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What's New in CAMWorks 2016

Contents (Click a link below or use the bookmarks on the left)

About this Version (CAMWorks 2016 – SP2.1) 2

Supported Platforms 2 Resolved CPR’s document 2

What’s New in CAMWorks 2016 – SP2 3

Supported Platforms 3 Resolved CPR’s document 3 Hit Flats option to control how flat surfaces will be machined using VoluMill 4 Licensing mechanism for maximum permissible users on a floating network 5 ‘Use Tool Crib tools only’ option in Tool Crib tab of Machine node 6 Feature & Operation Conditions in TechDB with new/ modified strategies 7


Options for generating operations after interactive feature insertion 8 VoluMill 7.1 Introduced 9 Fixed (XYZ) and Free (XCZ) move options for 3 Axis toolpaths in Mill-Turn 11 Ability to select sub-assemblies as fixtures in Assembly mode 12 F5 button for Previewing Toolpath without collapsing Operation Parameters dialog 13 MS Access 2016 support for Technology Database 13 Arc Fit Splines functionality introduced for Wire EDM Contour Operations 14 ‘Create Setup’ button in the dialog displayed on clicking ‘Select Feature’ button 15


Improved Tool Management Interactions ....................................................................... 17

Feature Definition .............................................................................................................. 22

Operations and Toolpath .................................................................................................. 27

TechDB............................................................................................................................... 35

Setup Sheets ..................................................................................................................... 37

Miscellaneous .................................................................................................................... 38

Geometric Americas Inc. makes no warranties, either expressed or implied with respect to this document. Geometric reserves the right to revise and improve products as it sees fit, and to revise the specifications and information contained herein without prior notice. Due to continuing product development, specifications and capabilities described in this document are subject to change without notice.

Copyright© 2016 Geometric Americas, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

July, 2016


2

About this Version (CAMWorks 2016 – SP2.1)

Supported Platforms

Supported Platforms for 64-bit

CAD

Applications

The 64-bit versions of:

- SOLIDWORKS 2016

- SOLIDWORKS 2015

- CAMWorks Solids 2015


Operating

Systems

64-bit versions of:

- Windows 10

- Windows 8.1

- Windows 7 (SP1 or higher)

[*Home Editions are not supported]

Note: CAMWorks 2016 is not supported on any 32-bit Operating Systems.

Resolved CPR’s document

Purpose: The Resolved CPR (CAMWorks Problem Report) document has been updated

to report the software errors that have been resolved in this release.

Implementation: To view the document, select:

Start>>All Programs>>CAMWorks2016x64>>Resolved CPR’s.

Updated -


3

What’s New in CAMWorks 2016 – SP2

Supported Platforms

Supported Platforms for 64-bit

CAD

Applications

The 64-bit versions of:

- SOLIDWORKS 2016

- SOLIDWORKS 2015



Operating

Systems

64-bit versions of:

- Windows 10

- Windows 8.1

- Windows 7 (SP1 or higher)

[*Home Editions are not supported]

Note:

CAMWorks 2016 is not supported on any 32-bit Operating Systems.

Resolved CPR’s document

Purpose: The Resolved CPR (CAMWorks Problem Report) document has been updated

to report the software errors that have been resolved in this release.

Implementation: To view the document, select:

Start>>All Programs>>CAMWorks2016x64>>Resolved CPR’s.

Updated -


4

Hit Flats option to control how flat surfaces will be machined using VoluMill

Purpose: Option provided to machine the flat surfaces using VoluMill pattern in Area

Clearance Operation when the surfaces are not coincident with the planes of

depth of cuts.

Implementation:

The Hit Flats option is available in the Depth parameters group box in the Area

Clearance tab of the Area Clearance operation when Pattern is set to VoluMill.

When this option is checked, additional passes are added on the flat areas

present in the part model.

Note:

The area of the flat surfaces to be machined can be controlled using the Max

diameter parameter on the Advanced tab. Any flat area having surface area

lesser than the value specified will not be machined.

‘Hit Flats’ option for VoluMill toolpaths in Area Clearance tab of Area Clearance operation

New -

VoluMill toolpath sequence when

Hit Flats option is unchecked VoluMill toolpath sequence when

Hit Flats option is checked

(1)

(2)

(3)

(1)

(2)

(4)

(3)

Red line indicates flat surface where additional VoluMill toolpath will be generated.


5

Licensing mechanism for maximum permissible users on a floating network

Purpose:

To improve the license management mechanism for CAMWorks floating

network license such that the maximum number of concurrent users allowed

on a floating network can be controlled as per the number of CAMWorks

licenses purchased.

Implementation:

On a floating network, the total number of concurrent users (clients

simultaneously accessing the floating license) cannot exceed the number of

CAMWorks licenses purchased. The clients can access the CAMWorks modules

on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Every time a different client joins the floating network to use or more modules,

a CAMWorks license is taken up by the client for use. When all the available

licenses are thus used up and a new client tries to join the floating network,

that client will receive the following error message:

"Maximum permissible online users exceeds number of licenses available.

