SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

SolidCAM 2009 SolidCAM
Power and Ease of Use - the winning combination
SolidCAM 2009
Milling Training
Course
2.5D Milling
©1995-2009 SolidCAM
W W W.S O L I D C AM .C O M All Rights Reserved.

SolidCAM 2009
Milling Training Course
2.5D Milling
©1995-2009 SolidCAM
All Rights Reserved.

Contents
Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 About this course............................................................................................................................9
1.2 Basic Concepts ..............................................................................................................................11
1.3 Process Overview .........................................................................................................................11
2. CAM-Part Definition
!"#$%&'#()*+(,-./01$2(3#45&2&65...........................................................................................15
3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations
Exercise #2: Guide Machining ..................................................................................................36

Exercise #3: Cover Machining ..................................................................................................80
Exercise #4: Bracket Machining .............................................................................................165
Exercise #5: Support Machining ............................................................................................167
Exercise #6: Clamp Machining ...............................................................................................175
Exercise #7: Electronic Box Machining ................................................................................183
Exercise #8: Basic Part Machining .........................................................................................186
Exercise #9: Support Frame Machining ................................................................................190
4. Advanced 2.5D Milling
Exercise #10: Pocket Recognition ..........................................................................................201

Exercise #11: Mounting Box Machining ...............................................................................209
Exercise #12: Drill Recognition ..............................................................................................211
Exercise #13: Electronic Box Machining ..............................................................................230
5. Indexial 4-Axis Milling
Exercise #14: Frame Machining .............................................................................................237
5
Exercise #15: Mounting Machining .......................................................................................256
Exercise #16: Mounting Base Machining ..............................................................................262
6. Indexial 5-Axis Milling
Exercise #17: Hydraulic Block Machining ............................................................................269

Exercise #18: Manifold Plate Machining...............................................................................280
Exercise #19: Joint Machining ................................................................................................284
Exercise #20: Clamp Machining .............................................................................................289
Document number: SCMTCENG09001
6
Introduction 1
8
1. Introduction
1.1 About this course
The goal of this course is to teach you how to use SolidCAM to machine various parts using 2.5D
Milling technologies. This course covers the basic concepts of SolidCAM 2.5D machining and
is a supplement to the system documentation and online help. Once you have developed a good
foundation in basic skills, you can refer to the online help for information on the less frequently
used options.
Course design
This course is designed around a task-based approach to training. With the guided exercises you
will learn the commands and options necessary to complete a machining task. The theoretical
explanations are embedded into these exercises to give an overview of the SolidCAM 2.5D Milling
capabilities.
Using this training book
This training book is intended to be used both in a classroom environment under the guidance of
an experienced instructor and as self-study material. It contains a number of laboratory exercises
to enable you to apply and practice the material covered by the guided exercises. The laboratory
exercises do not contain step-by-step instructions.
About the CD
78#(,3('9::;&#<(26=#28#$(>&28(28&'(?66@(%6521&5'(%6:&#'(6A (B1$&69'(4;#'(2812(1$#(9'#<(28$69=8692(
this course. The Exercises( A6;<#$( %6521&5'( 28#( 4;#'( 2812( 1$#( $#C9&$#<( A6$( =9&<#<( 15<( ;1?6$126$D(
exercises. The Built Parts folder inside the Exercises(%6521&5'(28#(451;(E159A1%29$&5=(:$6F#%2'(A6$(
each exercise. Copy the complete Exercises A6;<#$(65(D69$(%6E:92#$G(78#(H6;&<I6$@'(4;#'(9'#<(A6$(
the exercises were prepared with SolidWorks 2009.
Windows® Vista
The screenshots in this book were made using SolidCAM 2009 integrated with SolidWorks 2009
running on Windows® Vista. If you are running on a different version of Windows, you may notice
differences in the appearance of the menus and windows. These differences do not affect the
performance of the software.
9
Conventions used in this book
This book uses the following typographic conventions:
Bold Sans Serif This style is used to emphasize SolidCAM options,

commands or basic concepts. For example, click on
the Change to opposite button.
The mouse icon and numbered sans serif bold text
10. Define CoordSys Position indicate the beginning of the exercise action.
This style combined with the lamp icon is used for

Explanation the SolidCAM functionality explanations embedded
into the guided exercises. The lamp icon is also used
to emphasize notes.
10
1. Introduction
1.2 Basic Concepts
!B#$D(E159A1%29$&5=(:$6F#%2(&5(H6;&<,-.(%6521&5'(28#(A6;;6>&5=(<121+
J( CAM-Part(K(78#(,-./01$2(<#45#'(28#(=#5#$1;(<121(6A (28#(>6$@:&#%#G(78&'(&5%;9<#'(28#(
model name, the coordinate system position, tool options, CNC-controller, etc.
!" Geometry(K(LD('#;#%2&5=(!<=#'M(,9$B#'M(H9$A1%#'(6$(H6;&<'M(<#45#( what and where you

are going to machine. This geometry is associated with the native SolidWorks model.
J( Operation – An Operation is a single machining step in SolidCAM. Technology, Tool

:1$1E#2#$'(15<(H2$12#=&#'(1$#(<#45#<(&5(28#(N:#$12&65G(O5('86$2M(N:#$12&65(E#15'(how
you want to machine.
1.3 Process Overview
78#(E1F6$('21=#'(6A (28#(H6;&<,-.(E159A1%29$&5=(:$6F#%2(%$#12&65(:$6%#''(1$#(28#(A6;;6>&5=+
CAM-Part definition
78&'( '21=#( &5%;9<#'( 28#( <#45&2&65( 6A ( 28#( =;6?1;( :1$1E#2#$'( 6A ( 28#( .159A1%29$&5=(
0$6F#%2(P,-./01$2QG(R69(81B#(26(<#45#(1(59E?#$(6A (,66$<&512#(HD'2#E'(2812(<#'%$&?#(
the positioning of the part on the CNC-machine.
N:2&651;;DM(D69(%15(<#45#(28#(H26%@(E6<#;(15<(28#(71$=#2(E6<#;(26(?#(9'#<(A6$(28#(
rest material calculation. The Stock model describes the initial state of the workpiece
that has to be machined. The Target model describes the one that has to be reached
after the machining. After every operation, SolidCAM calculates how much material
was actually removed from the CAM-Part and how much material remains unmachined
P$#'2( E12#$&1;QG( 78#( $#'2( E12#$&1;( &5A6$E12&65( #51?;#'( H6;&<,-.( 26( 1926E12&%1;;D(
optimize the tool path and avoid the air cutting.
Operations definition
H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(1(59E?#$(6A (E&;;&5=(6:#$12&65'G(39$&5=(15(6:#$12&65(
<#45&2&65(D69(81B#(26('#;#%2(28#(S#6E#2$DM(%866'#(28#(266;(A$6E(28#(01$2(766;(71?;#(
P6$( <#45#( 1( 5#>( 65#QM( <#45#( 1( E1%8&5&5=( '2$12#=D( 15<( 1( 59E?#$( 6A ( 2#%856;6=&%1;(
parameters.
11
12
CAM-Part
Definition 2
78#(,-./01$2(<#45&2&65(:$6%#''(&5%;9<#'(28#(A6;;6>&5=('21=#'+
CAM-Part creation
CNC-controller definition
Coordinate System definition
Stock model definition
Target model definition
J( CAM-Part creationG(-2(28&'('21=#M(D69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(,-./01$2(51E#(15<(;6%12&65G(
H6;&<,-.(<#45#'(28#(5#%#''1$D('D'2#E(4;#'(15<(1(A6;<#$(26(1;;6%12#(28#(:;1%#(26('26$#(
SolidCAM data.
J( CNC-controller definition. Choosing a CNC-controller is a necessary step. The controller

2D:#(&5T9#5%#'(28#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(<#45&2&65(15<(28#(S#6E#2$D(<#45&2&65G
J( Coordinate System definitionG(R69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(K(28#(6$&=&5(A6$(

all machining operations of the CAM-Part.
J( Stock model definitionG(H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#('26%@(E6<#;(2812(<#'%$&?#'(

the initial state of the workpiece to be machined.
J( Target model definitionG(H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(E6<#;(6A (28#(:1$2(&5(&2'(451;(

state after the machining.
14
Exercise #1: CAM-Part Definition
78&'(#"#$%&'#(&;;9'2$12#'(28#(,-./01$2(<#45&2&65(:$6%#''(&5(H6;&<,-.G(O5(28&'(#"#$%&'#M(D69(81B#(26(
%$#12#(28#(,-./01$2(A6$(28#(=9&<#(E6<#;(<&':;1D#<(?#;6>(15<(<#45#(28#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#EM(28#(
Stock model and the Target model that are necessary for the part machining. The CAM-Part will be
used in the exercises further on.
When you start to program a CAM-Part, you have to decide what

workpiece you are going to use. This decision determines the
59E?#$(15<(28#(2D:#(6A (6:#$12&65'(2812(1$#(9'#<(26($#1%8(28#(451;(
part shape.
In this exercise, the block workpiece is used. The block dimensions

are the same as the overall dimensions of the guide part.
With this stock, you have to machine only the steps and holes
emphasized below.
At the next stage, you have to decide on what type

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X/1"&'QG(O5(28&'(#"#$%&'#M(1(V/1"&'(,U,/E1%8&5#(&'(
chosen for the machining. With a CNC-machine
of this type, all the required faces of the guide part
can be machined using a single positioning.
15
1. Load the SolidWorks model
Load the Exercise1.sldprt model located in the Exercises folder.
This model contains a number of features forming the solid body of the guide.
2. Start SolidCAM
To activate SolidCAM, click on the SolidCAM

4#;<(&5(28#(E1&5(E#59(6A (H6;&<I6$@'(15<(%866'#(
Milling from the New submenu. SolidCAM is
started and the New Milling Part dialog box is
displayed.
16
New Milling Part dialog box
When you create a new CAM-Part, you have to enter a name for the
CAM-Part and for the model that contains the CAM-Part geometry.
Directory
Specify the location of the CAM-Part. The default directory is the

