Cover Page

Technology Database
(TechDB)
Tutorial

SOLIDWORKS CAM
2019
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 Technology Database Tutorial

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: LEARNING THE TECHNOLOGY DATABASE 5

Technology Database 1 .................................................................................................6
Adding and Editing Mill Machines .....................................................................6
General Tab ..............................................................................................................8
Specifications Tab ..................................................................................................10
Turret Tab ..............................................................................................................11
Spindle Tab ............................................................................................................12
Setup Tab ...............................................................................................................13
Technology Database 2 ............................................................................................... 14
Adding Tools to the Tools Library ....................................................................14
Navigating Through the Tool List and Adding Tools ...........................................16
Technology Database 3 ............................................................................................... 18
Using Tool Cribs ............................................................................................... 18
Technology Database 4 ............................................................................................... 23
Feature and Operation Basics ............................................................................23
Default Operation Parameters ................................................................................23
Features & Operations ...........................................................................................25
User-defined Strategies ..........................................................................................26
Technology Database 5 ............................................................................................... 28
Creating a Strategy and Associating a Machining Sequence ............................ 28
Associate a Machining Sequence to the Strategy ..................................................30
Select Tools for Each Operation ............................................................................33
Applying the Strategy in SOLIDWORKS CAM .............................................. 37
Defining the Machine ............................................................................................37
Applying the User Defined Strategy ......................................................................37
Technology Database 6 ............................................................................................... 40
Understanding Threading Parameters ............................................................... 40
Defining Taps and Associated Operations .............................................................40
Technology Database 7 ............................................................................................... 44
Defining and Using Custom Tools ....................................................................44
Create Tools in SOLIDWORKS ............................................................................44
Use CW-Tooling Utility to Save Sketch as a Tool ................................................45
Add the Tool to the TechDB Tools Library ...................................................... 46
Use the Tool in SOLIDWORKS CAM ............................................................. 49
Extract Machinable Feature ...................................................................................49
Deleting Mill Part Setup ........................................................................................49
Inserting Mill Part Setup and Machinable Features ...............................................49
Generating the Operation Plan and Re-arranging the operations ..........................52

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Adjusting the Operation Parameters ......................................................................52

Generate the Toolpath and Simulate ......................................................................55
Technology Database 8 ............................................................................................... 57
Creating and Using User-defined Mill Tool Holders ........................................57
Create Holder in SOLIDWORKS CAM ........................................................... 57
Use CW-Tooling Utility to Save Sketch as a Holder ............................................58
Add the Holder to the TechDB and Associate with a Tool ............................... 59
Use the Holder in SOLIDWORKS CAM ......................................................... 62
Defining the Machine and Stock............................................................................62
Extracting and Defining Machinable Features ......................................................63
Generating Operation Plan and Adjusting the Operation Feature .........................64
Generate the Toolpath and Simulation ..................................................................64
Customizing Toolpath ............................................................................................65
Technology Database 9 ............................................................................................... 67
Defining a Keyway Cutter in the Technology Database ...................................67
Defining a Strategy in the Technology Database .............................................. 69
Associate a Machining Sequence to the Strategy ..................................................70
Inserting 2 Axis Features for T-slot and Applying the T-slot Strategy............. 73
Defining the feature to machine the top part of T-slot...........................................73
Defining the Open profile feature for the keyway cutter .......................................75
Generating Operations and Toolpaths ............................................................... 76
Simulation Toolpath .......................................................................................... 77
LEGAL NOTICES 78

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 Technology Database Tutorial

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

The intelligence behind SOLIDWORKS CAM machining automation is the

Technology Database (TechDB). The Technology Database is shipped with data that
is considered generally applicable to most machining environments. In order to gain
full advantage of SOLIDWORKS CAM, you will want to modify this data and input
additional knowledge that represents your expertise and your facility's capabilities and
machining methods. This knowledge can then be recalled and applied in
SOLIDWORKS CAM to help automate and promote consistency in NC programming
and machining.
Even without this individual tailoring, SOLIDWORKS CAM can be used as a
productive tool. With the exception of tooling and machine information, any method or
machining procedure that is defined in the Technology Database can be applied
interactively and modified in SOLIDWORKS CAM.

The TechDB is responsible for the following:

 Definition and selection of machine tools
 Definition and selection of tool sets
 Definition and selection of cutting tools and holders
 Determination of machining methods
 Definition of speeds and feeds conditions

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Technology Database 1

Topics covered in this tutorial:

Adding and Editing Mill Machines
One of the first steps when using SOLIDWORKS CAM is to define the machine that
the part will be programmed for. The machine tool used for the manufacturing of a part
will influence the methods used to complete the task. SOLIDWORKS CAM has
automated this by allowing your facility to create a database of the existing milling
centers.
When you set up a mill machine in the TechDB, you can:
 Define the CNC machine tools in your facility.
 Assign a name or machine number to each machine tool.
 Assign a Post Processor to each individual machine.
 Assign Tool Cribs to each individual machine.
 Define the machine as a light duty or heavy duty machine, which if used, will
directly influence the speeds and feeds output by the MES Speed and Feed library.
 Set X & Y travel limits of the machine tool.
 Define the number of axes that the machine tool is capable of machining to.

The following tutorial explains how to use the Machine Parameters form to add
additional machines.
1. Open a mill part file.
2. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command
Manager.

Select ‘Technology Database’ from the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager

Technology Database is displayed. The TechDB is based on the SQL Lite database
engine, contains a menus and forms that are used to modify and enter data.

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3. For this tutorial, you can use either Inches or Metric for the Units option available
at top right side.
The information in the database is stored in two sections: Metric and Inches.
- If your SOLIDWORKS part is Metric, SOLIDWORKS CAM will access the
metric information in the database.
- If the part is Inches, SOLIDWORKS CAM will access the inches information.
When you enter information in the TechDB, you need to specify which section
of the database you are editing: Metric or Inches.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database

4. In the TechDB, the Machines sub-menu is displayed on Mill menu. Click on the
Mill -Metric (Default) tab in the Machines sub-menu.
The Mill Machine Parameters form displays the machine information in the first
record. All data in the TechDB is considered a record.
The Mill Machine Parameters form is divided into five tabs:
- General
- Specifications

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- Turret
- Spindle
- Setup
The parameters are explained in the context-based help.

General Tab
The General tab allows you to view the general information regarding machine.

‘General’ Tab in Mill Machine Parameters form

Default machine
Only one machine can be the default. This machine is the one chosen automatically
when you enter SOLIDWORKS CAM. Normally, you would make the default
machine the one you program most.
Select the different machine (Mill 4 axis or Mill 5 axis) from the Machines sub-
menu and check the Default machine option to assign the desired and mostly used
machine as default machine in SOLIDWORKS CAM.

Machine name, Machine ID, Machine description

These are user description fields. You can edit the fields and save it by clicking on
the Save button.
The Machine name is the name that appears in the list of machines in
SOLIDWORKS CAM. Machine ID is used to reflect a number or name the user

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can assign to the machine. Machine description allows for a description that is
shown in SOLIDWORKS CAM along with the name. These fields do not affect
code output.

Post processor
This parameter defines the SOLIDWORKS CAM post processor (controller) file to
use for the selected machine.

Machine duty
This option allows you to specify the kind of work this machine does. Changing the
setting changes the speeds and feeds coming out of the database. A different speed
and feed can be set for each material depending on this setting. This allows you to
set speeds and feeds according to the particular machine’s capabilities. For
instance, a machine with a 20 hp spindle motor may be set as Heavy Duty, while
another machine with a 10 hp spindle motor may be set as Medium or Light Duty.

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Specifications Tab
The Specifications tab allows you to set some operating parameters for the
machine. These values are available during posting.

‘Specifications’ Tab in Mill Machine Parameters form

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Turret Tab
The Turret tab allows you to define the number of turrets for Turn and Mill
machines and tool change times.

‘Turret’ Tab in Mill Machine Parameters form

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Spindle Tab
The Spindle tab for Mill allows you to define the spindle speed times. For Turn
and Mill machines, the Spindle/Chuck page allows you to define spindle speed
times for the main and sub spindles, the default chuck and additional sub spindle
parameters.