CAMWorks will run in demonstration mode."

Illustrative Example:

Consider that 5 CAMWorks licenses (comprising of 5 Turn modules and 5 Wire

EDM modules) have been purchased for a floating network. (The 5 CAMWorks

licenses will effectively allow a maximum of 5 clients to access the network.)

The CAMWorks Licensing Mechanism will allow 5 clients to use both the Turn

and/or Wire EDM module. However, it will not permit 5 clients to use the Turn

module and another 5 clients to use the Wire EDM module simultaneously since

that would mean 10 clients are simultaneously accessing the network meant to

support 5 clients.

Determining the number of Floating Licenses available:

The number of CAMWorks Licenses currently available on a floating network is indicated in the Count and Available fields in the second row of the Authorized

Modules tab of the CAMWorks License Manager dialog box.

For example, if the floating network has 10 licenses of which 6 are currently in use, then the Count field in second row will display '4' and Available field will

indicate Yes. If all 10 licenses are being used, then the Count field in the second

row will display '0' and Available field will indicate No.

Authorized Modules tab of CAMWorks License Manager Dialog Box

Improved -


6

‘Use Tool Crib tools only’ option in Tool Crib tab of Machine node

Purpose: To provide an option in the Tool Crib tab of Machine node to ensure that

operations are generated only with tools available in the Active Tool Crib

Implementation:

The Use tool crib tools only option is used in conjunction with the Tool crib

priority option in the Tool Crib tab of the Machine node. The option will be

enabled only when the Tool crib priority option is checked.

Modification of Automatic tool selection rules when this option is enabled:

When this checkbox option is selected, the automatic tool selection rules for assigning tools for generated operations get modified as follows:

On executing the Generate Operation Plan command, the rules for Tool

crib priority option will be followed. However, for operations for which no

suitable tool exists in the selected tool crib, tools will not be added from

the tool library. In such cases, operations will not be generated.

If on executing the Generate Operation Plan command, if two or more

operations are required to machine a particular feature, then those

operations for which suitable tools are available in the Tool crib will be

generated.

If one or more operations were not generated owing to lack of suitable

tools in the Tool crib, a message window indicating that the particular

operation type could not be generated for the associated feature, along

with its TechDB ID, will be displayed.

‘Use tool crib tools only’ option in Tool Crib tab of Machine node

New -


7

Feature & Operation Conditions in TechDB with new/ modified strategies

Purpose: To improve/modify the parameters of various Features and Operations

Conditions in the TechDB along with the Strategies to suit standard machining

practices of the industry.

Implementation:

Many new strategies have been added to the default TechDB shipped with

CAMWorks.

The Strategy names are now more intuitive and indicate the operations that

will be generate don choosing that particular strategy.

The operation parameters and the tool selection expressions have been

modified to select an optimum tool for the feature/s.

Examples:

i. The Mill strategy Rough (VoluMill)-Rough(Rest)-Finish will generate the

following operations in sequence:

a. VoluMill Roughing operation

b. Rest Machining operation

c. Contour Mill operation

ii. The Mill Strategy Finish will generate only a Contour Mill operation.

Improved -


8


Options for generating operations after interactive feature insertion

Purpose: Offers workflow to define operations for interactively created features

Implementation:

After a new Mill, Turn or WEDM feature is defined interactively, a message

window will display the list of newly defined features and options to define

the operations.

Options to define operations include: 1. Generate Operation Plan, which generates operations for the selected

strategy.

2. Define Interactively which allows definition operations one at a time.

A new option Show options to generate operations after feature creation has

been included in the Update tab of the CAMWorks Options dialog box to

enable or disable this behavior.

Message box providing options for defining operations

Newly introduced option in Update tab of CAMWorks Options dialog box

New -


9

VoluMill 7.1 Introduced

Purpose:

VoluMill 7.1 which is packed with new functionalities and improvements is now

available in CAMWorks 2016 SP1 version. Volumill 7.1 further improves the

toolpath performance by optimizing the toolpath tourines :

1. Full Entry Spiral option

2. Improved Facing Toolpath

Implementation of ‘Full Entry Spiral’ option in VoluMill:

VoluMill 7.1 version has improved spiral motion for generating more efficient tool paths. However

the trademark transition moves will be retained wherever necessary.

For example, take a look at the VoluMill toolpaths for a pocket feature in the below images:

VoluMill toolpath when ‘Full Entry VoluMill toolpath when ‘Full Entry

Spiral’ option is disabled Spiral’ option is enabled

When the Full Entry Spiral option is enabled, after a helical entry into the material, notice how a

smooth spiral motion opens up the right-hand side of the pocket. A combination of the trademark

VoluMill transition moves and side milling completes the machining.

Using the Full Entry Spiral option can often lead to further reductions in cycle time. The spiral

opening improves chip clearance, which can extend tool life.

To use the Full Entry Spiral option, place a check in the checkbox labelled Full Entry Spiral in the

VoluMill Parameters dialog box.

The radius of the side milling cut has been increased in the latest version of Volumill. This will be

helpful while machining into corners or opening up new areas in the pockets.

