Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Contents
Supported Platforms.. 2
Resolved CPRs document...2
11
Geometric Americas Inc. makes no warranties, either expressed or implied with respect to this document. Geometric
reserves the right to revise and improve products as it sees fit, and to revise the specifications and information contained
herein without prior notice. Due to continuing product development, specifications and capabilities described in this
document are subject to change without notice.
SOLIDWORKS 2016
SOLIDWORKS 2015
Windows 10
Windows 8.1
Note:
CAMWorks 2016 is not supported on any 32-bit Operating Systems.
The Resolved CPR (CAMWorks Problem Report) document has been updated
to report the software errors that have been resolved in this release.
Implementation:
Implementation:
Purpose:
VoluMill 7.1 which is packed with new functionalities and improvements is now
available in CAMWorks 2016 SP1 version. Volumill 7.1 further improves the
toolpath performance by optimizing the toolpath tourines :
1. Full Entry Spiral option
2. Improved Facing Toolpath
When the Full Entry Spiral option is enabled, after a helical entry into the material, notice how a
smooth spiral motion opens up the right-hand side of the pocket. A combination of the trademark
VoluMill transition moves and side milling completes the machining.
Using the Full Entry Spiral option can often lead to further reductions in cycle time. The spiral
opening improves chip clearance, which can extend tool life.
To use the Full Entry Spiral option, place a check in the checkbox labelled Full Entry Spiral in the
VoluMill Parameters dialog box.
The radius of the side milling cut has been increased in the latest version of Volumill. This will be
helpful while machining into corners or opening up new areas in the pockets.
The regeneration of the toolpath has been made more intelligent. Now the regeneration of the
toolpath is done based on what has been changed in the toolpath parameters viz. geometry,
cutting parameters, etc. thus reducing the toolpath calculation time.
New - Fixed (XYZ) and Free (XCZ) move options for 3 Axis toolpaths in Mill-Turn
The option to output XCZ moves instead of the usual XYZ moves has been
introduced for 3 Axis operations and multiaxis operations in Mill-Turn mode.
Purpose:
From CAMWorks 2016 SP1 version onwards, this option has been extended to 3
Axis toolpaths (3 axis operations and Multiaxis operations) too.
The option to set Fixed or Free moves is available on NC page for 3-axis
operatiosn and on the Axis Control tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box
for 3 Axis and Multiaxis operations.
Fixed and Free options NC tab tab of Operation Parameters dialog box
Fixed and Free options in Axis Control tab of Operation Parameters dialog box
6
Implementation:
New - F5 button for Previewing Toolpath without collapsing Operation Parameters dialog
To provide a quick shortcut key to preview the toolpath without collapsing the
Operation Parameters dialog box when parameters within the Operation
Parameters dialog box are modified/viewed.
Purpose:
Implementation
In all CAMWorks modules (Mill, Turn, Wire EDM, Assembly, Mill-Turn), the
Operation Parameters dialog box collapses whenever the Preview button is
clicked to preview the toolpath. After previewing, user has to click the
maximize button at the corner of the dialog box to restore the dialog box.
From CAMWorks 2016 SP1 version onwards, users can use the F5 button as a
shortcut key for previewing the toolpath without collapsing the Operation
Parameters dialog box.
Operation Parameters dialog box in uncollapsed state on Previewing Toolpath using the
F5 button
Implementation:
The CAMWorks application requires Microsoft Access for the functioning of its
TechDB (Technology DatabaseTM).
The previous versions of CAMWorks supported the MS Access versions of
Access 2007, 2010, 2010 SP1, 2013 SP1 and MS Office 365 with Office 2013.
From CAMWorks 2016 SP1 version, in addition to the existing versions, the MS
Access 2016 version of MS Access too will be supported for functioning of
TechDB.
New - Arc Fit Splines functionality introduced for Wire EDM Contour Operations
The Arc Fit Splines functionality enables replacement of point-to-point wire
movements in each spline entity within a 2 Axis Contour operation with Arc
moves. When splines are arc fit instead of being represented as a polyline,
toolpath generation becomes faster and the toolpath itself will be smaller.
