What's New in CAMWorks 2016

Transcription

1 Contents (Click a link below or use the bookmarks on the left) About this Version (CAMWorks 2016 SP3)... 2 Supported Platforms 2 Resolved CPR s document 2 About this Version (CAMWorks 2016 SP2.2) 3 Supported Platforms 3 Resolved CPR s document 3 About this Version (CAMWorks 2016 SP2.1) 4 Supported Platforms 4 Resolved CPR s document 4 What s New in CAMWorks 2016 SP2 5 Supported Platforms 5 Resolved CPR s document 5 Hit Flats option to control how flat surfaces will be machined using VoluMill 6 Licensing mechanism for maximum permissible users on a floating network 7 Use Tool Crib tools only option in Tool Crib tab of Machine node 8 Feature & Operation Conditions in TechDB with new/ modified strategies 9 What s New in CAMWorks 2016 SP1 10 Options for generating operations after interactive feature insertion 10 VoluMill 7.1 Introduced 11 Fixed (XYZ) and Free (XCZ) move options for 3 Axis toolpaths in Mill-Turn 13 Ability to select sub-assemblies as fixtures in Assembly mode 14 F5 button for Previewing Toolpath without collapsing Operation Parameters dialog 15 MS Access 2016 support for Technology Database 15 Arc Fit Splines functionality introduced for Wire EDM Contour Operations 16 Create Setup button in the dialog displayed on clicking Select Feature button 17 What s New in CAMWorks 2016 SP0 18 Improved Tool Management Interactions Feature Definition Operations and Toolpath TechDB Setup Sheets Miscellaneous 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. November, 2016

2 About this Version (CAMWorks 2016 SP3) Supported Platforms Supported Platforms for 64-bit CAD Applications The 64-bit versions of: - SOLDIWORKS SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS CAMWorks Solids CAMWorks Solids 2016 Note: CAMWorks Solids 2017 will be supported when released. Operating Systems 64-bit versions of: - Windows 10 - Windows Windows 7 (SP1 or higher) [*Home Editions are not supported] Note: CAMWorks 2016 is not supported on 32-bit Operating Systems. Updated - Resolved CPR s document The Resolved CPR (CAMWorks Problem Report) document has been updated to report the software errors that have been resolved in this release. To view the document, select: Start>>All Programs>>CAMWorks2016x64>>Resolved CPR s. 2

3 About this Version (CAMWorks 2016 SP2.2) Supported Platforms Supported Platforms for 64-bit CAD Applications The 64-bit versions of: - SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS CAMWorks Solids CAMWorks Solids 2016 Operating Systems 64-bit versions of: - Windows 10 - Windows Windows 7 (SP1 or higher) [*Home Editions are not supported] Note: CAMWorks 2016 is not supported on any 32-bit Operating Systems. Updated - Resolved CPR s document The Resolved CPR (CAMWorks Problem Report) document has been updated to report the software errors that have been resolved in this release. To view the document, select: Start>>All Programs>>CAMWorks2016x64>>Resolved CPR s. 3

4 About this Version (CAMWorks 2016 SP2.1) Supported Platforms Supported Platforms for 64-bit CAD Applications The 64-bit versions of: - SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS CAMWorks Solids CAMWorks Solids 2016 Operating Systems 64-bit versions of: - Windows 10 - Windows Windows 7 (SP1 or higher) [*Home Editions are not supported] Note: CAMWorks 2016 is not supported on any 32-bit Operating Systems. Updated - Resolved CPR s document The Resolved CPR (CAMWorks Problem Report) document has been updated to report the software errors that have been resolved in this release. To view the document, select: Start>>All Programs>>CAMWorks2016x64>>Resolved CPR s. 4

5 What s New in CAMWorks 2016 SP2 Supported Platforms Supported Platforms for 64-bit CAD Applications The 64-bit versions of: - SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS CAMWorks Solids CAMWorks Solids 2016 Operating Systems 64-bit versions of: - Windows 10 - Windows Windows 7 (SP1 or higher) [*Home Editions are not supported] Note: CAMWorks 2016 is not supported on any 32-bit Operating Systems. Updated - Resolved CPR s document The Resolved CPR (CAMWorks Problem Report) document has been updated to report the software errors that have been resolved in this release. To view the document, select: Start>>All Programs>>CAMWorks2016x64>>Resolved CPR s. 5