The regeneration of the toolpath has been made more intelligent. Now the regeneration of the

toolpath is done based on what has been changed in the toolpath parameters viz. geometry,

cutting parameters, etc. thus reducing the toolpath calculation time.

Improved -


10

VoluMill Settings Dialog box

Improved Facing Toolpath using VoluMill:

VoluMill now automatically determines the optimal angle to cut, the order of cuts to ensure the

shortest cycle time, and creates a pattern that ensures that the last cut is at the full stepover,

preventing any potential issues with cutting thin “posts”. Using this new milling logic, cycle times for

open faces have been reduced by as much as 60%.

You don’t need to do assign any settings within the CAMWorks UI in order to take advantage of this

new functionality. VoluMill will automatically apply it wherever it makes sense. For example, if you

have Hit Flats on when cutting a 3-axis part, it will use the new face milling strategy on any flats it

encounters unless there are part walls close to those flats.

VoluMill Facing Toolpath

http://developer.volumillonline.com/?attachment_id=274


11

Fixed (XYZ) and Free (XCZ) move options for 3 Axis toolpaths in Mill-Turn

Purpose: The option to output XCZ moves instead of the usual XYZ moves has been

introduced for 3 Axis operations and multiaxis operations in Mill-Turn mode.

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, the option to output XCZ (Free) moves or

XYZ (Fixed) moves was available only for 2 Axis Mill operations in Mill-Turn

mode.

From CAMWorks 2016 SP1 version onwards, this option has been extended to 3

Axis toolpaths (3 axis operations and Multiaxis operations) too.

The option to set Fixed or Free moves is available on NC page for 3-axis

operatiosn and on the Axis Control tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box

for 3 Axis and Multiaxis operations.

Fixed and Free options NC tab tab of Operation Parameters dialog box

Fixed and Free options in Axis Control tab of Operation Parameters dialog box

New -


12

Ability to select sub-assemblies as fixtures in Assembly mode

Purpose: To allow picking of sub-assemblies when defining parts in part manager to as

fixtures.

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, only part instances could be picked to

define parts to machine or as fixtures. However, sub-assemblies could not be

selected in the Feature tree for defining as fixtures.

From CAMWorks 2016 SP1 onwards, sub-assemblies too can be picked as

fixtures. When user selects sub-assemblies in the Feature tree, then the parts

contained in those sub-assemblies will be listed in the Part manager or in

Fixtures tab.

Part Instances of a sub-assembly listed in Fixtures tab

New -


13

F5 button for Previewing Toolpath without collapsing Operation Parameters dialog

Purpose: To provide a quick shortcut key to preview the toolpath without collapsing the

Operation Parameters dialog box when parameters within the Operation

Parameters dialog box are modified/viewed.

Implementation

In all CAMWorks modules (Mill, Turn, Wire EDM, Assembly, Mill-Turn), the Operation Parameters dialog box collapses whenever the Preview button is

clicked to preview the toolpath. After previewing, user has to click the

maximize button at the corner of the dialog box to restore the dialog box.

From CAMWorks 2016 SP1 version onwards, users can use the F5 button as a

shortcut key for previewing the toolpath without collapsing the Operation

Parameters dialog box.

Collapsed Operation Parameters dialog box on clicking Preview button

Operation Parameters dialog box in uncollapsed state on Previewing Toolpath using the

F5 button

MS Access 2016 support for Technology Database

Implementation:

The CAMWorks application requires Microsoft Access for the functioning of its

TechDB (Technology DatabaseTM).

The previous versions of CAMWorks supported the MS Access versions of

Access 2007, 2010, 2010 SP1, 2013 SP1 and MS Office 365 with Office 2013.

From CAMWorks 2016 SP1 version, in addition to the existing versions, the MS

Access 2016 version of MS Access too will be supported for functioning of

TechDB.

Improved -

New -


14

Arc Fit Splines functionality introduced for Wire EDM Contour Operations

Purpose:

The Arc Fit Splines functionality enables replacement of point-to-point wire

movements in each spline entity within a 2 Axis Contour operation with Arc

moves. When splines are arc fit instead of being represented as a polyline,

toolpath generation becomes faster and the toolpath itself will be smaller.

Implementation:

The Arc Fit Spline option in the EDM Setup tab of EDM Settings dialog box

allows users to arc fit the spline entities so that the feature geometry contains

fewer line segments.

- Place a tick in the checkbox labeled 2-Axis to initiate the Arc Fit Splines

functionality.

- Enter the chordal deviation tolerance in the Arc Fit Tolerance field to set

the accuracy of the Arc Fit.

If the Arc Fit tolerance is 0.00, the resulting toolpath will consist of lines

and the perfect arcs generated by the cutting algorithm.

If the Arc Fit tolerance is greater than 0.00, arc fitting is done on linear

moves within the chordal deviation. The resulting toolpath will consist

of lines and fitted arcs.