Purpose:
The Arc Fit Spline option in the EDM Setup tab of EDM Settings dialog box
allows users to arc fit the spline entities so that the feature geometry contains
fewer line segments.
- Place a tick in the checkbox labeled 2-Axis to initiate the Arc Fit Splines
functionality.
Implementation:
- Enter the chordal deviation tolerance in the Arc Fit Tolerance field to set
the accuracy of the Arc Fit.
If the Arc Fit tolerance is 0.00, the resulting toolpath will consist of lines
and the perfect arcs generated by the cutting algorithm.
If the Arc Fit tolerance is greater than 0.00, arc fitting is done on linear
moves within the chordal deviation. The resulting toolpath will consist
of lines and fitted arcs.
Arc Fit Splines option in EDM Setup tab of EDM Settings dialog box
9
New - Create Setup button in the dialog displayed on clicking Select Feature button
Purpose:
The Select Feature button within the New Operation dialog box provides a means to either select an
existing feature or add new features for which the operation is to be defined. The introduction of the
Create Setup button within the dialog for selecting feature(s) allows users to create new setups and
consequently add new features under the newly added setups.
Implementation:
The New Operation dialog box in all CAMWorks modules is (Mill, Turn, Mill-Turn. Wire EDM, Assembly)
is used to interactively insert new operations. Clicking the Push button within the Features group box
of this dialog box opens the Features dialog box. This dialog box displays the compatible features for
the selected Operation type to be inserted. You can select or add new features for the operation being
defined.
The Create Features button within this dialog box allowed new features to be added under existing
setups and then select those features for the operation being defined. However, in previous versions
of CAMWorks, there was no provision to create new Setups and subsequently add new features under
such Setups.
From CAMWorks 2016 SP1 version onwards, the newly added Create Setup button addresses this issue.
Use the Create Setup button command to create new setups. Once the Setup is created, use the
Create Features button to insert features under the newly added setup. Assign the feature(s) to the
operation being defined.
10
12
14
15
16
Feature Definition.............................................................................................................. 17
2.5 Axis Feature Definition supports non-planar faces and edges
2.5 Axis Feature Definition supports Second End Condition
2.5 Axis Feature Definition supports Join segments
Recognizing features depth wise
Change in display of Air Segments to dotted lines for slot features
Simplified 2.5 Axis Feature Recognition when defining/editing features
17
18
19
20
21
21
22
23
24
25
27
28
29
TechDB............................................................................................................................... 30
Material considerations for Turn Feature Operations Conditions
Copy or Delete Strategies
30
31
32
Miscellaneous.................................................................................................................... 33
Light Rebuild from CAMWorks NC Manager Node
Modify the Feature Strategies in the Active part or Assembly
Defining the default value for Mill Part Setup origin
Option to set Mill part Setup Origin as top or bottom center of the stock
Better representation of Mill Part setup origin in relation to stock
APIs introduced in CAMWorks 2016
Adding new Wire Diameters in Cutting Conditions of Wire EDM
Improved UI for CAMWorks License Manager and Port Number Detection
33
34
35
36
37
37
38
39
11
Purpose:
The Tool tree tab is provided adjacent to the CAMWorks Operations tree
tab. The standard parameters in this tab include the CAMWorks NC
Manager, Machine and Active Tool crib. Be default, the tool crib items will
be expanded.
For twin turret Turn and Mill-Turn machines, both turrets will be
displayed in the Tool Tree view.
The RMB context menu commands on the Tool crib node allows users
to edit the tool crib, add new tools from the library, create new tools
and save Tool crib to the TechDB.
Implementation
The RMB context menu of the Tool node allows user to display tool
parameters and properties, add new tool from the library, create or
replace tools, create new operations for the selected tool or delete
selected tool.
Each Tool node lists the operations using the selected tool.
Users can select operations and drag/drop them from one tool node to
another tool node. The operation will be regenerated after being
reassigned.
If user modifies the tool itself, then all the operations using that tool
will be regenerated. A corresponding warning message will be
displayed.
