What's New in CAMWorks 2014

Transcription

1 Contents (Click a link below or use the bookmarks) What s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 2.1 Resolved Customer Problem Report (CPR) List What s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 2.0 Resolved Customer Problem Report (CPR) List Tutorial on CAMWorks Virtual Machine Save Operation Plan for Multi Step Hole Features What s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 1.0 Option to convert 3 Axis Finishing Toolpath to 5 Axis Toolpath Dynamic Tool Preview in Machine Node Selecting Point to Point Tools for ID Features in TechDB using expressions or constants 64-bit Microsoft Access Support for TechDB What s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 0.1 CAMWorks Virtual Machine New APIs What s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 0.0 General Mill Turn CAMWorks Licensing 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 Geometric Americas Inc. All Rights Reserved. March, 2014

2 What s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 2.1 What's New in CAMWorks 2014 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 the current Service Pack (SP 2.1). To view the document, click Start menu on the Windows taskbar and select: All Programs>>CAMWorks2014>>Resolved CPR s. 2

3 What s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 2.0 What's New in CAMWorks 2014 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 the current Service Pack (SP 2.0). To view the document, select: Start>>All Programs>>CAMWorks2014>>Resolved CPR s. New Tutorial on CAMWorks Virtual Machine The Machine Simulation module CAMWorks Virtual Machine was introduced in CAMWorks 2014 SP0.1. The new Tutorial document for CAMWorks Virtual Machine will aid the user in understanding how to use this Machine Simulation application. The CAMWorks Virtual Tutorials can be accessed from the Start Menu of the Windows taskbar by selecting Start>>Programs>>CAMworks2014>>Manuals. Alternatively, this tutorial can also be accessed from the Help Menu of SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids. To access the CAMWorks Tutorials, click on the Help menu and select CAMWorks 2014>>CAMWorks Tutorials and then select the Tutorial file from the cascading menu. Improved Save Operation Plan for Multi Step Hole Features When the Save Operation Plan command is executed for a MS Hole feature, all the operations assigned to machine the MS Hole feature will be saved using expressions (instead of Constants) in the Technology Database. This allows greater flexibility and reuse of saved data on other parts or assemblies. For MS Holes, all the data associated with Operation Parameters (excluding the Tool Definition) will be saved in the form of expressions instead of constants to the TechDB. The following Operation Parameters will be saved in the form of expressions for MS Hole Features: Machining Depth Diameter Face Depth Expressions are generated for these parameters with respect to the cylinder being machined by the specific operation. The user can edit the data at any point of time in the TechDB to modify the parameters. 3

4 What s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 1.0 What's New in CAMWorks 2014 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 the current Service Pack (SP 1.0). To view the document, select: Start>>All Programs>>CAMWorks2014>>Resolved CPR s. New Option to convert 3 Axis Finishing Toolpath to 5 Axis Toolpath Convert to 5 Axis is an option for Holder Avoidance and is available for 3 Axis Finishing operations. It enables the tilting of cutting tool to overcome the collision of holder with the feature being machined and avoid areas if defined in the operation. The Convert to 5 Axis option is available in the Holder Avoidance group box of the Advanced tab in the Operation Parameters dialog box for all 3 Axis finishing operations. This option is enabled only if the Enable Holder Avoidance option is checked. - Though not supported in regular 5 Axis machining, Avoid allowance is supported in Convert to 5 Axis for all Avoid features and clamping fixtures. - In the event that the Tool/Holder cannot be tilted to avoid a collision, the areas of the toolpath resulting in collision will be deleted. Note: Tools supported Only Ball End Mill tools ar e supported. CAMWorks License Module required The CAMWorks license module 5X Mill is required to execute the Convert to 5 Axis option. 5 Axis post The post processor should have the ability to post process 5 Axis toolpaths. Conversion of Arc Moves to Line moves As CAMWorks 5 Axis Machining doesn t support arc moves, all arc moves will be converted to line moves. 4

