CAMWorks

2.5 Axis

CAMWorks Milling software for G-code programming CNC mill machines is available in a variety of configurations, so you can purchase exactly what you need now and add to your CAM system as your business grows.

2.5 Axis Milling includes automatic roughing, finishing, thread milling, face milling and single point (drilling, boring, reaming, tapping) cycles to machine prismatic features.

• Machining algorithms use the latest toolpath and gouge protection methods.
• Cutting cycles provide fast, gouge-protected toolpaths using ball, flat end mill, taper, corner round, thread mill and hog nose tools.
• Automatic toolpath optimization increases program efficiency.

High Speed Machining

Powerful integrated strategies are included in every milling module to generate efficient, smooth, gouge-free toolpaths that maintain continuous machine tool motion for higher feedrates, improved surface finish, reduced wear on cutters and longer life for machine tools. These strategies deliver advanced machining and linking solutions for your molds, tools, dies and complex multi-axis parts.

Assembly Mode

CAMWorks leverages the power and flexibility of SolidWorks Assembly mode to support CNC programming of multiple parts for production machining and to more accurately represent the machining environment.

 

 

 

Some of the key benefits include:

• The entire machining environment can be modelled including machine components, parts, stock, clamps, and fixtures - as much or as little detail as desired can be modelled in the SolidWorks assembly document
• Multiple copies of a part can be positioned in the assembly document and machined with CAMWorks
• The same part can be machined with multiple different machine tools
• Multiple SolidWorks configurations can be machined in one assembly document
• Ability to split instances of the same part and generate separate features and operations
• CAMWorks data from CAD part models can be imported into an assembly document

3 Axis

3 Axis Mlling includes 2.5 axis capabilities plus routines to machine complex, contoured surfaces routinely encountered in mold making and aerospace applications. CAMWorks 3 Axis cycles are developed for speed, accuracy and efficient memory usage. Simple and complex parts can be cut quickly and accurately with a high quality toolpath.

• All 3 Axis Cutting Cycles:

  • Can be modified to stay contained within an area or to avoid an area
  • Provide interactive and automatic methods for defining contain and avoid areas
  • Have retract options to reduce travel distance between retract and reentry moves
  • Can generate high-speed toolpaths with no sharp corners
  • Can generate toolpaths with ball, flat, hog nose, tapered ball, tapered flat, or tapered hog nose tools
  • Allow user defined start and end Z depths
  • Can have separate XY and Z stock allowances
  • Allow contain and avoid areas to be defined with different tool side conditions for On, Upto and Past
  • Allow contain and avoid areas to have multiple closed areas
  • Allow avoid areas to be defined such that the tool will machine over the avoid area
  • Provide the ability to generate toolpaths as separate threads and in separate processes. Multiple toolpaths will generate simultaneously and at the same time the user can continue working in other areas or on other CAM models.
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  • All 3 axis cycles except area clearance and flat area support an option to restrict the toolpath areas to a given slope and provide options for up and down milling
  • Area clearance and Z-Level support an option to avoid small pockets
  • The pattern project cycle slice pattern includes options for cross machining
  • All 3 Axis milling operations support rest or leftover machining. Rest machining is used to reduce air cutting by restricting toolpaths to areas within the feature that have not been machined previously
  • The constant stepover cycle removes material by maintaining a constant user-defined stepover relative to the surface; this cycle generates a semi-finished or finished toolpath with a true constant stepover regardless of the slope being machined
  • The curve project cycle removes material by projecting 2.5 Axis engrave or curve features on the 3 Axis feature; CAMWorks can calculate a single pass or multiple passes for engraving
  • The flat area cycle uses a roughing pattern to remove material on flat faces
  • Adaptive roughing strategy provides the ability to cut using the full depth of the tool and safely run your machine at optimum speed; this can reduce machining time up to 40% over conventional roughing with less wear
  • Z Level/Constant stopover combination operation can be used for machining steep and shallower slope areas in one toolpath

 

Assembly Mode

CAMWorks leverages the power and flexibility of SolidWorks Assembly mode to support CNC programming of multiple parts for production machining and to more accurately represent the machining environment.

Some of the key benefits include:

• The entire machining environment can be modelled including machine components, parts, stock, clamps, and fixtures. As much or as little detail as desired can be modelled in the SolidWorks assembly document.
• Multiple copies of a part can be positioned in the assembly document and machined with CAMWorks.
• The same part can be machined with multiple different machine tools.
• Multiple SolidWorks configurations can be machined in one assembly document.
• Ability to split instances of the same part and generate separate features and operations.
• CAMWorks data from CAD part models can be imported into an assembly document.

