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- SolidCAM
- CAM Solutions
- What's New in SolidCAM 2015
What's New in SolidCAM 2015?
SolidCAM 2015 brings major improvements and powerful new functionality in all SolidCAM Modules:
- Coordinate systems & Transformations
- SolidWorks Hole Wizard Feature Recognition & Machining
- AFRM
- iMachining 2D & 3D
- HSS
- Sim5x Mill
- Advanced Mill-Turn for Multi-Turret & Multi-Spindle CNC machines…
General
Quick Start settings - Skip “New CAM-part” dialog
- Options in SolidCAM settings to skip the first New CAM-part dialog with default values
- Enables the user to start directly adding operations in a new Part
CAM-part definition dialog : In SolidCAM manager or floating
- In order to have access to SW options ( like measurement etc.), which are unavailable while the CAM part definition is in SolidCAM manager, the option to turn the dialog into floating mode is added
CAM-part definition dialog: Machine options table added
- Now Machine options are shown in the main CAM-part definition dialog
Feed units: mm/rev or mm/min by default
- Define default feed type for new CAM-parts in SolidCAM settings
Advanced sorting of operations in CAM tree
- Possibility to sort operations in CAM-tree by tool number and tool properties (Diameter, Tool Type)
Use split name as G-code file name
- Use name of Split as name of G-code file
Generate G-code per operation
- Generate separate file of G-code per each operation
Change tool data: additional options
- Show iMachining only – shows only iMachining operations
- Update Part Tool Table – updates not only cutting conditions in selected operations, but also in tools inside the Tool Table
MCO: Faster action definition
- Double click on the item in the “Action on...“ list automatically adds this item to the Process list
Machine ID: Change language of VMID
- Possibility to show Machine ID editor fields in any language, independent from main installation language
Operations: Double click in CAM-tree opens clicked operation
- Double click on any operation in CAM-tree, while another one is opened, closes the current operation and opens another one
Operations: Extra parameters in main dialog
- Extra parameters are now in the main Operation dialog for all operation types
Simulation: Show current CoordSys in SolidVerify simulation
- Show current CoordSys in SolidVerify simulation
- Useful for Shop Floor Editor, where SolidCAM runs standalone
Simulation: Show Tool Path Preview after Calculate
- Shows the Tool path preview upon completing the calculation
- Gives you on-line feedback to your calculated tool path
New Operation Tabs for 2.5D & AFRM
- Operation tabs for 2.5D & AFRM operation groups
- Makes it easier to add new operations
New Operation Tabs for 3D & Multiaxis
- Operation tabs for 3D & Multiaxis operation groups
- Makes it easier to add new operations
New Operation Tabs for Turning & Template
- Individual operation tabs for Turning & Template operation groups
- Makes it easier to add new operations
Templates: Default templates for 2.5D Mill operations
- Default templates are set in SolidCAM settings - when new operation is created these templates are used
- Useful for example to have a default starting Tool
Templates: Double click = add template to CAM-part
- Double click on the template in Template manager adds the template operation to the open CAM-part automatically
CoordSys
CoordSys: Associativity with SolidWorks Coordinate System
- Support of associativity of a CAM CoordSys, that is built on a SolidWorks CoordSys
CoordSys: Define CoordSys on opposite side
- “Use opposite side of the model“ option in Automatic CAM-part definition is equal to click on “Change to opposite“ button during manual CoordSys creation
CoordSys: Position in the Bottom Center/Corner of the surrounding box
- Creation of CoordSys, not only on the top level of the CAM-part, but also on the bottom
Copying of CoordSys in transformation style: Matrix
- Create copies of existing CoordSys in Matrix style
Copying of CoordSys in transformation style: Custom Axis
- Create copies of existing CoordSys around user-defined axis
Copying of CoordSys in transformation style: Combined transformation
- Combine 2 styles of CoordSys copying
- User can use each style of transformation only once
Select all operations of the same CoordSys
- Fast selection of all operations defined in the Coordsys (MAC ) and it‘s positions
Transformation
Transformation of operations from one CoordSys to another
- Coordsys where operations should be copied to , should contain only 1 position (other positions will be created automatically )
- Useful for Tombstone operations as it enables the simple transfer of an operation to any Coordinate system, created on any face of the Tombstone.