5 New Dynamic Preview of tool in Machine node Provides a dynamic preview of the selected tool on the tool crib of the machine node. The 3D model view of the tool in the Preview window enables visual identification of the tool. From CAMWorks 2014 SP1 onwards, a Preview window is displayed when a tool is selected in the Tool Crib tab of the Machine node dialog. This Preview window contains the dynamic 3D model view of the tool. The Tool Station number, Tool Comment and labels of the Tool parameters are displayed in the Preview Window. Users can zoom/pan/rotate this tool model to the desired orientation. - Use the scroll button of the mouse to zoom in/out the tool view. - Use the left mouse button to rotate the tool view. - Use the right mouse button to pan the tool view. - Double click within the Preview Window to reset the tool view to default orientation. Note: If multiple tools are selected in the Tool crib tab, then the Preview Window will display the 3D model of the first tool that was selected. 5

6 New Selecting Point to Point Tools for ID Features using expressions or constants In TechDB, this functionality will provide the ability to select point-to-point tools for ID features in Turn module using expressions or constants (which are available in TechDB for Mill operations). In TechDB, while defining tools for mill operations, the user can make use of the expressions. Users can specify a range for selecting the tool. The parameters for expressions include the width of the pocket, diameter of the hole, the bottom radius and the side fillet. This functionality was not present for the features of Turn module. From CAMWorks 2014 SP1 onwards, the functionality to select tools by using expressions or constants is extended to mill tools used for point-to-point operations (Drill, Center Drill, Tap) in Turn module. The Tool Selection and Machining Depth Form for Turn module in TechDB has been updated accordingly. There will now be three methods available to select a tool in Turn module viz. 1. Use expression option will be active only selecting point-to-point tools for ID features. 2. Use constant option will be active only selecting point-to-point tools for ID features. 3. Use tool option will be the default option and will be active for all tool types. Note: For an imported TechDB, the default option in the Tool Selection and Machining Depth Form will be Use tool and the earlier selected tool will be retained, thus maintaining sync of the TechDB. 6

7 New 64-bit Microsoft Access Support for Technology Database (TechDB) Up to the CAMWorks 2014 SP0 version, TechDB was supported only on 32-bit Microsoft Access. From CAMWorks 2014 SP1 version, TechDB will now also be supported on 64-bit Microsoft Access. CAMWorks users who have 64-bit Microsoft access installed on their systems can now choose to run TechDB in 64-bit mode, if desired. Default TechDB mode on installing CAMWorks When CAMWorks is installed, it will detect for the presence of Microsoft Access on the system. - If Microsoft Access is not detected on the system, CAMWorks will install a 32 bit Runtime version of Microsoft Access This is done irrespective of the operating system of the computer. TechDB will be run only in 32-bit mode. - On computers having 32-bit operating systems, TechDB will be function only in 32-bit mode. - On computers having 64-bit operating systems, if only 64-bit version of Microsoft Access is detected then TechDB will be function in 64-bit mode by default. - On computers having 64-bit operating systems, if both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Access are present, TechDB will be run in 32-bit mode by default. Steps to activate TechDB in 64-bit mode Though TechDB runs in 32-bit mode by default on 64-bit systems, if required, users can switch TechDB to 64-bit mode. This switch can be done by changing TechDB-related settings in the CAMWorks Options dialog box. Following are the steps: 1. Within SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids, click on the CAMWorks menu and select Options. 2. The Options dialog box will be displayed. Click on the File Locations tab. 3. In the TechDB forms dropdown list: Select TechDBForms.mde (32bit) to run TechDB in 32-bit mode. Select TechDBFormsx64.mde (64bit) to run TechDB in 64-bit mode. 4. Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialog box. 5. Restart SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids. Note: There will be no need to import the data again when toggling is done between 32 bit and 64 bit TechDBs. The data is saved in TechDB.mdb file which is independent of the Operating System types. 7