H6;&<,-.(9'#$(<&$#%26$D(P<#45#<(&5(28#(SolidCAM SettingsQG(R69(%15(
enter the path or use the Browse(?92265(26(<#45#(28#(;6%12&65G
The Use Model file directory option enables you to automatically

create CAM-Parts in the same folder where the original CAD model
is located.
CAM-Part name
!52#$(1(51E#(A6$(28#(,-./01$2G(R69(%15(=&B#(15D(51E#(26(&<#52&AD(
D69$(E1%8&5&5=(:$6F#%2G(LD(<#A19;2M(H6;&<,-.(9'#'(28#(51E#(6A (28#(
design model.
Model name
78&'( 4#;<( '86>'( 28#( 51E#( 15<( ;6%12&65( 6A ( 28#( H6;&<I6$@'( <#'&=5(
E6<#;(2812(D69(1$#(9'&5=(A6$(28#(,-./01$2(<#45&2&65G(78#(51E#(&'M(
by default, the name of the active SolidWorks document. With the
Browse button you can choose any other SolidWorks document to
<#45#(28#(,-./01$2G(O5(28&'(%1'#M(28#(%86'#5(H6;&<I6$@'(<6%9E#52(
is loaded into SolidWorks.
Every time the CAM-Part is opened, SolidCAM

automatically checks the correspondence of the dates of
the CAM-Part and the original SolidWorks design model.
When the date of the original SolidWorks model is later
than the date of the CAM-Part creation, this means that
28#( H6;&<I6$@'( 6$&=&51;( E6<#;( 81'( ?##5( 9:<12#<G( R69(
can then replace the SolidWorks design model on which
the CAM-Part is based with the updated SolidWorks
design model.
17
3. Confirm the CAM-Part creation
When the Directory, CAM-Part name and Model name have

?##5(<#45#<M(%;&%@(65(28#( OK(?92265(26(%654$E(28#(,-./
01$2( %$#12&65G( 78#( ,-./01$2( &'( <#45#<( 15<( &2'( '2$9%29$#( &'(
created. The Milling Part Data dialog box is displayed.
The structure of the CAM-Part
78#( ,-./01$2( &5%;9<#'( 1( 59E?#$( 6A ( <121( 4;#'( $#:$#'#52#<( 65( 28#(

illustration that displays the data included in the CAM-Part named
Milling.
Milling.prt
Milling
Milling.SLDASM
CAM.SLDPRT
DesignModel.SLDPRT
The Milling.prt( 4;#( &'( ;6%12#<( &5( 28#( H6;&<,-.( User directory. The
Milling subdirectory contains all the data generated for the CAM-Part.
18
SolidCAM copies the original SolidWorks model to the Milling

subdirectory and creates a SolidWorks assembly that has the same
51E#(1'(28#(,-./01$2(PMilling.sldasmQG(78#$#(1$#(2>6(%6E:65#52'(
in this assembly:
DesignModel.sldprt(K(1(%6:D(6A (28#(H6;&<I6$@'(E6<#;(4;#G
CAM.sldprt(K(1(4;#(2812(%6521&5'(H6;&<,-.(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(<121(
and geometry data.
The SolidCAM CAM-Part uses the assembly environment of

H6;&<I6$@'G( 78&'( #51?;#'( D69( 26( %$#12#( 19"&;&1$D( =#6E#2$&#'( P#G=G(
'@#2%8#'Q(>&28692(E1@&5=(%815=#'(&5(28#(6$&=&51;(<#'&=5(E6<#;G(R69(
%15( 1;'6( &5'#$2( '6E#( 1<<&2&651;( %6E:65#52'( &526( 28#( 1''#E?;D( 4;#(
such as stock model, CNC-machine table, clamping and other tooling
elements.
4. Choose the CNC-Controller
Select the CNC-machine controller. Click on the arrow in the CNC-Controller area to
display the list of post-processors installed on your system.
In this exercise, use a 3-Axis CNC-machine with the

Awea1000-Fanuc CNC-controller. Choose the Awea1000-
Fanuc CNC-controller from the list.
5. Start the Coordinate System definition
Click on the Define button in the Coordinate System area

26(<#45#(28#(.1%8&5#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#EG
76(%6E:;#2#(28#(,-./01$2(<#45&2&65M(D69(5##<(26(<#45#(28#(Machine
Coordinate System.
78#(.1%8&5#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(<#45#'(28#(6$&=&5(A6$(1;;(E1%8&5&5=(
operations of the CAM-Part. It corresponds with the built-in
controller functions.
19
R69( %15( <#45#( 28#( ,66$<&512#( HD'2#E( 6$&=&5( :6'&2&65( 15<( 1"#'(
orientation by selecting model faces, vertices, edges or the SolidWorks
coordinate system. The geometry for the machining can also be
<#45#<(<&$#%2;D(65(28#('6;&<(E6<#;G
Z
Y
Coordinate
System
X
The Z-direction of the Machine

Coordinate System is parallel to the
revolution axis of the tool.
Z
Y
In SolidCAM, the tool approaches from Machine
28#(:6'&2&B#(<&$#%2&65(6A (28#(Y/1"&'(P;&@#( Coordinate
System X
65(1(B#$2&%1;(,U,/E1%8&5#QG
For 3-Axis CNC milling machines, each Machine Coordinate

System means separate clamping. If you need to machine the part
from different sides, use several Machine Coordinate Systems with
the Z-axis oriented normally to the machined sides.
Coordinate
System Z X
Y
Y X
Coordinate
System
Z
20
O5(28&'(#"#$%&'#M(&2(&'(#569=8(26(<#45#(
one Machine Coordinate System with Z
the Z-axis oriented upwards. Y X
Coordinate
Such coordinate system enables you System
to machine the part with a single

clamping.
The CoordSys <&1;6=(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(,66$<&512#(

System location and the orientation of the axes.
R69( %15( <#45#( 28#( ,66$<&512#( HD'2#E( 6$&=&5( :6'&2&65( 15<(

axes orientation by selecting the model faces, vertices, edges or
SolidWorks Coordinate Systems.
H6;&<,-.( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 28#( ,66$<HD'(

using the following methods:
Select Face
78&'( E#286<( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 1( 5#>(

CoordSys by selecting a face. The face can be
planar or cylindrical/conical. For planar faces,
H6;&<,-.( <#45#'( ,66$<HD'( >&28( 28#( Y/1"&'(
normal to the face. For cylindrical or conical
faces, the Z-axis of the CoordSys is coincident
>&28( 28#( 1"&'( 6A ( $#B6;92&65( 6A ( 28#( ':#%&4#<(
cylindrical/conical surface.
Define
This E#286<( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 28#(

,66$<&512#( HD'2#E( ?D( '#;#%2&5=( :6&52'G( R69(
81B#(26(<#45#(28#(6$&=&5(15<(28#(<&$#%2&65(6A
28#(Z/(15<(28#(R/1"#'G
21
Select Coordinate System
This method enables you to choose the SolidWorks Coordinate

HD'2#E( <#45#<( &5( 28#( <#'&=5( E6<#;( 4;#( 1'( 28#( ,66$<HD'G( 78#(
CoordSys origin and axes orientation are the same as in the original
SolidWorks Coordinate System.
Normal to current view
78&'( 6:2&65( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 28#( ,66$<&512#( HD'2#E( >&28( 28#(
Z-axis normal to the model view you are facing on your screen. The
CoordSys origin will lie in the origin of the SolidWorks Coordinate
System, and the Z-axis will be directed normally to the chosen view
of the model.
6. Select the model face
With the Select Face method chosen, click on the

model face as shown.
78#(,66$<HD'(6$&=&5(&'(1926E12&%1;;D(<#45#<(&5(28#(
corner of the model box. The Z-axis of the CoordSys
is normal to the selected face.
Model box
Z
Coordinate
SolidCAM calculates the box
System X Y
surrounding the model. The
upper plane of the model box is
:1$1;;#;( 26( 28#( ZR/:;15#( 6A ( 28#(
<#45#<(,66$<HD'G
The CoordSys is located in the

corner of the model box with
28#( A6;;6>&5=( %66$<&512#'+( PXMIN,
YMIN, ZMAXQG
,654$E(?D(%;&%@&5=(65(28#( (?92265G(78#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(&'(<#45#<G
The CoordSys Data dialog box is displayed.
22
7. CoordSys Data
78&'(<&1;6=(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(
Machining levels such as Tool start level,
Clearance level, Part upper level, etc.
CoordSys Data dialog box
The Position 4#;<( <#45#'( 28#( '#C9#52&1;( 59E?#$( 6A ( 28#( ,66$<HD'G(

For each Machine Coordinate System, several Position values are
<#45#<(A6$(<&AA#$#52(:6'&2&65&5='[(#1%8('9%8(Position value is related
to the Machine CoordSys.
J( X shows the X value of the CoordSys.
J( Y('86>'(28#(R(B1;9#(6A (28#(,66$<HD'G
J( Z shows the Z value of the CoordSys.
The Machine CoordSys number <#45#'(28#(59E?#$(6A (28#(,66$<HD'(

in the CNC-machine. The default value is 1. If you use another
59E?#$M( 28#( S,6<#( 4;#( %6521&5'( 28#( S/A95%2&65( 2812( :$6E:2'( 28#(
E1%8&5#(26(9'#(28#(':#%&4#<(59E?#$('26$#<(&5(28#(E1%8&5#(%652$6;;#$(
of your machine.
The Tool start level(<#45#'(28#(Y/;#B#;(12(>8&%8(28#(266;('21$2'(>6$@&5=G
The Clearance level is the Z-level to which the tool moves rapidly
A$6E(65#(6:#$12&65(26(15628#$(P&5(%1'#(28#(266;(<6#'(562(%815=#QG
The Part upper level(<#45#'(28#(8#&=82(6A (28#(9::#$('9$A1%#(6A (28#(

part to be milled.
23
The Part lower level <#45#'(28#(;6>#$('9$A1%#(;#B#;(6A (28#(:1$2(26(?#(
milled.
Tool start
level
Rapid movements area
Part Upper
Clearance Feed movements area level
level Part Lower
level
The Tool Z-level(:1$1E#2#$(<#45#'(28#(8#&=82(26(>8&%8(28#(266;(E6B#'(

before the rotation of the 4/5 axes to avoid collision between the tool
and the workpiece. This level is related to the CoordSys position and
you have to check if it is not over the limit switch of the machine. It
is highly recommended to send the tool to the reference point or to
a point related to the reference point.
The Create planar surface at Part Lower level option enables you to
generate a transparent planar surface at the minimal Z-level of the
part so that its lower level plane is visible. This planar surface provides
you the possibility to select points that do not lie on the model entities.
It is suppressed by default and not visible until you unsuppress it in
the FeatureManager Design tree.
,654$E(28#(CoordSys Data dialog box with the OK button.
The CoordSys Manager dialog box is displayed in the

PropertyManager area of SolidWorks. This dialog box displays
the Machine CoordSys.
,654$E(28#(CoordSys Manager dialog box with the button.

