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SolidCAM2007R11.2

WWW.SOLIDCAM.COM

SolidCAM2007 R11.2

Whats New

1995-2007 SolidCAM

All Rights Reserved.

SolidCAM

Power and Ease of Use - the winning combination

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SolidCAM2007 R11.2

Whats New

1995-2007 SolidCAM

All Rights Reserved.

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Document number: SCWNENG07003

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Contents

Contents

1. General

1.1 GCode Generation .....................................................................................8

1.2 Coordinate Systems ....................................................................................15

1.3 Item search in the SolidCAM Manager tree ............................................20

1.4 Generating a copy of the operation .........................................................22

1.5 Sequential numbering of the operations in SolidCAM Manager ........23

1.6 Operation renaming ....................................................................................24

1.7 Split ................................................................................................................25

1.8 Adding tools in the View page ..................................................................26

2. 2.5D Milling

2.1 Delta Depth option in 2.5D Milling .........................................................28

2.2 New features in Thread Milling Operation .............................................30

2.3 Dening the Lead Out strategy same as Lead In strategy....................33

2.4 Drilling depth type ......................................................................................34

3. 3D Milling

3.1 Trochoidal milling .......................................................................................36

4. High-Speed Machining Module

4.1 HSM Combined Strategy ...........................................................................38

4.2 Tangential pass extension ..........................................................................41

4.3 Rest machining.............................................................................................42

4.4 Tool path trimming when ramp is used ...................................................44

4.5 Absolute ramp height .................................................................................45

4.6 Tangential position of the tool on the working area .............................47

4.7 Miscellaneous parameters ..........................................................................48

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5. Simultaneous 5 Axis Machining

5.1 Tool................................................................................................................50

5.2 Levels ............................................................................................................52

5.3 Geometry ......................................................................................................545.4 Surface quality options in Finish parameters ..........................................66

5.5 Link Macro ...................................................................................................68

5.6 Tool axis control ..........................................................................................71

5.7 Gouge check ................................................................................................72

5.8 Roughing .......................................................................................................75

5.9 Extra Parameters .........................................................................................81

6. Turning

6.1 Generating sketch for the Material boundary .........................................84

7. Wire Cut

7.1 Denition of Insertion point using points of the CAD sketch ..........86

7.2 Automatic denition of Start point for multi-chain geometry............87

8. Machining Processes

8.1 New Turn-Mill Machining Process table type ........................................90

8.2 Tool denition and search in Machining Processes...............................91

9. Automatic Feature Recognition Module

9.1 Using color information to assign technology .......................................98

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1General

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1.1 GCode Generation

In the previous versions of SolidCAM, the GCode les were generated in theCAM-Part folder. A new functionality has been added to enable you to choose a

location other than the CAM-Part folder and common for all the CAM-Parts, intowhich the GCode les will be generated.

1.1.2 Temporary GCode file generation

The temporary GCode le is generated using the operation interface by clickingon the GCode button in the Operation dialog box.

In this case, the GCode le is generated in the CAM-Part folder regardlessof SolidCAM Settings. The generated GCode le is opened in the text editordetermined by SolidCAM Settings. When you close the Operation dialog box, thele is removed.

To save the temporary GCode le, use the text editor functionality.

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General

1.1.3 GCode generation using SolidCAM Manager

The right-click menu available on the Operations header in the SolidCAMManager tree contains two commands to generate the GCode le for a completeCAM-Part: Calculate & GCode All and GCode All, Generate. For one or several

operations, you can generate the GCode le by right-clicking on the single operationor the group of selected operations and choosing the Calculate & GCode or GCode,Generate commands from the menu.

The GCode les location defaults are found on the GCode Generation page of theSolidCAM Settings dialog box. These defaults are applied to every newly createdCAM-Part. If you want to modify these settings for each Part separately, SolidCAMoffers you a similar page in the Part Settings dialog box.

1.1.4 Part Settings dialog box

The GCode Generation page enablesyou to dene the parameters of theGCode generation.

The Save GCode files box offers threeoptions to dene the parameters relatedto saving of GCode les:

In the CAM-Part directory

SolidCAM saves the generated GCodeles in the CAM-Part directory. Thepath to this directory is displayed in theread-only eld. This option is used bydefault.

According to the MAC file

SolidCAM saves the generated GCode les according to the parameters dened inthe MAC le (see topic 1.1.). The path to the directory that appears in the MACle is displayed in the read-only eld.

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In the GCode directory

SolidCAM saves the generated GCode les in the specied GCode folder location.When the GCode generation is started, SolidCAM creates a new folder with theCAM-Part name in the specied GCode directory and saves the GCode les there.

If this folder already exists, SolidCAM uses it for the GCode output.

This group box enables you to dene the path for theGCode directory. You can enter the path or click onthe Browse button and choose the destination folderusing the Browse for Folder dialog box.

If you have entered the path to a non-existing folder, the following

message is displayed after the conrmation of the SolidCAM Settingsdialog box:

The Create button enables you to create the folder that will be usedfor GCode directory in the specied location. The Browse button

displays the browser dialog box that enables you to choose anotherlocation that will be used for the GCode directory.

If the new folder cannot be created, the following message isdisplayed:

If the chosen folder has the read-only attribute, the following messageis displayed after the conrmation of the Browse dialog box or theSolidCAM Settings dialog box:

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General

By default, the GCode directory location is not dened. You have to specify itwhen you choose the Save GCode files in the GCode directory option for the rsttime.

Create subfolders for split GCode files

When split marks are detected in SolidCAM Manager during the GCode generationfor the entire CAM-Part, SolidCAM creates a number of GCode segment les.Each such GCode segment le is created for one or several operations enclosedby split marks. These les are named with the CAM-Part name followed by the -sign and an the order number of split segment.

Split marks are ignored in case of GCode generation for severaloperations.

With the In the GCode directory option, SolidCAM creates separate CAM-PartGCode folders in the specied folder location.

When the Create subfolders for split GCode files check boxis selected, SolidCAM creates a separate folder for eachGCode segment le and saves the GCode segments lesthere. The folder is created in the GCode folder of theCAM-Part in the specied GCode folder location. The

name of the folder is the same as the GCode segment lename.