8 New Introduction of TechDBForms_basic.mde (32-bit) for accessing TechDB Due to some updates from Microsoft, the TechDBforms.mde may run into errors. To overcome these errors, an alternative User Interface file needs to be provided in order to run TechDB in 32-bit mode on such machines. This method will be useful till Geometric develops measures to overcome the error caused by Microsoft updates. In previous versions of CAMWorks, it has been observed that some of the Microsoft updates can cause issues while using TechDB in 32-bit mode. Error messages encountered in such cases are shown below: or This happens because TechDB User Interface file (TechDBForms.mde) depends on availability of a certain Microsoft components like CComCtl32.dll. Microsoft updates may cause these Microsoft components to get deleted or unregistered, thus leading to issues in using TechDB in 32-bit mode. If the user encounters such an issue while accessing TechDB in 32-bit mode, then it is recommended that the user switches to using the TechDBForms_basic.mde file for accessing TechDB. This file does not use any such Microsoft components and hence, the above-mentioned issues will not be observed. Steps to assign TechDBForms_basic.mde as the default method: The TechDBForms_basic.mde file can be set as the default User Interface file while accessing TechDB. Following are the steps: 1. Within SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids, click on the CAMWorks menu and select Options. 2. The Options dialog box will be displayed. Click on the File Locations tab. 3. In the TechDB forms dropdown list, select TechDBForms_basic.mde (32bit) to run TechDB in 32-bit mode. 4. Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialog box. 5. Restart SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids. Note: The TechDBForms_basic.mde can also be accessed from the Windows Start menu. Select All Programs>>CAMWorks2014>>Technology Database >>Technology Database Basic from the Windows Start menu. Selecting Technology Database Basic opens the TechDBForms_basic.mde file. 8

9 Updated Introduction of new Sample Mill Machine for 5 Axis Machining Sample Mill Machines are available in the Technology Database for 2.5 Axis Machining, 3 Axis Machining and 4 Axis Machining. There is no sample Mill Machine available for 5 Axis Machining. Hence, a new sample machine for 5 Axis Mill Machining has been introduced. In previous versions of CAMWorks, the sample Mill Machines available in CAMWorks are: Mill metric / Mill inch: For 2.5 Axis and 3 Axis Machining Mill 4 Axis metric / Mill 4 Axis inch: For 4 Axis Mill Machining In CAMWorks 2014 SP1, the existing machines have been retained and the following Sample Machines have been introduced: Mill 5 Axis metric: For 5 Axis Mill Machining in metric units. Mill 5 Axis inch: For 5 Axis Mill Machining in IPS units. The Tutorial Post M5AXIS-TUTORIAL.ctl is associated with these Sample 5 Axis Mill Machines. Sample 5 Axis Mill Machine listed in Machine tab Tutorial Post Processor associated with 5 Axis Mill Machine 9

10 Updated Automatic Selection of Proper Tools for Machining Mill Features When the operations are generated for mill features through TechDB, at times it is seen that the dimensions of the selected tool and the dimensions of the feature are not proportionate. Such a condition will result in inefficient machining and requires user intervention to modify the tool parameters. From CAMWorks 2014 SP1 onwards, within the TechDB, the Tool Selection Criteria for Mill Features and Operations have been changed. Instead of using Constants for Tool Selection, Expressions that specify a diameter range for the tool are used. This ensures that tools which are proportionate to the feature dimensions are selected. 10

11 Updated Post Variable DSPINDLE now available for Mill operations in Mill-Turn In previous versions of CAMWorks, the Post Variable DSPINDLE was available only in Turn operations. For Mill-Turn, the post variable DSPINDLE was only available in Turn operations and was not set in any Mill operation. Due to this, the DSPINDLE value was not set correctly when the Setup following transfer to Sub Spindle was a Mill Setup. From CAMWorks 2014 SP1 onwards, the post variable DSPINDLE can now be accessed in Mill operations. The values assigned to this post variable will be the same as that for Turn operations. When posting on the Main Spindle, the post variable DSPINDLE will be set as DSPINDLE=1. When posting on the Sub Spindle, the post variable DSPINDLE will be set as DSPINDLE=2. Correct setting of the post variable DSPINDLE ensures that correct events are triggered in the Post while machining on a Mill-Turn machine with Twin Spindle Setup. DSPINDLE value will set correctly irrespective of whether the Setup following the Sub Spindle transfer is a Mill Setup or Turn Setup. 11