 

 

Turning

CAMWorks 2 and 4 Axis Turning  software for programming CNC lathe machines includes automatic roughing, finishing, grooving, threading, cutoff, and single point (drilling, boring, reaming and tapping) cycles.

CAMWorks, which is fully integrated into SolidWorks, incorporates Machining Intelligence for Automation, a suite of tools that automate Feature Recognition and the generation of toolpaths based on a user-defined technology database.

Automatic and Interactive Feature Recognition

Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) analyzes the part shape and attempts to define the most common machinable features such as the OD and ID of the part, front face and grooves.

• AFR recognizes features on native SolidWorks part models or on solid parts imported via IGES, SAT, etc.
• When bar stock is used, AFR generates a cutoff feature on the opposite side of the face feature.
• Features can be modified to add or remove elements at any time, to add or delete areas to be machined, or to limit the extent of the tool path.
• CAMWorks provides an Interactive Turn Feature wizard for defining features that need to be defined for your facility's machining requirements, such as custom OD and ID grooves.

Turning for 2 and 4 Axis Lathes

CAMWorks Turning provides fast, error-free cutting using standard inserts for both front and rear turret configurations and toolpath, simulation and post processing support for sub-spindles.

• Machining algorithms use the latest toolpath and gouge protection methods
   

• Define stock as bar stock, a revolved sketch, a 2D WIP sketch or from an STL file
• Work in process (WIP) monitoring of stock increases cutting efficiency
• Define chuck to use for toolpath simulation
• Simulated stock shape can be saved as an STL file for use as Turn, Mill-Turn, Mill or Wire EDM stock shapes
• Toolpath, simulation and post processing support for sub-spindles
• Extend or shorten the length of a turn feature from within face rough/finish, turn rough/finish, bore rough/finish and cutoff operations
• Reverse machining for face finish, turn finish, bore rough and bore finish
• Reverse machining for threading to generate left hand threads
• Output for turning canned/fixed cycles for drilling, rough OD/ID turning and facing operations
• Drill and center drill tools for both mill and turn can be specified from a common drill and center drill database
• Option to associate new turn features to current turn features. CAMWorks generates new operations for the new feature that are copies of the operations for the selected current feature
• Cutoff operation spindle speed/feedrate slowdown option to decrease the speed and feedrate at a user specified length from the end of a cutoff toolpath
• Rough groove cleanup pass to remove scallops generated by the rough groove toolpath
• Finish groove cutter compensation support
• Single pass option for groove cycle
• Multiple groove tool driving point options
• Option to set minimum and maximum Z limits for turn operations either globally or for each operation
• Back turning support
• Option to define varying allowances on turn toolpaths
• Ability to mirror about the centerline to generate toolpaths below centerline
• APT CL support for external post processing

Simultaneous 4/5 Axis

CAMWorks Multiaxis Machining software for programming multi-axis CNC machines allows a wide variety of shops and manufacturing facilities to take advantage of 4/5 Axis machines that provide greater productivity, equipment flexibility and quality. Choose the Multiaxis module for your requirements:*

• 3 Axis Mill with undercutting - For 3 axis machining requiring undercutting
• 4 Axis Mill - For up to 4 axis simultaneous machining
• 5 Axis Mill - For up to 5 axis simultaneous machining
• *All Multiaxis modules include 2.5 Axis Mill and 3 Axis Mill

 

Machine Complex Parts

CAMWorks 4/5 Axis simultaneous machining programming software allows the user to create toolpaths across complex shapes that could not be machined on 3 Axis machines. This includes high-performance automotive port finishing, impellers, turbine blades, cutting tools, 5 Axis trimming, and undercut machining in mold and die making.
CAMWorks 4 Axis simultaneous machining is designed for complex rotary applications such as camshafts, extrusion screws and blades.

 

 

Reduce Cycle Time - Improve Surface Finish - Extend Tool Life

• Shorter cutting tools can be used since the tool can be tilted to adjust the angle between the cutter and thepart. The increased rigidity of shorter tools allows you to take advantage of the high-speed options in CAMWorks to machine at higher speeds with no loss in accuracy. The result is better surface quality and reduced finishing time.
• Generating 5 Axis swarf toolpaths instead of traditional 3 Axis toolpaths can result in fewer cut passes and improved surface finish.
• By optimizing the angle between the tool and the surface, it is possible to achieve a constant chip load and a high feedrate at the contact point. The result is improved surface finish and extended tool life.
• Parts that previously required multiple setups can be machined in a single setup with simultaneous control of the rotary axis. In addition to saving time, this also cuts down on mistakes that might be made during multiple setups.

Highlights

CAMWorks Multiaxis Machining provides a powerful set of features and cutting strategies to meet the machining requirements of diverse applications.