The Milling Part Data dialog box is displayed again.
8. Define the Facet tolerance
In the Stock & Target model area, set the Facet tolerance value
to 0.01G( 78&'( :1$1E#2#$( <#45#'( 28#( 1%%9$1%D( 6A ( 2$&15=9;12&65(
6A (28#('26%@(E6<#;M(21$=#2(E6<#;(15<(4"29$#'G(78#(2$&15=9;12#<(
models are used later when performing the tool path simulation.
The more precise the tolerance is, the better is the performance
of the simulation.
24
9. Define the Stock model
\6$(#1%8(.&;;&5=(:$6F#%2M(D69(%15(<#45#(28#(H26%@(E6<#;M(>8&%8(&'(28#(>6$@:&#%#(2812(
is placed on the machine before you start machining the CAM-Part.
Click on the Stock button in the Stock & Target model area of
the Milling Part Data dialog box.
The Stock model dialog box is displayed. This dialog box

#51?;#'(D69(26(%866'#(28#(E6<#(6A (28#(H26%@(E6<#;(<#45&2&65G
Stock model definition modes
!" #$" %&'()*+,( K( 28&'( E6<#( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 28#( ]3( '26%@(
=#6E#2$D(?D('#;#%2&5=(1(%81&5(6A (=#6E#2$&%1;(#;#E#52'(P;&5#'M(1$%'M(
':;&5#'M(#<=#'M(#2%GQG
!" -$".&)/0(K(28&'(E6<#(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#('26%@(E6<#;(B&1(V3(
model selection.
! Box (Auto) – in this mode SolidCAM automatically determines the

box surrounding the model.
! STL file K(28&'(E6<#(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#('26%@(E6<#;(?1'#<(

65( 1( H7^( 4;#( 2812( #"&'2'( &5( D69$( 'D'2#EG( I8#5( D69( %866'#( 28&'(
mode and click on the Define button, the Choose STL dialog box
&'(<&':;1D#<G(78&'(<&1;6=(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(%866'#(28#(H7^(4;#(A6$(
28#('26%@(<#45&2&65G
25
Choose the Box (Auto) mode from the Define stock by list and
click on the Define button. The 3D Box dialog box is displayed.
This dialog box enables you to select a solid body for the
surrounding box calculation. Optionally, offsets from the
E6<#;(%15(?#(<#45#<G(O5(28&'(#"#$%&'#M(9'#(28#('26%@(E6<#;(6A (
the box exactly surrounding the guide model. In such cases,
set the offsets to 0.
Click on the solid body. It is highlighted.
SolidCAM automatically generates the surrounding box.
Click on the button. The Stock model dialog box is

<&':;1D#<( 1=1&5G( ,654$E( 28#( H26%@( E6<#;( <#45&2&65( ?D(
clicking on the button. The Milling Part Data dialog box is
displayed.
10. Define the Target model
H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(71$=#2(E6<#;M(>8&%8(&'(28#(
451;('81:#(6A (28#(,-./01$2(1A2#$(28#(E1%8&5&5=G(H6;&<,-.(
uses the Target model for gouge checking in the SolidVerify
simulation.
Click on the Target button in the Stock & Target model area
of the Milling Part Data dialog box. The Target model dialog
box is displayed.
26
78&'(<&1;6=(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(1(V3(E6<#;(A6$(28#(71$=#2G(
Click on the Define 3D Model button.
The 3D Geometry dialog box is displayed.
Click on the solid body. It is highlighted.
,654$E(28#('#;#%2&65(>&28(28#( button.
The Target model <&1;6=(?6"(&'(<&':;1D#<(1=1&5G(,654$E(&2(>&28(

the button.
The Milling Part Data dialog box is displayed.
11. Save the CAM-Part data
,654$E( 28#( Milling Part Data dialog box by clicking on

the button.
The Milling Part Data dialog box is closed, and the SolidCAM
Manager(&'(<&':;1D#<G(78#(<#45#<(,-./01$2(&'('1B#<G
-2( 28&'( '21=#M( 28#( <#45&2&65( 6A ( 28#( ,-./01$2( &'( 45&'8#<G( 78#(
<#45&2&65( 6A ( .&;;&5=( 6:#$12&65'( &'( %6B#$#<( &5( 28#( A6;;6>&5=(
exercises using this CAM-Part.
27
SolidCAM Manager
The SolidCAM Manager tree is the main interface feature of SolidCAM

that displays complete information about the CAM-Part.
SolidCAM
Manager
The SolidCAM Manager tree contains the following elements:

CAM-Part header
Tool header
Machining Process
header
Geometries header
Operations header
} Operations
!" 12.34*+5"6/*)/+
This header displays the name of the current CAM-Part. By right-

clicking on it, you can display the menu to manage your CAM-Parts.
The CoordSys Manager subheader is located under the CAM-Part

header. Double-click on this subheader to display the CoordSys
Manager dialog box that enables you to manage your Coordinate
Systems.
28
The Stock and Target subheaders are located under the CAM-Part
header. Double-click on these subheaders to load the Stock model/
Target model dialog boxes 2812(#51?;#(D69(26(%815=#(28#(<#45&2&65(6A (
the Stock/Target models.
The Settings subheader is also located under the CAM-Part header.

Double-click on this subheader to load the Part Settings dialog box
2812( #51?;#'( D69( 26( #<&2( 28#( '#22&5='( <#45#<( A6$( 28#( %9$$#52( ,-./
Part.
!" 7&&0"6/*)/+
This header displays the name of the current Tool Library. Double-
click on this header to display the Part Tool Table, which is the list of
tools available to use in the current CAM-Part.
!" .*869(9(:"4+&8/;;"6/*)/+
This header displays the name of the current Machining Process

table.
!" </&=/5+9/;"6/*)/+
This header displays all SolidCAM geometries that are not used in the
operations.
!" >?/+*59&(;"6/*)/+
78&'(8#1<#$(<&':;1D'(1;;(H6;&<,-.(6:#$12&65'(<#45#<(A6$(28#(%9$$#52(
CAM-Part.
12. Close the CAM-Part
Right-click on the CAM-Part header in the

SolidCAM Manager tree and choose Close from
the menu.
The CAM-Part is closed.
29
30
SolidCAM 2.5D
Operations 3
SolidCAM offers you the following types of 2.5D Milling operations:
2.5D Milling Operations
Face Milling Thread Milling
Profile Slot
Contour 3D T-Slot
Pocket Drilling
Pocket Recognition Drill Recognition
In SolidCAM, an operation is a single machining step. A workpiece is usually manufactured using

'#B#$1;( E1%8&5&5=( '2#:'( 15<( 2#%856;6=&#'G( \6$( #1%8( 6A ( 28#'#( '2#:'( D69( %15( <#45#( 1( '#:1$12#(
6:#$12&65G( -5( 6:#$12&65( %15( ?#( B#$D( %6E:;#"M( ?92( &2( 1;>1D'( 9'#'( 65#( 266;M( 65#( E1F6$( =#6E#2$D(
15<(#"#%92#'(65#(E1%8&5&5=(2D:#M(#G=G(0$64;#(.&;;&5=(6$(3$&;;&5=G(R69(%15(#<&2(15D('&5=;#(E1%8&5&5=(
operation, change the operation sequence and generate the GCode, combining and splitting the
operation list of your CAM-Part.
78#(.1%8&5&5=(S#6E#2$D(81'(26(?#(<#45#<(A6$(#1%8(6:#$12&65G(78#(S#6E#2$D(:$6E:2'(H6;&<,-.(
what and where you want to machine.
J( -(S#6E#2$D(A6$(0$64;#M(06%@#2M(,65269$(V3M(H;62(15<(7/H;62(6:#$12&65'(%65'&'2'(6A (1(
59E?#$(6A (%81&5'G(,81&5(=#6E#2$&#'(1$#(<#45#<(?D('#;#%2&5=(28#(A6;;6>&5=(#52&2&#'+(#<=#'(
of models, 2D curves, 3D curves, circles, lines and splines. Each chain is composed of
65#(6$(E6$#(#52&2&#'(15<(<#45#'(15(6:#5(6$(%;6'#<(%65269$G
J( -(S#6E#2$D(A6$(\1%#(.&;;&5=(6:#$12&65'(%15(?#(<#45#<(?D('#;#%2&5=('6;&<(E6<#;'M(A1%#'(
or chains of model elements.
J( -(S#6E#2$D(A6$(3$&;;&5=(6:#$12&65'(%65'&'2'(6A (65#(6$(E6$#(:6&52'(P<$&;;&5=(%#52#$'Q(2812(
%15(?#(<#45#<(?D(1(59E?#$(6A (E#286<'(<&$#%2;D(65(28#('6;&<(E6<#;G
J( -( S#6E#2$D( A6$( 3$&;;( _#%6=5&2&65( 15<( 06%@#2( _#%6=5&2&65( 6:#$12&65'( &'( <#2#$E&5#<(
automatically by SolidCAM Automatic Feature Recognition functionality.
32
Face Milling Operation
78&'(6:#$12&65(#51?;#'(D69(26(E1%8&5#(;1$=#(T12('9$A1%#'(>&28(A1%#(
mill tools.
Profile Operation
R69(%15(E&;;(65(6$(1;65=(1(%65269$G(78#(:$64;#(=#6E#2$D(%15(
?#( 6:#5( 6$( %;6'#<G( O5( :$64;#( E&;;&5=( D69( %15( 6:2&651;;D( 9'#(
tool radius compensation to the right or to the left side of the
=#6E#2$DG(H6;&<,-.(6AA#$'(2>6(2D:#'(6A (:$64;&5=+
J( .&;;&5=(1('&5=;#(:$64;#(26(28#(':#%&4#<(%65'2152(6$(
B1$&1?;#(<#:28(&5(65#('2#:(6$(&5('#B#$1;(9'#$/<#45#<(
down steps.
J( ,65%#52$&%( :$64;#'( 26( 28#( ':#%&4#<( %65'2152( 6$( B1$&1?;#( <#:28[( 28&'( 2D:#( 6A ( :$64;&5=(
=#5#$12#'('#B#$1;(%65%#52$&%(:$64;#'(2812('21$2(A$6E(28#(<#45#<(%;#1$(6AA'#2(<&'215%#(A$6E(
28#(:$64;#M(15<(45&'8(65(28#(:$64;#(=#6E#2$DM(289'(%;#1$&5=(28#(1$#1(1$695<(28#(:$64;#(26(
a constant depth.
Pocket Operation
In pocket milling, you have to remove material from the interior of

