SolidCAM Training Course:

Turning & Mill-Turn

iMachining 2D & 3D | 2.5D Milling | HSS | HSM | Indexial Multi-Sided | Simultaneous 5-Axis | Turning & Mill-Turn | Solid Probe

SolidCAM + SolidWorks
The Complete Integrated Manufacturing Solution
 SolidCAM 2015
Turning & Mill-Turn
Training Course

©1995-2015 SolidCAM
All Rights Reserved.
 Contents

Contents

1. Introduction
1.1 About this Course.........................................................................................................................3
1.2 Turning Module Overview..........................................................................................................5
1.3 Mill-Turn Module Overview.......................................................................................................8
1.4 Basic Concepts..............................................................................................................................9
1.5 Process Overview.........................................................................................................................9

2. CAM-Part Definition
Exercise #1: CAM-Part Definition in Turning......................................................................14
Exercise #2: CAM-Part Definition in Mill-Turn...................................................................28

3. Turning Operations
3.1 Basic Turning..............................................................................................................................42
Exercise #3: Turning Operations on Turning CNC-Machine............................................45
Exercise #4: Button Lock Machining.....................................................................................92
Exercise #5: Guided Ejector Bushing Machining.................................................................94
Exercise #6: Guide Pillar Machining.......................................................................................96
Exercise #7: Bearing Bush Machining....................................................................................98
3.2 Advanced Turning: Rest Material...........................................................................................100
Exercise #8: Wheel Machining...............................................................................................101
3.3 Advanced Turning: Partial machining...................................................................................113
Exercise #9: Long Shaft Machining......................................................................................114
3.4 Turning on Mill-Turn CNC Machines..................................................................................125
Exercise #10: Turning Operation on Mill-Turn CNC-Machine.......................................128

v
4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines
4.1 Facial Milling.............................................................................................................................153
Exercise #11: Facial Milling....................................................................................................154
4.2 Simultaneous 4-Axis Milling...................................................................................................168
Exercise #12: Simultaneous 4-Axis Milling..........................................................................169
Exercise #13: Stopper Machining..........................................................................................173
Exercise #14: Bushing Machining.........................................................................................175
Exercise #15: Shaft Machining...............................................................................................176
4.3 Indexial Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-machines.....................................................................177
Exercise #16: Indexial Milling on 4-Axis CNC-Machines.................................................179
Exercise #17: Joint Part Machining.......................................................................................198
Exercise #18: Slotted Nut Machining...................................................................................199
Exercise #19: Connector Part Machining............................................................................201
4.4 Using MCO on Mill-Turn CNC-machines...........................................................................203
Exercise #20: Machining with Back Spindle........................................................................205
Exercise #21: Indexial Milling on 4-Axis CNC-Machines.................................................212
Exercise #22: Indexial Milling on 5-Axis CNC-Machines.................................................225

5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Exercise #23: Turbine Blade Machining...............................................................................247

Document number: SCMTTCENG1500SP0

vi
Introduction 1
2
 1. Introduction

1.1 About this Course

The goal of this course is to teach you how to use SolidCAM to machine various parts using
Turning and Mill-Turn CNC-machines. This tutorial covers the basic concepts of Turning and
Mill-Turn machining and is a supplement to the system documentation and online help. Once you
have developed a good foundation in basic skills, you can refer to the online help for information
on the less frequently used options.

Prerequisites
Students attending this course are expected to have basic knowledge of the SolidCAM software.
The SolidCAM 2.5D Milling Training Course is recommended but not necessary to be studied before
this course for better understanding of Milling with the SolidCAM software. For the last chapter
of this course book, the Sim. 5-Axis Milling knowledge provided by the SolidCAM Simultaneous
5-Axis User Guide is required.

Course design
This course is designed around a task-based approach to training. The guided exercises will teach you
the necessary commands and options to complete a machining task. The theoretical explanations
are embedded into these exercises to give an overview of the SolidCAM Mill-Turn capabilities.

Using this book

This tutorial is intended to be used in a classroom environment under the guidance of an
experienced instructor. It is also intended to be a self-study tutorial.

Exercises
The Training Materials archive supplied together with this book contains copies of the various
files that are used throughout this course. The Exercises folder contains the files that are required
for doing guided and laboratory exercises. The Built Parts folder inside the Exercises contains
completed manufacturing projects for each exercise. Copy the Exercises folder to your hard drive.
The SolidWorks files used for the exercises were prepared with SolidWorks 2015.
The Machine files folder contains a number of pre-processors (CNC-controller configuration
file) used through the exercises of this book. Copy the content of this folder into your
..\SolidCAM2015\Gpptool folder.