12
13
Purpose:
The User Interface of the Tool Select Filter dialog box has been simplified to
allow the user to add a tool from tool library to the active tool crib in
minimal steps. A preview pane has been made available for the user to
have a better visualization of the tool being selected.
New tools can be added from TechDB at three places
1. Machine Edit Definition - Tool Crib tab
2. Operation Edit Definition Tool Tool Crib tab
3. New Operation dialog
Implementation:
In the earlier version of CAMWorks, the tool addition process to the Active
Tool crib includes two steps with two different dialog box i.e. Tool Select Filter
and Tools Database.
From CAMWorks 2016, the Tool Select Filter dialog box and Tools Database
dialog box are combined to simplify the selection process of tool from the
Tool Library and adding to the Active Tool crib. The flow of the tool
selection process has remained unchanged.
A Preview pane is added to display the highlighted tool in the Tools
Database group box along with some dimensions.
The User Interface of the Tool Select Filter dialog box for selecting turn
tools now support filters.
In the earlier version of CAMWorks, for turn tools, filters were not available
to focus on certain tools.
Implementation:
From CAMWorks 2016, five different filters can be applied to the turn tools.
The flow of the tool selection process has remained unchanged.
A Preview pane is added to display the highlighted tool in the Tools
Database group box along with some dimensions.
15
New - Feed per tooth and SFM/SMM can be defined for the tool
Purpose:
Feed using SFM/SMM and feed par tooth can be assigned to the tools in
the TechDB. Based on that data, user will be able to define the RPM
(Revolutions Per Minute) for a mill or a drill tool using the SMM or SFM.
The XY feed rate can be defined using the new parameter of Feed per
Tooth.
The new parameters of SMM/SFM and Feed per Tooth/Revolution are
made available in the Cutting Parameters dialog box of mill and drill tools
in CAMWorks and TechDB.
Implementation
The RPM can be defined by specifying the SMM/SFM value. The XY feed
rate or Z feed rate can be defined by using feed per tooth/revolution
parameter.
Note: The Z feedrate (for Mill tools) and Leadin feedrate will not be
affected in the Cutting Parameters dialog box.
16
Feature Definition
Improved - 2.5 Axis Feature Definition supports non-planar faces and edges
Purpose:
To allow the user to define 2.5 Axis Mill Features using Non-Planar Entities
Implementation
17
Implementation:
User can now define the depth for the
interactively inserted feature in both directions
of the Mill Part Setup. This functionality helps
the user in avoiding the creation of sketches on
the exact planes as that of feature limits in
machining direction. The user defined draft
angle will be applied to the feature from the
lower most plane of the feature with respect to
the machining direction. The islands can be
added interactively or by using the Auto detect
functionality on Island tab of the 2.5 Axis
Feature Wizard.
The End Condition Direction-2 can be applied for
all the editable features in edit definition mode
as well.
18
Implementation:
To provide method to close loops using join segment when defining 2.5 axis
features that require a closed loop.
In most cases, join segments avoids need for having to create a sketch to
define 2.5 axis features.
In cases where a clear closed loop is not available to define a 2.5 Axis
features that need a closed geometry, users can pick possible open segments.
CAMWorks will add a join segment to create a close loop.
In CAMWorks 2016, support for one direct join segment has been introduced.
Future versions of CAMWorks will support multiple as well as various forms of
join segments like tangential or parallel, etc.
19
Implementation
Improved - Change in display of Air Segments to dotted lines for slot features
To enable easier identification of material segments and air segments of a
slot feature.
Purpose:
Implementation
Implementation
ii.
iii.
22
Implementation:
The clearance amount will be reset to the maximum possible value based
on the tool diameter, chamfer length and feature depth, when very high
value is entered for the clearance amount. This behavior will assist users in
machining the chamfer with the largest diameter of the tool, thus
eliminating the manual calculations.
Warning Message
23
Provide a new Entry type option for Rough Mill operations using the Pattern
type of VoluMill.
Implementation
Along with the existing options of Spiral and Ramp, a new Entry method of
'Pre-drilled Holes' has been provided for the Rough Mill operations having
the Pattern type set to Volumill.