a closed geometry. SolidCAM offers two types of pocketing:
J( I8#5( 1( :$64;#( =#6E#2$D( %65'&'2'( 6A ( 65#( 6$( E6$#(

:$64;#'(15<(565#(6A (28#E(1$#(#5%;6'#<(6$(&52#$'#%2(>&28(
one another, each is milled as a separate pocket without
islands.
J( I8#5( 1( :$64;#( =#6E#2$D( %65'&'2'( 6A ( '#B#$1;( :$64;#'M(

15D( :$64;#( 2812( &'( #5%;6'#<( 6$( &52#$'#%2'( >&28( 15628#$(
:$64;#(&'(2$#12#<(1'(15(&';15<G(R69(%15(<#45#(15(95;&E&2#<(
number of islands within a single pocket.
33
Slot Operation
This operation generates a tool path along the centerline to the

$&=82(6$(26(28#(;#A2(6A (65#(6$(E6$#(:$64;#'G(7>6(2D:#'(6A (';62'(%15(
?#(<#45#<+(28#(H;62(>&28(%65'2152(<#:28(6:#$12&65(E1%8&5#'(28#(
';62(&5('#B#$1;('2#:'(952&;(28#(451;(<#:28(&'($#1%8#<G(O5(H;62(>&28(
B1$&1?;#(<#:28M(28#(<#:28(:$64;#(&'(1;'6(<#45#<(?D(1(]3('#%2&65G(
78#(';62(%15(?#(:$#/E1%8&5#<(9'&5=($69=8(15<('#E&/45&'8(%D%;#'G(
78#( 45&'8( %92( :$6<9%#'( 1( 266;( :128( 1%%6$<&5=( 26( 28#( ':#%&4#<(
'%1;;6:(8#&=82(65(28#(T66$(6A (28#(';62G(I&28(1B1&;1?;#(:1$1E#2#$'(
for the right and left extension and the side step, you can mill a slot
wider than the tool diameter.
T-Slot Operation
This operation enables you to machine slots in vertical walls with

a slot mill tool.
Drilling Operation
This operation enables you to perform drills and other canned

drill cycles. SolidCAM supports the canned drill cycles provided
by your particular CNC-machine such as threading, peck, ream,
boring, etc. If your CNC-machine has no canned drill cycles of
&2'( 6>5M( 28#D( %15( ?#( <#45#<( 9'&5=( 28#( S#5#$1;( 0$#/( 15<( 06'2/
:$6%#''6$(:$6=$1E(PS00766;QG
34
Contour 3D Operation
This operation enables you to utilize the power of the 3D Engraving

technology for the 3D contour machining. In this operation,
SolidCAM enables you to prevent the gouging between the tool and
the 3D contour.
Thread Milling Operation
This operation enables you to generate a helical tool path for

the machining of internal and external threads with thread
mills.
35
Exercise #2: Guide Machining
O5(28&'(#"#$%&'#M(D69(9'#(28#(,-./01$2(<#45#<(&5(28#(Exercise #1.
R69(81B#(26(<#45#('#B#$1;(]GX3(6:#$12&65'(&5(6$<#$(26(E1%8&5#(
the guide faces represented on the picture.
O5(28#(:$6%#''(6A (<#45&2&65(6A (6:#$12&65'M(D69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(

machining geometry, the tool and several technological parameters.
1. Open the CAM-Part
Click SolidCAM, Open.
In the browser window, choose Exercise1 – the CAM-Part prepared in the previous
exercise.
The CAM-Part is loaded.
36
2. Add an operation
Right-click on the Operations header in

SolidCAM Manager and choose Profile
from the Add Operation submenu.
The Profile Operation dialog box is

displayed.
In this operation, the lower steps are

machined.
3. Define the Geometry
78#(4$'2('2#:(6A (<#45&2&65(6A (#1%8(6:#$12&65(&'(28#(S#6E#2$D('#;#%2&65G(-2(28&'('21=#M(

D69( 81B#( 26( <#45#( 28#( S#6E#2$D( A6$( 28#( 0$64;#( 6:#$12&65( 9'&5=( 28#( '6;&<( E6<#;(
geometry.
Click on the Define button in the Geometry page of the Profile Operation dialog box.
37
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed in the SolidWorks
PropertyManager area. This dialog box enables you to add and
edit geometry chains.
When this dialog box is displayed, you can select solid model
#52&2&#'(A6$(28#(S#6E#2$D(<#45&2&65G
Click on the model edge as shown. The edge is selected.
The arrow at the start point of the selected

entity indicates the direction of the Geometry.
In SolidCAM operations, the direction of
the chain geometry is used for the tool path
%1;%9;12&65G( O5( 28#( 0$64;#( .&;;&5=M( 28#( 266;(
moves in the direction of the geometry by
default. In this exercise, the combination of
the geometry direction and the clockwise
direction of the tool revolution enables you
to perform climb milling.
Tool revolution
direction
Tool movement
direction
Geometry
direction
38
Click on the Accept chain button in the Chain list area

26(%654$E(28#(%81&5G
The chain icon is displayed.
3#45#(28#('#%65<(%81&5G(_6212#(28#(
model and select the model edge as
shown.
The direction of the selected chain

&'( 28#( '1E#( 1'( 2812( 6A ( 28#( 4$'2(
chain. This means that conventional
milling will be performed. In order
to switch to climb milling, reverse
the chain direction.
Click on the Reverse button. The chain direction is reversed. Click on the Accept
chain (?92265(26(%654$E(28#(%81&5G
The second chain icon is displayed in the Chain list area.
Undo step
This button enables you to undo the last selection of a chain element.
Reject chain
This button cancels the single chain selection.
-2( 28&'( '21=#M( 28#( S#6E#2$D( &'( <#45#<G( ,654$E( 28#( S#6E#2$D( '#;#%2&65( >&28
the button. The Profile Operation dialog box is displayed.
39
4. Define the Tool
-2(28&'('21=#M(D69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(266;(A6$(28#(0$64;#(.&;;&5=G
Switch to the Tool page of the Profile Operation dialog box and click on the Select
button.
The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.
40
The Part Tool Table contains all tools available for use to machine
1(':#%&4%(,-./01$2G(78#( Part Tool Table is stored within the CAM-
Part.
The Part Tool Table dialog box enables you to manage the tools
contained in the Part Tool Table.
Currently, the Part Tool Table &'(#E:2DG(3#45#(1(5#>(266;('9&21?;#(A6$(0$64;#(E&;;&5=G
Click on the Add ?92265(26('21$2(28#(266;(<#45&2&65G
The Tool type dialog box is displayed.
This dialog box enables you to add a new tool to the tool library.
O5(28&'(0$64;#(6:#$12&65M(15(#5<(E&;;(6A (Ø10 will be used.
41
End Mill/Bull nose mill/Ball nose mill
78#'#(266;(2D:#'(1$#(9'#<(A6$(28#(<#45&2&65(6A ($69=8`45&'8(E&;;'G(78#(
tool shapes and basic parameters are shown below:
Arbor Diameter
Total
Length Outside
Holder
Shoulder Length
Length Cutting
Length
Diameter
Arbor Diameter
Total
Length Outside
Shoulder Holder
Length Cutting Length
Length
Corner Radius
Diameter
Arbor Diameter
Total
Length Outside
Shoulder Holder
Cutting Length
Length
Length
Corner Radius
Diameter
42
Click on the End mill tool to choose it for the operation. The Tool type dialog box is
closed automatically, and the Part Tool Table is displayed again.
Set the Diameter value to 10.
In the Length(1$#1M(<#45#(28#(A6;;6>&5=(:1$1E#2#$'+
J( H#2(28#(Total length to 80[

J( H#2(28#(Outside holder length to 72[
J( H#2(28# Shoulder length to 60[
J Set the Cutting length to 50.
Total Length
Outside Holder
Length
Cutting
Length
Diameter
Shoulder
Length
Click on the Select(?92265(26(%654$E(28#(266;(:1$1E#2#$'(15<(%866'#(28#(266;(A6$(28#(

operation.
43
5. Define the Feed and Spin parameters
Click on the Data button in the Tool area of the Profile