3
The CNC-machine folder contains the CNC-machines definition files used for the Simultaneous
5-axis milling exercises. Copy the contents of the CNC-machine folder into the machine
definition folder on your hard drive (the default location is C:\Users\Public\Documents\SolidCAM\
SolidCAM2015\Tables\MachSim\xml).

Windows® 7
The screenshots in this book were made using SolidCAM 2015 integrated with SolidWorks 2015
running on Windows® 7. If you are running on a different version of Windows, you may notice
differences in the appearance of the menus and windows. These differences do not affect the
performance of the software.
Conventions used in this book
This book uses the following typographic conventions:

Bold Sans Serif This style is used to emphasize SolidCAM options,

commands or basic concepts. For example, click the
Change to opposite button.

The mouse icon and numbered sans serif bold text

10. Define CoordSys Position
indicates the beginning of the exercise action. The
action explanation is as follows.
This style combined with the lamp icon is used for
the SolidCAM functionality explanations embedded
Explanation into the guided exercises. The lamp icon is also used
to emphasize notes.

4
 1. Introduction

1.2 Turning Module Overview

The SolidCAM Turning module enables you to prepare the tool path for the following operations:

Face Turning
SolidCAM enables you to perform turning of facial profiles.
The principal working direction is the X-axis direction.

Turning
SolidCAM enables you to prepare the tool path for all types
of external and internal turning operations: long external,
long internal, face front, and face back.

Drilling
SolidCAM enables you to perform all drilling cycles to
machine the holes coincident with the revolution axis of
the part.

5
 Threading
SolidCAM enables you to prepare the tool path for all types
of external and internal threading.

Grooving
SolidCAM enables you to prepare the tool path for all types
of external and internal grooving and parting.

Angled Grooving
SolidCAM enables you to perform inclined grooves. The
geometry defined for this operation must be inclined
relative to the Z-axis of the CAM-Part Coordinate System..

Cutoff
SolidCAM enables you to perform cutoff machining. This
operation is used to cut the part or to perform a groove
whose width is exactly the same as the tool width. The
cutting can be performed using CNC-machine cycles;
chamfers and fillets can also be generated.

6
 1. Introduction

Trochoidal Turning
SolidCAM enables you to turn complex profiles using the
Trochoidal cutting strategy. The cutting passes are rounded
in the beginning and in the end to result in smooth
optimized tool path that enables you to use high cutting
speed and reduce tool wear.

Balanced Rough
SolidCAM enables you to work with two tools performing
roughing cuts at the same time. The Master submachine
and Slave submachine should have the same Table.
Manual Turning
SolidCAM enables you to perform turning according to
your own geometry regardless of a stock model, target
model, or envelope.
Sim. tilted turning
SolidCAM enables you to perform machining of curve-
shaped tool paths using tilting capabilities of tools with
round insert. The tool tilting is defined by specifying lines
that indicate the tool vector change.

7
1.3 Mill-Turn Module Overview

The Mill-Turn module is intended for programming of 3-, 4- and 5-axis multi-task machines that
combine several capabilities into one machine and especially for programming of 5-axis milling
CNC-machines with turning capabilities (e.g. DMU FD-series of DMG). This functionality provides
you with a number of significant advantages:
• The Mill-Turn module provides you with full functionality of the Coordinate System
definition, identical to that of SolidCAM Milling.
• You can use the same coordinate system for milling as well as for turning without
additional definition.
• You can define a Stock model to be used in SolidCAM Milling as well as in SolidCAM
Turning operations.
• The Mill-Turn module enables you to perform all types of Milling and Turning operations
using the same post-processor.
• The Mill-Turn module enables multi-turret and multispindle programming, with turret
synchronization and full machine simulation.
• Using the Mill-Turn module, you do not need to learn new rules; you just work in regular
milling environment and can add turning operations as needed.

8
 1. Introduction

1.4 Basic Concepts

Every manufacturing project in SolidCAM contains the following data:

CAM-Part

The CAM-Part defines the general data of the workpiece. This includes the model name,
the coordinate system position, tool options, CNC-controller, etc.
Geometry

By selecting Edges, Curves, Surfaces or Solids, define what and where you are going to
machine. This geometry is associated with the native SolidWorks model.
Operation

An Operation is a single machining step in SolidCAM. Technology, Tool parameters

and Strategies are defined in the operation. In short, operation means how you want to
machine.