‘Spindle’ Tab in Mill Machine Parameters form

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Setup Tab
The Setup tab allows you to define the Indexing and limits for machine. These
values are available while defining the machine.

‘Setup’ Tab in Mill Machine Parameters form

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Technology Database 2
Topics covered in this tutorial:

Adding Tools to the Tools Library

The Tools Library (Mill Tooling and Turn Tooling) command on the left pane of
Technology Database provides access to various commands for adding, deleting, and
editing mill/turn tools, holders, tool assemblies, and tool cribs. Tool types supported by
SOLIDWORKS CAM include drills, taps, end mills, user defined tools and many
others. While the Technology Database is supplied with many different tool types and
sizes, it will not likely include all various tools used within your facility. Ideally, to
take the most advantage of SOLIDWORKS CAM, it is recommended that you add or
modify the tool libraries to include the tools used in your machining practices.

Each tool is defined with both geometric and non-geometric characteristics. Some of
these parameters are used directly by SOLIDWORKS CAM in the calculation of
toolpaths and feeds/speeds and for display during toolpath simulation. Other
parameters are provided for the purpose of user identification and tool management.

Optionally, holders can be defined and mated to tools for increased tool reference
information and management as well as enhancing toolpath simulation and validation.

The following exercise shows you how to add a tool.

1. Open a mill part file.
2. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command
Manager.
3. For this tutorial, you can use either Inches or Metric for the Units option.
The information in the database is stored in two sections: metric and inches.
- If your SOLIDWORKS part is metric, SOLIDWORKS CAM will access the
metric information in the database.
- If the part is inches, SOLIDWORKS CAM will access the inches information.
When you enter information in the TechDB, you need to specify which section of
the database you are editing: Metric or Inches.

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Select ‘Mill Tooling’ from SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database

4. Click on Mill Tooling button on SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database and

click Drill tool under Point-to-Point Tools to select it.
The Tools Database – Drill form is displayed.
The tool library contains all of the standard drill sizes. The tool expressions for hole
features are based on the standard drill sizes so that SOLIDWORKS CAM will
automatically find the proper size tool for a hole feature. All of the drills entered in
the database are Cobalt.
The field name is listed across the top of the form above each column. Most of
these fields are self-explanatory as they pertain to the size and configuration of the
tool.

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Tool Database – Drill form

Navigating Through the Tool List and Adding Tools

All the tool are listed in left side pane. Scroll the whole list to view the list of tools.
When you will select any tool from y the list, the parameters of respective tool will be
displayed in right side pane. You can add any new tool, edit and delete the existing
tool from the list. The new tool will get added at the bottom of the form.
Use the Record buttons to navigate to the beginning and end of the list or move
through the list one record at a time. All forms in the TechDB have these buttons.
1. Scroll bar of the form to move through the list.
2. Select the last row of the list and click on the Copy button available at top of the
parameters list.
Observe the new row is added at bottom of the list (row no.227)

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New tool added at bottom of the list

3. In the right side pane, add the new input parameter values for a new tool. Type the
values into the fields.
4. Click the Save button after adding the desired parameters value.
The information is saved when you click Save button.

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Technology Database 3
Topics covered in this tutorial:

Using Tool Cribs

After you have entered all the tools into the Tool Library to meet your manufacturing
needs, you need to build a Tool Crib for each milling center or build one Tool Crib for
use with all of your machining centers. A tool crib is a subset of all the tools in the
library and usually represents the tools that are commonly loaded into the machine's
turret or are commonly used. A Tool Crib is then associated to a Machine definition so
that when the machine is selected in SOLIDWORKS CAM, these common tools are
made available during the programming of the part. There is no limit to the number of
tools in a Tool Crib or the number of tool cribs you can create.
SOLIDWORKS CAM is supplied with several example tool cribs that are intended to
be used with the SOLIDWORKS CAM example files. These tool cribs can be
modified or deleted as required.
1. Open a mill part file

2. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM

Command Manager.
3. Select Inches Units option for this tutorial.
4. In the TechDB, the Tool Cribs sub-menu is displayed on Mill menu. Click on the
Tool Crib 2 (Inch) tab in the Tool Cribs sub-menu.
The Tool Crib form is displayed.

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Select ‘Tool Crib’ from SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database

Using standard commands, you can perform the following functions in the Tool
Crib form:
- Create new Tool Cribs with an unlimited number of tools in each one.
- Modify the tools in an existing tool crib.
- Delete a tool crib or selected tools in a tool crib.
When assigning a Tool Crib to the machine that you are programming for, you are
indicating that only these tools should be available for use.

Tool Crib (Inch) form

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At the top of the Tool Crib form is the name of the crib and the number of stations
the Tool crib has. You cannot have more tools in the list than the number in Total
stations.

For example, you may have a machine tool with a 30-tool position magazine and
there are an additional 20 tools that are readily available. You could define a Tool
Crib of 50 tools. When programming a part in SOLIDWORKS CAM, you can
easily select the tools to use from this Tool Crib. There is no limit to the number of
tools in a Tool Crib or the number of tool cribs you can create.
The Define mill tool using tool assembly option determines if the tool crib will be
defined individually from tools and holders (unchecked) or using tool and holder
assemblies (checked).
 The Stn no. refers to the particular tool turret station that the tool will be loaded
in, and will be the tool number output in the G-Code.
 The Tool type reflects the type of tool, such as Flat End Mill, Ball Mill, Drill,
etc.
 The Key parameters field is filled automatically after the tool is selected.

Right side pane of Tool Crib (Inch) form

5. In the right side pane, all the parameters related to tool will be displayed. For Type
of Tool, click the dropdown arrow button to the right of the type of tool of the first
tool.

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If you were adding a tool, you would choose the tool type from the list of available
types and then click Save button to save the changes.
6. Leave the current tool type selected.
7. To the right of the Tool ID column, there is an Edit button to select the
particular tool for this station. Click the button to display the selection form.
8. The Tool Database form for the type of tool selected under the Type of Tool column
is displayed.
If you were adding a tool to the crib or replacing the existing tool in this station,
you would locate the tool in the list, select it and then click on the Select button.
9. Click Close to keep the existing tool and close the Tools Database form.
10. Click the Edit button to the right of the Holder ID column to open the Holder
Library form.
Each tool in the Tool Crib has a tool holder associated with it. You can display the
holder during toolpath simulation and check for collision between holder and stock.

Holder Library Form

11. Click Close to keep the existing holder.

12. Click on the Mill Inch – Default tab in the Machines sub-menu of Mill menu.
13. Click on the Turret tab.

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Tool Crib (Inch) form

14. On the Turret tab is a dropdown list for selecting the Tool crib to associate to the
machine. When you define a machine, you need to select the desired Tool crib for
the machine.
The Tool Crib Form button is another method for opening the Tool Crib form.
When the Tool crib priority option is checked, SOLIDWORKS CAM changes the
icon of an operation in the Operation tree to indicate a tool has been chosen that did
not come from the Tool crib.

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Technology Database 4
Topics covered in this tutorial:

Feature and Operation Basics

The Feature & Operations area of the database is essentially the brain of the TechDB.
The operations generated in SOLIDWORKS CAM and all the parameters they contain
come from Feature & Operations. This example explains how to define:
 Operation defaults that display when you define new operations in the TechDB.
 Default sort sequences for operations when you use the Sort Operation command in
SOLIDWORKS CAM.
 New Strategies.

1. Open a mill part file.

2. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM

Command Manager.
3. Select the Inches as a Units option at the top of the TechDB.

Default Operation Parameters

1. In the TechDB, the Strategies sub-menu is displayed on Mill menu. Click on the
Default Operation Parameters tab in the Strategies sub-menu.
The Default Operation Parameters form is displayed. This form controls the
defaults that display when you create new operations in the TechDB database.
For example, if you were to add a new Rough Mill operation in the database, the
fields on the form would display default values. This is where those parameters
come from. Setting your preferences beforehand can save you a significant amount
of time later.
For increased flexibility, this form allows you to define different sets of defaults,
where each set should contain only one of each operation type. The Is Default
check box on the form defines which set is active.
2. Select the Rough Mill from operation type dropdown list.
The Rough Mill form is displayed in the right side pane. The settings on the tabs in
this form are the defaults for new Rough Mill operations.
Remember, this is for new operations, not for existing ones.
3. Select the other operations type and view the default parameters.
4. You can edit, copy or delete the Operations Parameters.