Operation dialog box.
The Operation Tool Data dialog box is displayed.
Set the Spin rate P9'#<(&5($69=8(E&;;&5=Q(B1;9#(26( 6000. The

Spin Finish P9'#<(&5(45&'8(E&;;&5=Q(B1;9#(&'(1926E12&%1;;D('#2(
to 6000.
The Spin finish(%8#%@(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(6:2&651;;D(<#45#(<&AA#$#52(

values for Spin rate and Spin finish. When this check box is selected,
the corresponding edit box is available so that you can edit its value.
I8#5(28&'(%8#%@(?6"(&'(562('#;#%2#<M(28#(':#%&4#<( Spin rate value is
9'#<(A6$(?628($69=8(15<(45&'8(E1%8&5&5=G
Set the Feed XY(PA##<($12#(A6$(ZR(E6B#E#52'Q(26( 1500 and

the Feed Z( PA##<( $12#( A6$( Y( E6B#E#52'Q( 26( 250. Select the
check box near the Feed Finish(PA##<($12#(A6$(45&'8(E&;;&5=Q(
parameter and set the value to 1800.
The Feed finish(%8#%@(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(6:2&651;;D(<#45#(<&AA#$#52(

values for Feed XY and Feed finish. When this check box is selected,
the corresponding edit box is available so that you can edit its value.
I8#5(28&'(%8#%@(?6"(&'(562('#;#%2#<M(28#(':#%&4#<( Feed XY value is
9'#<(A6$(?628($69=8(15<(45&'8(E1%8&5&5=G
44
Click on the OK(?92265(26(%654$E(28#(<#45#<(266;(<121G(78# Profile Operation dialog

box is displayed.
6. Define the Profile depth
H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(<#:28(9'&5=(28#('6;&<(E6<#;(<121G(H>&2%8(26(28#
Levelspage of the Profile Operation dialog box.
Upper level
78&'(:1$1E#2#$(<#45#'(28#(Y/;#B#;(12(>8&%8(28#(E1%8&5&5=('21$2'G
Depth
78&'( :1$1E#2#$( <#45#'( 28#( Y/;#B#;( ?#;6>( >8&%8( 28#( 266;( <6#'( 562(
mill. This plane is not penetrated in any milling strategy.
Coordinate
System Z
X
Upper
level
Depth
In this exercise, the Upper level

is 0 because the Coordinate
HD'2#E(&'(<#45#<(65(28#(E6<#;(
top face.
Click on the Profile depth

button in the Milling levels
area.
The Pick Lower level dialog

box is displayed.
45
H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(;6>#$(E1%8&5&5=(;#B#; directly on
the solid model. The Profile depth value is calculated automatically as
the difference between the Upper level and Lower level values.
Coordinate
System Z
X
Y
Upper
level
Depth
Lower
level
The Lower level parameter is associative to the solid model.

Associativity enables the synchronization in case of solid model
change: the CAM data is updated automatically when the model is
E6<&4#<G(78#( Profile depth parameter is indirectly associative. The
associativity is established for the Lower level. When the Upper level
or the Lower level is synchronized, the Depth is updated.
Click on the model face as shown.
The Lower level B1;9#(P-10Q(&'(<&':;1D#<(&5(28#(Pick Lower level <&1;6=(?6"G(,654$E(28#(

Pick Lower level dialog box with the button. The Profile depth value of 10 is
displayed in the Profile Operation dialog box. The pink background of the Profile
depth edit box means that the parameter is associative with the solid model.
46
7. Define the technological parameters
Switch to the Technology page of the Profile Operation dialog box.
Modify
The Tool side option enables you to determine the tool position
relative to the geometry.
Right(K(28#(266;(%92'(65(28#($&=82('&<#(6A (28#(:$64;#(=#6E#2$DG
Left(K(28#(266;(%92'(65(28#(;#A2('&<#(6A (28#(:$64;#(=#6E#2$DG
Center(K(28#(%#52#$(6A (28#(266;(E6B#'(65(28#(:$64;#(=#6E#2$D(
P56(%6E:#5'12&65(SW"(%15(?#(9'#<(>&28(28&'(6:2&65QG
Left Right Center

The Geometry button displays the Modify Geometry dialog box that
#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(E6<&4%12&65 parameters of the geometry
15<(26(%866'#(>8&%8(=#6E#2$D(%81&5'(1$#(1%2&B#(&5(28#(6:#$12&65(P&5(
%1'#(6A (E9;2&:;#(%81&5(=#6E#2$DQG(78#(%81&5(=#6E#2$D(6A (28#(:$64;#(
is displayed on the model with the chain direction indicated and a
circle representing the tool relative to the geometry.
47
In this case, the default Left option meets the requirements of the climb milling. Click
on the Geometry button to check the tool position.
Click on the button in the Modify Geometry

dialog box.
The Profile Operation dialog box is displayed

again.
H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(:#$A6$E(28#($69=8(15<(45&'8(E1%8&5&5=(6A (28#(:$64;#(&5(1(
'&5=;#(0$64;#(6:#$12&65G
3#45#(28#(:1$1E#2#$'(6A (28#(0$64;#($69=8&5=G(H#;#%2(28#(Rough(%8#%@(?6"G(3#45#(28#(
Step down parameter for roughing.
Step down
0$64;#($69=8&5=(&'(:#$A6$E#<(&5(%65'2152(Y/:1''#'G(78#( Step down

:1$1E#2#$(<#45#'(28#(<&'215%#(?#2>##5(#1%8(2>6('9%%#''&B#(Y/;#B#;'G
Step down
Upper level
Profile depth
Set the Step down to 3. With this value, SolidCAM performs three cuts at the following
Z-levels: -3, -6, -9[(28#(;1'2(%92(&'(:#$A6$E#<(12(28#(Y/;#B#;(<#45#<(?D(Profile depth: -10.
The distance between the Z-levels of the last cut and the preceding cut is smaller than
that between the previous cuts, because the machining depth value is not divisible
exactly by the Step down value.
48
In this operation, use the Equal step down option to keep an equal distance between
all Z-levels.
Equal step down
This option enables you to perform all cuts at an equal Z-level distance
one from the other. SolidCAM automatically calculates the actual step
down to keep an equal distance between all passes.
When the Equal step down check box is selected, Step down is
replaced by Max. Step down. This value is taken into account during
the calculation of the actual step down so that it is not exceeded.
Max.
Step down
Actual Step down
With the Max. Step down value set to 3, the actual step
down is automatically calculated as the largest possible
value within the bounds of 3 so that the machining depth
can be divided exactly into equal Z-levels. Four roughing
passes will be performed at the followings Z-levels: -2.5,
-5, -7.5, -10 with the Step down of 2.5 mm.
U6>(D69(5##<(26(<#45#(28#(>1;;(15<(T66$(6AA'#2'(2812(>&;;($#E1&5(1A2#$(28#($69=8&5=(
passes.
49
Offsets
The Wall offset and Floor offset :1$1E#2#$'(#51?;#(D69(26(<#45#(28#(

1;;6>15%#'(2812($#E1&5(65(28#(>1;;'(15<(28#(T66$(6A (28#(E1%8&5#<(
:1$2(2&;;(28#(:$64;#(45&'8(E1%8&5&5=G(78#'#(1;;6>15%#'(%15(?#($#E6B#<(
>&28(28#(45&'8(:1''#'(&5(28#('1E#(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(6$(&5(15(1<<&2&651;(
0$64;#(6:#$12&65(>&28(15628#$(266;G
Step down
Wall offset
Profile depth
Floor offset
In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and Floor offset
values to 0.2. The allowance of 0.2 mm is left on the walls
15<(28#(T66$(6A (28#('2#:'(<9$&5=(28#(:$64;#($69=8&5=G(78&'(
1;;6>15%#(&'($#E6B#<(>&28(1('#:1$12#(45&'8&5=(%92(&5(28#(
#5<(6A (28#(:$64;#(E1%8&5&5=G
Select the Finish %8#%@( ?6"( 26( :#$A6$E( 28#( 45&'8&5=( 6A (

28#(:$64;#G(H#2(28#( Step down(A6$(28#(:$64;#(45&'8&5=(26(
10 mm.
50
8. Define the Lead in and the Lead out
Switch to the Link page of the Profile Operation dialog box.
78&'(:1=#(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(>1D(28#(266;(1::$61%8#'(28#(:$64;#(
and retreats away. The lead in movement is necessary to prevent vertical
entering of the tool into the material. With the lead in strategies the
tool descends to the machining level outside of the material and then
horizontally penetrates the material with the lead in movement. The lead
out strategy enables you to perform the retract movements outside the
material.
The following options are available:

None
78#(266;(;#1<'(&5(26(15<(692(A$6E(28#(E&;;&5=(;#B#;(#"1%2;D(1<F1%#52(26(
28#('21$2(:6&52(6A (28#(:$64;#G
Normal
The tool leads in to and out from the

:$64;#( A$6E( 1( :6&52( 56$E1;( 26( 28#(
:$64;#G(78#(;#5=28(6A (28#(56$E1;(%15(
be set in the Value(4#;<G
Lead in
value
51
Arc
The tool leads in to and out from

28#(:$64;#(>&28(1(215=#52&1;(1$%G(78#(
arc radius can be set in the Value
4#;<G
Lead in
Tangent value
The tool leads in/out on a line

215=#52(26(28#(:$64;#G(78#(;#5=28(6A (
the tangent can be set in the Value
4#;<G
Normal
Lead in
value
Point
78#( 266;( ;#1<'( &5`692( A$6E( 1( 9'#$/<#45#<( :6'&2&65G( \$6E( 28&'(

position, the tool moves on a straight line to the start point of the
:$64;#G(I8#5(D69('#;#%2(28&'(6:2&65M(28#( Pick button is activated so
that you can select a position directly on the solid model.
When the Same as lead in check box is selected, the strategy and
:1$1E#2#$'(<#45#<(A6$(Lead in are used for Lead out.
Under Lead in, choose the Tangent option from the list
and set the Value to 6.
Under Lead out, select the Same as Lead in check box.
78#( <#45&2&65( 6A ( 28#( ?1'&%( 2#%856;6=&%1;( :1$1E#2#$'( 6A (