Arc Fit Splines option in EDM Setup tab of EDM Settings dialog box

New -


15

‘Create Setup’ button in the dialog displayed on clicking ‘Select Feature’ button

Purpose:

The Select Feature button within the New Operation dialog box provides a means to either select an

existing feature or add new features for which the operation is to be defined. The introduction of the Create Setup button within the dialog for selecting feature(s) allows users to create new setups and

consequently add new features under the newly added setups.

Implementation:

The New Operation dialog box in all CAMWorks modules is (Mill, Turn, Mill-Turn. Wire EDM, Assembly)

is used to interactively insert new operations. Clicking the Push button within the Features group box

of this dialog box opens the Features dialog box. This dialog box displays the compatible features for

the selected Operation type to be inserted. You can select or add new features for the operation being

defined.

New Operation dialog box Features dialog box

The Create Features button within this dialog box allowed new features to be added under existing

setups and then select those features for the operation being defined. However, in previous versions

of CAMWorks, there was no provision to create new Setups and subsequently add new features under

such Setups.

From CAMWorks 2016 SP1 version onwards, the newly added Create Setup button addresses this issue.

Use the Create Setup button command to create new setups. Once the Setup is created, use the

Create Features button to insert features under the newly added setup. Assign the feature(s) to the

operation being defined.

New -


16


Improved Tool Management Interactions ....................................................................... 17

Tool tree view tab for easy tool management 17 Interface to select tools from the library (TechDB) 19 Filters to select turn tools from the Library (TechDB) 20 Feed per tooth and SFM/SMM can be defined for the tool 21

Feature Definition .............................................................................................................. 22

2.5 Axis Feature Definition supports non-planar faces and edges 22 2.5 Axis Feature Definition supports Second End Condition 23 2.5 Axis Feature Definition supports Join segments 24 Recognizing features depth wise 25 Change in display of Air Segments to dotted lines for slot features 26 Simplified 2.5 Axis Feature Recognition when defining/editing features 26

Operations and Toolpath .................................................................................................. 27

Simplified Operation Definition dialog box 27 Intuitive Chamfer Machining 28 Pre-Drilled Holes for VoluMill 29 Gun-drilling cycle in Milling 30 Define ‘Dwell’ and ‘Shift amount’ for drill cycles 32 Approach and Retract moves from machine home position for Mill operations 33 Turning with Incremental Angle for B Axis 34

TechDB............................................................................................................................... 35

Material considerations for Turn Feature – Operations Conditions 35 Copy or Delete Strategies 36

Setup Sheets ..................................................................................................................... 37

Option to generate Part and Tool Images for setup sheets 37

Miscellaneous .................................................................................................................... 38

‘Light Rebuild’ from CAMWorks NC Manager Node 38 Modify the Feature Strategies in the Active part or Assembly 39 Defining the default value for Mill Part Setup origin 40 Option to set Mill part Setup Origin as top or bottom center of the stock 41 Better representation of Mill Part setup origin in relation to stock 42 APIs introduced in CAMWorks 2016 42 Adding new Wire Diameters in Cutting Conditions of Wire EDM 43 Improved UI for CAMWorks License Manager and Port Number Detection 44


17

Improved Tool Management Interactions

Tool tree view tab for easy tool management

Purpose:

The Tool Tree View tab is a new tab provided, adjacent to the Operations

tree. The tool tree and the context (Right Mouse Button) menu commands

within this tab provide a means to manage the tools with ease.

Interactions like replacing or assigning tools, reordering, deleting tools can

be done by few mouse clicks.

Implementation

The Tool tree tab is provided adjacent to the CAMWorks Operations tree

tab. The standard parameters in this tab include the CAMWorks NC

Manager, Machine and Active Tool crib. Be default, the tool crib items will

be expanded.

For twin turret Turn and Mill-Turn machines, both turrets will be

displayed in the Tool Tree view.

The RMB context menu commands on the Tool crib node allows users

to edit the tool crib, add new tools from the library, create new tools

and save Tool crib to the TechDB.

The RMB context menu of the Tool node allows user to display tool

parameters and properties, add new tool from the library, create or

replace tools, create new operations for the selected tool or delete

selected tool.

Each Tool node lists the operations using the selected tool.

Users can select operations and drag/drop them from one tool node to

another tool node. The operation will be regenerated after being

reassigned.

If user modifies the tool itself, then all the operations using that tool

will be regenerated. A corresponding warning message will be

displayed.

Tool Tree View for Mill Mode Tool Tree View for Mill-Turn Mode

New -


18

Assigning operations to tools in Tool View tab


19

Interface to select tools from the library (TechDB)

Purpose:

The User Interface of the Tool Select Filter dialog box has been simplified to

allow the user to add a tool from tool library to the active tool crib in

minimal steps. A preview pane has been made available for the user to

have a better visualization of the tool being selected.

Implementation:

New tools can be added from TechDB at three places

1. Machine – Edit Definition - Tool Crib tab

2. Operation – Edit Definition – Tool – Tool Crib tab

3. New Operation dialog

In the earlier version of CAMWorks, the tool addition process to the Active Tool crib includes two steps with two different dialog box i.e. Tool Select Filter

and Tools Database.