When the Create subfolders for split GCode files check box isnot selected, SolidCAM generates all the GCode segmentles directly in the GCode folder of the CAM-Part in thespecied GCode folder location.

By default, the Create subfolders for split GCode files optionis not selected.

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Create separate folders for each CAM-Part

When this check box is selected, SolidCAM creates a folder for each CAM-Partand saves the GCode le there. Otherwise, the GCode les for all CAM-Parts aregenerated into the GCode directory.

Additional control of GCode

When this check box is selected, you can alterthe GCode le name and location. Whenyou click one of the GCode generationcommands, the Windows-style Save GCodebrowser is displayed with the defaultCAM-Part name and location that might be

edited.

All the GCode les previously generated for the current CAM-Partremain in the specied folder.

When this check box is not selected, the GCode is generated and automaticallysaved in the dened location.

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General

Do not erase old GCode when generated for CAM-Part/foroperations

These check boxes enable you to choose whetherthe old GCode le generated for the entire

CAM-Part or for separate operations remain orare removed when a new one is generated.

The Do not erase old GCode whengenerated for CAM-Part check box isnot available if the Additional Controlof GCode check box is not selected.

1.1. MAC file parameters

Three new variables related to the GCode generation have been added: dir_gcode,split_gcode_folders and gcode_part_subfolder. These variables are used when the

According to the MAC file option is chosen in the Part Settings dialog box.

dir_gcode

This string variable contains the path for the GCode location. For example,

dir_gcode = C:\GCode\

When a non-existing folder is assigned to this parameter, the followingmessage is displayed during the GCode generation attempt:

The Create button enables you to create the folder that will be usedfor GCode directory at the specied location.

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split_gcode_folders

This boolean variable controls the creation of separate folders for split GCodeles. For example,

split_gcode_folders = Y

When the variable is set to Y, SolidCAM creates aseparate folder for each GCode segment le and saves theGCode segment les there. The folder is created in theGCode folder of the CAM-Part in the location specied by thedir_gcode parameter. The name of the folder is the same as theGCode segment le name.

When the variable is set to N, SolidCAM generates all the

GCode segment les directly in the GCode folder of theCAM-Part in the location specied by the dir_gcodeparameter.

The default value of the split_gcode_folders variable is N.

gcode_part_subfolder

This boolean variable controls the creation of separate folders for different CAM-Parts. For example,

gcode_part_subfolder= Y

When the variable is set to Y, SolidCAM creates a separatefolder for each CAM-Part for which you generate theGCode. This separate folder is created in the GCode folderof the CAM-Part and has the name of this CAM-Part.

When the variable is set to N, the GCodes for all parts aregenerated into the directory specied by the dir_gcodeparameter in the MAC le.

G-Code

Cavity

Mold

Cavity.tap

Wire

Wire.tap

Mold.tap

G-Code

Cavity.tap

Mold.tap

Wire.tap

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General

1.2 Coordinate Systems

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with enhancements in the denition and editingof coordinate systems for Milling and Wire Cut. You are presented with several

new options related to placing the Coordinate System, picking the origin and thedirections of the axes directly on the model, rotating and moving the CoordSysaccording to a series of parameters to be dened.

1.2.1 Defining the CoordSys by selecting a face

When you dene the Coordinate System by selecting a face,the box surrounding the model is calculated. For this box,SolidCAM generates a number of sketch points to facilitate

the CoordSys denition. The points are located in the boxcorners, in the middle of each edge and in the centers of theplanes (in the intersection point of the diagonals).

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Placing of the CoordSys origin

Two new options related to placing of the CoordSys origin have been added.

Top center of model box

After you select a face, the CoordSys originis placed in the center of the upper plane ofthe model, and the Z-axis of the CoordSys isnormal to the selected face.

Corner box projection on Z-level of face

After you select a face, the CoordSys origin isplaced in the corner of the generated modelbox on the same Z-level with the selected face,and the Z-axis of the CoordSys is normal tothe selected face.

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General

Picking the CoordSys on the solid model and flipping the axes

After the face has been selected, you have several new options that enable you toedit the Coordinate System location by picking entities on the model and changingthe directions of the axes.

Pick XY origin

This option enables you to dene a new locationfor the CoordSys origin in the XY-plane bypicking a point on the model. The Z-level ofthe CoordSys origin and the directions of theaxes remain the same.

Pick Y direction

This option enables you to choose a new direction for the Y-axis bypicking a point on the model.

Flip Around Z

You can rotate the dened CoordSys 90 degreesaround the Z-axis.

Moving and rotating the CoordSys

Delta

This option enables you to move the CoordSysorigin in the X-, Y-, and Z-coordinates relativeto the point in which it was previously dened.

Rotation around axis

This option enables you to rotate the denedCoordSys a given number of degrees aroundthe X-, Y- and Z-axes, but the rotation can onlybe dened around each axis separately. Youcannot rotate the CoordSys around more thanone axis simultaneously.

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1.2.2 Defining the CoordSys normal to current view

This option enables you to dene the Coordinate System with the Z-axis normalto the model view you are facing on your screen. You may bring the model to thedesired orientation by using the CAM Views toolbar or just rotate it in an arbitraryfashion; then click on the Capture Current View CoordSys button, and the CoordinateSystem will be generated relative to the model view you are using. The CoordSysorigin will lie in the origin of the SolidWorks Coordinate System, and the Z-axiswill be directed normally to the chosen view of the model.

You may change the location of the CoordSys using the placing options of theSelect face mode, and then choose the Normal to current view mode to adjust thedirections of the axes to the current model view.

Y-axis of theNormal to current viewCoordSys

X-axis of theNormal to current view

CoordSys

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General

1.2.3 Create planar surface at Part Lower level

In some cases you need to select sketchpoints that do not lie on the solid modelentities, such as in denition of insertion

point for wire cutting. SolidWorks doesnot allow picking points beyond themodel surface, therefore a new Createplanar surface at Part Lower level optionhas been added to help you overcomethis problem. This option enables you togenerate a transparent planar surface atthe minimal Z-level of the Part so thatits lower level plane is visible. This planarsurface is suppressed by default and not visible until you unsuppress it in theFeatureManager Design tree.