:$64;#(E&;;&5=(&'(45&'8#<G
9. Calculate the Tool path
Click on the Save & Calculate(?92265G(78#(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(<121(&'('1B#<(15<(28#(266;(

path is calculated.
52
10. Simulate the operation
Click on the Simulate button in the Profile Operation

dialog box. The Simulation control panel is displayed.
Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the simulation
with the Play button.
78#( '6;&<( '26%@( E6<#;( <#45#<( &5( Exercise #1 is used in the SolidVerify
simulation mode. During the machining simulation process, SolidCAM
'9?2$1%2'( 28#( 266;( E6B#E#52'( P9'&5=( '6;&<( L66;#15( 6:#$12&65'Q( A$6E( 28#(
solid model of the stock. The remaining machined stock is a solid model
that can be dynamically zoomed or rotated. It can also be compared to the
target model in order to show the rest material.
I8#5(28#('&E9;12&65(&'(45&'8#<M(:;1D(28#(&2('2#:(?D('2#:(9'&5=(28#( button.
Switch to the Host CAD simulation mode and click on the Play button.
53
The Host CAD simulation mode enables you to display the tool path directly
on the model in the SolidWorks window. Since all the View options of
SolidWorks are active during the simulation, you can see the tool path from
different perspectives and zoom on a certain area of the model.
Close the simulation with the Exit button. The Profile

Operation dialog box is displayed.
Close the Profile Operation dialog box with the Exit

button. The SolidCAM Manager tree is displayed. The
0$64;#(6:#$12&65(#52$D(&'(<&':;1D#<(95<#$(28#( Operations
header in SolidCAM Manager.
11. Add a Profile operation
3#45#(1(5#>(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(26(E1%8&5#(28#(A1%#'(6A (28#(=9&<#('2#:'(1'('86>5G
_&=82/%;&%@(65(28#(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(#52$D(
in SolidCAM Manager and choose Profile
from the Add Operation submenu. A new
6:#$12&65(&'(1<<#<(1A2#$(28#(4$'2(0$64;#(
operation.
The Profile Operation dialog box is

displayed.
Click on the Define button in the

Geometry page of the Profile Operation
dialog box.
54
The Geometry Edit dialog box

is displayed in the SolidWorks
PropertyManager area.
Click on the model edge as shown.

The edge is selected.
The direction of the selected chain

enables you to perform climb milling.
Click on the Accept chain button

in the Chain list( '#%2&65( 26( %654$E(
the chain. The chain icon is displayed.
3#45#( 28#( '#%65<( %81&5G( _6212#( 28#(

model and select the model edge as
shown.
The direction of the selected chain is

28#( '1E#( 1'( 2812( 6A ( 28#( 4$'2( %81&5G(
Click on the Reverse button. The
chain direction is reversed to perform
climb milling for this side too.
Click on the Accept chain button

26(%654$E(28#(%81&5G
The second chain icon is displayed in the Chain list section. At this stage, the geometry
&'(<#45#<G(,654$E(28#(=#6E#2$D('#;#%2&65(>&28(28#( button. The Profile Operation
dialog box is displayed.
13. Define the Tool
O5(28&'(6:#$12&65M(9'#(28#('1E#(266;(2812(>1'(<#45#<(&5(
the previous operation. The tool data is saved in the Part
Tool Table.
Switch to the Tool page and click on the Select button.
55
Double-click on the tool #1, the end mill tool of Ø10(<#45#<(
in the previous operation. The tool is chosen for the current
operation.
Click on the Data button in the Tool area.
The Operation Tool Data dialog box is displayed.
Set the Spin Rate and Spin Finish to 6000.
Set the following feed data:
J( H#2(28#(Feed XY to 800[
J( H#2(28#(Feed Z to 200[
J( H#;#%2( 28#( %8#%@( ?6"( 15<(
set the Feed Finish to
1000.
,654$E( 28#( 266;( <121( <#45&2&65(

with the OK button. The Profile
Operation dialog box is displayed.
14. Define the Profile depth
3#45#(28#(<#:28(6A (28#(:$64;#(E&;;&5=G(-'(&5(28#(:$#B&69'(0$64;#(6:#$12&65M(28#(0$64;#(
<#:28(&'(<#45#<(?D(:&%@&5=(15(#52&2D(65(28#('6;&<(E6<#;G
56
Switch to the Levels page and click on

the Profile depth button in the Milling
levels area.
The Pick Lower level dialog box is

displayed.
Click on the model face as shown.
The Lower level B1;9#(P-3Q(&'(<&':;1D#<(
in the Pick Lower level dialog box.
,654$E(28#(;6>#$(;#B#;('#;#%2&65(>&28(
the button. The Profile depth
value 3 is displayed in the Profile
Note the Clearance level and the Safety distance parameters.
Clearance level is the Z-level to which the tool retreats when moving
from cut to cut.
Safety distance is the distance to the Upper level at which the tool
'21$2'(E6B&5=(12(28#(Y(A##<($12#(D69(81B#(<#45#<G(.6B#E#52'(A$6E(
the Clearance level to this height are performed in the rapid mode.
78#'#(:1$1E#2#$'(1$#(<#45#<(<9$&5=(28#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(<#45&2&65(
and are default for each operation that is using this Coordinate System.
However, these parameters can be customized for each operation.
Switch to the Technology page of the Profile

In this case, the default Left option set for

Tool side meets the requirements of the
climb milling. Click on the Geometry button
to check the tool position.
Close the Modify Geometry dialog box with
the button and return to the Profile
57
U6>(D69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(:1$1E#2#$'(6A (28#(:$64;#($69=8&5=(15<(45&'8&5=G
Select the Rough check box. Set the Step down to

1.5 mm. With this value, SolidCAM performs two cuts at
the following Z-levels: -1.5[(-3.
In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and the Floor
offset to 0.2 mm. These offsets are removed with a separate
45&'8(%92(&5(28#(#5<(6A (28#(:$64;#(E1%8&5&5=G
Select the Finish %8#%@( ?6"( 26( :#$A6$E( 28#( 45&'8&5=( 6A (

28#(:$64;#G(78#(45&'8(:1''($#E6B#'(28#(0.2 mm allowance
left after the roughing. Set the Step down(A6$(28#(:$64;#(
45&'8&5=(26(3 mm.
16. Define the Lead in and the Lead out
Switch to the Link page of the Profile Operation dialog

box. In the same manner as explained in the Step #8 of
this exercise, choose the Tangent option from the Lead in
list and set the Value to 6.
Under Lead out, select the Same as Lead in check box.
78#( <#45&2&65( 6A ( 28#( ?1'&%( 2#%856;6=&%1;( :1$1E#2#$'( 6A (

28#(:$64;#(E&;;&5=(&'(45&'8#<G
17. Calculate the Tool path
Click on the Save & Calculate(?92265G(78#(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(<121(&'('1B#<(15<(28#(266;(

path is calculated.
Click on the Simulate button in the Profile

Operation dialog box. The Simulation control
panel is displayed.
Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the

simulation with the Play button.
58
Close the simulation with the Exit button. The Profile Operation dialog box is
displayed.
Close the Profile Operation dialog box with the Exit button.
Counterbore holes machining
At this stage, you have to machine two counterbore holes located on

the top face of the guide.
The machining is performed in

28$##('21=#'G(-2(28#(4$'2('21=#M(%#52#$(
drilling is performed to pre-machine
the holes. Then a drilling operation is
used to machine the through holes.
After the drilling, the counterbore is
milled.
59
19. Add a Drilling operation
_&=82/%;&%@(65(28#(;1'2(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(&5(SolidCAM Manager and choose Drilling from

the Add Operation submenu. The Drilling operation is used to perform the preliminary
center drilling.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.
20. Define the Drill geometry
In the Geometry area, click on the Define button.
The Drill Geometry Selection dialog box is displayed in the

SolidWorks PropertyManager area. This dialog box enables
you to select the geometry for drilling directly on the solid
model.
SolidCAM enables you to select the drill

centers using the following options:
J( Pick position
R69( %15( <#45#( <$&;;( %#52#$'( 65#( ?D(

one directly on the solid model.
60
J( 3 Points on circumference
Usually, all curves and arcs of imported models are converted

into splines by the exporting CAD system. Due to the nature
of spline curves or surface boundaries, you cannot pick a
center position like you could on a circle or an arc. SolidCAM
%1;%9;12#'(28#(%#52#$(:6'&2&65(6A (15(1$%(<#45#<(?D(28$##(:6&52'(
positioned on the spline edges. This facilitates selecting drill
centers on spline surfaces.
J( Multi-positions
R69( %15( '#;#%2( 28#( E6<#;( A1%#G( H6;&<,-.( 1926E12&%1;;D(

recognizes all arcs/circles located on the selected face and
selects the center points as drill positions.
J( All circle/arc centers
SolidCAM searches the solid model for arcs and circles and
adds all center points as drill positions to the geometry.
Choose the All circle/arc centers

option and click on the corresponding
button.
Two drill positions are selected. Their

coordinates are displayed in the Drill
Geometry Selection dialog box.
Click on the ( ?92265( 26( %654$E( 28#( =#6E#2$D( '#;#%2&65G( 78#( Drilling Operation
61
21. Define the Tool
Switch to the Tool page of the Drilling Operation dialog

box and click on the Select button.
Click on the Add(?92265(26('21$2(1(5#>(<$&;;&5=(266;(<#45&2&65G(78#(Tool type dialog box

is displayed. Choose the Center drill tool for the operation.
Center drill
This tool type is used for center drilling in Drilling operations. A tool
6A (28&'(2D:#(&'(<#45#<(>&28(28#(:1$1E#2#$'('86>5(&5(28#(&E1=#G
Arbor
Diameter
Shoulder
Angle Total
Outside Length
Holder
Length
Cutting
Length
Angle
Tip Diameter Tip