12 What s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 0.1 What's New in CAMWorks 2014 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 the current Service Pack (SP 0.1). To view the document, select: Start>>All Programs>>CAMWorks2014>>Resolved CPR s. New CAMWorks Virtual Machine for G-code Machine Simulation To provide an application to virtually simulate the NC-codes in actual machining environment. This will help the user to check for possible collisions with machine components and to verify potential issues in the NC program. CAMWorks Virtual Machine is a Machine Simulation application which is available as part of the CAMWorks suite of licensed modules. The CAMWorks Virtual Machine application is available in Standard, Premium and Professional editions. Users need to purchase a separate license from their respective CAMWorks Value Added Resellers for CAMWorks Virtual Machine application to function. Capabilities of CAMWorks Virtual Machine include: Multi-tasking and Mill Turn Support - Full support for complex multitasking and mill-turn machines including 4 axis dual turret, dual spindle lathes as well as multi axis mill-turn machines with milling heads, lower turrets and sub-spindles is available. Synchronized Simultaneous Machining - Use CAMWorks Sync Manager to synchronize your operations and then simulate them directly from the G-code. Interactive G-code Editor - Provides the user with the ability to edit the G-code and replay the simulation to ensure the error has been corrected and a quality part will be machined. Complete Machine Monitoring - Machine components, fixture components, tools, tool holders, stock, and the finished part can all be monitored for interference and the system can stop automatically or report any collision or interference. Error Message Window and Reporting - Makes it easier to find and correct errors in the G-code program. The simple link between message window and G-code editor helps user to identify the part of the G-code which would have caused the interference. Full Canned Cycle Support - Milling and turning canned cycles are fully supported and simulated directly from the actual G-code used for CNC machining. Custom Machines Custom machines for any of the CAMWorks modules (except Wire EDM) can be developed as per requirements. 12

13 Updated APIs New CAMWorks APIs added for CAMWorks GetLicenseDetails: This API will fetch license details like CPD No., expiry Date, License borrowing status, License type (node-locked/ floating/ dongle licensing). 2. GetLastModifiedHistory: This API will fetch info of last modified history of mill or turn part in.csv and.txt files. 3. GetController2: This API will get name and status of check/uncheck APT type of controller file selected for machine. 4. SetController2: This API will set the user specified controller and check/uncheck status of is APT type to the machine. 5. DeleteOperationByName: This API will delete an operation by name from Operation tree. 6. GenerateAccessSetupSheet: This API will generate setup sheet in Access format. 7. SetComment: This API will set user-specified string as comment in the CAMWorks Configuration Manager. 8. GetComment: This API will fetch the comment from the CAMWorks Configuration Manager. 9. DefineTurnWorkpieceAsBarStock2: This API will define the Turn Workpiece as bar stock with user specified values. 10. SetMillSetUpOrigin: This API will set setup the Origin in Origin tab of Mill Part Setup using user-specified values in the API. 11. SetMillSetUpAxis: This API will set setup Axis in axis tab of mill part setup from user specified values in API. 12. GetFixtureCount: This API is related to VeriCut. It will return the number of Fixtures supported for Operation Setup. 13. GetTechDBId: This API will give TechDB ID of the Tool Station used for the operation. 14. GetCategory: This API will fetch the information whether the operation was generated using the Generate Operation Plan command or interactively inserted in the Operation tree. 15. SetOverrideFeatureExtents: This API will set the check\uncheck status of Override Feature Extents option for the Turn Operation. 16. GetOverrideFeatureExtents: This API will fetch the check\uncheck status of Override Feature Extents option for the Turn operation. 17. SetOverrideFeatureExtentsTypes: This API will set the Override Feature Extents option to operation with user-specified information like Start and End turn extent type, flag option to set/unset apply Start and End extent to feature. 18. GetOverrideFeatureExtentsTypes: This API will fetch the Override Feature Extents information like Start and End turn extent type and check /uncheck status of Start & End extent reverse for the Turn operation. 19. SetCannedCycleOutput: This API will set check/uncheck status of Canned Cycle Output option for the Turn operation. 20. GetCannedCycleOutput: This API will fetch the check/uncheck status of Canned Cycle output option for the Turn operation. 13