This option is available only when theCoordinate System has been denedby selecting a face.

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1.3 Item search in the SolidCAM Manager tree

Starting with SolidCAM2007 R11.2, you can search the SolidCAM Manager tree foritems related to the CAM-Parts and their operations, geometries, and so forth.

The new SolidCAM search system works similarly to a regular Windows searchingfunctionality. To activate it, click anywhere in the SolidCAM Manager area andpress Ctrl+F. The Find dialog box is displayed, and you can set the parameters forsearching.

Look in

You may look for the required items in the whole CAM-Part or only in its operations,coordinate systems or geometries taken separately.

Whole items only

Select this check box if you want to check the availability of whole items asopposed to partial output.

Match case

This check box enables you to determine the case sensitivity of the search.

Direction

You may also decide whether the search results will be displayed from bottom totop or from top to bottom of the SolidCAM Manager tree.

Find Next

Click this button if you want to view the search results one by one.

Find All

Click this button if you prefer to have all of the search results to be displayedsimultaneously.

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General

The whole line where the sought-for word appears is highlighted in the SolidCAMManager tree. When you close the Find dialog box, these lines remain highlighted.

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1.4 Generating a copy of the operation

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 enables you to generate a copy of a specic operation insidethe Operation dialog box.

The Save & Copycommand saves the current operation data and automatically createsa new operation with the same parameters. The new operation is automaticallyopened for editing.

Using the Save & Copy functionality you can quickly create a new similar operationwhere most parameters are identical.

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General

1. Sequential numbering of the operations in SolidCAM Manager

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 enables you to assignsequential numbers for items (operations, splits

and xtures) in the SolidCAM Manager tree.

When the Use automatic numbering of SolidCAMManager items option is activated in the SolidCAMManager page of the SolidCAM Settings dialogbox, all the items in the SolidCAM Manager willbe numbered.

When a new item is dened between two existing items, SolidCAM performsrenumbering in order to assign to each item an updated sequential number.

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1. Operation renaming

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 enables you to rename a specic operation.

To rename a specic operation, right click on theoperation name in the SolidCAM Manager andchoose the Rename command from the menu.

The Operation name dialog box is displayed. Thisdialog box enables you to assign a new name forthe operation.

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General

1.7 Split

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with extended functionality of splits; by giving aname to the split it can act as a folder containing operations, xtures etc.

When a split is added, SolidCAM displays the Split dialogbox where you enter the name of the split.

The (-) icon located near the Split icon in the SolidCAMManager enables you to collapse/expand all the items(operations and xtures) that are located under thesplit.

The right-click menu available on split items provides

you with the capabilities to rename the actual split (theRename command) and to suppress/unsuppress all theitems (operations and xtures) that belong to the split(the Suppress/Unsuppress commands).

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1. Adding tools in the View page

In previous SolidCAM versions it was possible to add a new tool into a tool tableonly in the Edit page of the Tool table dialog box. SolidCAM2007 R11.2 enables you

to add tools into a tool table also in the View page.

When you click on the Add button, a new tool is created. The Tool Table dialog boxis switched to the Edit page which displays the parameters of the new tool.

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22.5D Milling

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2.1 Delta Depth option in 2.D Milling

In previous SolidCAM versions, to assign an offset to the cutting depth denedassociatively to the model, the user had to break the associativity and change the

depth value. SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with the ability to dene an offsetfor the cutting depth. By adding this parameter, SolidCAM enables you to changethe cutting depth while preserving its associativity.

Delta depth is always relative to the Depth dened for the operation. Suppose thedepth of your pocket is 12 mm, and you want to mill it 0.5 mm above its oor. Ifyou dene an offset of 0.5 mm for the Delta depth, even if the model changes andthe depth of the pocket becomes greater, the pocket will be milled 0.5 mm abovethe oor.

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2.5D Milling

2

If the value of Delta depth is positive, a blue arrow is displayed near its eldindicating a positive offset value (in the positive direction of the Z-axis).

If the value ofDelta depth is negative, a red arrow is displayed near its eld indicatinga negative offset value (in the negative direction of the Z-axis).

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2.2 New features in Thread Milling Operation

2.2.1 Tool technology tables

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 offers you a quick and efcient solution in terms of threadpitch denition. You do not need to use external sources to nd the Pitch valuesconforming to the ISO, Whitworth and other standards. The table of Standardvalues is embedded into the SolidCAM tool denition interface.

When a thread tool is chosen in the Part Tool Table, the Pitch/Standard eld becomesavailable. In this eld, there is a list of Standard tables according to which you maywant to dene the thread pitch.

When you choose one of the standardsfrom the list, the corresponding table isdisplayed in a separate window.

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2.5D Milling

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You may open the threading table as an Excel le and edit its content. The location

of this le can be found on the User directories page of the SolidCAM Settings

dialog box.

2.2.2 Support of conical tools

Starting with the current version, SolidCAM has extended its capabilities for

support of various tool types by adding conical thread tools into the existing listof supported tools. This enhancement enables you to cut threads in taper holes as

well as in cylindrical holes.

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2.2.3 Deepening the existing thread

If the depth you have dened for threading of hole is insufcient, SolidCAMprovides you with a new option that enables you to deepen the threading by acertain value. On the Levels page of the Thread Mill Operation dialog box, there

is a newAdditional depth section in which you may dene the deepening of yourthread.

In the Deeper eld, enter the additional depth value required.

Start from beginning

When you have added a certain depth to be thread-milled, there is in some casesa need to start the cutting of the thread from the beginning. This is possible withthe Start from beginning check box in the Additional depth eld.

For example, you thread-milled one drill hole out of 10 identical holes to a certaindepth. Then you found that the threading is not deep enough, and added a certainadditional depth. Then you thread-milled the hole again (without starting from thebeginning, because there is no point in cutting the thread again where it is alreadycut) and made sure that the depth is now satisfactory. To thread-mill the rest of theholes, you need to start cutting from the very beginning, because these holes werenot previously machined, as the rst hole.