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Default Operation Parameters form

Sort Operations Default

5. In The TechDB, click the Sort Operations tab in the Strategies sub-menu on Mill
menu.
Operations in SOLIDWORKS CAM can be sorted manually by dragging and
dropping in the Operation tree or automatically using the Sort Operations
command. This form controls the default order for how the operations are be sorted
using the command.
To change the order of the operations in the form, highlight the operation to be
moved, scroll to the bottom, then use the Move Up or Move Down buttons to
change the position.
6. Click Close to exit the form.

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Sort Operations form

Features & Operations

7. In the TechDB, click the Features & Operations tab in the Strategies sub-menu on
the Mill menu.
The Feature & Operations form displays the conditions and operations defined for
a Hole feature.
Observe that the assigned Strategy field is next to Feature field.
8. Click the down arrow to the right of the Drill Strategy in the first record. The
names of the Strategies in the list are the same as available in the Feature Strategies
form.
9. To view the Features Strategies form, click on the Edit button available next to
the Strategy field.

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Features & Operations Form

User-defined Strategies
10. Click the Edit button in the Feature & Operations form.
The Feature Strategies form is displayed.
Every feature in SOLIDWORKS CAM (pocket, hole, slot, multi surface feature,
etc.) has Strategies assigned to it. Strategies allow you to set up multiple methods
for machining the same type of feature.
The Hole feature shown here is a good example. You may want to drill, ream, bore
or thread a hole. The Strategy allows you to choose the method for each feature in
SOLIDWORKS CAM before generating the operation plan.
The Feature Strategies form allows you to define the names of the Strategies. That
is all you do on this form. The parameters for the given Strategy are set elsewhere.
The form also allows you to add, copy, delete and edit. After adding a new Strategy
in this form, you set up the machining method for the new Strategy in a different
form (Feature & Operations).
Default Defined Strategy names cannot be changed. For example, the Drill, Bore,
Ream, and Thread Strategy names for hole features cannot be changed; however,
the parameters that those Strategies call can be changed in the Feature Operations
form.
11. Click Close to close the form.

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Feature Strategies form

The next tutorial explains how to set up the machining sequences associated to a
Strategy.

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Technology Database 5
Topics covered in this tutorial:
 Creating a Strategy and associating a machining sequence
 Applying the Strategy in SOLIDWORKS CAM

Creating new Strategies allows you to customize the TechDB so that SOLIDWORKS
CAM will machine features using your exact methods. In the following exercise, you
create a new Strategy and associate a machining sequence in the TechDB, then apply
the Strategy to a feature and generate the operations in SOLIDWORKS CAM.

Creating a Strategy and Associating a Machining Sequence

1. Open the part file MILL2AX_11.SLDPRT from the following folder.
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 201x\CAM
Examples\Tutorial_Parts\Mill

MILL2AX_11.SLDPRT

2. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM

Command Manager.
3. Make sure the Units selection box is set to Inches.

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Select ‘Features & Operations’ tab on SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database

4. In the SOLIDWORKS CAM TechDB, click on the Features & Operations tab in
the Strategies sub-menu.
The Features & Operations form is displayed.
5. Click the down arrow below the Feature and select Rectangular Pocket.
The assigned Strategies will update in the Strategy field.
6. Click the Edit button in the Feature & Operations form.
The Feature Strategies form is displayed.

Feature Strategies form to define User Strategies

7. There are Strategies listed in the Strategy column.

8. Click on the New button to add the new Strategy for Rectangular Pocket.
9. Type Example in the displayed Strategy field and type for Rectangular Pocket in
the Description field.

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New Strategy entry

10. Click OK button to add the new entry.

11. Click Close to exit the form.

Associate a Machining Sequence to the Strategy

12. The Feature & Operations form is displayed again.
This form is where all of the machining operations and their parameters are
contained and where most TechDB editing is done.
13. For the Feature type, make sure Rectangular Pocket is selected from the dropdown
list.
14. Select the Strategy as Example from the dropdown list.
15. In the Feature Conditions section, click on the New button to add the new entry.
This is an empty record that you can use to add your new Strategy.
Use the right side pane to add the new Strategy.
16. In the right side pane, set the following parameters:
a. Set the Sub-Type to Blind.
b. Leave the Base Attribute set to None.
The Base Attribute is a feature condition that is used to distinguish features with
a fillet between the bottom and the sides of the feature.

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None indicates that there is no fillet. Bottom Radius indicates that there is a
fillet. Features with bottom radius fillets can be defined interactively using the
New 2.5 Axis Feature command.
c. For the Box Width <, enter a value of 1.
d. Under Box Width >=, enter a value of 10.
Reading across the record, you have defined a blind rectangular pocket, using
the Example Strategy, no base attribute, with a feature size ranging from greater
than 1" to less than or equal to 1000".
17. Click on the Save button.

Edited the new Strategy

The last step is to define the operations you want generated when this pocket is
found. Notice that in the Operations section, the Operation field is empty. A new
operation record for the Example Strategy will be added in the Operations section.

10. The Operations section has three fields:

 Operation selects the type of Operation, such as Rough Mill, Drilling,
Reaming, etc.
 Tool Selection allows you to pick the tool to be used.
 Depth Criteria sets the depth of cut.

In this tutorial, you will define operations for roughing and contouring a pocket.
You will set up two roughing operations, the first with a large tool and a second
with a smaller tool cutting only where the large tool could not. There are two
contouring operations, the first for cutting the bottom of the pocket and the second
for cutting the side walls.

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11. Click on the New Button and select Rough Mill from the dropdown list.
A new empty operation displays below the first one.

12. Select Rough Mill for the second operation.

13. Select Contour Mill for the third and fourth operations.
When complete, four operations are listed as shown here.

List of Operations

14. Highlight the first Rough Mill operation and then click on the Operation Parameter
tab on the right side pane to expand.
15. Click on the Edit button .
The Operation Parameters form is displayed. Observe that all the added operations
are listed in this form.
16. In the list, make sure the first Rough Mill operation is selected.
17. Click the Roughing tab.
18. In the Leftover group box, make sure the Generate option is checked.
19. In the Depth Parameters group box, set the following parameters:
- Bottom allowance to 0.05in
- First cut amount to 1
- Max cut amt. to 1
20. Click on the Save button at top.
21. In the Operation Parameter form, highlight the second Rough Mill operation in the
list at left side.
22. In the updated form, click on the Roughing tab:

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- In the Pocketing group box, set the Pattern to Pocket In.

- In the Depth Parameters group box, set the Bottom Allowance to 0.05in.
- In the Depth Parameters group box, set the First cut amt. and Max cut amt. to
0.5.
23. Click on the Save button at top.
24. Highlight the first Contour Mill operation in the list at left side.
25. On the Contour tab, under Side Parameters group box, set the Allowance to 0.05in.
26. In the Depth Parameters group box, set the First cut amt. to 2.
27. In the Flat areas group box, select the Bottom finish option and set the Step Over %
to 50.
28. Click on the Save button at top.
29. Highlight the second Contour Mill operation in the list at left side.
30. On the Contour tab, under Depth Parameters group box, set the Ramp parameter to
Angle and set the Angle to 3deg.
31. Check the Cleanup pass option.
32. Click on the Save button at top and then click Close button to exit.

Select Tools for Each Operation

The next step is to select the tools for each operation.
1. Highlight the first Rough Mill operation and then click on the Operation Tool
Selection tab on the right side pane to expand.
The Tool Selection form is displayed.
2. Leave the Type of Tool set to Flat End Mill.
3. Select the Use constant radio button.
With this method, you are specifying only a constant diameter, not a particular tool.
SOLIDWORKS CAM uses other criteria, such as the material being cut, to choose
the tool.
There are two other methods for choosing a tool:
Use expression allows you to give a tool diameter range. If you use a range, when
an Operation Plan is generated, SOLIDWORKS CAM searches the Tools database
for a tool diameter that is within the specified upper and lower diameter. If a tool
cannot be found, the SOLIDWORKS CAM Message Window will inform you that
a tool of the required size could not be found.
With the Select tool option, you can click the Select Tool button and choose a
particular tool from the tools database.
4. Set the Constant value to 1.
This sets the basic tool diameter to 1in. The exact tool chosen will be determined
by other factors, such as the material being machined.

