CAMWorks TechDB Settings Guide PDF

Cover Page
TechDB Settings
Guide
CAMWorks 2017
Disclaimer
Geometric Americas, Inc. makes no warranties, either express or implied with respect
to this manual. Geometric Americas, Inc. 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 manual are subject to change without notice.
Trademarks
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CAMWorks® is a registered trademark of Geometric Americas, Inc.
SOLIDWORKS® is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS
Corp.
FeatureManager™ is a trademark owned jointly by DS SOLIDWORKS and Bentley
Systems, Inc.
All other brands and names are property of their respective owners.
Copyright ©2016 Geometric Americas, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Product Name: CAMWorks 2017 SP0

Technology Database Setting Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Technology Database Basics ............................................................... 4
What is Technology Database (TechDB)? .........................................................4
Why are TechDB settings important?.................................................................4
Supported MS Access Versions for running TechDB ......................................5
Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings when for first-time CAMWorks installation . 5
Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings when upgrading existing CAMWorks
Installation .............................................................................................................. 6
Default Folder Location of the TechDB files .......................................................7
Installed TechDB files and their Functions .........................................................8
Default TechDB mode on installing CAMWorks .................................................9
Changing settings to open TechDB in 32-bit or 64-bit mode .............................9
Changing the Settings of TechDB in CAMWorks Options ...................................... 9
Opening TechDB in 32-bit or 64-bit mode ....................................................... 10
Method 1: Opening TechDB from the CAMWorks Interface ................................. 10
Method 2: Opening TechDB using Windows Explorer .......................................... 10
Method 3: Opening TechDB from the Windows Start menu ................................. 11
Customizing Technology Database ................................................................ 12
2. Technology Database Settings .......................................................... 13
Sharing the TechDB on a Network Drive ........................................................ 13
Pre-requisite for Sharing TechDB on a Network Drive .......................................... 13
Steps to move the TechDB and Report Database to a shared location ................ 14
Steps for creating a common TechDB repository on a Floating Network ....... 15
Verifying the successful linking of the TechDB ..................................................... 16
Creating and Using a SQL-based TechDB ..................................................... 16
Pre-requisites for creating a SQL-based TechDB ................................................. 17
Creating a SQL-based TechDB for CAMWorks .................................................... 17
Linking the SQL Database .......................................................................................... 17
3. Updating the Technology Database................................................... 18

Retaining customized TechDB Data on upgrading CAMWorks ...................... 18
Creation of TechDB Backups on installing Service Packs .............................. 18
Example of upgrading CAMWorks with a Service Pack ............................................... 19
Example of upgrading to a new CAMWorks Release .................................................. 20
Importing TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks .......................................... 20
Sharing updated TechDB/Report Database on a Network ............................. 25
Importing Customized Data into a SQL-based TechDB .................................. 26
Table of Contents i
1. TECHNOLOGY DATABASE BASICS

What is Technology Database (TechDB)?
The TechDBTM, a Microsoft Access database, is the intelligence behind the
machining automation in CAMWorks. The knowledge-based machining
technology, tooling details, cutting conditions and operation defaults saved in
the Technology Database are used to generate operations automatically.
The TechDB is shipped with data that is considered generally applicable to
most machining environments. In order to gain full advantage of CAMWorks,
you need to customize this data as per your best practices and machine tool
infrastructure available at your end. The machining information in the database
is divided into these categories:
 Machine: All the CNC machines in your facility and the associated
controller and tool crib.
 Tools: The tool library can contain all the tools in your facility.
 Cutting Parameters: Information for calculating feed rates and spindle
speeds, stock materials and tool materials.
 Feature and Operations: The machining sequence for different types of
features.
Why are TechDB settings important?

The Technology Database is the intelligence behind the machining automation
in CAMWorks. It stores the all the machining practices of your facility and the
information can be used to generate toolpaths on various types of features.
Such a repository ensures uniformity and quality in the generated toolpaths. To
make the best use of the TechDB, you will have to change from default
settings of TechDB to suit your requirements such as:
 Creating common TechDB repository on a Floating Network
 Sharing the TechDB on a network drive
 Setting up a SQL-based Technology Database
 Importing customized TechDB data after upgrading existing CAMWorks
installation
Please refer the flowcharts given on the next two pages to gain an understanding
of the various Technology Database (TechDB) settings.
4 Technology Database Basics

Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings when for first-time CAMWorks installation
Download and install the