From CAMWorks 2016, the Tool Select Filter dialog box and Tools Database

dialog box are combined to simplify the selection process of tool from the

Tool Library and adding to the Active Tool crib. The flow of the tool

selection process has remained unchanged.

A Preview pane is added to display the highlighted tool in the Tools

Database group box along with some dimensions.

Tool Select Filter dialog box

Improved -


20

Filters to select turn tools from the Library (TechDB)

Purpose:

The User Interface of the Tool Select Filter dialog box for selecting turn

tools now support filters.

Implementation:

In the earlier version of CAMWorks, for turn tools, filters were not available

to focus on certain tools.

From CAMWorks 2016, five different filters can be applied to the turn tools.

The flow of the tool selection process has remained unchanged.

A Preview pane is added to display the highlighted tool in the Tools

Database group box along with some dimensions.

Tool Select Filter dialog box

New -


21

Feed per tooth and SFM/SMM can be defined for the tool

Purpose:

Feed using SFM/SMM and feed par tooth can be assigned to the tools in

the TechDB. Based on that data, user will be able to define the RPM

(Revolutions Per Minute) for a mill or a drill tool using the SMM or SFM.

The XY feed rate can be defined using the new parameter of Feed per

Tooth.

Implementation

The new parameters of SMM/SFM and Feed per Tooth/Revolution are

made available in the Cutting Parameters dialog box of mill and drill tools

in CAMWorks and TechDB.

The RPM can be defined by specifying the SMM/SFM value. The XY feed

rate or Z feed rate can be defined by using feed per tooth/revolution

parameter.

Note: The Z feedrate (for Mill tools) and Leadin feedrate will not be

affected in the Cutting Parameters dialog box.

Cutting Parameters dialog box of CAMWorks

New -


22

Feature Definition

2.5 Axis Feature Definition supports non-planar faces and edges

Purpose: To allow the user to define 2.5 Axis Mill Features using Non-Planar Entities

Implementation

The user can select multiple non-planar entities resulting in satisfactory

profiles for the set feature type. This feature eliminates the creation of

sketches for defining complex feature shapes. The base profile of the

feature is created at the highest Z level as per the selected entities. The

user-given end conditions are applied from the base profile plane.

Define 2.5 Axis Features using Non-planar Entities

Feature profile defined by non-planar entities in yellow color. Feature profile created by projecting

at maximum Z level amoungst the selected entities in green color.

Improved -


23

2.5 Axis Feature Definition supports Second End Condition

Purpose:

To provide a method to the user using which

the depth of the 2.5 Axis feature being

interactively inserted can be defined in both

direction of the profile plane.

2.5 Axis Feature: End Conditions dialog box

Implementation:

User can now define the depth for the

interactively inserted feature in both directions

of the Mill Part Setup. This functionality helps

the user in avoiding the creation of sketches on

the exact planes as that of feature limits in

machining direction. The user defined draft

angle will be applied to the feature from the

lower most plane of the feature with respect to

the machining direction. The islands can be

added interactively or by using the Auto detect functionality on Island tab of the 2.5 Axis

Feature Wizard.

The End Condition Direction-2 can be applied for

all the editable features in edit definition mode

as well.

End Condition Direction – 2

New -


24

2.5 Axis Feature Definition supports Join segments

Purpose:

To provide method to close loops using join segment when defining 2.5 axis

features that require a closed loop.

In most cases, join segments avoids need for having to create a sketch to

define 2.5 axis features.

Implementation:

In cases where a clear closed loop is not available to define a 2.5 Axis

features that need a closed geometry, users can pick possible open segments.

CAMWorks will add a join segment to create a close loop.

In CAMWorks 2016, support for one direct join segment has been introduced.

Future versions of CAMWorks will support multiple as well as various forms of

join segments like tangential or parallel, etc.

2.5 Axis Feature: End Conditions dialog box

New -


25

Recognizing features depth wise

Purpose: To recognize features depth-wise, so that the resulting features can be

simplified.

Implementation

In previous versions of CAMWorks, feature recognition combined multiple

features to generate shapes of equal depth. The problem with this approach

was that the shapes couldn’t be simplified.

From CAMWorks 2016, the features can be recognized depth-wise, resulting in

better feature recognition compared to previous versions. This functionality is

enabled when the option Recognize features by depth in the Mill Features tab of

the CAMWorks Options dialog box is checked.

Note: The Recognize features by depth option is available in the Mill Features

tab only when Extract Machinable Features method is set to MfgView.

Through Feature type

Improved -


26

Change in display of Air Segments to dotted lines for slot features

Purpose: To enable easier identification of material segments and air segments of a

slot feature.

Implementation

In previous versions of CAMWorks, all material and air segments were

displayed in solid lines. Users had to edit the slot feature to identify which

segments were air segments and which were material segments.

From CAMWorks 2016, the air segments will be denoted with dotted lines and

material segments of the slot feature will be denoted with solid lines.