Milling
Face: “Roll in” option in Spiral Face milling
- Customization of approach movements for Spiral Face milling tool path
Pocket: Several wall finish passes
- Several finish passes at the same place in Pocket operation
Pocket: Separate pick ramping point and it’s parameters in GUI
- Parameters of ramping are separated from the ramping points definition – so the ramping options can be saved in Templates and Machining process
T-Slot: Link between passes/chains
- Control over tool movements between passes and chains in T-Slot operation
3D Milling: Reposition options
Two options of tool re position:
- By Rapid move through clearance plane
- By Feed move through saftey distance from the surface
AFRM
AHRM Review
SolidCAM’s AHRM module is designed to automatically:
- Classify Shapes and Groups of Holes
- Convert to Machinable Features
- Select and/or Create All Required Tools
- Build Machining Technologies
- Generate Machining Operations
- Support all Work Position Orientations
AHRM review – Process steps
- Step 1: Recognize Holes (Shapes & Groups)
- Step 2: Convert Holes to Machinable Segments
- Step 3: Distribute Machinable Segments to Feature Sets
- Step 4: Choose Technological Solution for Machinable Segments
- Step 5: Generate all Machining Operations
AHRM review - Step 1: Recognize Holes
- Step 1: Recognize Holes(Shapes & Groups)
AHRM review - Step 2: Machinable segments
Step 2: Convert Holes to Machinable Segments
- The Machinable Hole Feature consists of one or more Machinable Hole Feature segments that can be machined in one operation with the same tool.
AHRM review - Step 3: Feature Sets
Step 3: Distribute Machinable segments to Feature sets
- Feature Set is a number of Machinable segments that will be machined within the same setup using one Coordinate System.
AHRM review - Step 4: Technology Database Solution
Step 4: Choose technological solution for Machinable Segments from Technology Data base
AHRM review - Step 5: Machining Operations
Step 5: Generate all machining operations
AHRM New: Limitless number of DataBase configurations
The user can:
- Define as many DataBases as he wants
- Select any of them for the process
- Edit the “Part DataBase ” Independently
- Save active DataBase As a NEW one
AHRM New: Machinable feature parameters (mf_xxx)
- Parameters of machinable features are now available with prefix “mf_”, describing all needed dimensions of a machinable feature (which is not always equal to the hole segment)
AHRM New: Conditional Logic Support
- Apply different values to parameters, according to user-defined condition in the Machining Process of the AHRM (e.g. Enables Spot drills to be chosen according to hole size)
SolidWorks Hole Wizard Feature Recognition + SolidCAM Machining Process
SolidWorks Hole Wizard Features are recognized and their data are automatically input into SolidCAM’s Machining Process allowing to use:
- Hole Wizard Parameters
- Hole Wizard Geometry Elements
- Conditional Logic
HW_Parameters direct from SolidWorks Hole Wizard utility
- Access to all SW Hole Wizard parameters from SolidCAM Machining Process interface
HW_Parameters direct from SolidWorks Hole Wizard utility
- Supports all Hole Wizard Types
- Supports Hole Wizard Options:
- Near CounterSink
- Under Head CounterSink
- Far CounterSink
- Head Clearance
- Thread Pitch & Class
- End Condition - Supports Blind & Thru Condition
Adapt Machining Process using Conditional Logic Support
- Conditional Logic is now available in Machining Process Expressions
- User can make decisions based on Conditions & Values of parameters
Access to all SolidWorks Hole Wizard features suitable geometries
Geometries, generated during MachProc insertion, are available at the step of MachProc definition:
- Drill geometry at the center of holes
- Profile/Pocket geometries for all possible round pockets of the selected Hole Wizard entity
Hole Wizard Process
- Recognition of drill geometry based on SW Hole Wizard
- Usage of Machining Process for operation definition
- Definition of Relevant Hole Wizard Process per machine
iMachining 2D & 3D
iMachining Default Machine & Material
- Enables the definition of default Machine and Material for iMachining in VMID.
- This will automatically fill the iMachining Data fields with the default machine and material data
Parallel calculation in iMachining
- Speeding up iMachining calculation by using multi cores & multi threading for parallel calculation
iMachining 3D: Constant Step up
- iMachining 3D option: Constant Set up (as alternative to Scallop)
iMachining 3D: Prismatic parts machining technology
- iMachining 3D technology for Prismatic Part Machining with automatic scallop calculation
iDatabase Material: Machinability factor
- Increase/Decrease Cutting Conditions, based on Machinability of specific material
Show Cutting angle in simulation of iMachining
- Showing the cutting angle in iMachining simulation
Sim 5X Milling & HSS
Feed Control
- New Feed Control tab added.
- Feed Control enables the user to reduce/ increase cutting feed inside & outside defined volumes.