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5. Click Save button at top to save the changes.

Select ‘Use constant’ in Operation Tool Selection tab

6. Highlight the second Rough Mill operation and then click on the Operation Tool
Selection tab on the right side pane to expand.
7. In the Tool Selection form, select the Use constant radio button and set the
Constant value to 0.25.
8. Click Save button.
9. Highlight the first Contour Mill operation and then click on the Operation Tool
Selection tab on the right side pane to expand.
10. Click the Select Tool radio button, then click the Edit button .
The Tool Database form is displayed.
11. Scroll down and select ID number 46, which is a ¼", 4 flute Carbide end mill.
12. Click on the Select button to select and exit the form.

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Select ‘Select Tool’ in Operation Tool Selection tab

13. Click Save button.

14. Highlight the second Contour Mill operation and then click on the Operation Tool
Selection tab on the right side pane to expand.
15. Click the Select Tool radio button, then click the Edit button .
The Tool Database form is displayed.
16. Select ID number 46 again and click Select button.
17. Click Save button.
18. Highlight the first Rough Mill operation and then click on the Operation Depth
Criteria tab on the right side pane to expand.
19. Select Use Expression radio button.
Note that the default expression is Feature Depth + zero (0). This tells
SOLIDWORKS CAM to machine to the bottom of the feature.
20. Click Save button to save the changes.

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Select ‘Use Expression’

21. Repeat these steps for the remaining three operations.

When you are finished, the Operations conditions of the Feature & Operations form
should look like the image below.

Operations conditions after defining tool conditions

22. Close the SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database.

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Applying the Strategy in SOLIDWORKS CAM

Defining the Machine
1. Click the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature Tree tab in the SOLIDWORKS.
2. Double click Machine item in the Feature tree.
OR
Right click the Machine in the Feature tree and select Edit Definition on the context
menu.
3. On the Machine tab, highlight Mill–Inch and click on Select button.
4. Click the Tool Crib tab and highlight Tool Crib 2 (Inch) and click Select button.
5. Make sure Tool crib priority option is unchecked.
6. Click the Post Processor tab; select M3Axis-Tutorial as Active post processor.
7. Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialog box.

Applying the User Defined Strategy

1. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM
Command Manager.
Automatic Feature Recognition finds a rectangular pocket group feature.
2. Double click Rectangular Pocket Group1 in the Feature tree.
3. In the Rectangular Pocket Parameters dialog box, click the dropdown arrow next to
the Strategy selection box and select Example.

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Rectangular Pocket Parameters dialog box

4. Click OK.

5. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM

Command Manager.
The Operation tree lists the four operations. This is the machining sequence that
you defined in the TechDB for the Example Strategy.

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Generated operation listed in

Operation tree

6. For each operation, double click on the operation in the tree to open the Operation
Parameters dialog box and notice that the parameters are set to the values you
specified in the TechDB, then click OK.
7. Click the Generate Toolpath button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command
Manager.
OR
Right click the Mill Part Setup1 in the Operation tree and select Generate Toolpath
from the context menu.
8. Right click on the Mill Part Setup1 in the Operation tree and select Simulate
Toolpath from the context menu.
The Toolpath Simulation toolbar is displayed.
9. Click the Run button to start the simulation.
10. Close the Toolpath Simulation toolbar when you are finished.

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Technology Database 6
Topics covered in this tutorial:
Understanding Threading Parameters
The thread portion of the TechDB is a departure from the method the database
normally uses. In all other cases, the definition of the tool, the feature, and the
operations to machine the feature are in different places in the TechDB. Threads are
different in that all the parameters are on the same form.

Defining Taps and Associated Operations

1. Open the Turn part file.

2. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM

Command Manager.
3. For this tutorial, you can use either Inches or Metric for the Units option.
4. In the Technology Database, click on the Turn Tooling menu.
5. Click on the Tap Tools – Cutting tab in the Threading sub-menu.
The Tap – Cutting form is displayed.

Select ‘Tap Tools – Cutting’ from SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database

Left side top section lists the taps and associated parameters. This section is similar
to the forms for other tool types. There are fields for the physical size aspects of the
tap, as well as fields for material, hand of cut, and comments.

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Left top side of Tap – Cutting form

Left side bottom section is a tabbed list of the Mill Tap Operations and Turn Tap
Operations that will be generated for a threaded hole using the selected tap in the
top section of the form.

Left bottom side of Tap – Cutting form

6. Click on Row 162 in the top section grid. The operations for this tap are listed
below in the bottom Tap Operations section.
7. In the Mill Tap Operation section, highlight the Center Drill operation and then
click on the Operation Parameters tab on the right side pane to expand.

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8. Click on the Edit button .

The Operation Parameters form – Center Drill is displayed. Observe that all the
added operations are listed in this form on left side.
Any changes to the parameters in this form apply to operations generated for the
particular tapped hole size and do not affect operations for other hole sizes.
9. Click Close to exit the Operation Parameters form.
10. For the same Center Drill operation, click the Operation Tool Selection tab on the
right side pane to expand.
This form allows you to choose the particular tool to be used for this Center Drill
operation.
The tool can be chosen using two methods: Use constant or Select Tool.
With Use Constant, you are not specifying a particular tool, only a constant
diameter. SOLIDWORKS CAM uses other criteria, such as the material being cut,
to choose the tool.
With the Select Tool option, you can click the Select Tool button and choose a
particular tool from the database.

Operation Tool Selection tab

11. For the same Center Drill operation, click the Operation Depth Criteria tab on the
right side pane to expand.
Because this is a drilling operation, there are three depth setting sections in the
form. The first is for blind/flat bottom holes, the second for through holes, and the
third for blind/drill point holes.
In each of the depth sections, there are three methods for determining the depth the
tool reaches.
 Use constant specifies a constant Z depth for the tool to drill to.
 Use expression allows you to use a mathematical expression to determine the
depth. For instance, you can specify a depth that is more or less than the depth
of the feature.

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 Countersink diameter allows you to specify the diameter of the countersunk

hole as opposed to a depth setting. In this case, SOLIDWORKS CAM would
figure the depth necessary to obtain the desired diameter.
12. Once all the operations and their respective parameters have been set, the tapped
hole settings are complete and you can click Close to exit the Technology
Database.

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Technology Database 7
Topics covered in this tutorial:
Defining and Using Custom Tools
SOLIDWORKS CAM allows you to create and display your own custom tools and
tool holders. It is important to be able to use the actual tool shape during simulation, so
that you can see an accurate representation of the tool cutting the part.

Create Tools in SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS CAM provides a method for geometrically defining a special shaped
mill tool that can be used in 2 axis rough and contour milling and single point
operations (drill, ream and bore). A special shaped tool is any tool shape not defined
by the current SOLIDWORKS CAM tool types. For certain types of manufacturing, it
is common to use special shaped tools for numerous milling operations including
roughing, finishing, drilling, etc. These special shaped tools are routinely used in
roughing and finishing wood-based products as well as for complex holes for ports.
Creation of the shapes is done in SOLIDWORKS CAM by drawing a cross section of
the shape and a center line, and then creating a revolved solid. The sketch in the figure
below shows the geometry used to create the tool used in this exercise.
The geometry of the tool is defined from a SOLIDWORKS CAM sketch and must
conform to the following:
 The geometry can contain only lines and arcs. Splines are not supported.
 The centerline of the tool must start at X=0 in
the sketch.
 The bottom center of the tool must start at 0,0.
Relative to the sketch X zero, all geometry
must be positive. Relative to the sketch Y zero,
geometry can be positive or negative.
 The axis of the tool must be vertical and pass
through SOLIDWORKS CAM 0,0.
 The geometry must be closed and observe
the rules required to make a SOLIDWORKS
CAM solid of revolution.
In the following tutorial, you will use the CW-
Tooling utility to save a sketch as a tool, add the
tool to the Tool Library in the SOLIDWORKS
CAM Technology Database, then use the tool to
cut a part.