CAMWorks Installer
Package Refer Installation
Guide
Activate the
CAMWorks License
Refer License
Activation Guide
Have you
installed a
Floating network Standalone Single User
License License or License
Floating Network
License?
Do you
Do you want share the
want a TechDB on the
MS-Access MS-Access No Network?
based TechDB or Based TechDB (ideal in situation where
SQL-based multiple single user
TechDB? licenses are
present)
SQL-based Yes
TechDB
Share the TechDB on a
Create a common TechDB network drive
repository on the Floating
Network
Change settings to create a Create a common

SQL-based TechDB for TechDB repository on
CAMWorks the Floating Network
Customize the TechDB

to suit your
requirements and use
Technology Database Basics 5

Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings when upgrading existing CAMWorks

Installation
Check whether a new
CAMWorks Version or
Release is available
Upgrade is
available
Do you
Have a
Floating Network Standalone Standalone License
License or
Floating Network
License? Upgrade existing
Upgrade the CAMWorks CAMWorks Installation
installation on all systems of
the floating network Refer Installation
Guide
Refer Installation
Guide
Have you Do you

No shared TechDB have a MS-Access
on a based TechDB or
Do you MS- SQL-based
network? Access
have a MS-Access TechDB?
based TechDB or based
SQL-based MS-Access TechDB
TechDB? based Import customized SQL-based
TechDB data from existing TechDB
TechDB into new Yes
TechDB Create SQL-based
SQL-based TechDB from the newly
license installed TechDB
Create a common Import customized data
TechDB repository on from existing common
the Floating Network repository TechDB into Import customized data
new TechDB from existing SQL-
Import customized data based TechDB into
from existing shared newly created SQL-
Create SQL-based Create a common MS-Access based based TechDB
TechDB from the newly repository of updated TechDB into new
installed TechDB TechDB containing TechDB
imported data on the
Floating Network
Share updated TechDB
Import customized data
on the network
from existing SQL-based
TechDB into newly created
SQL-based TechDB
Customize the
TechDB to suit your
requirements and use

Supported MS Access Versions for running TechDB

Microsoft Access is a pre-requisite for using the Technology Database. The
following 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Access are supported:
 MS Access 2007 (32-bit version)
 MS Access 2010 SP1/ SP2 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
 MS Access 2013 SP1 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
 MS Office 365 with Office 2013 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
 MS Access 2016 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
Note: If you want to share TechDB over a Network Drive, then the minimum
supported version of MS Access required is MS Access 2010 SP2.
Default Folder Location of the TechDB files

When CAMWorks is installed on a system, TechDB files are installed within the
CAMWorksData folder usually at the following location:
Drive:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2017x64\Lang\xxxx
Where xxxx indicates the language folder
TechDB files located in the \CAMWorks2017x64\Lang\xxxx folder

Installed TechDB files and their Functions

 TechDB.mdb: This file contains the data portion of the TechDB. By default, it
is located in the \lang\xxxx folder within the CAMWorks2017x64 data folder. If
required, this file can be moved to any other folder location, including a
network drive. Moving this file to a network drive will be required in cases
where more than one CAM engineer would be using a centralized knowledge
base. TechDB accessed from such a shared location will ensure that all
users access a common TechDB.
For more details, read: Sharing the TechDB on a Network Drive
 ReportDatabase.mdb: This file contains the templates and data for the MS
Access based Setup Sheet function. All the customization done to MS Access
based Setup Sheets are stored in the ReportDatabase.mdb file. By default,
this file is installed in the same location as TechDB.mdb. This file must be
located in the same folder as the TechDB.mdb. If the TechDB.mdb file moved
to a shared location, then the ReportDatabase.mdb file must also be moved to
the same location.
 TechDBForms.mde/ TechDBFormsx64.mde:
These files provide the User Interface for all the forms of TechDB.
o The TechDBForms.mde is used to open the TechDB in 32-bit Microsoft
Access version.
o The TechDBForms_basic.mde is used to open the TechDB in 32-bit
Microsoft Access version. (It provides a basic User Interface without
navigation tree and is recommended for use only if you face problems
in using TechDBForms.mde.)
o On 64-bit systems, the TechDBFormsx64.mde is used to open the TechDB
in 64-bit Microsoft Access version.
When the TechDB is shared on a Network Drive, the TechDB.mdb and
ReportDatabase.mdb files are moved from the default location to the shared
location. However, the TechDBForms.mde, TechDBForms_basic.mde and
TechDBFormsx64.mde files must still remain the \lang\xxx folder of the
CAMWorks2017x64 data folder (where xxx defines the language).
 TechDBForms_basic.mde: In case if you encounter issues while accessing
TechDBForms.mde then, it is recommended to access TechDB using this file. The user
interface will not include the navigation tree. However all the forms of the TechDB can
be accessed.