Toolpath parameters: Synchronize points
- Surface quality tab: New option of Synchronize points added
- Option is available when the Distance check box is ON
- The Synchronize points option enables you to equalize the spacing and number of points on all contours, thus getting better surface quality
SIM5X - Tool axis control: Always closest to surface
- In Tool axis direction/Tilted through lines: New option of Always closest to surface is added in the Use tilt through
- This option enables you to tilt the tool as defined in the Tilt lines section
- This option maintains the tilt by using the tilt lines that are at the closest distance to the surface
Sim5X - Tool axis control: Tilted relative to contact point
- In Tool axis direction: New option of Tilted relative to contact point is added
- This option is similar to “Tilted Relative to Cutting Direction”, however in this option instead of cutting direction, the tool tilting will be relative to the contact point of the tool with the surface
New operation: Rotary Machining
- Rotary Machining is designed to machine parts on 4 Axis Machine
- It can be used to mill cylindrical parts like Bottle Molds and Core, Electrodes, Jewellery rings, Wood working parts etc.
- Toolpaths are directly calculated on 3d geometry and not wrapped around.
- Along & Around strategies are available
- Tool Contact point can be shifted easily by defining a Value
New operation: Multi axis Roughing
- New Multiaxis Roughing operation is added for Roughing of parts, that need multiple setup if done in 3X
New operation: Multi axis Roughing
- This operation creates a multiaxis tool path that can be used to rough out pocket shaped geometries in full 5 Axis
- The user has to specify the floor, wall and ceiling surfaces and the system automatically creates the roughing tool path
- Adaptive roughing feature also available
Multiblade Machining: Levels section
- Levels page: New Levels section is added to enable entry and exit safety distance
Multiblade Machining: Tool Axis Control Limits
- Tool axis control page: Limits section has enhancements
Multiblade machining: Plunge arc for link between slices or layers
- Option to use a plunge arc, while performing link between slices or layers, in order to provide gradual entry into the material
- Enables you to specify the diameter of the approach & retreat arc, using the ratio of the Arc diameter to the Tool diameter
Multiblade Machining: GUI Improvements
- Tool path parameters page/ Technology/ Options of Rest material, First slice, and Area are available only when the Advanced check box is selected
Multiblade Machining: GUI Improvements
- Roughing and More is renamed as Stock and Transformation
Port Machining: Tool axis control page
- Tool axis control page added in order to provide smoother tool tilting during cutting
Port Machining: Tool Axis Control - Minimize Tilting
- Tool axis control: Minimize tilting is added
- This option improves tool tilting by minimizing angle changes and keeping machine tilt motions to minimum
SWARF machining: Feed control
- More flexible control over cutting and retract speeds
- Possibility to replace Rapid movements by G1 moves
SWARF Machining: Surface normal defines machining side
- Side of machining is determined according to the surface normal, simplifying the determination of the machining side when machining multiple surfaces
SWARF Machining: Adding extensions to toolpath
- New option to add extensions to the tool path, to avoid direct entry into the material, thereby increasing tool life
SWARF Machining: Degouging strategy
- New options to avoid gouges with drive surface
SWARF Machining: Rotate & Translate
- Rotate & Translate option is available for SWARF operation also
SWARF/ MultiBlade/ Port/ MultiAxis Roughing: Custom triangulation
- Provide more control over surface triangulation
- Custom triangulation check box = OFF, SolidCAM uses the native CAD triangulation method.
- Custom triangulation check box = ON, 5-Axis triangulation method is used to define the Triangulation tolerance and Max. edge length.
Multiaxis Drilling: Use Cycle option
- The Multiaxis Drilling Technology page has a new option: Use cycle
- When this check box is ON, the generated G-code uses canned drill cycles, if CNC machine enables it.
- If this check box is OFF, the output is in the form of linear movements
Convert HSM to Sim 5-Axis Milling: Autotilt
- New Technology of Autotilt is added
- This option enables the conversion of a 3-axis input tool path into a full automatic collision-checked
5-axis tool path - The main aim is to take the 3-axis tool path and use it with a much shorter tool
- The automatic tilting now does compensate the holder with the geometry and tilts it away
Convert HSM to Sim 5-Axis Milling: Autotilt
- Tool axis control page has new options when Autotilt is selected as Technology.
Roughing and More Page: Trim only full contours
- Stock definition: New option of Trim only full contours is added
- Enables you to keep the cuts that are partially within the stock and remove the cuts which are completely outside the stock - enabling much smoother cuts and less jumps
Convert HSM to Sim 5-Axis Milling: Autotilt - Workpiece Clearance
- Source operation page has the new option of Workpiece clearance
- The Workpiece clearance option enables you to set a value by which the tool clears the workpiece when moving between two positions.
- Note: This option is available only with the Autotilt technology.