14 21. SetCannedCycleStartPoint: This API will set the canned cycle start point in conjunction with the canned cycle method provided in the API enum CWTurnCannedCycleMethod_e. 22. GetCannedCycleStartPoint: This API will fetch information on the canned cycle start points and selected canned cycle method. 23. ExternalCorner: This set of APIs will fetch or assign the External corner type provided with enum CWExternalCornerType_e for Finish Mill Operation. 24. InternalCorner: This set of APIs will fetch or assign the internal corner type provided with enum CWExternalCornerType_e for Finish Mill Operation. 25. GetCategory: This API will fetch info whether the feature was generated using the Extract Machinable Features (EMF) command or interactively inserted into the Feature tree. 26. IGetAllAttributes; GetTdbIdForAttribute: These APIs will return the Attributes list of Mill Features and the TechDB ID for a given attribute string for the Mill Features. 27. IGetAllAttributes2: This API will return the Attributes list for Multi Step Feature attributes. 28. SelectFaces: This API will select faces for Multi-surface feature. 29. CreateSTLOfWIPs2: This API will create STL format files of Work-inprocess (WIPs) models using given info like units, reference coordinate system with given quality types ("Coarse / Fine"). 30. SetSTLPathForRestMachining: This API will set STL file path of Rest Machining for 3 and 5 axis Mill operations. 31. GetAllConfigurations: This API will fetch all configurations list from Configuration Manager for part. 32. DeleteConfiguration: This API will delete the configuration from Configuration Manager for the part. 33. AddNewConfiguration: This API will add new configuration from Configuration Manager for the part. 34. AddCopyConfiguration: This API will create copy of given configuration and add it as new configuration to Configuration Manager list for the part. 35. GetActiveConfiguration: This API will fetch the active configuration from the Configuration Manager for the part. 14

15 What s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 0.0 General Supported Platforms Supported Platforms for 32-bit What's New in CAMWorks 2014 Solid Modeler Operating System The 32-bit version of SolidWorks 2013, SolidWorks 2014 and CAMWorks Solids bit version of Windows 7 and Windows Vista. [*Home Editions are not supported] Supported Platforms for 64-bit Solid Modeler Operating System The 64-bit version of SolidWorks 2013, SolidWorks 2014 and CAMWorks Solids bit version of Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista. [*Home Editions are not supported] Improved Stock Manager now available in Property Manager UI The controls within the Stock Manager will now be available in the CAMWorks Property Manager User Interface. CAMWorks has three Stock Managers: Mill Stock Manager and EDM Stock Manager in part mode Turn Stock Manager and Mill/Turn Stock Manager in part mode Mill Stock Manager in Assembly Mode. In the previous versions of CAMWorks, the controls within the abovementioned Stock Managers were available in the form of a Manage stock dialog. From CAMWorks 2014 onwards, the controls with these Stock Managers will be available within the CAMWorks Property Manager User Interface. This change will facilitate easier navigation and concurrent view of the part model in the graphics area. Improved Change in location of the Edit Definition command on the context menu Uniformity in the location of the Edit Definition command in the RMB context menu The Edit Definition command is now the first command listed in the RMB context menu when you right-click on the Stock Manager, Machine item, operation, feature or Part setup. 15

16 Improved Change in name of the Example Machines The default example machines provided with CAMWorks have been renamed from Machine name to Machine[<Machine name>]. Examples: Mill-in renamed to Machine[Mill - inch]. Mill-in 4ax renamed to Machine[Mill 4 axis - inch]. Wire EDM Mode-inch renamed to Machine[Wire EDM - inch]. Mill-mm renamed to Machine[Mill - metric]. Improved Access to CAMWorks Tutorials Facilitates easier access to CAMWorks Tutorials while CAMWorks is running within the SolidWorks/ CAMWorks Solids application. The CAMWorks Tutorials can be accessed from the Start Menu of the Windows taskbar by selecting Start>>Programs>>CAMworks2014>>Manuals. From CAMWorks 2014 onwards, these CAMWorks Tutorials can also be accessed from the Help Menu of SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids. To access the CAMWorks Tutorials, click on the Help menu and select CAMWorks 2014>>CAMWorks Tutorials and then select the desired Tutorial file from the cascading menu. Improved Improved CAMWorks Tutorials Introduction of new tutorials and upgrading of existing tutorials with richer graphical illustrations and hyperlinked Table of Contents. The following Tutorials have been updated: 1. Multiaxis Tutorial 2. Wire-EDM Tutorial 3. Mill-Turn Tutorial 4. Sub Spindle and Sync Manager Tutorial The Mill & Turn Tutorial has been replaced with the following new Tutorials: 1. Mill Tutorial 2. Mill Assemblies Tutorial 3. Turn Tutorial 4. Technology Database Tutorial The Installation & Quick-Start Guide has been replaced with Installation & License Activation Guide. 16