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Use CW-Tooling Utility to Save Sketch as a Tool

1. Open the part file MillTool_SideGroove.SLDPRT
located in the following folder:
Drive:\Program
Data\SOLIDWORKSCAMData\Tooling\MTools
This tool was created by drawing a sketch that conforms
to the rules on the previous page and then creating a
revolved solid.
Before using this tool in SOLIDWORKS CAM, you need
to use the User Defined Tools and Holders command to
save the geometry in a tool file. SOLIDWORKS CAM
uses this tool file, not a standard SOLIDWORKS CAM
part document. However, if you save the model as a
SOLIDWORKS CAM document, you can modify the MillTool_SideGroove.SLDPRT
model easily, if necessary.
2. Click on the Tools dropdown menu on the
SOLIDWORKS menu bar and select
SOLIDWORKS CAM from dropdown menu.

3. Select User Defined Tools and Holders from

cascading menu.
4. In the Create Tool / Holder dialog box, select Mill
Tool (*.mt) for the File Type and click the Browse
button.
5. In the Save As dialog box, open the
\Tooling\MTools folder inside the SOLIDWORKS
CAMData folder.
This folder is provided as a default location for
custom tools; however, you can organize tool and
holder files in a folder structure that best suits your
requirements.
For example, you can save a tool file in the same
folder as the associated part file or you can set up
shared folders for tools and holders.
6. Use MillTool_SideGroove for the file name and
click Save.
The file can have the same name as the
SOLIDWORKS CAM document or a different
name. Mill form files are saved automatically with
a *.mt extension.
SOLIDWORKS CAM validates the geometry and
Create Tool/Holder dialog box

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saves the file.

7. Click OK to close the Create Tool / Holder dialog box.

Add the Tool to the TechDB Tools Library

1. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM
Command Manager.
2. In the top right side corner, make sure the Units is set to Inches.
3. Click on the Mill Tooling menu on the TechDB and then click on User Defined
Tools tab in the Form Cutters sub-menu.
The User Defined Tool form is displayed.

Select ‘User Defined Tools’ from Form Cutters sub-menu

4. Select the last row of this form and then click on the Copy button from the right
side pane.
The new row is added at last of the list along with all the parameters. You can edit
the parameters as required in the newly added row.
5. Select the newly added last row and define the new tool parameters on the right
side pane.
6. Use the following information:

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Value Comments
Field
When the option is checked, SOLIDWORKS CAM can select the tool
ON Checked
when an operation plan is generated.

Tool ID User-1 This is a user-defined tool identification field.

The text entered in this field displays in the tool description section of
Designation Side groove the operation name in the Operation tree.

When generating roughing and finishing toolpaths, SOLIDWORKS

Cut diameter (D1) 1
CAM bases the toolpath offset calculation on this parameter.

Defines the diameter of the tool shank. In this release, this field is used
Shank dia. (D2) 0.625
for reference only.

Overall length (L1) 3.7 Overall length of the tool.

Flute length (L2) 1.25 Length of the tool that can be used for cutting.

Defines the distance from the tip of the tool to the bottom of the holder.
Protrusion (L3) 3 This value is used to determine how much of the tool protrudes from
the mill holder during simulation.

Shoulder length (L4) 1 Length from the end of the tool to the start of the shank diameter.

Tip offset (O) 0 Defines an offset for the Z program point.

Determines if your spindle will rotate CCW or CW. In the case of a right
Hand of cut Right hand hand tool, the spindle will rotate CW.

Number of flutes on the tool. Feed and Speed calculations are partially
No. of flutes 4 based on the number of flutes.

Tool Material HSS The material is used for feed/speed calculations.

1" Mill Side

Comment The comment is output in the posted G-code.
Groove

Defines the folder and name of the user-defined tool file. Use the
Tool name & Click to Browse button to locate the \Program
path data\SOLIDWORKSCAMData\Tooling\MTools folder and select the
locate file
MillTool_SideGroove.mt file.

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Add the User-1 tool in User Defined Tab

7. When you are finished, click on the Save button to save the changes.
The information is saved.
8. Exit the SOLIDWORKS CAM TechDB.
9. Close MillTool_SideGroove.SLDPRT. You have finished with this file.

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Use the Tool in SOLIDWORKS CAM

You are now ready to use the tool to cut a part.

Extract Machinable Feature

1. Open part file MILL2AX_12.SLDPRT located in the following folder.
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 201x\CAM
Examples\Tutorial_Parts\Mill

2. Click the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature Tree tab.

3. Double click on Machine in the Feature tree.
In the displayed Machine dialog box,
 On the Machine tab, highlight Mill–Inch and click Select button.
 Click on the Tool Crib tab and make sure Tool Crib 2 (Inch) is selected as
Active tool set.
 Make sure Tool crib priority option is unchecked.
 Click on the Post Processor tab and make sure M3Axis-Tutorial is selected.
 Click OK to close the Machine dialog box.
4. Double click Stock Manager in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree.
 Click OK to use the default Bounding box and close the dialog box.
5. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM
Command Manager.
The Mill part Setup is generated and displayed under Feature tree.

Deleting Mill Part Setup

1. Click Mill Part Setup1 in the Feature tree.
The features you are going to machine in this tutorial cannot be machined from this
direction, so you can delete this setup and insert a new setup.
2. Right click Mill Part Setup1 in the Feature tree and select Delete from the context
menu.
3. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.

Inserting Mill Part Setup and Machinable Features

1. Right click Stock Manager in the Feature tree and select Mill Part Setup from the
context menu.
The Mill Setup dialog box is displayed.
2. Pick the top face of the part as shown in the image.

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Select the top face

3. Make sure the Face option is not checked in the Feature group box.
4. Click OK to insert the setup.
Mill Part Setup1 is listed in the Feature tree.
5. Right click Mill Part Setup1 in the Feature tree and select 2.5 Axis Feature from
the context menu.
The 2.5 Axis Feature: Select Entities dialog box is displayed.
6. Select Open Profile for the Feature Type.
7. Pick the lower inside edge of the groove as shown in the image.

Select the lower edge and corresponding

edge of other side

8. Rotate the part and pick the corresponding edge on the other side.
Edges are listed in the Entities selected list box.
9. Click the End Condition button.
10. Rotate the part back to the original view and zoom to the corner of the part.
11. For the End Condition, pick the vertex on the top of the part as shown in the image.

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Select the vertex

12. The End Condition Type changes to Upto Vertex and the Depth of the feature to
0.325in.
13. Set the Strategy to Fine.
14. In Feature Profile group box, click on the Edit feature profiles button.
The 2.5 Axis Feature: Feature Profiles dialog box is displayed.
Notice that the direction of cut that displays on the part for the Open Profile(1)
feature is correct.
15. Click the down arrow in the Feature selection box and select Open Profile(2).
The direction of cut that displays on
the part for the Open Profile(2) feature
is shown in the image on the right. In
case it isn’t, then use the Flip direction
of cut option in the dialog box to set
the correct direction.
The arrow should change to the
opposite direction as shown in the
image.
16. Click OK to close the 2.5 Axis
Feature: Feature Profiles dialog box.
17. Then click OK to close the 2.5 Cut direction for Open Profile2
Axis Feature: End Conditions dialog box.
The tree lists the two Open Profile Features.

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Open Profile listed

Generating the Operation Plan and Re-arranging the operations

1. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM
Command Manager.
Two Contour Mill operations are listed in the Operation tree. Since you are using
the same cutting conditions to machine the two features, you can combine the
features in one operation.
2. Click the plus signs next to the each Contour Mill operation to expand the items.
3. Drag Open Profile2 over Open Profile1 and release the mouse button.
Contour Mill2 operation is deleted and the two features can be machined with the
same operation.
4. Click the minus sign next to Contour Mill1 to collapse the item.

After drag and drop of operation

Adjusting the Operation Parameters

Before you can use the form tool, you need to add it to the Tool Crib. If you add a tool
to the Tool Crib in the TechDB, the tool will be available to use in other parts. If a tool
is used occasionally or only for a specific part, you can add the tool to the Tool Crib in
the Machine dialog box or to the Tool Crib on the Tool Crib tab in the Operation
Parameters dialog box so that it is available only for the current part. In this exercise,
you add the tool in the Operation Parameters dialog box for the Contour Mill1
operation.

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1. Double click Contour Mill1 in the Operation tree.