 TechDB.bak: This file facilitates creation of backup files of the TechDB.mdb and
ReportDatabase.mdb whenever the CAMWorks installation is updated with a
Service Pack. In case you plan to use a SQL-based TechDB, this file is
required for creating the SQL-based database. For more details, read:
Creating and Using an SQL-based TechDB
Default TechDB mode on installing CAMWorks

When CAMWorks is installed, it will check for the presence of Microsoft Access
on the system. TechDB will run in 32-bit mode or 64-bit mode depending on
whether 32-bit or 64-bit version of Microsoft Access version has been installed.
 On 64-bit systems, if only 64-bit version of Microsoft Access is detected
(and not 32-bit), then TechDB will be run in 64-bit mode by default.
 On 64-bit systems, if both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Access are
present, TechDB will be run in 32-bit mode by default.
Changing settings to open TechDB in 32-bit or 64-bit

mode
CAMWorks is supported only on 64-bit systems. Though the CAMWorks TechDB
runs in 32-bit mode by default on 64-bit systems, users can switch the TechDB
to 64-bit mode, if required. However, running the 64-bit mode of TechDB is
only possible if 64-bit Microsoft access is installed on the system.
Changing the Settings of TechDB in CAMWorks Options

Following are the steps to set/change the default mode in which TechDB will be
opened:
1. Open CAMWorks as an Add-In within SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids.
2. On the CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the CAMWorks Options button
.
3. The Options dialog box will be displayed. Click on the File Locations tab.
4. In the TechDB forms dropdown list:
 Select TechDBForms.mde (32bit) to run TechDB in 32-bit mode.
 Select TechDBForms_basic.mde (32bit) to run TechDB in 32-bit mode with
a basic UI.

 Select TechDBFormsx64.mde (64bit) to run TechDB in 64-bit mode.

5. Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialog box.
6. Restart SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids.
Selecting the TechDB Forms format from the dropdown list in the Options dialog box
Opening TechDB in 32-bit or 64-bit mode

The following methods explain how to open TechDB in 32-bit or 64-bit mode.
Method 1: Opening TechDB from the CAMWorks Interface
Launch CAMWorks as an Add-In within SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids. On the
CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the Technology Database button.

The TechDB will be launched in 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the TechDB
settings in CAMWorks Options.
Note: The TechDB Forms setting within CAMWorks Options will be applied
whenever you access TechDB from the CAMWorks Interface.
Method 2: Opening TechDB using Windows Explorer

Using Windows Explorer, open the default folder location of TechDB files. In this
folder location, open the file TechDBForms.mde or TechDBFormsx64.mde or
TechDBForms_basic.mde.

Method 3: Opening TechDB from the Windows Start menu

Opening non-English language TechDB from Windows Start menu
If you are using CAMWorks in a language other than English, then click Start on
the Windows task bar and select:
All Programs>>CAMWorks2017x64>>Technology Database>>xxx
Where xxx is the name of the language.
Under the xxx menu item, Technology Database option(s) will be displayed.
These options are the same as those displayed for the English language
version. Select the option as per your requirements.
English Language TechDB options
Non-English Language TechDB

options
Opening TechDB from Windows Start menu
Opening English Language TechDB from Windows Start menu

Click Start on the Windows task bar and select:
All Programs>>CAMWorks2017x64>>Technology Database.
 To open TechDB in 32-bit mode, select Technology Database listed under
this menu item. (This action opens the file TechDBForms.mde.) On 64-bit

machines, this option will be displayed only if a 32-bit version of Microsoft

Access is installed.
 To open TechDB in 32-bit mode with a basic UI instead of Advanced UI,
select Technology Database Basic listed under this menu item. (This action
opens the file TechDBForms_basic.mde.) On 64-bit machines, this option will
be displayed only if a 32-bit version of Microsoft Access is installed.
 To open TechDB in 64-bit mode, select Technology Database (64-bit) listed
under this menu item. (This action opens the file TechDBFormsx64.mde.)
Note that this option will be displayed only if your system has a 64-bit
version of Microsoft Access installed.
Customizing Technology Database

After opening TechDB, you can view/edit/customize it to suit your facility’s
requirements. To learn how to customize the Technology Database to suit your
facility’s requirements, we recommend that you read the Manual Technology
Database Tutorial. This manual can be accessed from the Windows Start menu by
selecting All Programs>>CAMWorks2017x64>>Manuals>>Technology Database
Tutorial.