17 Improved Provision to view Tool vectors for toolpaths during Step Through Option to view tool vectors for toolpaths when Step Through Toolpath command is executed. Previously, the button Show tool vectors was available only in the Edit Toolpath dialog box. From CAMWorks 2014 onwards, this button is also available in the Step Through Toolpath dialog box. Enabling this button allows the user to view tool vectors in the Graphics area. Improved Change in name of all Insert commands and dialogs from Insert to New All the Insert commands in CAMWorks create a new entity. In order to avoid confusion (whether an Insert command inserts an already available entity), all these commands have been renamed with Insert being replaced with New. Dialog titles too, have been accordingly changed. Renaming in Insert Commands related to Features: Insert Group renamed to Create Group Insert 2.5 Axis Feature renamed to New 2.5 Axis Feature Insert Part Perimeter Feature renamed to New Part Perimeter Feature Insert Multi Surface Feature renamed to New Multi Surface Feature Insert Wrapped Feature renamed to New Wrapped Feature Insert Turn Feature renamed to New Turn Feature Insert Profile Feature renamed to New Profile Feature Insert 2.5 Axis EDM Feature renamed to New 2.5 Axis EDM Feature Insert 4 Axis EDM Feature renamed to New 4 Axis EDM Feature Insert Perimeter EDM Feature renamed to New Perimeter EDM Feature Renaming in Insert Commands related to Setup: Insert Mill Part Setup renamed to New Mill Part Setup Insert Turn Setup renamed to New Turn Setup Insert Part Setup renamed to New Part Setup Renaming of Insert Commands related to Operations: Insert Contain Area renamed to New Contain Area Insert Avoid Area renamed to New Avoid Area Insert Hole Machining Operations renamed to New Hole Machining Operations Insert 2.5 Axis Mill Operations renamed to New 2.5 Axis Mill Operations Insert 3 Axis Mill Operations renamed to New 3 Axis Mill Operations Insert Multi Axis Mill Operations renamed to New Multi Axis Mill Operations Insert Post Operation renamed to New Post Operation Insert Turning Operations renamed to New Turning Operations Insert Turn Groove Operations renamed New Turn Groove Operations Insert Turn Bore Operations renamed to New Turn Bore Operations Insert Sub Spindle Operation renamed to New Sub Spindle Operation Insert record renamed to New Record Insert Wire EDM Operations renamed to New Wire EDM Operations 17

18 New Use Work-in-process model for Simulation Use work in process model when the simulation is invoked on an operation or a setup node. In previous versions of CAMWorks, when simulation is invoked on an Operation or on a setup node then it always use the original stock rather than using the WIP model. From CAMWorks 2014, if <SHIFT> is pressed while invoking the Simulation command on an Operation or on a setup node then the user will be shown a dialog to use WIP model as a stock. 18

19 Mill New API Macro to create a multi surface feature from the faces having a particular color An example macro that shows how multi surface feature can be created from the user-identified faces. In the example macro, the colors used in the part are listed along with the number of faces having identical colors. User can create a Multi Surface feature by selecting the checkboxes. This will ensure that the multi surface feature is created from the faces having the selected colors. New Similar UI for all Pages under Tool tab of Mill Operations and for Turn Single Point Operations As Turn Single Point Operations make use of Mill Tools and Holders, the UI for viewing and editing the Tool and Holder parameters will now be similar to those of the Mill Operations. The User Interface of the Holder, Tool Crib, Station and Specific Tool Type pages under Tool tab of the Operations Parameters dialog box for Turn Single Point Operations will now be similar to those for Mill Operations. On the Tool and Holder Pages under Tool tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box, when the Preview option is checked, the display will be updated when the parameters are modified. When the Preview option is not checked, the display shows the dimensions. The above functionalities are available for the following Turn Single Point Operations: Center Drill Drill Tap 19