Length
62
3#45#(28#(266;(:1$1E#2#$'(1'(A6;;6>'+
J( H#2(28#(Tip Diameter to 6[
J( H#2(28#(Tip Angle to 90.
Click on the Select button to choose the tool for the operation.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed. Click on the

Data button in the Tool area.
The Operation Tool Data( <&1;6=( ?6"( &'( <&':;1D#<G( 3#45#(

the spin and the feed for the operation.
J( H#2(28#(Spin Rate to 1200[

J( H#2(28#(Feed Z to 200.
Click on the OK(?92265(26(%654$E(28#(:1$1E#2#$'(<#45&2&65G(78# Drilling Operation

63
22. Define the center drilling depth
Switch to the Levels page and set the Drill depth to 3.
23. Calculate the tool path
Click on the Save & Calculate button. The Drilling

operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated.
Click on the Simulate button in the Drilling

Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.
Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the

simulation with the button.
Close the simulation with the button. The

Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.
Close the Drilling Operation dialog box with

the Exit button.
25. Add a Drilling operation
Right-click on the last Drilling operation and choose Drilling from the Add Operation
submenu.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.
78&'(6:#$12&65(&'(9'&5=(28#(=#6E#2$D(2812(>1'(<#45#<(&5(
the center drilling operation. Choose the Drill geometry
from the list in the Geometry area.
!1%8( =#6E#2$D( <#45#<( &5( H6;&<,-.( 81'( 1( 95&C9#( 51E#G( I8#5( 28#(
=#6E#2$D( &'( ?#&5=( <#45#<M( &2( &'( 1''&=5#<( 1( <#A19;2( 51E#( 2812( %15( ?#(
%815=#<G(a'&5=(28&'(51E#M(D69(%15(%866'#(28#(=#6E#2$D(A6$(28#(':#%&4%(
operation.
64
27. Define the Tool
3#45#(1(5#>(<$&;;&5=(266;(6A (Ø5.5 for this operation.
Switch to the Tool page and click on the Select button in the Tool area.
The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed. Click on the Add button. The Tool type
dialog box is displayed. Choose the Drill tool.
Set the Diameter to 5.5.
In the Length section, set the following parameters:
J( H#2(28#(Total to 70[
J( H#2(28#(Outside holder to 60[
J( H#2(28#(Shoulder length to 50[
J( H#2(28#(Cutting to 40.
Click on the Select button to choose the tool for the

operation.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed. Click on the

Data button in the Tool area.
65
The Operation Tool Data dialog box
&'(<&':;1D#<G(3#45#(28#(':&5(15<(28#(
feed for the operation.
J( H#2(28#(Spin Rate to 3000[

J( H#2(28#(Feed Z to 360.
Click on the OK( ?92265( 26( %654$E(

the settings. The Drilling Operation
28. Define the drilling depth
The overall height of the guide is 30 mm. The drilling

has to be performed deeper than this value in order to
enable the tool to exit from the material to perform
the through drilling.
Switch to the Levels page and click on the Upper level

button. Select the top face of the model as shown.
Height
,654$E( 28#( Pick Upper level dialog box by

clicking on the ( ?92265G( 78#( B1;9#( P0Q( &'(
displayed in the Milling levels area, and the
pink background of the edit box means that
this value is associative with the solid model.
Click on the Drill depth button. Rotate the

model and select the bottom face as shown.
,654$E( 28#( Pick Lower level dialog box.
The value of 30 enables you to perform the
through drilling.
3#45#(28#(Delta depth.
The Delta depth( :1$1E#2#$( <#45#'(28#(6AA'#2(A6$( 28#(%922&5=(<#:28(

that can be changed with its associativity preserved. The Delta depth
value is always relative to the Depth(<#45#<(A6$(28#(6:#$12&65G
66
Set the Delta depth value to -1.
To perform the through drilling, use the Depth type option.
Depth type
This option enables you to deepen the drilled hole in order to obtain
1(=&B#5(<&1E#2#$(12(28#(':#%&4#<(<$&;;(<#:28G
Drill Drill
Drill
depth depth
depth
Diameter
value
Cutter tip Full diameter Diameter value
!" 1'55/+"59?
78#(<$&;;(2&:($#1%8#'(28#(<#45#<(<$&;;(<#:28G
!" @'00")9*=/5/+
78#(<$&;;($#1%8#'(28#(<#45#<(<$&;;(<#:28(>&28(28#(A9;;(<&1E#2#$G
!" $9*=/5/+"A*0'/
78#(<$&;;($#1%8#'(28#(<#45#<(<$&;;(<#:28(>&28(28#(<$&;;(%65#(<&1E#2#$(
':#%&4#<(&5(28#(#<&2(?6"G
The Diameter value can vary from 0 all the way up to the drill tool
diameter. A value greater than the drill tool diameter is automatically
decreased to the drill tool diameter.
In the Depth type area, choose the Full diameter option.

With this option, the drilling is performed until the full
<&1E#2#$(&'($#1%8#<(12(28#(':#%&4#<(<$&;;(<#:28G(78&'(E#15'(
that the cone part of the tool exits from the material.
67
29. Define the Drilling type
SolidCAM enables you to use a number of drill canned

cycles supported by your CNC-controller. In this operation,
the pecking canned cycle is used for chip breaking. With
this cycle, the chip breaking is accomplished by slight
retracts of the tool during the drilling process.
Switch to the Technology page and click on the Drill cycle

type button. The Drill Cycle dialog box is displayed.
Click on the Peck button. The cycle is chosen for the

operation.
Click on the Data( ?92265( 26( <#45#( 28#( :#%@&5=(

parameters. The Drill Options dialog box is displayed.
Set the Step down to 1.5 in order 26(<#45#(28#(<#:28(
6A ( #1%8( :#%@&5=( E6B#E#52G( ,654$E( 28#( <121( >&28(
the OK button.
Click on the Save & Calculate button.
The Drilling operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated.
Click on the Simulate button in the Drilling Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.
Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the simulation by clicking on
the button.
Close the simulation with the button. The

Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.
Close the Drilling Operation dialog box with the

Exit button.
Now you have to machine the counterbores.
68
32. Add a Pocket operation
The Pocket operation is used for the counterbore machining. Right-click on the last
<#45#<(3$&;;&5=(6:#$12&65(15<(%866'#(Pocket from the Add Operation submenu.
The Pocket Operation dialog box is displayed.
69
The geometry for a Pocket operation is represented

by a number of closed chains. In this exercise, you
81B#( 26( <#45#( 2>6( %81&5'( 9'&5=( 28#( '6;&<( E6<#;(
edges as shown.
Click on the Define button in the Geometry page to
'21$2(28#(=#6E#2$D(<#45&2&65G
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
In the Multi-chain section, click on the Add button.
The Chains Selection dialog box is displayed. This dialog box

#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(%81&5(=#6E#2$D(?D('#;#%2&5=(28#(A1%#'(
of the solid model. When a face is selected, SolidCAM collects
all solid model edges of the face and builds the chains.
In the Type section, choose the Faces option. When this mode
is chosen, all the loops of the selected face are collected, and
closed geometry chains are created. The Loops filter is applied
to the collected loops to exclude all those that do not match the
':#%&4#<(%$&2#$&1G
In the Loops filter section, clear the External loop check box.
The geometry used for this operation must include only two
internal round chains of the holes on the upper face.
Click on the face as shown.
The face is selected. The face edges

2812( E##2( 28#( ':#%&4#<( $#C9&$#E#52'( 1$#(
highlighted.
,654$E( 28#( A1%#( '#;#%2&65( ?D( %;&%@&5=( 65(

the button.
70
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed. Two chains

collected from the selected face are listed in the Chain List
area.
,654$E(28#(Geometry Edit dialog box with the button.

34. Define the Tool
3#45#(1(5#>(E&;;&5=(266;(A6$(28#(6:#$12&65G(H>&2%8(26(28#( Tool page and click on the

Select button.
Click on the Add button to add a new tool to the Part Tool Table. The Tool type dialog
box is displayed. Choose the End mill tool for the operation.
Set the Diameter of the tool to 8.
Click on the Select button to choose the tool for the operation. The Pocket Operation
Click on the Data button in the Tool area. The Operation Tool Data dialog box is
<&':;1D#<G(3#45#(28#(':&5(15<(28#(A##<(A6$(28#(6:#$12&65G
71
Set the Spin Rate and the Spin
Finishto 6000.
Set the following feed data:
J( H#2(28#(Feed XY to 1500[
J( H#2(28#(Feed Z to 250[
J( H#;#%2( 28#( %8#%@( ?6"( 15<(
set the Feed Finish to
1700.
,654$E(28#(<&1;6=(?6"(>&28(28#(OK
button.
35. Define the Pocket depth
3#45#( 28#( 06%@#2( <#:28( <&$#%2;D( 65( 28#( '6;&<( E6<#;G(

Switch to the Levels page and click on the Pocket depth
button. The Pick Lower level dialog box is displayed in
the SolidWorks PropertyManager area.
Click on the bottom face of the counterbore as shown.
,654$E( 28#( '#;#%2&65( ?D( %;&%@&5=( 65( 28#( ( ?92265G( 78#( <#:28( B1;9#( P3.58Q( &'(
determined.
72
36. Define the Step down
In this case, the material is machined in one step, so the