1.5 Process Overview

Three major stages of the SolidCAM Manufacturing Project creation process are:

CAM-Part definition

This stage includes the definition of the global parameters of the Manufacturing Project
(CAM-Part). You have to define Coordinate Systems that describe the positioning of the
part on the CNC-machine. Optionally, you can define the Stock model that will be used for
milling operations and the Target model that has to be obtained after the machining.
Machine Setup definition

When the part is to contain Turning operations, the clamping fixture has to be defined in
order to supply SolidCAM with the information about fixing the part on the CNC-machine
and the part position relative to the machine.
Operations definition

SolidCAM enables you to define turning and milling operations. During the operation
definition, you have to select the Geometry, choose the tool from the Part Tool Table (or
define a new one), define a machining strategy and a number of technological parameters.

9
10
CAM-Part Definition
2
The CAM-Part definition process consists of the following stages:

CAM-Part creation

CNC-Machine definition

Coordinate System definition

Stock model definition

Target model definition

• CAM-Part creation. At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part type, name and
location. SolidCAM defines the necessary system files and a folder to allocate the place
to store SolidCAM data.
• CNC-Machine definition. It is necessary to choose the CNC-controller. The controller
type influences the Coordinate System definition and the Geometry definition.
• Coordinate System definition. You have to define the Coordinate System, which is the
origin for all machining operations of the CAM-Part. You can create multiple CoordSys
positions and in each machining step select which CoordSys you want to use for the
operation.
• Stock model definition. It is necessary to define a boundary of the stock that is used for
the CAM-Part machining.
• Target model definition. SolidCAM enables you to define the model of the part in its
final stage after the machining.
The following exercises describe the full process
of the CAM-Part definition. It is recommended to
complete the stages in order to understand how the
CAM-Part features are built. For this purpose, you
have to turn off the automatic CAM-Part definition.
Before you start, select SolidCAM Settings command
from the SolidCAM menu.

12
 2. CAM-Part Definition

In the left pane, select CAM-Part > Automatic CAM-Part definition.

In the right pane, click the Turning tab and clear the following check boxes: Create machine setup,
Definition of Stock, and Definition of Target.

Click OK to confirm your choice.

These settings can be turned back on at any time.

13
Exercise #1: CAM-Part Definition in Turning

This exercise illustrates the process of the CAM-Part

definition in SolidCAM.
In this exercise, you have to create the CAM-Part for
the model displayed on the illustration and define
the Coordinate System, the Machine Setup, the
Stock and Target model, which are necessary for the
part machining. The CAM-Part will be used in the
exercises further on.

1. Load the SolidWorks model

Load the Exercise1.sldprt model located in the Exercises folder.
This model contains a number of features forming the solid body and several sketches
used for the CAM-Part definition.

2. Start SolidCAM

To activate SolidCAM, select SolidCAM in the Tools menu of SolidWorks and choose
Turning from the New submenu or click the Turning button on the SolidCAM New toolbar.

SolidCAM is started, and the New Turning Part

dialog box is displayed.

14
 2. CAM-Part Definition

New Turning Part dialog box

SolidCAM enables you to create a new CAM-Part using one of the following
options:
• External

In this mode, the project you create is saved in SolidCAM format (*.prt,
*.prz).
• Internal

In this mode, the project you create is saved inside SolidWorks part
(*.sldprt, *.sldasm).
When you create a new CAM-Part in the External mode, you have to enter
a name for the CAM-Part and for the model that contains the CAM-Part
geometry.
• CAM-Part name

Enter a name for the CAM-Part. You can give any name to identify your
machining project. By default, SolidCAM uses the name of the design
model.
The Use Model file directory option enables you to automatically create
CAM-Parts in the same folder where the original CAD model is located.
• Directory

Specify the location of the CAM-Part. The default directory is the

SolidCAM user directory (defined in the SolidCAM Settings). You can
enter the path or use the Browse button to define the location.
• Model name

This field shows the name and the location of the SolidWorks design
model that you are using for the CAM-Part definition. The name is, by
default, the name of the active SolidWorks document. With the Browse
button, you can choose any other SolidWorks document to define the
CAM-Part. In this case, the chosen SolidWorks document is loaded into
SolidWorks.
• Units

This section enables you to define the measurement units to be used in

the current CAM-Part.