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2.5D Milling

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2.3 Defining the Lead Out strategy same as Lead In strategy

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with the capability to dene the Lead Out strategysame as Lead In strategy.

The Same as Lead in option is available in the Lead out group of the Operationdialog box of 2.5D Milling operations.

With this option, SolidCAM uses for the Lead Out the same strategy and parametersthat are dened for Lead In.

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2.4 Drilling depth type

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with an updated functionality of the Depth typeoption in the Drill operations (formerlyUse Chamfer option).

The followingDepth types are available:

Cutter tip. With this option the drill tip reaches the dened Drill Depth.

Full diameter. With this option the drill reaches the dened Drill Depth

with the full diameter. Diameter value. With this option the drill reaches the dened Drill Depth

with the drill cone diameter specied by the Diameter value parameter.

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 tothe drill tool diameter.

Drilldepth

Cutter tip Full diameter Diameter value

Drilldepth

Drilldepth

Diameter

value

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33D Milling

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3

3.1 Trochoidal milling

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with theadvanced functionality in the Trochoidal milling

feature. The algorithm of the trochoidal milling isimproved taking into account a newEngagementangle parameter located in the Trochoidal dialogbox.

The Engagement angle is the angle measured between two vectors describing thearea of contact between the tool and the machined material.

During the calculation, SolidCAM checks the engagement angle at each toolposition dened byStep parameter. If the engagement angle is greater than thespecied Engagement anglevalue, SolidCAM at this position performs a circulartool movement with the radius dened by the Radius parameter. If the engagementangle is smaller than the specied Engagement angle, SolidCAM does not generatea circular movement at this position; the tool is moved to next position.

Engagement angle

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4High-Speed

Machining Module

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4.1 HSM Combined Strategy

SolidCAM2007 R11.1 has introduced the new option to combine two machiningstrategies in a single HSM operation: the combination of the Constant Z strategy

supplemented with the secondaryHorizontal strategy.

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 offers two additional combined strategies: Constant Z withLinear or Constant StepOver machining.

To activate any of the combined strategies, do the following:

In the Technology box of the HSM Operation dialog box, choosethe Combine Constant Z and then the relevant item from thesubmenu.

The two combined machining strategies share the Geometry, Tooland Constraint boundaries data. The technological parameters for

the passes calculation and linking are dened separately for eachstrategy.

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High-Speed Machining Module

3

The Constant Z Passes page denes the parameters of the Constant Z machiningstrategy.

The Linear Passes and Constant Stepover Passes pages dene the parameters of theLinear/ 3D Constant Stepover strategies.

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The following parameters, dened on the Constant Z Passes page, are automaticallyassigned the same values on the Linear passes / Constant Stepover passes pages:

Thickness

Axialthickness

Tolerance

Z_Top

Z_Bottom

When these parameters are edited in the Constant Z Passes page, their values areupdated automatically in the Linear passes / Constant Stepover passes page. But

when edited in the Linear passes / Constant Stepover passes pages, the values in theConstant Z Passes page remain unchanged.

Two Link pages, located under the Constant Z Passes and Linear passes / ConstantStepover passes pages, dene the links relevant for each of these strategies.

In the Link page for Linear passes / Constant Stepover passes, there is a Machiningorder tab that enables you to dene the order in which the Constant Z and Linear /Constant Stepover machining will be performed. The default option is Constant Z

first.

When the tool hasnished performingthe passes of the rstmachining strategy, itgoes up to the Clearancelevel, then descends backto the machining surface

to continue with the nextstrategy.

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4.3 Rest machining

4.3.1 Spiral on surface machining strategy

An additional strategy to machine shallow areas has been added. The Spiral onsurface strategy links the passes with smooth curved paths resulting in continuouspasses and reducing the rapid moves. The spiral linking move is projected into therest corner up to the maximal depth of the cut specied.

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4.3.2 Machining steep or shallow areas separately

In the previous SolidCAM version, SolidCAM enabled you to determine steep andshallow areas of the model using the Steep threshold parameter. The machining ofthe steep and shallow areas was performed using different strategies inside a single

Rest machining operation.

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with the Areas option. This option enables youto decide whether to perform the machining in the steep areas only, in the shallowareas only or in both of them..

Shallow. With this option, the machining is performed only in the shallowareas (the surface inclination is less than the Steep threshold value).

Steep. With this option, the machining is performed only in the steepareas (the surface inclination is greater than the Steep threshold value).

All. The machining is performed in both steep and shallow areas.

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4.4 Tool path trimming when ramp is used

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with a new option enabling you to control rampmovements connecting Constant Z passes. The Trim to ramp advance option enables

you generate a helical style nish when linking Constant Z passes.

When this option is chosen, the Constant Z pass above which a ramp linkingmovement is performed is trimmed by the length of the ramping move. In such away a helical style tool path is generated, avoiding the unnecessary cutting movesat the already machined areas and maintaining a constant tool load.

If the Trim to ramp advance

option is not chosen, the wholeConstant Z passes are linkedwith the ramp movements.

Constant Z passes Ramp movements

Constant Z passes Ramp movements

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4

4. Absolute ramp height

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with a new functionality for the denition of theheight from which the ramping motion is started for the upper prole of the 3D

Constant Stepover tool path.

In previous SolidCAM versions, this height was dened relative to the upperprole height with the Ramp height offset parameter. SolidCAM2007 R11.2 enablesyou to dene also the absolute start position for the ramp motion with the Rampheight parameter measured from the Coordinate System origin.

The following options are available:

Relative height. With this optionthe start position of the rampmotion for the upper ConstantStepover pass is dened relativeto the rst point of the passusing the Ramp height offset

parameter.

Ramp height offset

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Absolute height. With this option, the start position of the ramp motionis dened with the absolute Ramp height value measured from theCoordinate System origin.

These options are available only for the Helix and Profile rampingstrategies.