When the Entry type is set to Pre-drilled holes, CAMWorks will identify all
the entry points of the Volumill toolpath. A drilling toolpath is generated at
the identified entry points.
The user can also specify the entry points under the Entry Points on the
Feature Options tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box. The Entry
move of the Volumill toolpath is automatically adjusted in case if the
selected points tend to be within a predefined range.
This method is useful while using large depth of cuts.
24
Support Gun drilling cycles for Drill operation for Mill and Mill-Turn modules
In previous versions of CAMWorks, gun-drilling toolpaths were generated
using post parameters. Gun-drilling toolpaths couldnt be simulated and its
parameters were specific to the post processor used.
From CAMWorks 2016 version onwards, gun drilling cycles will be supported
in existing Drill operations with Gun drilling being a sub-method.
The following parameters will be added to the Drill Hole Parameters tab of
the Operation Parameters when the Type selected for Drill operation is Gun
Drilling:
Implementation:
The functionality to define Gun / deep drilling is available when the post
processor supports the post header ALLOW_GUN_DRILLING. Please
contact your CAMWorks Reseller to update the post.
25
Implementation
Select a 3D Sketch
26
Improved - Multiaxis operations for Gouge Check Tilt Tool option to define Angle Range
Purpose:
Define the minimum and maximum Tilt angles separately for Gouge
checking strategy of Tilt Tool
Implementation
The user can now define the minimum and maximum tilt angles separately
for Gouge checking. This option is available when the strategy is set to Tilt
Tool and angle definition is set as Use Lead/Lag Angle or Use Side Tilt Angle.
Provide the option to define Dwell time for all Point-to-Point operations.
Also the user can now define Shift Amount in case of selected type of
Boring operations.
The user can now specify the Dwell time for all Point-to-Point operations.
The units of the dwell time can be in Milliseconds or Seconds depending
upon the post processor.
Implementation:
For Boring operations using the type of Back boring or Fine boring, it is
needed that the tool should move towards the center line before retracting
to clearance plane. A value has to be specified for the tool to move towards
the center line of the feature. This value can now be defined in CAMWorks
using the parameter of Shift amount.
Both the above parameters can be defined in Technology Database
(TechDB) for the respective Feature and Operation conditions.
Previously these parameters used to be defined in the post processors.
The new controls for Dwell and Shift amount are mapped to the
corresponding post parameters. While the Dwell control is available to all
cycle types, you may not see its value if the post processor does not handle
it.
27
New - Approach and Retract moves from machine home position for Mill operations
Purpose:
Provides the ability to have approach and retract moves from machine
home position for mill operations being carried out on a Mill-Turn machine.
Implementation:
A new group box named Advanced Approach and Retract has been provided
on the NC tab of all mill operations. This control will be active when the
machine type is set to Mill-Turn.
Define the desired approach and retract methods by using the parameters
given in the Approach and Retract dialog box that is invoked through the
Define button.
28
Implementation
Defining the B axis incremental angle in the Tool tab: Holder Page tilts the
tool to a user-defined angle. Based on the orientation of the tool, the
toolpaths will be generated. The user defined tilt angle enables machining
of complicated profiles using simple tool inserts.
Note: If Tool Orientation is changed after the B Axis Incremental Angle was
defined, then the B Axis Incremental Angle will be reset to 0 degrees.
Post Processor
Prerequisites
The functionality to define B-axis for turning is available when the post
processor supports the post header ALLOW_B_AXIS_OFFSET_REAR.
Please contact your CAMWorks reseller to update the post.
29
TechDB
New - Material considerations for Turn Feature Operations Conditions
Purpose:
Implementation
Provide an additional parameter of Stock Material Group for all the Turn
feature and operation conditions.
From CAMWorks 2016, the user can define required stock material group for
all the Turn features and operations conditions in TechDB. Till now this
functionality was available for only Mill and Wire EDM feature and Operation
conditions.
For each Feature condition, you can select a specific stock material group
from the available list. The list of stock material will be populated from the
Stock Material Group in TechDB.
30
Provide the ability to copy and delete Strategies along with the associated
feature and operation conditions.