2. TECHNOLOGY DATABASE SETTINGS

This chapter deals with the various Technology Database settings you might
have to change from time to time depending on your requirements.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
 Sharing the TechDB on a Network Drive
 Steps for creating a common TechDB repository on a Floating Network
 Creating and Using a SQL-based TechDB
Sharing the TechDB on a Network Drive

Sharing the TechDB on a network drive will be required in the following cases:
 When more than one CAM engineer will be using a centralized knowledge
base of TechDB
 When you want to safeguard the TechDB repository by shifting to a
secure location
Pre-requisite for Sharing TechDB/ Report Database on a Network Drive

The minimum compatible version of MS Access required when sharing TechDB/
Report Database over a network drive is MS Access 2010 SP2 (Runtime or Full). If
you do not have this minimum supported version installed, you can install the
MS Access 2010 SP2 Runtime version from the AccessRuntime sub-folder of the
CAMWorks Installer Package.
Refer Appendix B of the CAMWorks Installation Guide document for details on
installing MS Access 2010 SP2.
Note:
The TechDB/ Report Database can be moved to a shared location on a network drive
even in the absence of the minimum supported version of MS Access i.e. MS
Access 2010 SP2. There can, however, be loss of data from TechDB.
When CAMWorks is launched as an Add-In within SOLIDWORKS/ CAMWorks Solids,
if it detects that TechDB is shared on a network drive and the MS Access version is
lower than MS Access 2010 SP2, then the following Warning Message will be
displayed:
Technology Database Settings 13

CAMWorks Message displayed when TechDB is shared on a network

in the absence of minimum supported version of MS Access
Steps to move the TechDB and Report Database to a shared location

1. Browse to the default location where the TechDB files are installed within the
CAMWorks data folder. This path is usually:
Where xxxx indicates the language folder
2. From this folder, move the files TechDB.mdb and ReportDatabase.mdb to a
shared folder location on the network. However, the TechDBForms.mde/
TechDBFormsx64.mde/TechDBForms_basic.mde files should be retained
within this location.
3. After completing Step 2, open the Technology Database on the user’s
computer.
4. When Microsoft Access is launched:
 If you moved the TechDB files as mentioned in Step 2, then a message
window displays to indicate the database files cannot found and then the
Database Link Wizard will be displayed.
 If you moved the TechDB files as mentioned in Step 2 but retained their
original copies within the default TechDB folder location, then the Main
Menu for the TechDB will be displayed. Under Maintenance in the TechDB
navigation tree, click the Link Database item. The Database Link Wizard
will be displayed.
5. In the Database Link Wizard, read the information in Step 1 and then click the
Next button.
14 Technology Database Settings

6. Use the Browse button to locate the TechDB.mdb file that you moved to a
shared folder on the network and then click Next.
7. Click the Start Linking button.
8. When the linking is completed, click the Finish button.
9. Click the Exit button to close the TechDB.
10. Launch CAMWorks as an Add-In within SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids. Open
a part file.
11. On the CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the CAMWorks Options

button.
12. The Options dialog box is displayed.
13. The File Locations tab of this dialog box indicates the new location of the
TechDB. Verify that this path is correct.
Steps for creating a common TechDB repository on a

Floating Network
Ideally, if you have customized your Technology Database, then you need to
move the customized TechDB to a shared folder so that all users can access a
common TechDB repository. If you want such a centralized TechDB repository
to be accessed by the different clients on a floating network, then you need to
change the TechDB settings by moving the TechDB to a shared location and
changing the TechDB access path for each client system using the Database
Link Wizard.
Following are the steps to create a common centralized TechDB repository for
all the clients on a floating network:
1. Identify the client system that has the TechDB files containing customized
TechDB data. In case no customized TechDB data has yet been generated,
then select any client on the floating network to begin the process.
2. On the selected client system, complete all the as given in the previous
section: Steps to move the TechDB to a shared location.
3. On each of these remaining clients systems, perform the following actions:
a. Open the Technology Database.
b. A message window will display indicating that the database files
cannot found and the Database Link Wizard will then be displayed.

c. In the Database Link Wizard, read the information in Step 1 of the

Wizard and then click the Next button.
d. Use the Browse button to locate the TechDB.mdb file that you moved
to a shared folder on the network and then click Next.
e. Click the Start Linking button.
f. When the linking is completed, click the Finish button.
g. Click the Exit button to close the TechDB.
h. Verify the successful linking of the shared TechDB as explained below.
All the clients on the floating network now access a common TechDB.
Verifying the successful linking of the TechDB

After changing the location of the TechDB, you can verify the successful linking
of TechDB with CAMWorks as follows:
1. Launch CAMWorks as an Add-In within SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids. Open
a part file.
2. On the CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the CAMWorks Options

button.
3. The Options dialog box is displayed.
The File Locations tab of this dialog box indicates the new location of the
TechDB. Verify that this path is correct.
Creating and Using a SQL-based TechDB