Ramp height

CoordSys

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4. Tangential position of the tool on the working area

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with a new option that enables you to controlhow the tool is positioned relative to the boundaries of the working area.

When the Tangent option is chosen, the tool pathis limited in such a way that the tool is tangent tothe model faces at the boundary.

This option enables you to machine the exact

working area, taking into account the 3D modelgeometry.

Tool on working area: Tangent

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4.7 Miscellaneous parameters

With SolidCAM2007 R11.2, the newMiscellaneous parameters page has been addedto the HSM Operation dialog box.

This page contains the following options:

Extra Parameters

In case there are special operation options implemented in the post-processor used for the current CAM-Part, the Parameters List buttonenables you to display the list of additional parameters dened in thepost-processor.

Message

This option enables you to enter a message that will appear in thegenerated Gcode.

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5Simultaneous

5 Axis Machining

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.1 Tool

.1.1 Use Rapid feed

Some 5-axis CNC machines do not support synchronization between axis motorswhen the rapid movement (G0) is performed. The absence of synchronizationcauses the deviation between the calculated path and the real tool movements.SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with a new functionality that enables you to avoidthe problems described above by replacing all rapid movements (G0) with non-rapid ones using a particular feed rate.

Select the Feed rates check box on the Tool page of the Axis Operation dialog boxand click on the Feed rates button. The Change feed rate according to surface radiusdialog box is displayed.

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Simultaneous 5 Axis Machining

The Rapid move parameters group enables you to control the use of rapid feed(G0).

When the Use rapid feed option is not selected, the resulting Gcodecontains rapid movements (G0).

Example:

G0 X-2.942 Y75.567 Z24.402 A-88.436 B-26.482 M116

When the Use rapid feed option is chosen, the resulting Gcode does not containG0 commands. The rapid movements are performed using the feed rate dened bythe Rapid feed rate parameter.

Example:

G1 X-2.942 Y75.567 Z24.402 A-88.436 B-26.482 F9998

M116

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.2 Levels

.2.1 Angle step for rapid moves

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 enables you to approximate by lines the curved rapidmovements performed at the spherical or cylindrical clearance area.

The approximation is controlled by the Angle step for rapid moves parameterillustrated below.

Initial motion Approximated motion

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Small values of the Angle step for rapid moves parameter cause less deviation betweenthe initial curve and the approximated path, but may cause some machines to slowdown.

Using larger values of the Angle step for rapid moves parameter, you can reducethe number of approximation lines thus increasing the motion speed; howeverthen there is a danger of collision, since the curved motion is simplied (when theAngle step for rapid moves is set to 90 the circular movement is approximated toa square).

Initial motion

Approximated motion

Angle step for rapid moves

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.3 Geometry

.3.1 Advanced parameter for margins

Tool path strategies that use edge curves and surfaces sometimes encounterdifculties since CAD systems deliver the drive surfaces and the edge geometry(curves or surfaces) only within accuracy. If you would like to start the tool pathexactly at the zero distance to the edge geometry, then this is problematic, becausethe geometry can never be exactly aligned. To avoid this problem, SolidCAM2007R11.2 provides you with the Additional parameter for margins option.

This option is available only for the Morph between two curves, Parallel to curve,Morph between two surfaces and Parallel to surface strategies, when the Area type is

Full, start and end on exact surface edges. To activate it, click on the Data button inthe Area eld of the Axis Operation dialog box.

The Margins dialog box is displayed. Inthis dialog box, you may set the Start andEnd Margin value. The Additional margin toovercome surface edge inaccuracies parameter

enables you to compensate the inaccuracyof the CAD model edges. For example, toget the tool path at the 5 mm distance fromthe geometry, set the margin to 4.97 mm andthe Additional margin to overcome surface edgeinaccuracies to 0.03.

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.3.2 Machining of shallow and steep areas

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 enables you to perform a separate machining of steep andshallow areas.

Select the Shallow/Steep check box and click the Shallow/Steep button.

The Parameters to define the shallow and steep areas dialog box is displayed. Thisdialog box enables you to dene parameters determining the steep/shallow areato be machined.

View direction. SolidCAM enables you to dene a vector from where theslope angle start and end are referenced. SolidCAM enables you to chooseone of the Coordinate System axis (X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis) or dene avector by an end point (the start point is automatically considered to bein the Coordinate System origin).

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Slope angles. The Slope angle start and Slope angle end parameters denethe limit angles around the View direction vector. The surfaces with theinclination angles enclosed by the range dened by the slope angles areconsidered as the steep areas. All the surfaces with the inclination anglesoutside of the range are considered as shallow areas.

Machining areas. This option enables you to determine the area to bemachined. When the Machine steep areas option is chosen, the machining

will be performed only at the steep areas (surfaces with inclination angleswithin the range dened bySlope Start and Slope End angles). When theMachine shallow areas option is chosen, the machining will be performedonly at the shallow areas (surfaces with inclination angles outside therange dened bySlope Start and Slope End angles).

Note that shallow and steep calculation is purely based on surfacecontact points. In other words, some portions of the surface geometryare virtually trimmed in order to split the part into shallow and steepregions.

View orientation axis

Slope start angle

Slope end angle

Steep area

Shallow area

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.3.3 2D Containment boundaries

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with a functionality to limit the machining tospecic model areas. The machining limitation is performed by a planar boundarythat is projected on the model. The projected boundary is virtually trimming the

drive surfaces. All the contact points of the tool and drive surfaces are enclosed bythis projected boundary.

Select the 2D Containment check box, and click on the 2D Containment button.

The 2D Containment dialog box is displayed enabling you to dene the boundaries.

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2D Containment curves

SolidCAM enables you to dene a boundary based on a Working areageometry (closed loop of model edges as well as sketch entities). Formore information on Working area geometry, refer to the SolidCAM

User Guide book.

The Define button displays the Geometry Edit dialog box that enablesyou to dene the geometry.

The Show button enables you to display the already dened boundarydirectly on the solid model.

Projection direction

When a planar boundary is dened, SolidCAM automatically projectsthe geometry onto the solid model. The direction of the projection isdened by a vector.