GUI Changes - Geometry Page
- 2D Boundary curves content is placed inside Geometry page
Gouge check Page: Smooth Retracts
- Strategy: Retract along tool axis/ Advanced: New option of Smooth retracts is added
- The Smooth retracts check box enables you to smooth the transition from the collision free area to the tool retraction area by avoiding sudden axis jumps.
- The Smooth distance field determines the start distance of the smoothing to the collision area.
GUI Changes - Toolpath parameters Page
- New Modify tab is added.
- Round corners, Extend/Trim, and Angle range moved to this page from Geometry page since they are related to toolpath
- Modify tab is available only when the Advanced check box is ON
GUI Changes - Levels Page
- Parameters divided into two tabs: Regular (most used) and Advanced
Gouge check Page: Renaming of strategies
- The Gouge check strategies are logically named
Turning
Turning: Non-descending motion on face surfaces also
- Option to avoid penetration to slots on face surfaces also
4x Turning: Additional tool tilting options
- More customization for “tilting through lines“ option in multi-axis turning operation
Mill-Turn
Tooltable: new mounting interface
- New tool mounting interface – based on station and device CoordSys
- Shown as it actually looks in CNC Machine
Definition of Cross Control
- By default – cross control is always turned on
- *.VMID allows to cancel Cross Control (access to devices from opposite channel), if it is not supported by the machine.
Channels definition in VMID
- Custom channels definition
- Definition of channels by sub-machines, not turrets
- Enables synchronisation process between tables (Swiss Type lathes)
Full support of Mazak Mill Turn machines
- Opposite spindle
- Rotary turret
- Simultaneous 5 axes
- Balanced turning
- Part transfer
- Additional devices
Support of Index-style Mill-Turn machines
- Index-style: Two spindles, Each turret is a combined turret (B-axis type and Linear type)
- Full support of MCO operations, with full machine simulation
- Programming by Channels (not by Turrets)
Support of Chiron-style Mill-Turn machines
- Chiron-style: Main spindle, Rotary Turret, B-axis, Tilting of back spindle
- Full support of MCO operations with full machine simulation
- Working with Synchronization (Multi-Channel)
Support of Willemin-style Mill-Turn machines
- Willemin-style: Two spindles, B-axis, Additional devices (Clamps and tail Stock)
- Additional devices support by MCO, with full machine simulation
Support of Multi-station Combined-turrets Mill-Turn machines
- Two spindles, Each turret is a combined turret (Rotary type and Linear type)
- Channel synchronization by tables
Support of machines with combined turrets
- Opposite spindle
- Rotary turret as B-axis
- Linear turrets
- Simultaneous 5 axes
- Synchronization
- Part transfer
- Combined turrets
Full support of Fanuc Mill Turn machines
- Opposite spindle
- Rotary turret with milling functionality
- Simultaneous 5 axes
- Balanced turning
- Part transfer
- Additional devices
Tool Libraries Integration
Integration with Carmex Tool Library
- Integration at the Tool Type Thread Mill in the Table of Pitch / Standard
- Select Carmex from the List - Carmex Tool Recommendation Software starts
Carmex
- Carmex is specialized in the Production of Threading Tools for Turning and Milling
Integration with ISCAR Tool Advisor (ITA)
- At the Import Option of the Tool Table, select ISCAR Tool Advisor to launch it
ISCAR Tool Advisor (ITA)
- Online Catalog with assistance to guide users to the best ISCAR Tools
Tool Libraries
- Online / Offline Databases from Tool Manufacturer
- Offering 2D/3D CAD Models with exact Tool Dimensions
- .. and recommended Cutting Conditions for their Tools
Integration with Vardex Tool Library
- Integration at the Tool Type Thread Mill in the Table of Pitch/ Standard
- Select Vardex from the List - The Vardex TM Assistant starts
Vardex
- Vardex is a Product Line from Vargus for Threading Tools
Tool Management Software Integration
TDM Version 4.6
Workflow using TDM Software
Tool Data Management (TDM) Software
Integration with WinTool
- At the SolidCAM Import Option of the Tool table, select Wintool - Tool Export Dialog opens
Management of Tools and Manufacturing Data
- Users collect the Models form Online Resources and build the Assembly of the whole Tool inside WinTool
- WinTool generates automatically ready to use Tool Data to import to SolidCAM ToolTable
WinTool Professional 2012
- WinTool - Software for Tool Data Management
Integration with TDM
- At the SolidCAM Import Option of Tool table, select TDM – tool import filtering dialog opens
Management of Tools and Manufacturing Data in TDM
- Users collect the models form online Resources and build the Assembly of the whole Tool inside TDM
- TDM generates automatically ready to use Data for SolidCAM Tool Table
Tool Data Management Softwares
- Software to manage the overall information of Tools
