

Operation Plan

Generating operation plans
Changing feature strategies
Adjusting operation parameters
Defining avoid areas in operation plan
Combining operations
Inserting and deleting operations
Sorting and reorganizing operations

Toolpaths and Post-Processing

Generating toolpaths
Simulating toolpaths
Customizing toolpaths
Post-processing toolpaths

Conclusion

Next steps