6 New - Hit Flats option to control how flat surfaces will be machined using VoluMill 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. 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 VoluMill toolpath sequence when Hit Flats option is unchecked VoluMill toolpath sequence when Hit Flats option is checked (1) (1) (3) (2) (2) (3) (4) Red line indicates flat surface where additional VoluMill toolpath will be generated. 6

7 Improved - Licensing mechanism for maximum permissible users on a floating network 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. 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 7

8 New - Use Tool Crib tools only option in Tool Crib tab of Machine node 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 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 8

9 Improved - Feature & Operation Conditions in TechDB with new/ modified strategies 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. 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: ii. a. VoluMill Roughing operation b. Rest Machining operation c. Contour Mill operation The Mill Strategy Finish will generate only a Contour Mill operation. 9

10 What s New in CAMWorks 2016 SP1 New - Options for generating operations after interactive feature insertion Offers workflow to define operations for interactively created features 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 10

11 Improved - VoluMill 7.1 Introduced 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 Spiral option is disabled VoluMill toolpath when Full Entry 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. 11

12 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 12

13 New - Fixed (XYZ) and Free (XCZ) move options for 3 Axis toolpaths in Mill-Turn 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. 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 13

14 New - Ability to select sub-assemblies as fixtures in Assembly mode To allow picking of sub-assemblies when defining parts in part manager to as fixtures. 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 14

15 New - F5 button for Previewing Toolpath without collapsing Operation Parameters dialog Implementation 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. 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 Improved - MS Access 2016 support for Technology Database The CAMWorks application requires Microsoft Access for the functioning of its TechDB (Technology Database TM ). The previous versions of CAMWorks supported the MS Access versions of Access 2007, 2010, 2010 SP1, 2013 SP1 and MS Office 365 with Office 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. 15

16 New - Arc Fit Splines functionality introduced for Wire EDM Contour Operations 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. 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 16

17 New - Create Setup button in the dialog displayed on clicking Select Feature button 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. 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. 17

18 What s New in CAMWorks 2016 SP0 Improved Tool Management Interactions Tool tree view tab for easy tool management 19 Interface to select tools from the library (TechDB) 21 Filters to select turn tools from the Library (TechDB) 22 Feed per tooth and SFM/SMM can be defined for the tool 23 Feature Definition Axis Feature Definition supports non-planar faces and edges Axis Feature Definition supports Second End Condition Axis Feature Definition supports Join segments 26 Recognizing features depth wise 27 Change in display of Air Segments to dotted lines for slot features 28 Simplified 2.5 Axis Feature Recognition when defining/editing features 28 Operations and Toolpath Simplified Operation Definition dialog box 29 Intuitive Chamfer Machining 30 Pre-Drilled Holes for VoluMill 31 Gun-drilling cycle in Milling 32 Define Dwell and Shift amount for drill cycles 34 Approach and Retract moves from machine home position for Mill operations 35 Turning with Incremental Angle for B Axis 36 TechDB Material considerations for Turn Feature Operations Conditions 37 Copy or Delete Strategies 38 Setup Sheets Option to generate Part and Tool Images for setup sheets 39 Miscellaneous Light Rebuild from CAMWorks NC Manager Node 40 Modify the Feature Strategies in the Active part or Assembly 41 Defining the default value for Mill Part Setup origin 42 Option to set Mill part Setup Origin as top or bottom center of the stock 43 Better representation of Mill Part setup origin in relation to stock 44 APIs introduced in CAMWorks Adding new Wire Diameters in Cutting Conditions of Wire EDM 45 Improved UI for CAMWorks License Manager and Port Number Detection 46 18

19 Improved Tool Management Interactions New - Tool tree view tab for easy tool management Implementation 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. 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 19