4/5 Axis Indexing

CAMWorks offers advanced 3 plus 2 machining support, which gives you the ability to machine various faces of a part, while the software automatically establishes index moves. Multiple machine configurations are supported including rotary tables; rotating and tilting tables; 5 Axis rotating and tilting heads; and horizontal machining centers.

Setup for 4th or 5th axis indexing is as simple as inserting a SolidWorks Axis and picking a 0 degree face.  Both 2 Axis and 3 Axis machining cycles can be used to machine multi-faced parts or multiple parts. Unique stock shapes can be defined to reduce ‘air cutting.’ Significant time savings are achieved by optimizing machining sequences by tool number and index position.

CAMWorks simulation displays all the indexing moves for accurate process simulation and collision checking.

 

CAMWorks Mill-Turn (Live-C) Machining

CAMWorks Mill-Turn multifunction machining includes milling and turning capabilities for multi-tasking machine centers.

• Supports C, Y and B axis machining at compound angles
• Supports 5 axis simultaneous machining

Mill-Turn extends the capabilities of CAMWorks Milling and Turning

• The same Mill and Turn features identified by Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) and defined using Interactive Feature Recognition (IFR) are supported in Mill-Turn
• IFR can be used to define 3 Axis features for Y-axis milling and wrapped features for cylindrical features machined by C-axis motion
• The operations that are generated for features are the same as the operations in CAMWorks 2.5 Axis Milling, 3 Axis Milling and Turning; these include automatic roughing, finishing, thread milling and single point (drilling, boring, reaming, tapping) cycles and all 3 Axis cycles

C, Y and B Axis Machining

Machining cycles are available for C, Y and B axis machining at compound angles and on the Face, ID and OD of a part.

         

The following mill tool axis motion is supported:

C-Axis OD (OD Free, Wrapped)   

• Generates wrapped toolpath on a cylinder about the turning axis (Z). Z and C are controlled simultaneously while the tool stays on the centerline of the part.

 
 

 

Y-Axis OD (OD Fixed)

• Toolpath is generated on a fixed C-axis position.
• For 2.5 Axis Milling, the tool moves to depth in X with Y,Z simultaneous cutting.

 

 

 

 

 

B-Axis OD

• Toolpath is generated on a fixed C and B axis position
• For 2.5 Axis Milling, the tool moves to depth in one axis with simultaneous cutting in other axes

 

 

Face Milling (Fixed, Free)

• For 2½ Axis Milling, the tool positions to depth in Z with X,Y simultaneous or X,C simultaneous cutting

 

 

 

 

 

Wire EDM

CAMWorks Wire EDM software has been designed and developed specifically for programming 2- through 4-axis Wire EDM CNC machines - unlike most CAM systems that use modified milling commands for their EDM programming modules. The result is CAMWorks, which is fully integrated into SolidWorks, provides a more intuitive, automatic, and efficient method of generating EDM toolpaths and machine code.

Intuitive, Automatic, Efficient

• The 2.5 Axis and 4 Axis cutting operations automate the creation of rough, skim and tab cuts
• Options are provided to order the cuts when machining parts with multiple pocket (die) areas
• Numerous processing order options allow the user to automatically change the order with a single command
• Ability to output only rough cuts, only tab cuts or both
• Machine code output can be changed for a different machine by simply selecting a different machine make and model
• Cutting conditions for the new machine are changed automatically as needed
• Option for G-code to output offset toolpath

 

Automatic and Interactive Feature Recognition

CAMWorks is a feature-based machining CAM system that provides the ability to automatically recognize Die (pocket) and Open Profile machinable features for Wire EDM.

• CAMWorks provides interactive 2.5 and 4 Axis Feature wizards to define features that are not recognized automatically or features that need to be defined for your particular machining requirements
• Die (pocket), Punch (boss), Open Profile and Punch Perimeter features can be defined interactively

2 and 4 Axis Contour Cycles

• 2 Axis Contour operations automatically generate rough, tab and skim cuts on 2.5 Axis features; typically, this cycle would be used to cut a punch or die cavity
• Optionally, CAMWorks can automatically generate toolpath passes that will cut both a die and punch at the same time
• 4 Axis Contour operations automatically generate rough, tab and skim cuts on 4 Axis features

 

​​Knowledge-Based Machining

Geometric Technologies' proprietary TechDB, a Microsoft Access database, is the intelligence behind the machining automation in CAMWorks. Using Knowledge-Based Machining technology, the TechDB associates operation parameters to the machineable features. When you generate operations, CAMWorks applies these settings automatically.