The Operation Parameters dialog box is displayed.
2. Click on the Tool tab and select Tool Crib page.
3. Click the Add button to select a new tool from the Tool library.
The Tool Select Filter dialog box is displayed.
4. In this dialog box, select User defined tool in the list.
The Mill (Inch) list displays the tool list based on the selected tool type.
5. Select the Side Groove tool with Tool ID: User-1.
6. The Preview window is activated and displays the 3D view of the selected tool.
7. Click OK button to select the tool.

Tool Select Filter dialog box

This action closes the dialog box and adds the selected tool to the active Tool crib.
The new tool is listed at the bottom of the Tool Crib grid.
8. On the Tool Crib tab, select the User defined tool at bottom of the Tool Crib.
9. A Preview window is displayed at right side of the Operation Parameters dialog
box. This Preview window contains the dynamic 3D view of the tool and holder.

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The tool Station Number, Tool Comment and labels of the Tool parameters are
displayed in the Preview window.
10. Click the Select button. This action will assign the selected tool as the tool to be
used for machining this operation.

Operation Parameters dialog box

11. Click Yes to replace the corresponding holder.

SOLIDWORKS CAM provides a default holder for any tool that does not have an
associated holder. You can associate holders to tools individually when you add a
tool to the Tool Crib in the TechDB or using the Default Tools form in the
TechDB.
12. In the displayed Mill User Defined Tool page, observe that the Side Groove tool
information is listed and a wire frame picture of the tool displays in the Preview
area.
13. Click the Leadin tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box.
You need to define a leadin and leadout in order to avoid gouging the part.
14. Click on the Leadin type dropdown list and select Parallel.
15. Click on the button next to the Leadin amount to display its value in inches. Set
the Leadin amount value to 0.5in.
16. Click on the Leadout type dropdown list and select Same as Leadin.
17. At the top of the dialog box, click the Apply Leadin/out to All button to apply these
settings to both features.

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18. Click the Contour tab.

- In the Depth Parameters group box, click on the button next to the First cut
amt. to display its value in inches. Set the value to 1inch.
Since the feature depth is 1inch, this setting cuts the feature to depth in one
pass.
- In the Side Parameters group box, click the Settings button.
The Side Parameters dialog box is displayed.
- Click on the button next to the Cut amt. to display its value in inches. Set the
value to 0.0625in.
- Set the Prev. allowance to 0.1875in.
These two parameters determine the number of side passes. These values will
generate three side passes.
- Click OK to close the Side Parameters dialog box.
19. Click the Feature Options tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box.
Notice that the Feature list currently shows Open Profile1. When machining
multiple features with the same operation, most of the cutting conditions are the
same and the settings in the Operation Parameters dialog box apply automatically
to all features. To allow greater flexibility in machining individual features, cutting
conditions that are feature-based are not applied automatically to all features. For
some feature-based parameters, an Apply to All button is provided to set the
parameters the same. For others, the parameters must be set for each feature.
20. In the Features group box, click on Feature list and select Open Profile2.
21. Click the Contour tab and notice that your change is retained for the First cut amt.
22. In the Side Parameters group box, click the Settings button.
The change for the Cut amt. is retained; however, the Prev. allowance value is the
original default. This parameter must be set for each feature.
23. In the Side Parameters dialog box, change the Prev. allowance to 0.1875in.
24. Click OK to close the dialog box.
25. Click OK to close the Operation Parameters dialog box.

Generate the Toolpath and Simulate

1. Click the Generate Toolpath button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command

Manager.
The toolpaths are generated on both sides of the part.
2. Highlight the operation in the tree to view the toolpaths.
3. Click the Simulate Toolpath button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command
Manager.
4. Set the following display options:

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- Stock: Shaded with Edges display

- Tool: Shaded with Edges display

- Holder: Shaded with Edges display

- Target: No Display

- Tool: Ignore Collision

- Tool Shank: Ignore Collision

- Tool Holder: Ignore Collision

5. Click the Single Step button several times to step through the simulation.
Note that simulation using user-defined tools is not supported in Turbo mode.

Simulation Toolpath

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Technology Database 8
Topics covered in this tutorial:
Creating and Using User-defined Mill Tool Holders
SOLIDWORKS CAM includes the capability to define mill tool holders and create a
Holder library in the TechDB. The Holder library is a database of all holders available
within a machining facility. When a holder is mated to a mill tool, the holder can be
displayed during simulation. Displaying mill tool holders in simulation provides
valuable feedback to determine whether a collision will occur during machining.
SOLIDWORKS CAM supports two types of mill holders. The first
type, called Basic, has the shape of a larger diameter cylinder on top
of a smaller diameter cylinder. The Basic holders are defined directly
in the Holder library by specifying the Top diameter (D1), Bottom
diameter (D2), Overall length (L1), and Bottom length (L2) as
shown in the figure on the right. For many applications, the Basic
mill holder shape may be adequate. However, in cases where
additional detail in the holder is desired, a User defined holder can be
used. The shape of the user defined holder is based on a
SOLIDWORKS CAM part model. The tutorial below describes how
to create a user defined holder, add it to the Holder library and use it Basic Holder
in SOLIDWORKS CAM. Parameters

Create Holder in SOLIDWORKS CAM

The method for geometrically defining a mill
holder is the same as for a user-defined tool.
Creation of the shape is done in SOLIDWORKS
CAM by drawing a cross section of the shape
and a center line, and then creating a revolved
solid as explained on page 44. The sketch in the
figure shows the geometry used to create the
holder used in this exercise.

User-defined Holder Sketch

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Use CW-Tooling Utility to Save Sketch as a Holder

1. Open the part file MillHolder_CAT45-VFlange.SLDPRT
located in the following folder:
Drive:\Program
Data\SOLIDWORKSCAMData\Tooling\MHolders
Before using this holder in SOLIDWORKS CAM, you need
to use the CW-Tooling utility to save the sketch as a holder.
SOLIDWORKS CAM uses the file generated by CW-
Tooling, not a standard SOLIDWORKS CAM part
document. However, if you save the model as a
SOLIDWORKS CAM document, you can modify the
model easily, if necessary. MillHolder_CAT45-
2. Click on the Tools dropdown menu on the SOLIDWORKS VFlange.SLDPRT
menu bar and click on SOLIDWORKS CAM from dropdown
menu
3. Select the User Defined Tools and
Holders command from the cascading menu.
4. In the Create Tool / Holder dialog box, select
Mill Holder for the File Type.
5. Click the Browse button.
The Save As dialog box is displayed.
6. Open the \Tooling\MHolders folder inside the
SOLIDWORKS CAM folder.
This folder is provided as a default location
for holders; however, you can organize tool
and holder files in a folder structure that best
suits your requirements.
7. Use MillHolder_CAT45-VFlange for the file
name and click Save.
The file can have the same name as the
SOLIDWORKS CAM document or a
different name. Mill holder files are saved
automatically with a .mh extension.
The program validates the geometry and saves
the file.
8. Click OK in order to insert the holder.

Create Tool/Holder dialog box

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Add the Holder to the TechDB and Associate with a Tool

1. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM
Command Manager.
2. In the top right side corner, make sure the Units is set to Metric.
3. Click on the Mill Tooling menu on the TechDB and then click on Holders tab in the
Holders & Assemblies sub-menu.
The Mill Holder Library form is displayed.

Select ‘Holders’ from Holders & Assemblies sub-menu

4. Select the last row of this form and then click on the Copy button from the right
side pane.
The new row is added at last of the list along with all the parameters. You can edit
the parameters as required in the newly added row.
5. Select the newly added last row and define the new holder parameters on the right
side pane.
6. Use the following information:

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Field Value Comments

Holder number Holder1 User defined alphanumeric string.

Specifies whether the holder shape is defined from parameter values

or user-defined geometry:
Holder shape User Defined Basic – The shape is defined parametrically from: Top diameter,
Bottom diameter, Overall length, and Bottom length.
User Defined – The shape is defined from user defined geometry.
This list is determined by the types on the Holder Types form. Click on
Holder type Rigid-Static
the Edit button and select from the list.
This list is determined by the specifications on the Holder
Holder specification CAT-45 Specification form. Click on the Edit button and select from the
list.
Defines the folder and name of the user-defined holder file. Use the
User defined name Click to locate Browse button to locate the \Program
& path file data\SOLIDWORKSCAMData\Tooling\MHolders folder and select the
MillHolder_CAT45-VFlange.mh file.