15
 Every time the CAM-Part is opened, SolidCAM
automatically checks the correspondence of the dates of the
CAM-Part and the original SolidWorks design model.
When the date of the original SolidWorks model is later
than the date of the CAM-Part creation, this means that the
SolidWorks original model has been updated. You can then
replace the SolidWorks design model on which the CAM-
Part is based with the updated SolidWorks design model.

3. Confirm the CAM-Part creation

Choose the External mode of CAM-Part creation. After the
Directory, CAM-Part name and Model name have been defined,
click OK to confirm the CAM-Part creation. The CAM-Part is
defined, and its structure is created. The Turning Part Data dialog
box is displayed.

The structure of the CAM-Part

The CAM-Part includes a number of Turning.prt

data files represented on the illustration
that displays the data included in the Turning
CAM-Part named Turning. Turning.SLDASM
The Turning.prt file is located in the CAM.SLDPRT
SolidCAM User directory. The Turning
DesignModel.SLDPRT
subdirectory contains all the data
generated for the CAM-Part.
SolidCAM copies the original SolidWorks model to the Turning subdirectory
and creates a SolidWorks assembly that has the same name as the CAM-
Part ( Turning.sldasm). There are two components in this assembly:

16
 2. CAM-Part Definition

• DesignModel.sldprt – a copy of the SolidWorks model file.

• CAM.sldprt – a file that contains SolidCAM Coordinate System data and
geometry data.
The SolidCAM CAM-Part uses the assembly environment of SolidWorks.
This enables you to create auxiliary geometries (e.g. sketches) without
making changes in the original design model. You can also insert some
additional components into the assembly file such as stock model, CNC-
machine table, clamping and other tooling elements.

4. Choose CNC-Machine

Define the CNC-machine controller. Click the arrow in the

CNC-Machine area to display the list of post-processors
installed on your system.
In this exercise, use a CNC-machine with the Okuma CNC-
controller. Choose the OKUMALL CNC-Machine from the
list.

5. Define the Coordinate System

Click Define in the CoordSys area of the Turning Part Data

dialog box to define the Machine Coordinate System.

The Machine Coordinate System defines the origin for all machining
operations on the CAM-Part. It corresponds with the built-in controller
functions. It can be used for various clamping positions in various
operations on the CAM-Part.
Usually Turning CNC-machines have only
one machine Coordinate System; its Z-axis
is the rotation axis of the spindle. The
Machine Coordinate System enables you to
perform all turning operations. Z-axis

The CoordSys dialog box enables you to define the location of the Coordinate System
and the orientation of the axes.

17
 You can define the position of the Coordinate
System origin and the axes orientation by selecting
model faces, vertices, edges or SolidWorks
Coordinate Systems. The geometry for the
machining can also be defined directly on the solid
model.

SolidCAM offers the following methods of CoordSys definition:

• Select Face

This method enables you to define a new CoordSys by selecting a face.

The face can be planar or cylindrical/conical. For planar faces, SolidCAM
defines CoordSys with the Z-axis normal to the face. For cylindrical or
conical faces, the Z-axis of the CoordSys is coincident with the axis of
revolution of the specified cylindrical/conical surface.
• Define

This method enables you to define the CoordSys by picking points. You
have to define the origin and the directions of the X- and Y-axes.

• Select Coordinate System

This method enables you to choose the SolidWorks Coordinate System

defined in the design model file as the CoordSys. The CoordSys origin
and the orientation of the axes is the same as in the original SolidWorks
Coordinate System.
• By 3 points (associative)

This method enables you to define the CoordSys Origin and axes by
selecting any three points.

18
 2. CAM-Part Definition

With the Select Face mode chosen, click on the

model face as shown. Make sure that the Center of
revolution face option is chosen. With this option,
the origin is placed automatically on the axis of
revolution face.
The Z-axis of the CoordSys is coincident with the
axis of revolution. Note that the CoordSys origin is
automatically defined on the model back face and
the Z-axis is directed backwards.
Click Change to opposite.

This button enables you to change the Z-axis direction to the opposite along the
revolution axis.
Now the CoordSys origin is located on the front face of the model, and the Z-axis is
directed forward along the revolution axis.

High precision

When the High precision check box is selected,

the Coordinate System is defined using the faceted
model, which results in more precise definition, but
may take more time to generate. When this check
box is not selected, the Coordinate System is defined
using CAD tools without facetting.