20 Assigning operations to tools in Tool View tab 20

21 Improved - Interface to select tools from the library (TechDB) 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. 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 21

22 New - Filters to select turn tools from the Library (TechDB) The User Interface of the Tool Select Filter dialog box for selecting turn tools now support filters. 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 22

23 New - Feed per tooth and SFM/SMM can be defined for the tool Implementation 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. 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 23

24 Feature Definition Improved Axis Feature Definition supports non-planar faces and edges Implementation To allow the user to define 2.5 Axis Mill Features using Non-Planar Entities 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. 24

25 New Axis Feature Definition supports Second End Condition 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. 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 Axis Feature: End Conditions dialog box 25

26 New Axis Feature Definition supports Join segments 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. 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 26

27 Improved - Recognizing features depth wise Implementation To recognize features depth-wise, so that the resulting features can be simplified. 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 27

28 Improved - Change in display of Air Segments to dotted lines for slot features Implementation To enable easier identification of material segments and air segments of a slot feature. 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 Improved - Simplified 2.5 Axis Feature Recognition when defining/editing features Implementation Simplify the process of defining the features with closed shapes 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 28

29 Operations and Toolpath Improved - Simplified Operation Definition dialog box The User Interface of the New Operation dialog box updated to provide the user, easier and intuitive method to define a new operation. 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. 29

30 Improved - Intuitive Chamfer Machining 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. 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 30

31 New - Pre-Drilled Holes for VoluMill Implementation Provide a new Entry type option for Rough Mill operations using the Pattern type of VoluMill. 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 31

32 New - Gun-drilling cycle in Milling Support Gun drilling cycles for Drill operation for Mill and Mill-Turn modules 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. 32

33 New - Multiaxis operations can now do drilling using 3D sketches Implementation To create drilling toolpaths in 5 Axis module with the help of 3D sketches. 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 33

34 Improved - Multiaxis operations for Gouge Check Tilt Tool option to define Angle Range Implementation Define the minimum and maximum Tilt angles separately for Gouge checking strategy of Tilt Tool 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 New - Define Dwell and Shift amount for drill cycles 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. 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. 34

35 New - Approach and Retract moves from machine home position for Mill operations Provides the ability to have approach and retract moves from machine home position for mill operations being carried out on a Mill-Turn machine. 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. 35

36 New - Turning with Incremental Angle for B Axis Implementation Enables turning of complicated profiles using simple tools 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. 36

37 TechDB New - Material considerations for Turn Feature Operations Conditions Implementation Provide an additional parameter of Stock Material Group for all the Turn feature and operation conditions. 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 37

38 New - Copy or Delete Strategies Implementation Provide the ability to copy and delete Strategies along with the associated feature and operation conditions. 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 38

39 Setup Sheets New - Option to generate Part and Tool Images for setup sheets 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. 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 39

40 Miscellaneous New - Light Rebuild from CAMWorks NC Manager Node Provide the option to rebuild the CAM data using Light Rebuild functionality. 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 40

41 New - Modify the Feature Strategies in the Active part or Assembly Implementation To provide an option to modify the strategy of one or more feature types in a single step. 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 41

42 Improved - Defining the default value for Mill Part Setup origin Provide the default values for newly added Mill Part Setups in part mode or assembly mode. 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 42

43 New - Option to set Mill part Setup Origin as top or bottom center of the stock Option to set the origin of the Mill Part Setup to the top center or bottom center of the stock 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 43

44 New - Better representation of Mill Part setup origin in relation to stock Implementation Translucent display of stock in the graphics area when Stock Vertex option is selected for the Mill Part Setup origin 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 New - APIs introduced in CAMWorks 2016 Reference document: Achieving automation for various functionalities of CAMWorks by use of APIs 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. 44

45 New- Adding new Wire Diameters in Cutting Conditions of Wire EDM Provide a functionality in Wire EDM module wherein user will be able to input desired values for Wire diameter when defining Cutting Conditions 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 45

46 Improved - Improved UI for CAMWorks License Manager and Port Number Detection 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. 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 46