From CAMWorks 2016, the new Copy and Delete strategies commands are
introduced.
Implementation
The Copy Strategy command allows you to duplicate an existing Strategy for
a feature type. All the features and operations conditions associated with
the original strategy type will also be copied with new name.
The Delete Strategy command allows you to delete any user defined Strategy
from the list along with all the associated features and operations
conditions.
31
Setup Sheets
New - Option to generate Part and Tool Images for setup sheets
Purpose:
Implementation:
Miscellaneous
New - Light Rebuild from CAMWorks NC Manager Node
Purpose:
Provide the option to rebuild the CAM data using Light Rebuild functionality.
You can now select Light Rebuild command from the CAMWorks menu and
in the CAMWorks NC Manager context menu.
Use the Light Rebuild option in the following scenarios:
Implementation:
Light Rebuild command on CAMWorks menu and CAMWorks NC Manager context menu
33
Implementation
The list is populated with the default strategies set as per TechDB. In the
strategy column select the desired strategy for the required feature type.
Select the Apply button to change the strategy type in the Active Part or
Assembly. If you wish to set the new strategy as default in the TechDB,
then click on Save to TechDB button.
34
Improved - Defining the default value for Mill Part Setup origin
Purpose:
Provide the default values for newly added Mill Part Setups in part mode or
assembly mode.
In the earlier versions of CAMWorks, the default value of the origin of Mill
Part Setup was set to "User" with defined co-ordinates.
From CAMWorks 2016 onwards, all the newly created Mill Part Setups in part
or assembly mode will have the default origin set to "Top Center" or Fixture
Co-ordinate System in case when a Fixture Co-ordinate system has been
defined in the Machine Setup.
Implementation:
New - Option to set Mill part Setup Origin as top or bottom center of the stock
Purpose:
Option to set the origin of the Mill Part Setup to the top center or bottom
center of the stock
Implementation:
In previous versions of CAMWorks, the user could set the Mill Part Setup
Origin using the eight vertices available of the stock.
From CAMWorks 2016 onwards, the user can set the origin of the Mill Part
Setup using the top center or bottom center of the stock as well.
New Stock vertices options in Origin tab of Part Setup parameters dialog box
36
Translucent display of stock in the graphics area when Stock Vertex option
is selected for the Mill Part Setup origin
Implementation
From CAMWorks 2016 onwards, whenever the origin of a Mill Part Setup is
being defined using the stock vertices, then a translucent display of the
stock will be shown for better visual representation of the selected vertex.
Figure (a): Origin of Mill Part Setup (Stock Vertex) displayed out in space
Figure (b): Origin of Mill Part Setup (Stock Vertex) displayed on translucent stock
display
Reference
document:
To view the list of APIs provided in CAMWorks, along with sample macros
provided for APIs introduced in CAMWorks 2016, click on the Windows Start
menu and select All Programs>>CAMWorks 2016>>Manuals>>APIs available in
CAMWorks.
37
Implementation:
From CAMWorks 2016, an Edit Wire Diameter button has been provided
next to the Wire diameter dropdown list. Clicking on this button activates
the Edit Wire Sizes dialog box. Use this dialog box to modify or delete
existing values or add new Wire diameter values.
-
Delete button deletes the selected wire size from the list.
Add button adds a new wire size after the selected wire size in the
list.
Change button applied the edited values to the selected wire size.
Click Change button in EDM Setup tab to open Edit Wire Sizes dialog box
38
Improved - Improved UI for CAMWorks License Manager and Port Number Detection
Purpose:
Implementation:
- Click on the Use this machine as License Server button to setup the
machine as the License Server. Clicking this button displays the settings
for configuring the current computer as the CAMWorks License Server.
(Click on the Help button in the UI for steps to configure a License
Server.)
- Once the CAMWorks License Service is installed and the CAMWorks
License Server is activated by clicking on the Install CAMWorks License
Service and Start CAMWorks License Server buttons respectively,
click on the Display License File button to view the port number
configured in the CAMWorks License file. The port numbers will be
displayed in the Status box at the bottom of the tab. Use this displayed
port number to configure client machines on the floating network.
39