By default, when you install CAMWorks, the Technology Database (TechDB) is
supplied in the Microsoft Access database format. Microsoft Access forms
provided with TechDB can connect with the following SQL Server versions on
the backend thereby providing client-server support:
 SQL Server 2005 / 2008/ 2012
 SQL Server 2005 / 2008 Express
 SQL Server 2008 R2
Thus, if desired, you can use a SQL-based TechDB. Note that higher versions
of SQL Server are also supported.
Note: ‘SQL Server’ is Microsoft product. The purchase and installation of this
software is separate from CAMWorks. Geometric Americas, Inc. does not
provide support for installation, setup and database creation for SQL.
16 Technology Database Settings

Pre-requisites for creating a SQL-based TechDB

1. Verify that you have a supported version of Microsoft Access: A full version or
runtime version of Microsoft Access 2007, 2010, 2013 or 2016 must be
installed or Office 365 service subscribed to.
2. Install the SQL Server: Minimum supported version of SQL Server installed on
the server must be SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2005 Express, SQL Server
2008, SQL Server 2008 Express or SQL Server 2008 R2. Higher versions are also
supported.
3. Create the SQL Database: Use the Restore Database functionality in SQL Server
Management Studio or SQL Server Management Studio Express to create the
Technology Database from the TechDB.bak file that is installed in the
Drive:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2017x64\Lang\xxxx folder when you install
CAMWorks. The database can have any name.
4. Provide the necessary access rights for the users.
Creating a SQL-based TechDB for CAMWorks

You can link the TechDB to any valid SQL database and you can have any
number of databases; however, you can only link to one database at a time.
Linking the SQL Database

1. Open the Technology Database.
2. After this Microsoft Access Database opens, expand the Maintenance item in
the navigation tree and click Link Database. Click Next.
3. On the Locating the Source page, enter the required information and click
Next.
 For Link to, select SQL.
 Type the Server Name.
 Select the Authentication Mode: Windows Authentication (the default user
ID you use to log in to Windows) or the SQL Authentication (specific SQL
user).
 Click the Get Database button and locate the database.
4. Click the Start Linking button. When the linking has completed, click Finish.
The TechDB is now ready to use with CAMWorks.

3. UPDATING THE TECHNOLOGY DATABASE

Retaining customized TechDB Data on upgrading
CAMWorks
To retain customized TechDB data, Setup Sheet Templates and/or Report
Templates when you upgrade your CAMWorks installation, you need to import
the customized TechDB data from the previous CAMWorks version in to the
new CAMWorks version.
This chapter provides details on how to import customized TechDB data, Setup
Sheet Templates and/or Report Templates. Please read the applicable section
from this chapter:
 Creation of TechDB Backups on installing Service Packs
 Importing TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks
o Procedure to Import customized TechDB data
o Procedure to Import customized Setup Sheet Templates
o Procedure to Import Customized Report Templates
 Sharing updated TechDB/Report Database on a Network
 Importing Customized Data into a SQL-based TechDB
Creation of TechDB Backups on installing Service Packs

When you update an existing installation of CAMWorks with a Service Pack
release, before the Installation Wizard overwrites all your current installation
files, it will create copies of the existing TechDB.mdb and ReportDatabase.mdb
files located in the \Lang\backup_nn folder to a backup folder as follows:
Note: Backups of TechDB.mdb and ReportDatabase.mdb are created only

when you upgrade an existing CAMWorks installation with a Service
Pack. They will not be created when you upgrade to a new CAMWorks
Release.
 Each time the CAMWorks Installation Wizard is run to update an existing

CAMWorks installation with a Service Pack, a new \backup\Lang\backup_nn
folder is created inside the CAMWorks folder where:
- Lang is the installed language folder
18 Updating the Technology Database

- nn is a two digit number ranging from 01-10 that indicates indicating the
chronological order of the number of times the CAMWorks installation
was upgraded with a Service Pack. For example, the folder backup_03
indicates that the CAMWorks installation has been upgraded three times.
Example:
Drive:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2017x64\backup\English\backup_01
Note: In case of multiple backups, the backup files must always be retrieved
from the latest backup folder. Such a folder is easily identifiable as the
affixed number in its folder name is higher than those of other backup
folders.
Backup files of TechDB.mdb and ReportDatabase.mdb created in Backup folders
 After 10 backups have been created, the Setup program deletes the
backup_01 through backup_05 folders. The backup_06 through backup_10
folders are then renamed to backup_01 through backup_05 and the backup
files for the next installation are stored in the backup_06 folder.
Example of upgrading CAMWorks with a Service Pack