20 Turn Improved Change in name of the Example Turn Machines The default names of the Turn and Mill-Turn machines are confusing. It has been changed as per the industry name. Turn-in Turn Single Turret - inch Turn in 4ax (2 + 2) Turn Twin Turret - inch Mill/Turn in Mill-Turn Single Turret - inch Mill/Turn-in 4ax (2+2) Mill-Turn Twin Turret - inch Turn mm Turn Single Turret - metric Turn mm 4ax (2 + 2) Turn Twin Turret - metric Mill/Turn mm Mill-Turn Single Turret - metric Mill/Turn-mm 4ax (2+2) Mill-Turn Twin Turret - metric New View and Compute the Canned Cycle Start Position Provide the ability to compute the canned cycle start point based on the stock and to override the automatically computed turn canned cycle start position. In the previous versions of CAMWorks, the Canned cycle start position was computed during post processing as a bounding box based on the feature geometry, the feature extents to the stock, and the X and Z clearance values. The Canned cycle start position could not be graphically identified nor could it be edited at the operation level. User could verify it only in the posted code and in case it was incorrect, user had to manually change it in the code. From CAMWorks 2014 onwards, the Canned cycle start position can be verified and edited at the Operation level itself without the need to verify it in the posted code. The following functions make this possible: The Canned cycle start position can be graphically identified when the Operations Parameters dialog for the Roughing operation is open. Alternative methods to define/edit the start point of the canned cycle using Feature Extents or From WIP. Method to manually define/edit the start position of the canned cycle. Improved Better associativity of the turn features defined from Sketches Associate turn feature segments with the sketch segments so that turn feature gets rebuilt properly. Previously, the turn feature would fail to rebuild if any of the segment start or end did not match with the new profile. For the features defined from the sketch, this will not be the case and the features will get rebuilt successfully. 20

21 New Create Turn Feature from Model Faces Simplify entity selection for defining turn feature by providing a new functionality to define turn feature from model faces. In previous versions of CAMWorks, to interactively create a turn feature, user had to pick entities from a closed sketch or part profile. This method can prove to be tedious while picking segment entities for complex turn parts. From CAMWorks 2014 onwards, a new functionality that enables turn features to be interactively defined using model faces has been provided. This method of interactively defining a turn feature can be implemented only when the Part Profile method is set to Plane Section. Creating a turn feature from model faces is more intuitive and provides a more robust Turn Feature rebuild. Improved Application of SolidWorks Filters to simplify Turn Feature Creation Simplify the process of interactively creating a Turn feature by eliminating the accidental selection of unintended entities. In previous versions of CAMWorks, while interactively defining turn feature by picking turn segments, users would occasionally end up picking model faces, edges, silhouette profiles, or sketch entities instead of the intended turn segment entity. From CAMWorks 2014 onwards, SolidWorks filters will be applied while interactively defining turn features. In the Part Profile method is Plane Section, the SolidWorks filter Filter Faces ensures that only turn model faces are selected. In the Part Profile method is Revolved Section, the SolidWorks filter Filter Vertices ensures that only turn segment entities are selected. For turn features defined from open or closed sketches, the SolidWorks filter Filter Vertices ensures that only turn segment entities are selected. Improved Simplified Interactive Turn Feature Creation Simplify the process of interactively creating a Turn feature Button to delete all selected entities in the Insert Turn Feature and Edit Turn Feature dialogs. This facilitates the deletion of all the entities in the Selected Entities list of the Insert Turn Feature and Edit Turn Feature dialogs. 21

22 New Provision to override Turn Feature Extents at Operation Level Enables changing the Turn Feature Extents at the Turn Operation level in addition to the existing functionality of defining Feature extents at the Feature level. Defining the Turn Feature extents will be available on the Feature Options tab of the Operation Parameters dialog for the following Turn operations: - Face Rough - Face Finish - Turn Rough - Turn Finish - Bore Rough - Bore Finish - Rough Groove - Finish Groove Advantages: - If a feature is machined using more than one operation, then if required, different Feature Extents definition can be assigned to the different operations. This eliminates the need to create multiple instances of the same feature with different Feature Extents definition. - If the toolpath generated for an operation is not as desired due to the feature extents definition, then this definition can be changed at the Operation level itself and verified. This eliminates the need to edit it at the Feature level, return to the operation and regenerate toolpaths. New Generate Threading operations using Groove Inserts Enables machining of threading operations using Groove inserts In previous versions of CAMWorks, only thread and user-defined inserts could be used to machine threads. From CAMWorks 2014, groove inserts, too, can be used to machine threads. Using Groove inserts facilitates machining of square threads. Improved Auto Setting for Turn Cored Stock Simplify the setting for defining a Turn Cored Stock In previous versions of CAMWorks, to change the value of the core diameter of the stock, the user had to set the strategy to Cored. Then only the core diameter value could be modified. With this new version of CAMWorks, the control for Core Diameter will always be active. When a value greater than 0 is assigned as Core diameter, the Strategy will automatically be set to Cored when the user shifts focus out of the Core Diameter control. 22