Air segments represented with dotted lines for slot feature

Simplified 2.5 Axis Feature Recognition when defining/editing features

Purpose: Simplify the process of defining the features with closed shapes

Implementation

1. When interactively defining the features with closed shapes:

i. If the Edge selection method is set to Open chain, then holding

Ctrl or Shift key and selecting the segments will pick the chain.

ii. Valid closed loops will be shown as a translucent 2D surface.

iii. Entities forming the valid closed loop will be made bold in the Selected entities list box.

2. Edit profile allows multiple entities to be picked.

Valid closed Loop displayed as Translucent 2D Surface

Improved -

Improved -


27

Operations and Toolpath

Simplified Operation Definition dialog box

Purpose:

The User Interface of the New Operation dialog box updated to provide the user, easier and

intuitive method to define a new operation.

Implementation:

In earlier versions of CAMWorks, the flow for

inserting a new operation using the Property

Manager page was split into two different tabs.

From CAMWorks 2016, the tabs are combined into a

single tab of New Operation dialog box. The

changes are done by keeping the method of

inserting a new operation same as before. The

changes are listed below:

Select feature push button has been

provided for selecting the feature to be

machined. A new dialog box will list all the

available part setups and their respective features. The Create new feature command

has been included in the new dialog box.

The new Parameters button added in the

Features group box displays the parameters

of active feature. For hole features the

machinable hole parameters will be

displayed and user will be able to modify the

parameters of the hole features for the

operation being inserted.

Improved -


28

Intuitive Chamfer Machining

Purpose:

To make the chamfer machining parameters of Chamfer Length and

Clearance to be intuitive so that based on the feature type of Blind and

Through and the tool diameter, the maximum possible chamfer length can

be informed to the user.

Implementation:

CAMWorks will provide a feed back to the user regarding the maximum

chamfer length that can be achieved with respect to the tool selected and

feature depth.

The clearance amount will be reset to the maximum possible value based

on the tool diameter, chamfer length and feature depth, when very high

value is entered for the clearance amount. This behavior will assist users in

machining the chamfer with the largest diameter of the tool, thus

eliminating the manual calculations.

Through Feature type

Blind Feature type

Warning Message

Improved -


29

Pre-Drilled Holes for VoluMill

Purpose: Provide a new Entry type option for Rough Mill operations using the Pattern type of VoluMill.

Implementation

Along with the existing options of Spiral and Ramp, a new Entry method of

'Pre-drilled Holes' has been provided for the Rough Mill operations having the Pattern type set to Volumill.

When the Entry type is set to Pre-drilled holes, CAMWorks will identify all

the entry points of the Volumill toolpath. A drilling toolpath is generated at

the identified entry points. The user can also specify the entry points under the Entry Points on the

Feature Options tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box. The Entry move of the Volumill toolpath is automatically adjusted in case if the

selected points tend to be within a predefined range.

This method is useful while using large depth of cuts.

VoluMill Settings dialog box

New -


30

Gun-drilling cycle in Milling

Purpose: Support Gun drilling cycles for Drill operation for Mill and Mill-Turn modules

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, gun-drilling toolpaths were generated

using post parameters. Gun-drilling toolpaths couldn’t be simulated and its

parameters were specific to the post processor used.

From CAMWorks 2016 version onwards, gun drilling cycles will be supported

in existing Drill operations with Gun drilling being a sub-method.

The following parameters will be added to the Drill Hole Parameters tab of the Operation Parameters when the Type selected for Drill operation is Gun

Drilling:

- Pilot feed-in distance

- Pilot feed-in federate

- Feed-in spindle speed

- Feed-in dwell

- Feed-back amount

- Feed-out feedrate

- Change retract RPM at

- Retract spindle speed

The Technology Database shipped with CAMWorks has been updated to

support Gun Drilling toolpaths. When post processed, long code will be

generated for Gun Drilling toolpaths.

Gun Drilling Parameters in Drill Hole Parameters tab of Operation

Parameters dialog box

Post Processor

Prerequisites

The functionality to define Gun / deep drilling is available when the post

processor supports the post header “ALLOW_GUN_DRILLING”. Please

contact your CAMWorks Reseller to update the post.

New -


31

Multiaxis operations can now do drilling using 3D sketches

Purpose: To create drilling toolpaths in 5 Axis module with the help of 3D sketches.

Implementation

The user can now create drilling toolpaths for complex parts using the

Drilling pattern in Multiaxis Milling operation. The location of the drilling

toolpath and the depth of the drill toolpath will have to be specified through

the 3D sketches. There can be multiple segments in a single 3D sketch and

user can select one or more segments as required for generating the drilling

toolpath.

The user can now set the method to Drilling and select the Pattern type as Lines.

The lines to define the drill location and depth will have to be selected by

picking the Lines button.

Only 3D sketches are supported for the current version.

5 Axis Drilling using 3D sketches

Select a 3D Sketch

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32

Multiaxis operations for Gouge Check – Tilt Tool option to define Angle Range

Purpose: Define the minimum and maximum Tilt angles separately for Gouge

checking strategy of Tilt Tool

Implementation The user can now define the minimum and maximum tilt angles separately

for Gouge checking. This option is available when the strategy is set to Tilt

Tool and angle definition is set as Use Lead/Lag Angle or Use Side Tilt Angle.