If you have CAMWorks 201x SP0 version installed on your system and proceed
to install CAMWorks 201x SP1 version, then the existing installation files of
CAMWorks 201x SP0 version will be overwritten. This includes your existing
Updating the Technology Database 19

TechDB.mdb and ReportDatabase.mdb files. However, these TechDB.mdb and

ReportDatabase.mdb files will be backed up into the backup_nn folder before
being replaced.
Example of upgrading to a new CAMWorks Release

If you have CAMWorks 2016 installed on your system and proceed to install
CAMWorks 2017, then CAMWorks 2017 will be installed as a separate CAMWorks
version. None of the existing files for CAMWorks 2016 will be overwritten. Both
CAMWorks 2016 and CAMWorks 2017 will be listed as separate Add-Ins within
SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids. No backups of your existing TechDB.mdb and
ReportDatabase.mdb files will be created as no files are being overwritten.
The CAMWorks 2017 Release will have the default Technology Database and
Report Database associated with it. You will need to import customized data
from your existing TechDB.mdb and ReportDatabase.mdb files into the
corresponding files of the newly installed version.
Importing TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks

When you upgrade your existing CAMWorks installation with a new Service Pack
or CAMWorks Release, the default TechDB available with the new CAMWorks
version will be associated with it.
If your previous TechDB files contain customized data, then such data needs to
be made available in the upgraded CAMWorks version. This is done by
importing the customized data from the TechDB files of the previous version
into the TechDB files of the new version by using the Import Data Wizard.
Note: Trying to retain your customized TechDB data by copy-pasting your

previous TechDB files into the new Release or version is not a
feasible solution. Such an act of replacing files may usually lead to
errors and non-functioning of CAMWorks.
For steps on how to import customized TechDB data, Setup Sheet Templates
and Report templates after upgrading the CAMWorks version, refer the
following sections in this chapter:
 Procedure to Import customized TechDB data
 Procedure to Import customized Setup Sheet Templates
 Procedure to Import Customized Report Templates

Procedure to Import customized TechDB data

1. Pre-requisites:
 Ensure that the SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids application is closed.
 If you are upgrading to a new CAMWorks Release, we recommend that
you keep your previous version temporarily to minimize potential
upgrade problems and ensure a smooth transition. You can uninstall the
previous version after verifying that you have a licensed CAMWorks 2017
version and after importing customized data from your current TechDB
into the CAMWorks 2017 TechDB.
2. Open the Technology Database.
3. The CAMWorks Technology Database window will be displayed. Within this
window:
 Expand the Maintenance item in the navigation tree and click Import
Database. OR
 Click on the Maintenance button. In the subsequent window displayed,
click on the Import Database button.
Maintenance item in the CAMWorks 2017 Technology Database window

4. The Import Wizard is displayed. After reading the first screen of the Import
Wizard, click the Next button to continue.
Note: If you try to import the customized TechDB while the

SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids application is running, then the Import
Wizard will display an error message prompting you to ensure that the
SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids application is not running. Close this
application in order to proceed with importing the database.
5. The Step 2 dialog box of Import Wizard displays the locations of the current
database and the source database. The source database indicates the
TechDB.mdb file containing customized TechDB data. Data will be imported
from the source database into new TechDB.mdb file. If the location of your
source TechDB.mdb is not correct, use the Browse button to set the correct
location. Your source database file can be determined as follows:
 If you have upgraded your existing CAMWorks Installation with a Service
Pack, then the source database is the TechDB.mdb file located in the
following folder:
Drive:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2017x64\\backup\English\backup_nn
Refer: Creation of TechDB Backups on installing Service Packs for more
information.
 If you had shared the TechDB over a network, then your source database
is the TechDB.mdb that was moved to a designated folder on a network
drive.
 If all the clients on a Floating Network installation share a common
TechDB.mdb, then the source database is the TechDB.mdb located in
that particular shared folder location.
 If you have upgraded to the new CAMWorks 2017 Release from a
previous release (say CAMWorks 2016), then the source database is
the TechDB.mdb for the 2016 version located at:
Drive:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2016x64\Lang\xxxx (for 64-bit systems)
Where xxxx is the language
6. Click the Next button.
7. Step 3 dialog box of Import Wizard allows you to create a backup of the new
database in the event that the update procedure fails. The original source