SolidCAM enables you to choose an axis of the Coordinate System asa projection direction vector or dene a vector by an end point (thestart point is automatically considered to be in the Coordinate Systemorigin.

2D Containment boundary

Machining area

Projection

direction axis

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.3.4 Max. projection distance

When the Project curves tool path strategy is chosen, the system expects to getprojections curves lying on the drive surfaces. Due to tolerance issues in CADsystems, sometimes the curves do not lie exactly on the drive surfaces. SolidCAM2007R11.2 enables you to compensate the mismatches between the drive surfaces andprojection curves using the Maximal projection distance parameter.

All the deviations between the drive surfaces and projection curves that are less thanthe specied Maximal projection distance value are compensated. When a deviation

is equal or greater than the parameter value, the tool path is not calculated.

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.3. Spiral cutting method

Previous SolidCAM versions provided you with a capability to convert a Parallelcuts passes into a spiral path. SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with a newSpiralCutting method. This cutting method is available for use with all the Pattern types,

except the Project curves pattern.

With the Spiral Cutting method, SolidCAM generates a spiral tool path around thedrive surface according to the chosen Pattern. The spiral pitch is dened by theStep over parameter.

Step over

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.3. Machining order

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 enables you to dene the machining order for a Sim.5-axis operation. The Machine by edit box located at the Geometry page enables youto choose the order of machining of certain areas; it denes whether the surface

will be machined byLanes or byRegions.

The generated tool path usually has a topology of multiple contours (lanes) onthe drive surfaces. When the tool path is generated in many zones, it might bepreferable to machine all the regions independently.

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12 23

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23

12

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Lanes Regions

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.3.7 Start point definition

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with a new interface and extended functionalityfor the Start point denition.

Generally, SolidCAM automatically determines the start point for the tool pathtaking into account the path shape. To dene the start point manually, select theStart point checkbox at the Geometry page and click on the related button.

The Start point parameters dialog box will be displayed.

This dialog box enables you to dene the Start point for the rst cut; it can bedened either by entering coordinates in the related editboxes or by picking theStart point position directly on the solid model using the button.

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The Start point will be applied in subsequent cuts as following group enables you todene the start position of the subsequent passes.

The for the Two new options related to the denition of geometry start point havebeen added. These options are available in the Start point parameters dialog box that

is displayed by clicking on the Start point button in the Axis Operation dialog box.

Shift by value

This option added in SolidCAM2007 R11.2, enables you to start the nextcut at a specied distance from the previous start point. The distancedened in related editbox is measured along the path.

Rotate by [deg]

With this optionSolidCAM enables you torotate the start positionof the cuts relative to the

start position of the rstcut. The Rotate by valuedenes the rotating anglefor the start position forsubsequent cuts.

Start point

Value

Start point

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Minimize surface normal change (new option)

With this option, SolidCAM automatically chooses the start points forpasses in such a way, that the change of the direction between surfacenormals at the start points will be minimal.

Start point

Normals

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.3. Show surface normals direction

When transferring model les from one CAD system to another, the directionof some of the surface normals might be reversed. For this reason, SolidCAM2007R11.2 provides you with the capability to display and edit the normals of model

surfaces during the geometry selection.

The Show Direction for highlighted faces onlycheck box enables you to display the surfacenormals for the specic highlighted faces in thefaces list.

The Show Direction for selected faces check boxenables you to display the normals direction for

all the faces in the list.

The right-click menu available on the items in the selected faceslist, enables you to reverse the direction of the surface normalsof the chosen faces (the Reverse command) or of all the selectedfaces (the Reverse all command)

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.4 Surface quality options in Finish parameters

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with the several new features related to the qualityof the surface to be machined.

.4.1 Surface edge merge distance

SolidCAM generates rst tool paths for individual surfaces. Then they are mergedtogether to form the complete tool path. The decision about the merging is basedon the Surface edge merge distance parameter introduced in SolidCAM2007 R11.2. Ifall surface paths on a tool path slice are merged, then a check is made if a closed

surface path can be built by connecting the start to the end. The Surface edge mergedistance parameter is used for deciding this.

The Surface edge merge distance parameter can be dened either as a numeric value(the As value option) or as a percentage of the tool diameter (the % of tool diameteroption). In both cases, this limit value must be greater than or equal to the Cuttolerancevalue.

.4.2 Advanced options for surface quality

The Chaining tolerance parameter denes the tolerance of the initial grid used forthe tool path calculation. The recommended value is from 1 to 10 times the Cuttolerance. In some cases, for simple untrimmed surfaces, the Chaining tolerance value can be dened upto 100 times the Cut tolerance and would increase thecalculation speed signicantly.

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The surface contact paths are created while analyzing and slicing the surface patches.If due to slicing the tool path topology becomes very complex (for example,patches parallel to curve and surface are very large), sometimes the surface contactpaths cannot be constructed safely.

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with an additional functionality to control thesurface quality. If the Slow and safe path creation check box is selected, a ner grid(based on the maximal step over value) is applied for initial analysis of surfacepatches, thus delivering slow but safe results for surface contact points.

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. Link Macro

..1 Macro Entry/Exit strategies

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with two new strategies of Macro entry and exit:Reverse tangential line and Reverse vertical tangential arc.

Reverse tangential line

With this option SolidCAM performs an approach/retreat movement

with a line tangential to the cutting pass like the Tangential line option,but the direction of the approach/retreat line is reversed.

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Reverse vertical tangential arc

SolidCAM performs an approach/retreat movement with an arctangential to the drive surface, located in the plane of the tool axis, likethe Vertical Tangential arc option, but the direction of the approach/retreat arc is reversed.

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..2 Maximal angle change

When the Tangential option is chosen for the Tool axis orientation, the tool axisorientation is continuously changed during the approach/retreat movement. Thisoption enables you to avoid marks on the part surface caused by the tool rotationat the start/end point of the cutting pass. In case of large macro moves, the totalchange of tool axis orientation might be great. Therefore, SolidCAM enables youto limit the total change of tool axis orientation along a macro move with the Max.angle change parameter.