23 New Improvements to the Sub spindle operation Few of the sub spindle commands were missing and were not organized properly. Newly modified UI will have the following: 1. Spindle Axis Control (formerly Spindle on/off/lock) will have following options: - Engage Milling Mode - Disengage Milling Mode - Lock - Unlock 2. Spindle Clamp/ Unclamp has been renamed to Fixture Clamp/Unclamp 3. Spindle speed will have an option to turn off the spindle. 4. Synchronize Spindles will have following options: - Speed synchronization for Turning - Phase synchronization for Turning - Turn off synchronization for Turning - Mill C-Axis synchronization - Turn off Mill C-axis synchronization New Support of Mill Holders for Turn Single Point Operations For Turn Single Point Operations (Centre Drill, Drill and Tap), Mill Holders can now be assigned to the Mill tools used for the operations. Turn Single Point Operations make use of Mill Tools. In previous versions of CAMWorks, Mill Holders could not be paired with the Mill Tools used for machining the Single Point operations in Turn. From CAMWorks 2014 onwards, Mill Holders can be paired with the Mill Tools used for Single Point operations in Turn. For these operations, The Tool Crib Page in the Operation Parameters dialog box will display Mill Holders which have been defined in the TechDB Holder library. These Holders can then be paired with the selected tool. The newly introduced Holder Page under Tool Tab of the Operation Parameters dialog displays the parameter values for the selected Holder. These parameters can be edited as per requirements. The Tool Holder will now be visible in the Graphics area during: Toolpath Verification and Preview (when Tool tab of Operation Parameters dialog is active) Step Through Toolpath Simulation 23

24 New Preview Window in Create Tool/Holder utility Provides a preview of the user-defined turn tool or holder in the Create Tool/Holder utility. In previous versions of CAMWorks, for Mill and Turn, when a user-defined tool or holder was created, there was no way of knowing whether the tool/holder would get created and how its appearance and orientation would be. From CAMWorks 2014 onwards, a Preview window is provided in the Create Tool/Holder utility. This Preview window gives the user an idea of the tool or holder shape before saving it as a tool or holder file. 24

25 CAMWorks Licensing New Saving files with CAMWorks data when the license is lost in the middle of a session Once a file is opened in CAMWorks, the CAMWorks data present in this file will be saved in the same mode (Commercial/ Educational, etc.) in which it was originally opened. Previously, if the CAMWorks license was lost during the middle of a CAMWorks session, then the part or assembly file currently open would get saved in Demonstration mode. CAMWorks data in files saved in Demonstration mode could not be restored in Commercial, Educational or other modes. With the new functionality, if the CAMWorks license is lost or expires during the middle of a CAMWorks session, the file will still be saved in the same mode as that in which it was originally opened. However, any subsequent files opened will be saved in Demonstration mode unless a new license is activated. New Functionality to configure CAMWorks License from within CAMWorks Provision to request and configure FlexLM software license from within CAMWorks. Provision to update Hardware Dongle license from within CAMWorks when a.cod file is received. - A command for launching the CAMWorks License Manager utility from within the CAMWorks application is now provided. - If a valid license is not detected by CAMWorks when the application is launched, then a Warning Message is displayed. This message states the exact cause for non-detection of the valid CAMWorks license and provides intuitive options to activate the license or continue in Demonstration mode. Advantages: Eliminates the need to separately launch the CAMWorks License Manager utility to configure/update/view the CAMWorks License. Improved Number of concurrent users on a floating license The maximum number of concurrent users allowed on the floating license network will be equal to the total number of CAMWorks licenses purchased. Unlimited computers can be setup as clients on a floating license network. However, the maximum permissible number of concurrent users is equal to the number of floating licenses purchased. If different CAMWorks licensed modules are being used by different clients, then the clients can access the modules on a first-come, first-serve basis till the number of concurrent users equal the number of licenses purchased. Beyond this point, all available licenses will be in use and additional concurrent users won t be able to access any modules. 25

26 New Restrictions on saving Commercial mode files in Educational or Demo versions CAMWorks data saved in Commercial mode cannot be saved in Demonstration or Educational mode. Previously, if a Commercial mode file was opened in Demonstration or Educational mode, then the part or assembly file would get saved in Demonstration or Educational mode. CAMWorks data in files saved in Demonstration or Educational mode could not be restored in Commercial, Educational or other modes. With the new functionality, CAMWorks will not allow conversion of Commercial mode file into any other modes. 26