Cutting Conditions Database

A cutting conditions database is associated to the post processor for the current machine make and model. The default data in the database is based on information from the machine tool manufacturer and optionally can be modified.

CAMWorks VoluMill

CAMWorks® VoluMill™ is an optional and newly introduced milling toolpath engine within CAMWorks for 2.5 axis and 3 axis roughing operations. It is ideal for prismatic parts and complex 3D shapes as its algorithms result in more intelligent toolpaths to machine pockets, slots, and arbitrary shapes. Volumill is well suited for machining soft as well as hard materials that are hard to chip, such as titanium, nickel-based alloys or stainless steel. The result is increased efficiency and utilization of machines, tools, labor and materials.

Program Smarter. Machine Faster. Improve Tool Life.

The high-performance roughing module, which is fully integrated in CAMWorks, combines optimal milling paths and maximum material removal with minimized machining times. VoluMill's unique approach to high speed material removal allows the programmer to determine the optimum material removal rate for any com-bination of part geometry, material, machine, and cutting tool. Material is removed in the most effective way possible. Consequently, machines run smoothly and tools run cooler.

• Reduce your cycle times up to 80%
• Reduce your programming times up to 50%
• Increase your cutting tool life up to 500%

CAMWorks VoluMill Toolpath for 2-D Features                          CAMWorks VoluMill Toolpath for 3-D Features

Using VoluMill in CAMWorks

VoluMill is developed by Celeritive Technologies' and the kernel has been successfully used in the market for years within standalone versions and other integrations.

ElectrodeWorks - Electrodes for CAMWorks

ElectrodeWorks is an optional module used to design electrodes for electrical discharge machining. The comprehensive and easy to use interface automates all aspects of the calculation and design of EDM electrodes including design, management, documentation and manufacturing.

    


Create electrodes with just a few mouse clicks!

• Fully integrated within SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids to perform modeling, detailing, and core/cavity development
• Based on core SolidWorks/ CAMWorks Solids modeling tools. This provides flexibility to further edit/modify the resultant electrode.
• Desktop integrated solution without external file translation
• Complete parametric data associativity
• Automatic Electrode Extraction
• Auto Drafting functionality to save tedious task of dimensioning the electrodes
• Includes standard elements from Erowa and 3R library
• Integrates any user-created parametric shapes, automatically displaying parameters in electrode dialog box

Automatic Nesting Solution For SolidWorks®

• CAMWorksNesting is an automatic nesting module designed to nest the layouts of SolidWorks parts or assemblies.It is seamlessly integrated within SolidWorks® and allows nesting of flat or 3D sheet metal parts or assembly models.

• CAMWorksNesting uses NestLib®, one of the fastest and most featured automatic true-shape nesting library available in the industry

• This module can be used to create efficient layouts of metal, wood or composite based materials, producing the maximum number of parts from a single piece of raw material within minutes

 

Features and benefits

• Easy to learn and use
• Part-in-part nesting
• Fully Automatic true-shape nesting solution
• Fast Nesting and Optimal Nesting (with time constraint) options
• Full associativity with SolidWorks® - Updates are tracked, and flagged whenever a change is made to the component and are reflected instantly
• Automatically nests multiple parts, based on the material and thickness, thus eliminating the manual efforts of segregating individual parts
• Material optimization - Advanced nesting algorithms reduce raw material consumption by providing optimized and compact layouts
• Improved utilization and increase in productivity 

Applications

• CAMWorksNesting can be used in a variety of industries, including:
  • Aerospace
  • Wood working
  • Composites

• 2.5 Axis Milling

   
  CAMWorks 2.5 Axis Milling

  CAMWorks Milling software for G-code programming CNC mill machines is available in a variety of configurations, so you can purchase exactly what you need now and add to your CAM system as your business grows.

• 3 Axis Milling

   
  CAMWorks 3 Axis Milling

  3 Axis Mlling includes 2.5 axis capabilities plus routines to machine complex, contoured surfaces routinely encountered in mold making and aerospace applications.

• Turning

   
  CAMWorks 2 and 4 Axis Turning

  CAMWorks 2 and 4 Axis Turning software for programming CNC lathe machines includes automatic roughing, finishing, grooving, threading, cutoff, and single point (drilling, boring, reaming and tapping) cycles.

• Multiaxis

   
  CAMWorks Multiaxis Machining

  CAMWorks Multiaxis Machining software for programming multi-axis CNC machines allows a wide variety of shops and manufacturing facilities to take advantage of 4/5 Axis machines.

CAMWorksNesting

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  Assembly Nesting
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  Single Sheet Nesting for Sheet Metal Part
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  Single Sheet Nesting for Solid Parts
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  Understanding CAMWorks Nesting Fundamentals