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.7 Gouge check

.7.1 Collision control

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with new collision control options available inthe Gouge Check page of the Axis Operation dialog box:

Extend tool to infinity

This option enables you to consider the tool as being extended to innity duringcollision check in order to make sure that all active surfaces are checked forcollision, no matter where they are located in space.

Check link motions for collision

When this option is chosen SolidCAM automatically performs the gouge checkingfor link movements in order to avoid possible collisions.

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.7.2 Split contour within distance

Generally, SolidCAM tries to nd a solution to avoid a possible gouges for acomplete pass. In case of long passes it is very difcult to nd a solution thatwill be relevant along all the pass length. To simplify this task, SolidCAM2007 R11.2

provides you with the Split contour within distance option that is enabled when youavoid the possible collisions using tilting in the cutting direction and side tilting.The option is located in the Advanced parameters for tilting tool away with max angleusing lead/lag and side tilt angles dialog box. It enables you to split the originalcontour into multiple contours, with the length dened as percentage of the wholecontour length. When the initial passes are split into a number of smaller passes,SolidCAM calculates the solution for avoiding collision for each pass.

This option is available only if the Make tool axis orientation continuouslyif distance is smaller than check box is selected.

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.7.3 Using STL files for gouge checking

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with the functionality to dene the check surfacesused for the gouge checking with an STL le.

When the Use STL file checkbox is activated the Check surfaces group enables youto choose a check surfaces geometry from an STL le.

The Define button enables you to display the Choose STLdialog box.

The Browse button in the dialog box enables you to choosethe necessary STL le. The full name (including the path) of

the chosen STL le is displayed in the STL le editbox. TheShow on model and Show buttons enable you to display thechosen STL triangles either directly on the solid model or ina separate window.

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. Roughing

..1 Area roughing

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with a new functionality for simultaneous 5-axis roughing. The main target of this functionality is impeller machining. With theArea roughing strategy, the roughing tool path is created inside the initial tool path.E.g. the oor area between impeller blades can be machined using this strategy ifthe initial tool path describes the left and right side of the area limitations.

In the Roughing page, check the Arearoughing checkbox and click on therelated button.

Initial tool path Area roughing tool path

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The Cutting method options enable you to dene the passes direction andthe way how the single passes will be connected into a complete toolpath. The following options are available:

One way (along rotary axis). With this option, the machining of the pass

starts at the upper edge of the impeller oor face, continues along theblades and stops at the lower edge of the oor. Then the tool retractsto the start position of the next cutting pass.

One way (along reverse rotary axis). With this option, the machining ofthe pass starts at the lower edge of the impeller oor face, continuesalong the blades and stops at the upper edge of the oor. Then thetool retracts to the start position of the next cutting pass.

Zig zag. With this option, the machining starts at the edge of theimpeller oor face, continues along the blades to the other edge, stepsover to the next cut at the same edge and continues machining to therst edge. The sequence for the cuts is from the left to the right.

Zig zag (climb only). With this option, the machining begins in the centerof the surface and progresses outwards to the sides.

Alternate direction to reduce path length. With this option, SolidCAM

changes the start position of the cut in order to minimize air cuts.

This option is available only when the Zig zag (climb only) Cuttingmethod is chosen.

Calculation applied. With this option, SolidCAM enables you to dene when the calculation of the area roughing is performed. The arearoughing calculation can be performed either before the tilting calculation

(theBefore tilting

option) or after the collision control (theAfter collisions

control option). If the area roughing calculation is performed after thecollision control, the resulting tool path is checked again for collisions.

When the After collisions control option is used, SolidCAM enables youto extend the tool path using Extension at start and Extension at endparameters.

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..2 Tool path rotation

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 offers you a new functionality for tool path rotation; this optionis useful for parts with multiple identical elements arranged in a circular pattern.Instead of adding a separate operation and dening the same parameters for each

of these patterns, you can have the same tool path repeated a given number oftimes by rotation around a specic axis.

To use this option, select the appropriate check box in the Axis Operation dialogbox and click on the Rotate button.

The Rotate toolpath dialog box enables you to dene the parameters of rotation.

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Rotary axis around. This option provides you the choice of the axis aroundwhich your tool path will be rotated. You may choose between the X-, Y-or Z-axis of the current Coordinate System or dene a rotary axis vectorby an end point (the start point is automatically considered to be in theCoordinate System origin).

Rotary axis base point. This option enables you to dene the position ofthe rotation axis. When you click on the Select point button, the Selectpoint dialog box is displayed and shows the coordinates of the point youpick on the model.

Number of steps. This parameter enables you to dene the number ofinstances of the circular pattern. In other word it denes how manytimes the initial tool path will be repeated around the rotation axis.

Start angle. This parameter enables you to dene the rotation angle forthe rst tool path instance of the circular pattern.

Rotation angle. This parameter enables you to dene the angle betweenthe two adjacent instances of the circular pattern.

Sort by. This option enables you to choose whether the whole tool pathwill be rotated or only a certain part of it. The following options areavailable:

Complete tool path. With this option the whole tool pathwill be rotated.

Passes. With this option the whole tool path will berotated. The resulting tool path will be sorted and linkedby passes.

Slices. With this option the whole tool path will be rotated.

The resulting tool path will be sorted and linked by slices.

Partial tool path. With this option the portion of tool pathspecied by a percentage is rotated. The percentage isspecied by the Perc. of whole tool path parameter.

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..3 Check for collision between stock and tool elements

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 enables you to prevent the collisions between the tool/holdercomponents and the machined stock model.

Tool shaft

Select this check box to check for collision between the tool shaft andthe machined stock.

Tool arbor

Select this check box to check for collision between the tool arbor andthe machined stock.

Tool holder

Select this check box to check for collision between the tool holder andthe machined stock.

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. Extra Parameters

With SolidCAM2007 R11.2, the Extra parameters option has been added to theMiscellaneous parameters page of the Axis Operation dialog box.

In case there are special operation options implemented in the post-processorused for the current CAM-Part, the Parameters List button enables you to displaythe list of additional parameters dened in the post-processor.