Step down value is equal to that of the Pocket depth.
Set the Step down to 3.58.
H6;&<,-.( #51?;#'( D69( 26( :#$A6$E( $69=8( 15<( 45&'8( :6%@#2( E1%8&5&5=( &5( 1( '&5=;#(
operation. Switch to the Technology page of the Pocket Operation dialog box.
The Offsets( 1$#1( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 28#( 6AA'#2'( 2812(
remain on the pocket after the rough machining. These
6AA'#2'( 1$#( $#E6B#<( <9$&5=( 28#( 45&'8&5=G( H#2( 28#( Wall
offset and the Floor offset to 0.2.
Make sure that the default Contour pocket machining

strategy is chosen in the Technology list.
When the Contour strategy is chosen, the tool moves on offsets

parallel to the pocket contour.
Overlap
R69(%15(<#45#(28#(Overlap 6A (28#(1<F1%#52(266;(:1''#'(1'(1 Percentage

of the tool diameter or as a Value.
73
In the Finish area, select the Wall and Floor check boxes.
78#'#( 6:2&65'( #51?;#( D69( 26( :#$A6$E( 45&'8&5=( 6A ( 28#(
Wall offset and the Floor offset that remain after the
roughing.
38. Define the Ramping strategy
Switch to the Link page of the Pocket Operation dialog

?6"G(3#45#(28#('2$12#=D(>&28(>8&%8(28#(266;(&'(:;95=&5=(
into the material during the pocket roughing.
The following Ramping strategies are available for rough machining of

pockets:
!" B&(/
The tool enters the material vertically at the pocket start point chosen
automatically by the SolidCAM pocket algorithm.
!" C/+598*0
78#(266;(#52#$'(28#(E12#$&1;(B#$2&%1;;D(12(1(9'#$/<#45#<(:6'&2&65G(\$6E(
this position, the tool moves to the pocket start point calculated by
the pocket algorithm. Use the Data button to specify the position
where the tool plunges into the material.
!" 2(:0/
78#(266;(E6B#'(26(28#(:6%@#2('21$2(:6&52(12(1(':#%&4#<($1E:(15=;#G(
The start point must be selected using the Data button. Enter the
ramping angle value into the Angle edit box of the Angle ramping
dialog box.
SolidCAM does not check the ramping movement against the pocket
contour. Check the tool path simulation to make sure that the tool
does not gouge the pocket walls or islands.
74
!" D/098*0
The tool descends from the safety distance above the Upper level to
the material in a circular motion until the step down is reached using
28#(9'#$/<#45#<($1<&9'G(I8#5(28#(266;($#1%8#'(28#('2#:(<6>5(<#:28M(
it machines all the material at the step down depth. Click on the Data
button to set the helical ramping parameters.
!" E9(/*+
The Linear ramping follows the same rules as the Helical ramping.
The difference is that the descent is performed in a linear zigzag
fashion rather than in a circular one.
In this exercise, the Vertical strategy is used

to perform the plunging in the center of the
drilled hole.
Choose the Vertical option from the list.
In this exercise, the model contains the sketch

with the center points of the holes. This sketch
was created by the SolidWorks Hole Wizard
during the counterbore holes modelling.
Switch to the SolidWorks FeatureManager Design tree.
In the SolidWorks FeatureManager Design tree, click on the icon near the
DesignModel component of the CAM-Part assembly to expand it and see all features
of the model.
Expand the last feature named CBORE for M5 Hex Head Bolt1 by clicking on
the icon.
This feature is based on two sketches: one of them contains the geometry of the hole
section and the other the center points of the holes. These sketches are hidden by
default.
75
Right-click on Sketch3 under the counterbore feature
and click on the Show button in the upper menu.
The sketch is displayed.
In the Ramping area of the Pocket Operation dialog

box, click on the Data button to choose the points
where the tool is plunging into the material. The
Vertical ramping dialog box is displayed.
This dialog box enables you to

<#45#( 28#( #52$15%#( :6&52( A6$(
each chain used in the Pocket
operation. The schematic tool
facilitates the selection.
Select the center point as shown.
In the Vertical ramping dialog

box, click on the second chain
#52$D( &5( 28#( ;&'2( 26( <#45#( 28#
entrance point for the next
chain. Select the center point as
shown.
,654$E( D69$( '#;#%2&65( >&28

the button.
76
39. Define the Lead in strategy
The Lead in( 6:2&65( &'( 9'#<( A6$( <#45&5=( 28#( 86$&b6521;( 1::$61%8( 6A ( 28#( 266;( 26( 28#(
=#6E#2$D(&5(28#(45&'8(E1%8&5&5=(6A (28#(:1$2(>1;;'G
The following Lead in strategies are available for pocket machining:
!" B&(/
The tool leads in to the milling level exactly

1<F1%#52(26(28#('21$2(:6&52(6A (28#(=#6E#2$DG
!" B&+=*0
The tool approaches at the last point of

28#(:$64;#(>&28(1(E6B#E#52(56$E1;(26(28#(
pocket contour.
Lead in
value
!" 2+8
78#( 266;( 1::$61%8#'( 28#( :$64;#( >&28( 1(

circular motion, tangent to the last entity of
the pocket contour.
Lead in
value
!" 7*(:/(5
The tool approaches the pocket wall in a

E6B#E#52(215=#52(26(28#(;1'2(:$64;#(#52&2DG
Normal
Lead in
value
77
Choose the None option for Lead in.
40. Define the Lead out strategy
U6>(D69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(E6B#E#52(6A (28#(266;(>8#5(
&2($#2$#12'(A$6E(28#(:6%@#2(%65269$(1A2#$(28#(45&'8&5=(%92G
In the Lead out area, choose the Arc option, set the value
to 1 and click on the Data button.
The Arc Lead out data dialog box is displayed.
Arc angle
78&'(:1$1E#2#$(<#45#'(28#(15=;#(6A (28#($#2$#12(1$%('#=E#52G(78#(<#A19;2(
15=;#(B1;9#(&'(cde[(H6;&<,-.(=#5#$12#'(1($#2$#12(:128(6A (C91$2#$(1$%G
Lead out from
With the Arc Lead out option, the tool moves by the retreat arc to the
1$%( #5<( :6&52( 15<( 28#5( E6B#'( 56$E1;;D( 12( 28#( ':#%&4#<( <&'215%#G( 78#(
following options are available:
Angle Angle
Distance
Lead out from Center Lead out from Distance

!" $9;5*(8/
78#( 266;( 45&'8#'( 28#( ;#1<( 692( E6B#E#52( 12( 28#( ':#%&4#<( <&'215%#(
from the arc end point.
!" 1/(5/+
78#(266;(45&'8#'(28#(;#1<(692(E6B#E#52(12(28#($#2$#12(1$%(%#52#$G
78
Click on the OK ?92265(26(%654$E(28#(Arc Lead out data dialog box.
Click on the Save & Calculate button.

The Pocket operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated.
Click on the Simulate button in the Pocket Operation dialog box.
The Simulation control panel is displayed.
Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the simulation with the button.
Perform the simulation in the step-by-step mode to check the lead in and lead out
movements.
Close the simulation with the button. The Pocket Operation dialog box is displayed.
Close the Pocket Operation dialog

box with the Exit button.
U6>( D69( 81B#( '9%%#''A9;;D( 45&'8#<(

the exercise.
79

SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

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SolidCAM 2009 SolidCAM

Power and Ease of Use - the winning combination

W W W.S O L I D C AM .C O M All Rights Reserved.

All Rights Reserved.

1.1 About this course............................................................................................................................9

1.2 Basic Concepts ..............................................................................................................................11

1.3 Process Overview .........................................................................................................................11

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

Exercise #2: Guide Machining ..................................................................................................36

4. Advanced 2.5D Milling

Exercise #10: Pocket Recognition ..........................................................................................201

5. Indexial 4-Axis Milling

Exercise #14: Frame Machining .............................................................................................237

6. Indexial 5-Axis Milling

Exercise #17: Hydraulic Block Machining ............................................................................269

Document number: SCMTCENG09001

1.1 About this course

Using this training book

This book uses the following typographic conventions:

Bold Sans Serif This style is used to emphasize SolidCAM options,

This style combined with the lamp icon is used for

1.2 Basic Concepts

!" Geometry(K(LD('#;#%2&5=(!<=#'M(,9$B#'M(H9$A1%#'(6$(H6;&<'M(<#45#( what and where you

J( Operation – An Operation is a single machining step in SolidCAM. Technology, Tool

1.3 Process Overview

Coordinate System definition

Stock model definition

Target model definition

J( CNC-controller definition. Choosing a CNC-controller is a necessary step. The controller

J( Coordinate System definitionG(R69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(K(28#(6$&=&5(A6$(

J( Stock model definitionG(H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#('26%@(E6<#;(2812(<#'%$&?#'(

J( Target model definitionG(H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(E6<#;(6A (28#(:1$2(&5(&2'(451;(

Exercise #1: CAM-Part Definition

When you start to program a CAM-Part, you have to decide what

In this exercise, the block workpiece is used. The block dimensions

At the next stage, you have to decide on what type

Load the Exercise1.sldprt model located in the Exercises folder.

To activate SolidCAM, click on the SolidCAM

New Milling Part dialog box

Specify the location of the CAM-Part. The default directory is the

The Use Model file directory option enables you to automatically

Every time the CAM-Part is opened, SolidCAM

When the Directory, CAM-Part name and Model name have

The structure of the CAM-Part

78#( ,-./01$2( &5%;9<#'( 1( 59E?#$( 6A ( <121( 4;#'( $#:$#'#52#<( 65( 28#(

SolidCAM copies the original SolidWorks model to the Milling

The SolidCAM CAM-Part uses the assembly environment of

4. Choose the CNC-Controller

In this exercise, use a 3-Axis CNC-machine with the

5. Start the Coordinate System definition

Click on the Define button in the Coordinate System area

The Z-direction of the Machine

For 3-Axis CNC milling machines, each Machine Coordinate

to machine the part with a single

The CoordSys <&1;6=(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(,66$<&512#(

R69( %15( <#45#( 28#( ,66$<&512#( HD'2#E( 6$&=&5( :6'&2&65( 15<(

H6;&<,-.( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 28#( ,66$<HD'(

78&'( E#286<( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 1( 5#>(

This E#286<( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 28#(

This method enables you to choose the SolidWorks Coordinate

Normal to current view

6. Select the model face

With the Select Face method chosen, click on the

The CoordSys is located in the