database containing customized data will not be changed during this

process. However, we strongly recommend that you select and make a
Backup. Click the Backup button. A backup will be created in the same
folder as the TechDB.mdb and will be named Backup of TechDB.mdb.
8. Once the backup is done, click the Next button. Step 4 dialog box of Import
Wizard begins the data importing process.
9. Select the data to be imported (Mill and/or Turn), then click the Import
button. The process may take a few minutes.
10. When finished, click the Next button, then click the Compact button. This
command compacts the database to decrease the file size and thereby
improve performance. The process may take a few minutes.
11. When finished, click the Finish button. The Main Menu of the Technology
Database is displayed.
12. Click the Quit button. The new CAMWorks TechDB now includes customized
data entered in the previous version of the TechDB.
13. If you wish to move this TechDB containing customized data to a shared
location or if you have a floating network installation and want all the
clients to access a common TechDB repository, then read the penultimate
section of this chapter: Sharing updated TechDB/Report Database on a Network.
Procedure to Import customized Setup Sheet Templates

If you have created customized templates for Setup Sheets and/or you want to
retain the Setup Sheet data for existing parts, you can import the information
which was present in the previous Report Database to the new Report
Database of the new CAMWorks version.
Following are the steps to import Setup Sheet data that was generated in the
Report Database of the previous CAMWorks version to the new version:
1. Close CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids.
2. In Windows Explorer, open the ReportDatabase.mdb for the
CAMWorks2017x64 version located in the in the \Lang\xxxx folder in the
CAMWorks2017 data folder.
Example: Drive:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2017x64\Lang\English
3. Select Setup sheet on the menu bar and choose Import Setup Sheets. The
Import Setup Sheet Wizard dialog box is displayed.

4. Type the path to the previous ReportDatabase.mdb of the previous CAMWorks

version or browse to locate the folder containing this file and click Import.
 If you have upgraded your existing CAMWorks Installation with a Service Pack,
then the previous version ReportDatabase.mdb file will be located in the
following folder:
Drive:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2017x64\\backup\English\backup_nn
Refer: Creation of TechDB Backups on installing Service Packs in this chapter

for more information.
 If you had shared the TechDB over a network, then the previous
ReportDatabase.mdb version is the one that was moved to a designated
folder on a network drive.
 If all the clients on a Floating Network installation share a common
ReportDatabase.mdb, then its previous version is located in that particular
shared folder location.
 If you have upgraded to the new CAMWorks 2017 Release from a previous
release (say CAMWorks 2016), then the ReportDatabase.mdb file of the
previous release is located in the following folder:
Where xxxx is the language
5. Click the Finish button when the process is finished.
6. Click the Setup Sheet Browser button and confirm the data has been
imported.
7. If you wish to move this ReportDatabase.mdb containing customized
templates to a shared location or if you have a floating network installation
and want all the clients to access a common Report Database repository, then
read the penultimate section of this chapter: Sharing updated TechDB/Report
Database on a Network.
Procedure to Import Customized Report Templates

If you have created customized Report templates, you can import this
information which was present in the previous Report Database to the Report
Database of the new CAMWorks version.
Following are the steps to import Report Templates data that was generated in
the Report Database of the previous CAMWorks version to the new version:
1. If you are also importing Setup Sheet data, import the data first as
explained in: Procedure to Import customized Setup Sheet Templates

2. Make sure each report template you want to import has a unique name that
is not the same as one of the default templates supplied.
Because the supplied templates cannot be imported, the recommended
procedure for creating new templates is to create a new report or copy one
of the provided templates and modify the copy.
3. Exit CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids.
4. In Windows Explorer, open the ReportDatabase.mdb for the
CAMWorks2017x64 version located in the in the \Lang\xxxx folder in the
CAMWorks2017x64 data folder.
Example: Drive:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2017x64\Lang\English
5. Select Window on the menu bar, choose Unhide in the Unhide Window dialog
box and then click OK.
6. Select File on the menu bar and choose Get External Data, then Import.
7. In the Import dialog box, locate the previous Report Database file and click
Import (for information on locating the file, see Step 4 in the Procedure to
Import Customized Setup Sheet Templates in the previous section.
8. In the Import Objects dialog box, click the Reports tab, select the templates
you want to import and click OK. The imported templates display in the list
on the Reports tab.
9. Close the Report Database.
10. If you wish to move this ReportDatabase.mdb containing customized
templates to a shared location or if you have a floating network installation
and want all the clients to access a common Report Database repository, then
read the penultimate section of this chapter: Sharing updated TechDB/Report
Database on a Network.
Sharing updated TechDB/Report Database on a Network