Comment CAT 45V User supplied comment.

Defined the Holder 1 in Mill Holder Library form

7. When you are finished, click on the Save button to save the changes.
The information is saved.
SOLIDWORKS CAM provides two methods of assigning holders to tools:
 In the less formal approach, a holder is mated to a tool on the Tool crib form.
When creating the tool crib, do not select the Define using Tool Assemblies
option. In this approach, tool management is focused more on the tool itself.

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 In environments where a more formal strategy of managing both tool and holder
assemblies is required, each tool and holder combination can be mated
permanently using the Assembly Tool form.

The Tool Crib tab in the Operation Parameters dialog box has a Holder page that
allows you to change the holder for an individual operation, if necessary.

In this exercise, you use the Mill Tool Crib form to associate the holder to a tool.
1. In the TechDB, in Mill menu, click on the Tool Crib 2 (Metric) in the Tool Cribs
sub-menu.
The Tool Crib (Metric) form is displayed.

Select ‘Tool Crib 2’ from Tool Cribs sub-menu

2. Highlight the Stn. no. 3 (ID: 13) in the list and define the holder on the right side
pane in the Tool Crib.
3. In the right side pane, click on the Edit button next to the Holder ID.
The Mill Holder Library form is displayed.
4. Select Holder1 from bottom the list and click the Select button.

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Select ‘Holder 1’ from the list

5. Click on the Save button in right side pane to save the select Holder ID.
Now the Holder 1 (ID: 26) is selected as Holder ID for the Stn. No.3.
6. Exit the SOLIDWORKS CAM TechDB.
7. Close MillHolder_CAT45_VFlange.SLDPRT. You have finished with this file.

Use the Holder in SOLIDWORKS CAM

Defining the Machine and Stock
1. Open part file MILL2AX_13.SLDPRT from the following folder location.
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 201x\CAM
Examples\Tutorial_Parts\Mill

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MILL2AX_13.SLDPRT

2. Click the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature Tree tab.

3. Double click on Machine in the Feature tree.
The Machine dialog box is displayed.
 On the Machine tab, highlight Mill–Metric and click Select button.
 Click on the Tool Crib tab and make sure Tool Crib 2 (Metric) is selected as
Active tool set.
 Make sure Tool crib priority option is unchecked.
 Click on the Post Processor tab and make sure M3Axis-Tutorial is selected.
 Click OK to close the Machine dialog box.
4. Double click Stock Manager in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree.
 Click OK to use the default Bounding box and close the dialog box.
5. Click the SOLIDWORKS CAM Options button on the SOLIDWORKS
CAM Command Manager.
OR
Select Tools from the SOLIDWORKS CAM menu and click on SOLIDWORKS
CAM >> Options.
The Options dialog box is displayed.
6. Click on the Mill Features tab.
7. In the Feature types group box, make sure the Boss and Face options are not
checked, then click OK.

Extracting and Defining Machinable Features

1. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM

Command Manager.
AFR finds an Open Pocket and a Rectangular Pocket.

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2. Right-click Rectangular Pocket1 in the Feature tree and select Parameters from the
context menu.
3. In the Rectangular Pocket Parameters dialog box, select Rough-Finish for the
Strategy.
4. Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialog box.
This Strategy has been set up in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database to
generate a Rough Mill operation for a Rectangular Pocket feature.

Generating Operation Plan and Adjusting the Operation Feature

1. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM

Command Manager.
Three operations (Two Rough Mill operations and one Contour Mill operation) are
generated for the features.
2. Double click Rough Mill2 in the Operation tree.
The Operation Parameters dialog box is displayed.
3. Click on Tool tab and select the Tool Crib page.
4. Select the tool with 20mm diameter (Stn. No. 5).
5. Click the Select button.
6. Click Yes to replace the corresponding holder.
7. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Generate the Toolpath and Simulation

1. Click the Generate Toolpath button on the

SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager.
The toolpaths are generated for the three operations.
2. Click the Simulate Toolpath button on the
SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager.
3. On the Toolpath Simulation dialog box, set the
following display options:

- Stock: Shaded with Edges

- Tool: Shaded with Edges

- Tool Holder: Cut Collision

4. Click the Run button. Holder Gouges the boss

Notice that the tool holder gouges the boss.
5. Click the Cancel button to exit the simulation.

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Customizing Toolpath
1. Double click Rough Mill2 in the Operation tree.
The Operation Parameters dialog box is displayed.
2. Click the Tool tab and select the Tool Crib page.
3. Select the tool with 12mm diameter (Stn. No. 3).
You associated the user-defined holder to this tool in the TechDB.
4. Click the Select button.
5. Click Yes to replace the corresponding holder.
6. Click the Mill Holder page under the Tool tab.
The information for Holder1 is displayed.

Operation Parameters dialog box

7. Change the Protrusion to 65mm.

This parameter defines the distance from the tip of the tool to the bottom of the
holder.
8. Click OK to close the dialog box.
9. Right click Rough Mill2 in the Operation tree and select the Generate Toolpath
command from the context menu.

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You need to regenerate the toolpath because you selected a different diameter tool.
10. Double click Contour Mill1 in the Operation tree.
The Operation Parameters dialog box is displayed.
11. Click the Mill Holder page under the Tool tab.
12. Change the Protrusion to 65mm.
This parameter defines the distance from the tip of the tool to the bottom of the
holder.
13. Click OK to close the dialog box.
14. Click the Simulate Toolpath button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command
Manager.

15. Click the Run button.

Observe that this holder does not gouge the boss.

Simulation Toolpath without gouging the

boss

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Technology Database 9
SOLIDWORKS CAM supports keyway and dovetail cutting tools. In this tutorial, you
create a user-defined T-slot Strategy in the TechDB using a keyway cutter and apply it
to a machinable feature.

Topics covered in this tutorial:

 Defining a keyway cutter in the Technology Database
 Creating a user-defined T-slot Strategy in the Technology Database
 Inserting a 2 Axis Feature and applying the TechDB T-slot Strategy
 Generating Operations and Toolpaths

1. Open the part file MILL2AX_8.SLDPRT in the following folder location:

C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 201x\CAM
Examples\Tutorial_Parts\Mill
2. Click the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature Tree tab.
3. Double click on Machine in the Feature tree.
The Machine dialog box is displayed.
 On the Machine tab, highlight Mill–Inch and click Select button.
 Click on the Tool Crib tab and highlight the Tool Crib 2 (Inch) and click Select
button to define the Active tool set.
 Make sure Tool crib priority option is unchecked.
 Click on the Post Processor tab and make sure M3Axis-Tutorial is selected;
then click OK to close the Machine dialog box.
4. Double click Stock Manager in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree.
 Click OK to use the default Bounding box and close the dialog box.

Defining a Keyway Cutter in the Technology Database

First, you need to define the keyway cutter in the TechDB.

1. Click the TechDB button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager.

OR
Select Tools from the SOLIDWORKS CAM menu and select SOLIDWORS CAM
from the dropdown list>> Technology Database
2. In the top right side, make sure the Units is set to Inches.
3. Click on the Mill Tooling menu on the TechDB and then click on KeyWay tab in
the Form Cutters sub-menu.
The Form Cutter – Keyway form is displayed.

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Select ‘KeyWay’ from Form Cutters sub-menu

4. Select the last row of this form and then click on the Copy button from the right
side pane.
The new row is added at last of the list along with all the parameters. You can edit
the parameters as required in the newly added row.
5. Select the newly added last row and define the parameters on the right side pane.
6. Use the following information:

Fields Values
Tool ID 1010
Diameter (D1) 1.75
Shank dia. (D2) 0.75
Bottom radius (R1) 0.05
Top radius (R2) 0.05
Overall length (L1) 3
Flute length (L2) 0.5
Protrusion (L3) 2
Hand of cut Right hand
No of flutes 8
Tool material Carbide
Comment 1.75" Keyway

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Defined new Keyway tool in Form cutter – KeyWay form

7. When you are finished, click on the Save button to save the changes.
The information is saved.

Defining a Strategy in the Technology Database

Next, you create a user-defined Strategy to apply a machining process in the
SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database.
1. In the SOLIDWORKS CAM TechDB, click on the Features & Operations tab in
the Strategies sub-menu of Mill menu.
The Features & Operations form is displayed.