Angle definition using minimum and maximum limit fields

Define ‘Dwell’ and ‘Shift amount’ for drill cycles

Purpose: Provide the option to define ‘Dwell time’ for all Point-to-Point operations.

Also the user can now define ‘Shift Amount’ in case of selected type of

Boring operations.

Implementation:

The user can now specify the Dwell time for all Point-to-Point operations.

The units of the dwell time can be in Milliseconds or Seconds depending

upon the post processor.

For Boring operations using the type of Back boring or Fine boring, it is

needed that the tool should move towards the center line before retracting

to clearance plane. A value has to be specified for the tool to move towards

the center line of the feature. This value can now be defined in CAMWorks

using the parameter of Shift amount.

Both the above parameters can be defined in Technology Database

(TechDB) for the respective Feature and Operation conditions.

Previously these parameters used to be defined in the post processors.

Operation Parameters Dialog box

Post Processor

Prerequisites

The new controls for “Dwell” and “Shift amount” are mapped to the

corresponding post parameters. While the “Dwell” control is available to all

cycle types, you may not see its value if the post processor does not handle

it.

Improved -

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33

Approach and Retract moves from machine home position for Mill operations

Purpose: Provides the ability to have approach and retract moves from machine

home position for mill operations being carried out on a Mill-Turn machine.

Implementation:

A new group box named Advanced Approach and Retract has been provided

on the NC tab of all mill operations. This control will be active when the

machine type is set to Mill-Turn.

Define the desired approach and retract methods by using the parameters given in the Approach and Retract dialog box that is invoked through the

Define button.

Approach and Retract dialog box

Post Processor

Prerequisites

This functionality is available when the post processors supports post

header MILL_ADVANCED_ENTRY_RETRACT. Please contact your CAMWorks

Reseller to update the post.

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34

Turning with Incremental Angle for B Axis

Purpose: Enables turning of complicated profiles using simple tools

Implementation

Defining the B axis incremental angle in the Tool tab: Holder Page tilts the

tool to a user-defined angle. Based on the orientation of the tool, the

toolpaths will be generated. The user defined tilt angle enables machining

of complicated profiles using simple tool inserts.

Note: If Tool Orientation is changed after the B Axis Incremental Angle was

defined, then the B Axis Incremental Angle will be reset to 0 degrees.

Post Processor

Prerequisites

The functionality to define B-axis for turning is available when the post

processor supports the post header “ALLOW_B_AXIS_OFFSET_REAR”.

Please contact your CAMWorks reseller to update the post.

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35

TechDB

Material considerations for Turn Feature – Operations Conditions

Purpose:

Provide an additional parameter of Stock Material Group for all the Turn

feature and operation conditions.

Implementation

From CAMWorks 2016, the user can define required stock material group for

all the Turn features and operations conditions in TechDB. Till now this

functionality was available for only Mill and Wire EDM feature and Operation

conditions.

For each Feature condition, you can select a specific stock material group

from the available list. The list of stock material will be populated from the

Stock Material Group in TechDB.

Feature and Operation Form

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36

Copy or Delete Strategies

Purpose:

Provide the ability to copy and delete Strategies along with the associated

feature and operation conditions.

Implementation

From CAMWorks 2016, the new Copy and Delete strategies commands are

introduced.

The Copy Strategy command allows you to duplicate an existing Strategy for

a feature type. All the features and operations conditions associated with

the original strategy type will also be copied with new name.

The Delete Strategy command allows you to delete any user defined Strategy

from the list along with all the associated features and operations

conditions.

Feature Strategies dialog box

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37

Setup Sheets

Option to generate Part and Tool Images for setup sheets

Purpose:

The option to generate SOLIDWORKS part or assembly images in the Setup

Sheets with desired orientation has been included in the Setup Sheet

Options dialog box. Also added is a new option to generate the images of

the tools used in the active part or assembly.

Implementation:

The Generate part/assembly images and Generate tools images check boxes

are introduced.

If Generate part/assembly images option is checked, CAMWorks allows the

user to generate the part/assembly images with desired orientation type for

each Setup level. Click on the Options button and select the desired

orientation.

The default path for saved part/assembly images will be:

Drive: \CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2016x64\Lang\English\

Setup_Sheet_Images\<Part/Assembly_Name>\PartImages

If Generate tools images option is checked, CAMWorks will generate the

tool images used for operations in each Setup.

The default path for saved tool images will be:

Drive: \CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2016x64\Lang\English\

Setup_Sheet_Images\<Part/Assembly_Name>\ToolImages

Setup Sheet Options dialog box

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38

Miscellaneous ‘Light Rebuild’ from CAMWorks NC Manager Node

Purpose: Provide the option to rebuild the CAM data using Light Rebuild functionality.