If you had shared your TechDB on a network drive/shared folder location
before upgrading your CAMWorks version, then you need to relocate the
TechDB/ Report Database back to the shared folder location after the
customized TechDB data has been imported into the new TechDB/ Report
Database file.
1. If you wish to move this ReportDatabase.mdb to a shared location, then read
the section: Sharing the TechDB on a Network drive in Chapter 2 of this document.
2. If you have a floating network installation and want all the clients to access
a common TechDB repository containing the customized TechDB data, then

after importing customized data into the new TechDB, follow the instruction
given in the section: Steps for creating a common TechDB repository on a Floating
Network in Chapter 2 of this document.
Importing Customized Data into a SQL-based TechDB

If the TechDB for your previous CAMWorks installation was SQL-based and it
contained customized data, then you will need to import this customized data
into the new SQL-based TechDB after installing a new version of CAMWorks.
Following are the steps to import customized data in SQL-based TechDB of
previous version into SQL-based TechDB of the new CAMWorks version that you
install:
1. Install the CAMWorks 2017 application.
2. Create a SQL-based TechDB for this version by following the steps given in
the sections Pre-requisites for creating a SQL-based TechDB and Creating a
SQL Database for CAMWorks given in Chapter 2 of this document.
3. Use one of the following methods to start the Technology Database in
Microsoft Access:
 Select Start on the Windows task bar and select All Programs>>
CAMWorks2017x64>>Technology Database>>Technology Database.
 In Windows Explorer, open the file TechDBForms.mde located in the
Drive:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2017x64\Lang\xxx folder.
4. After this Microsoft Access Database opens, expand the Maintenance item in
the navigation tree and click Import Database. The Import Wizard is
launched.
5. Select an Import Option:
 Access to SQL: To import data from a Microsoft Access database to an
SQL database that has already been linked. If you select this option,
browse to the database file containing the data to be imported.
 SQL to SQL: To import data from one SQL database to an SQL database
that has already been linked. If you select this option, the information for
the currently linked database is on the left. On the right, enter the
required information for the database containing the data to be imported.
6. Click the Next button. The data importing process may take a few minutes.
7. Click the Finish button. The currently linked TechDB now includes the
imported data.

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Product Name: CAMWorks 2017 SP0

3. Updating the Technology Database................................................... 18

1. TECHNOLOGY DATABASE BASICS

Why are TechDB settings important?

4 Technology Database Basics

Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings when for first-time CAMWorks installation

Download and install the

Change settings to create a Create a common

Customize the TechDB

Technology Database Basics 5

Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings when upgrading existing CAMWorks

Have you Do you

6 Technology Database Basics

Supported MS Access Versions for running TechDB

Default Folder Location of the TechDB files

TechDB files located in the \CAMWorks2017x64\Lang\xxxx folder

Technology Database Basics 7

Installed TechDB files and their Functions

8 Technology Database Basics

Default TechDB mode on installing CAMWorks

Changing settings to open TechDB in 32-bit or 64-bit

Changing the Settings of TechDB in CAMWorks Options

Technology Database Basics 9

 Select TechDBFormsx64.mde (64bit) to run TechDB in 64-bit mode.

Opening TechDB in 32-bit or 64-bit mode

CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the Technology Database button.

Method 2: Opening TechDB using Windows Explorer

10 Technology Database Basics

Method 3: Opening TechDB from the Windows Start menu

English Language TechDB options

Non-English Language TechDB

Opening TechDB from Windows Start menu

Opening English Language TechDB from Windows Start menu

Technology Database Basics 11

machines, this option will be displayed only if a 32-bit version of Microsoft

Customizing Technology Database

12 Technology Database Basics

2. TECHNOLOGY DATABASE SETTINGS

Sharing the TechDB on a Network Drive

Pre-requisite for Sharing TechDB/ Report Database on a Network Drive

Technology Database Settings 13

CAMWorks Message displayed when TechDB is shared on a network

Steps to move the TechDB and Report Database to a shared location

14 Technology Database Settings

11. On the CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the CAMWorks Options

Steps for creating a common TechDB repository on a

Technology Database Settings 15

c. In the Database Link Wizard, read the information in Step 1 of the

Verifying the successful linking of the TechDB

2. On the CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the CAMWorks Options

Creating and Using a SQL-based TechDB

16 Technology Database Settings

Pre-requisites for creating a SQL-based TechDB

Creating a SQL-based TechDB for CAMWorks

Linking the SQL Database

Technology Database Settings 17

3. UPDATING THE TECHNOLOGY DATABASE

Creation of TechDB Backups on installing Service Packs

Note: Backups of TechDB.mdb and ReportDatabase.mdb are created only

 Each time the CAMWorks Installation Wizard is run to update an existing

18 Updating the Technology Database