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6Turning

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.1 Generating sketch for the Material boundary

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 enables you to generate a sketch containing the materialboundary of the part after the machining by a specic turning operation.

Right click on a specic turning operation(Turning, Drilling, Grooving and Threading) andchoose the Generate Material boundary commandfrom the menu.

This command automatically creates a newsketch in the CAM component of the CAM-Part assembly and generates in this sketch the

geometry of the updated material boundaryafter the chosen operation.

The generated updated material boundary is notassociative to the model geometry and operations.

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7Wire Cut

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7.1 Definition of Insertion point using points of the CAD sketch

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 introduces a new option related todenition of the point where the wire is inserted into the

workpiece. This option enables you to use the points ofthe CAD sketch to dene the insertion point for the modelgeometry.

Choose the By Sketch Point option in the Insertion pointsection of the Initial Points dialog box for single-chainproles or in the Insertion points section of the ChainsSelection dialog box for multiple-chain proles. The sketchpoint closest to the start point of the chain will be chosen

as the insertion point for the wire.

You can display the multiple-chain geometrywith the dened insertion point by clicking onthe View Chains button at the bottom of theChains Selection dialog box.

Start Point

Insertion Point

Sketch points

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Wire Cut

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7.2 Automatic definition of Start point for multi-chain geometry

In the previous SolidCAM versions, the automatic denition of the start point wassupported only for single-chain prole geometries. The current release provides

you with the option to dene the start point automatically for geometries consistingof multiple chains as well.

In the Chains Selection dialog box, there is a new Startpoints section that contains two possibilities of automaticdenition of the chain start point:

Auto

The start point is dened automatically at theclosest point on the geometry to the insertionpoint by dropping a normal from the insertionpoint to the prole.

Start Point

Insertion Point

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At Angle

The start point is dened automatically at the intersection of the proleand the line drawn from the insertion point, at the selected angle.

Start Point

Insertion Point

Angle

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8Machining Processes

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.1 New Turn-Mill Machining Process table type

Previous versions of SolidCAM enabled three types of Machining Process tables:Milling, Turning and Wire Cut. SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you the fourth type of

Machining Process table that can be dened for your CAM-Part: Mill-Turn.

In the Machining Process Table Manager, you may add both Milling and TurningMachining Processes.

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Machining Processes

.2 Tool definition and search in Machining Processes

In previous SolidCAM versions the when a Machining Process was dened, thetool number was assigned to a tool automatically and the user had no controlover it. When the Machining Process was inserted into a CAM-Part, SolidCAM

performed a tool search according to the tool data in the Machining Process. Thetool search was performed in the Part Tool table and Current tool table. If a tool,whose data matched the data of the tool as dened in the Machining Process, wasfound then it was chosen; if no such tool was found, then a new tool was createdwith the rst available number.

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 provides you with more advanced functionality for the toolnumber denition inside the Machining Process and for the tool search during theMachining Process insertion.

.2.1 Parametric tool definition

SolidCAM2007 R11.2 enables you to dene the tool number as a variable, similar tothe other tool data that can be dened parametrically in the Operation templates.The expression for the tool number variable can vary in the different Default sets.The tool number variable is assigned its value during the insertion of a MP intothe CAM-Part.

By default, this option is disabled when you dene the tool for an operationtemplate in a MP. To enable it and dene the tool number parametrically, right-click on the tool name in the Tool list area of the Part Tool table and chooseUser-defined tool number.

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The Tool number eld becomes available for parametric denition; all other toolparameters are disabled.

You may switch back to the method where the Tool number is assigned automaticallyby right-clicking on the tool name in the list and choosingAutomatically-assignedtool number.

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Machining Processes

When you insert the MP into the CAM-Part, you have to assign values for the toolparameters that were dened as variables in the MP. If the tool was dened withthe User-defined tool number option, SolidCAM automatically checks the existenceof the tool with the specied number in the Part Tool table and Current Tooltable; if a tool with this number is not found, the number is not acceptable.

The parametric menu available for the tool number variables contains threeoptions:

Tool select from Current Tool table

This option displays the Current Tool table from which you maychoose a tool for the MP insertion. When you have selected a tool,its tool number from the Current Tool table appears in the Expressioneld of the MP Insert Manager. This option is available only when theCurrent Tool table is dened.

Tool select from Part Tool table

This option displays the Part Tool table from which you may choosea tool for the MP insertion. When you have selected a tool, its toolnumber from the Part Tool table appears in the Expression eld of theMP Insert Manager.

Edit View

This option displays the Edit dialog box in which you may enter theexpression manually.

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Machining Processes

.2.3 Tool search settings

The Tool search page in the SolidCAM Settings dialog box enables you to dene theparameters that will be used as search criteria when the tool search is performedby tool parameters.

This page contains two sets of tool data for Milling and Turning tool search. Todene the parameters you want to include in the search, select the relevant check

boxes. TheCheck All

andClear All

buttons enable you to select or clear all the checkboxes in each section separately.

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.1 Using color information to assign technology

In SolidCAM2007 R11.2 the AFRM recognizes the coloras an additional parameter of the hole feature. When

you have a solid model where different colors wereassigned to different families of similar hole features,SolidCAM AFRM enables you to use the color datato assign the technology.

The color information of each hole segment isavailable with other parameters in the Hole FeatureParameters dialog box. In the Value eld, the coloris presented as numerical values of the RGB color

model.

When a hole feature segments are converted tothe machinable hole feature, the color is storedin the hr_segm_color parameter.

.1.1 Setting color as condition for machining

You may use color as a criterionfor machining of different holefeatures. In case you want toperform a particular operationonly on a given set of holes with the same color, you needrst to set the color parameteras the condition for a specicmachining solution.

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Automatic Feature Recognition Module

You have then to assign this parameter a relevant color valueby usingSelect Color dialog box. This dialog box enables youto either choose a color from the palette or choose the colorfrom the solid model faces. When you pick a color, SolidCAMgenerates a numerical value for this color to be assigned to

the appropriate variable.

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