Implementation:

You can now select Light Rebuild command from the CAMWorks menu and

in the CAMWorks NC Manager context menu.

Use the Light Rebuild option in the following scenarios:

When CAMWorks data contains only interactively inserted features.

When CAMWorks data contains both automatically recognized

features as well as interactively recognized features but the changes

made to the part model or sketches do not affect automatically

recognized features.

Light Rebuild command on CAMWorks menu and CAMWorks NC Manager context menu

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39

Modify the Feature Strategies in the Active part or Assembly

Purpose: To provide an option to modify the strategy of one or more feature types in

a single step.

Implementation

The user can modify the strategies set for one or more feature type in a

single step using the Default Strategies dialog box.

The list is populated with the default strategies set as per TechDB. In the

strategy column select the desired strategy for the required feature type. Select the Apply button to change the strategy type in the Active Part or

Assembly. If you wish to set the new strategy as default in the TechDB,

then click on Save to TechDB button.

Default Strategies dialog box

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40

Defining the default value for Mill Part Setup origin

Purpose: Provide the default values for newly added Mill Part Setups in part mode or

assembly mode.

Implementation:

In the earlier versions of CAMWorks, the default value of the origin of Mill

Part Setup was set to "User" with defined co-ordinates.

From CAMWorks 2016 onwards, all the newly created Mill Part Setups in part

or assembly mode will have the default origin set to "Top Center" or Fixture

Co-ordinate System in case when a Fixture Co-ordinate system has been

defined in the Machine Setup.

Origin Tab of Part Setup Parameters dialog box

Improved -


41

Option to set Mill part Setup Origin as top or bottom center of the stock

Purpose: Option to set the origin of the Mill Part Setup to the top center or bottom

center of the stock

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, the user could set the Mill Part Setup

Origin using the eight vertices available of the stock. From CAMWorks 2016 onwards, the user can set the origin of the Mill Part

Setup using the top center or bottom center of the stock as well.

New Stock vertices options in Origin tab of Part Setup parameters dialog box

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42

Better representation of Mill Part setup origin in relation to stock

Purpose: Translucent display of stock in the graphics area when Stock Vertex option

is selected for the Mill Part Setup origin

Implementation From CAMWorks 2016 onwards, whenever the origin of a Mill Part Setup is

being defined using the stock vertices, then a translucent display of the

stock will be shown for better visual representation of the selected vertex.

Figure (a): Origin of Mill Part Setup (Stock Vertex) displayed out in space

Figure (b): Origin of Mill Part Setup (Stock Vertex) displayed on translucent stock

display

APIs introduced in CAMWorks 2016

Purpose: Achieving automation for various functionalities of CAMWorks by use of

APIs

Reference

document:

To view the list of APIs provided in CAMWorks, along with sample macros

provided for APIs introduced in CAMWorks 2016, click on the Windows Start menu and select All Programs>>CAMWorks 2016>>Manuals>>APIs available in

CAMWorks.

New -

New -


43

Adding new Wire Diameters in Cutting Conditions of Wire EDM

Purpose: Provide a functionality in Wire EDM module wherein user will be able to

input desired values for Wire diameter when defining Cutting Conditions

Implementation:

In the earlier versions of CAMWorks, while defining Cutting Conditions in

the EDM Setup tab of the EDM Settings dialog box, the dropdown list for

Wire diameter listed read-only values. There was no provision for the user

to modify or delete these values or to add new values.

From CAMWorks 2016, an Edit Wire Diameter button has been provided

next to the Wire diameter dropdown list. Clicking on this button activates

the Edit Wire Sizes dialog box. Use this dialog box to modify or delete

existing values or add new Wire diameter values.

- Delete button deletes the selected wire size from the list.

- Add button adds a new wire size after the selected wire size in the

list.

- Insert button adds a new wire size.

- Change button applied the edited values to the selected wire size.

Click Change button in EDM Setup tab to open Edit Wire Sizes dialog box

Edit Wire Sizes dialog box

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44

Improved UI for CAMWorks License Manager and Port Number Detection

Purpose: Provides an improved User Interface for Server Settings tab of CAMWorks

License Manager dialog box and enables viewing of Port Number detection

for setting up client machines on a floating network.

Implementation:

To setup a machine as the CAMWorks License Server for a floating network,

open the CAMWorks License Manager application and click on the Server

Settings tab.

- Click on the “Use this machine as License Server” button to setup the

machine as the License Server. Clicking this button displays the settings

for configuring the current computer as the CAMWorks License Server.

(Click on the Help button in the UI for steps to configure a License

Server.)

- Once the CAMWorks License Service is installed and the CAMWorks

License Server is activated by clicking on the “Install CAMWorks License

Service” and “Start CAMWorks License Server” buttons respectively,

click on the “Display License File” button to view the port number

configured in the CAMWorks License file. The port numbers will be

displayed in the Status box at the bottom of the tab. Use this displayed

port number to configure client machines on the floating network.

Server Settings tab of CAMWorks License Manager

Improved -

what's new in camworks 2014€¦ · what's new in camworks 2016 ... arc fit splines...

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