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Select ‘Features & Operations’ tab on SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database

2. Click the down arrow below the Feature and select Open Profile / Wrapped Open
profile.
The assigned Strategies will update in the Strategy field.
3. Click the Edit button in the Feature & Operations form.
The Feature Strategies form is displayed.
4. Click on the New button to add the new Strategy for Open Profile.
5. Type T-slot in the displayed Strategy field.
6. Click OK button to add the new entry.
7. Click Close to exit the form.

Associate a Machining Sequence to the Strategy

8. The Feature & Operations form is displayed again.
This form is where all of the machining operations and their parameters are
contained and where most TechDB editing is done.
9. For the Feature type, make sure Open Profile is selected from the dropdown list.
10. Select the Strategy as T-slot from the dropdown list.
11. In the Feature Conditions section, click on the New button to add the new entry.
This is an empty record that you can use to add your new Strategy.
Use the right side pane to add the new Strategy.
12. In the right side pane, set the following parameters:
a. Set the Sub-Type to Blind.
b. Set the Feature Depth > to 0.001 and the Feature Depth >= to 1.
c. For the Box Width <, enter a value of 0.
13. Click on the Save button.

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Edited the new Strategy

The last step is to define the operations you want generated when this pocket is
found. Notice that in the Operations section, the Operation field is empty. A new
operation record for the T-slot Strategy will be added in the Operations section.

14. Click on the New Button and select Contour Mill from the dropdown list.

15. Highlight the Contour Mill operation and then click on the Operation Tool
Selection tab on the right side pane to expand.
The Tool Selection form is displayed.
16. Select the Type of Tool set to Keyway.
17. Click the Select Tool radio button, then click the Edit button .
The Tool Database form is displayed.
18. Select 1.75" keyway tool defined earlier in this tutorial.
This will probably be the last record in the form.
19. Click on the Select button to select and exit the form.

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Select ‘Select Tool’ in Operation Tool Selection tab

20. Click Save button.

21. Highlight the first Rough Mill operation and then click on the Operation Depth
Criteria tab on the right side pane to expand.
22. Select Use Expression radio button.
Note that the default expression is Feature Depth + zero (0). This tells
SOLIDWORKS CAM to machine to the bottom of the feature.
23. Click Save button to save the changes.
24. Close the SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database.

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Inserting 2 Axis Features for T-slot and Applying the T-slot Strategy
1. In the SOLIDWORKS CAM
environment, make sure that the
part MILL2AX_8.SLDPRT is
open.

2. Click the Extract Machinable

Features button on the
SOLIDWORKS CAM Command
Manager.
OR
Right click SOLIDWORKS CAM
NC Manager in the Feature tree and
select Extract Machinable Features
from the context menu.
SOLIDWORKS CAM generates 6 T- slot Feature
Mill Part setups to machine the various features on the part.
In this tutorial, you will now machine the T-slot feature of this part by applying
the new TechDB information to two of the features.

Defining the feature to machine the top part of T-slot

1. Click the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature Tree tab.

2. Right click SOLIDWORKS CAM NC Manager in the Feature tree and select
Collapse items from the context menu.
This makes it easier to work with the items in the tree.
3. Click the plus symbol ( ) next to Mill Part Setup3 to expand it.
4. Right click Mill Part Setup3 in the Feature
tree and select 2.5 Axis Feature from the
context menu.
The 2.5 Axis Feature: Select Entities dialog
box is displayed.
5. Select Open Profile for the Feature Type.

6. Zoom to the T-slot area of the part.

7. Rotate the part and pick the edge
(highlighted in blue) as shown in the image
on the right.
Edge is selected to the Entities selected list Select the Edge
box.

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8. Click End Condition.

The 2.5 Axis: End Conditions dialog box is displayed.
9. Pick the face (highlighted in blue) as shown in the image.

Select the face

10. The End Condition Type changes to Upto Face.

The Depth is calculated automatically.
11. Set the Strategy to Finish.
12. Click on the Edit feature profiles button.
The 2.5 Axis Feature: Feature Profiles dialog box is displayed.

13. In the 2.5 Axis Feature: Feature Profiles dialog box, ensure that the Flip
direction to cut option is active.
This ensures that the direction of the arrow indicating the side to cut is correct (as
shown in the image).

Correct Direction
14. Click the OK button to close the 2.5 Axis Feature: Feature Profiles dialog box.
15. Then click on the OK button to close the 2.5 Axis Feature: End Conditions
dialog box.
An Open Profile feature (Open Profile1) is added to the Mill Part Setup3.

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Defining the Open profile feature for the keyway cutter

You will define an open profile feature to machine the T-region.
16. Right click Mill Part Setup3 in the Feature tree and select 2.5 Axis Feature from
the context menu.
17. In the displayed 2.5 Axis Feature: Select Entities dialog box, make sure Open
Profile is selected as the Feature Type.
18. Rotate the part and pick the bottom inside edge of the T-slot as shown in the image.
Edge is selected to the Entities selected list box.

Select the Edge

19. Click End Condition.
20. In the displayed 2.5 Axis Feature: End Conditions dialog box, select T-slot from
the Strategy dropdown list in the Strategy group box.
21. For the End Condition, rotate the part and pick the face as shown in the image
(selected face highlighted in blue).
This action sets the End condition Type to Upto Face and the Depth is calculated
automatically.

Arrow indicating the direction of the side

to be cut

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22. Click on the Edit feature profiles button.

The 2.5 Axis Feature: Feature Profiles dialog box is displayed.
If the direction of the arrow that displays on the part indicates the incorrect side to
cut, select the Flip direction to cut option.
The correct direction of the arrow is shown in the above image.
23. Click the OK button to close the 2.5 Axis Feature: Feature Profiles dialog box.
The 2.5 Axis Feature: End Conditions dialog box is once again displayed.
24. Then click on the OK button to close the 2.5 Axis Feature: End Conditions
dialog box.
The Open Profile Features (Open Profile2) is listed under Mill Part Setup3 in the
Feature tree.
25. Ensure that Open Profile2 is listed below Open Profile1 in the Feature tree.
This is the order you would want to machine this area.
Note that you can also change the machining order in the SOLIDWORKS CAM
Operation tree after operations have been generated.

Generating Operations and Toolpaths

1. Right click Mill Part Setup3 in the Feature tree and select Generate Operation Plan
from the context menu.
In the Operation tree, observe that two Contour Mill operations have been
generated for the two Open Profile features.
2. Double click the first Contour Mill operation under Mill Part Setup3 in the
Operation tree. (This is the operation to machine the top part of the T-slot.)
The Operation Parameters dialog box is displayed.
3. Click on the Leadin tab,
- Set the Leading type to Parallel
- Click on button next to the Leadin amount field so the value in this field is
displayed in inches instead of percentage.
Then, set the Leadin amount to 1in
- Click on button next to the Leadin overlap field so the value in this field is
displayed in inches instead of percentage.
Then, set the Leadin overlap to 0.1in
4. Click OK to apply the changes and close the Operation Parameters dialog box.
5. Double click the second Contour Mill operation. [This is the operation to machine
the bottom part (T-shaped region) of the T-slot.]
The Operation Parameters dialog box for this operation is displayed.
6. Make the same changes on the Leadin tab. (Step 3 and Step 4.)
7. Click on the Contour tab.

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8. In the Depth Parameters group box:

- Ensure that the Method is set to Equal.
- Click on button next to the First cut amount field so the value in this field is
displayed in inches instead of percentage.
Then, set the First cut amount to 0.5in.
- Click on button next to the Max cut amount field so the value in this field is
displayed in inches instead of percentage.
Then, set the Max cut amount to 0.5in.
9. Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialog box.
10. Right click Mill Part Setup3 and select Generate Toolpath from the context menu.

Simulation Toolpath
1. Right click Mill Part Setup3 and select Simulate Toolpath from the context menu.
2. In the Toolpath Simulation toolbar, set the End condition to Next Operation.
3. Click the Run button.

4. When the first operation has completed, click the Single Step button to see the
keyway tool cut the T-slot.

Simulation Toolpath

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