19
 Confirm the selection by clicking Finish. The Coordinate System is defined.
The Turning Part Data dialog box is displayed.

Coordinate Systems for Turning

This Machine CoordSys is used for the turning operations. The turning
tool movements are located in the ZX-plane.

CoordSys origin

All the machining geometries are defined in the ZX-plane of the defined
Coordinate System.
Machining
Geometry

6. Define the Stock model

For each Turning project, it is necessary to define the boundaries
of the stock material (Stock) used for the CAM-Part.
Click the Stock button. The Model dialog box is displayed.
This dialog box enables you to define the Stock model of the
CAM-Part to be machined.

20
 2. CAM-Part Definition

The following methods of Stock definition are available:

• Cylinder

This option enables you to define the Stock boundary

as a cylinder surrounding the selected solid model.
You can define the cylindrical stock by specifying
Offsets of the cylinder faces from the selected solid
body or coordinates of its boundaries relative to the
CAM-Part Coordinate System.
The Add to CAD model button enables you to add a 3D
sketch of the cylinder stock to the CAM component
of the part assembly.
• Box

This option enables you to define the Stock boundary

as a box surrounding the selected solid model. When
you click on the solid body, SolidCAM generates a 3D
box around it. This box defines the geometry of the
Stock.
• Revolved boundary around Z

This option enables you to define the Stock boundary

as a wireframe geometry chain using one of the model
sketches.
When the chain is selected, perpendiculars are
dropped from its end points to the axis of rotation to
define the material boundary.

The Revolved boundary around Z option enables you to define

only one chain, either opened or closed. When more than one
chain is defined, the error message is displayed.

Selected chain

21
 • 3D Model

This method enables you to define the Stock boundary by selecting the
3D Model of the stock. SolidCAM automatically generates
a sketch that contains the envelope of the selected solid body. The Stock
boundary is defined automatically on this sketch.
Envelope
Consider the revolution body surrounding the specified solid
bodies. The section of this revolution body by the ZX-plane of
the Coordinate System is the envelope. The envelope line is the
profile of the part that has to be turned in order to obtain the
model geometry.

Solid body Surrounding Envelope

revolution profile
body

Choose the Cylinder mode from the Defined by list and click on the solid body to select it.

In the Mode section, choose Relative to model.

In the Offsets dialog section, define the following offsets:
• Set +Z to 2 and -Z to 25 to define the front and back offsets
from the model
• Set the External offset to 2
• Set the Internal diameter offset to 0

22
 2. CAM-Part Definition

SolidCAM defines a cylinder.

Left (-Z) Right (+Z)

External

Internal
diameter

The Mode section enables you to define the offsets Relative to model or define the Stock
boundaries in the Absolute coordinates.

When the Internal diameter value is different from 0, SolidCAM defines a

tube.

Click to confirm the Stock selection.

7. Define the Target model

Now you have to define the Target model.

The Target model is the final shape of the CAM-Part after the machining.
It is used for gouge checking in the SolidVerify simulation.
During the Target model definition, SolidCAM creates an Envelope sketch
in the CAM component of the CAM-Part assembly. This sketch contains the
geometry automatically generated by the Envelope function of SolidCAM.
This function creates the envelope line of the specified solid bodies.
Consider the revolution body surrounding the solid body. The section of
this revolution body by the ZX-plane of the Turning Machine CoordSys is

23
 the envelope. This envelope is a profile of the part that has to be turned in
order to create the model geometry.

Solid body Surrounding Envelope

revolution profile
body

Section

The Envelope function takes into account all external model faces as well
as the internal faces. The geometry created by the Envelope function can
be used for the Geometry definition in SolidCAM operations.
The Mirrored Envelope option generates the envelope sketch mirrored
about the Z-axis in the ZX-plane. This option is applicable for machines
with lower turret.
In addition to the Envelope, SolidCAM enables you to generate
a sketch containing a Section of the Target model by the ZX-plane. The
Section sketch is created in the CAM component of the SolidCAM Part
Assembly.

In the Turning Part Data dialog box, click the Target button. The Model dialog box is
displayed. This dialog box enables you to define a
3D Model for the Target.

Make sure that in the Type section Both is selected

to consider both surfaces and solids for the Target
model.

Click on the solid body. The wireframe model is

displayed.

Set the Facet tolerance to 0.01.

24
 2. CAM-Part Definition

This parameter defines the accuracy of the triangulation of the stock model, target
model and fixtures. The triangulated models are used later in the tool path simulation.
The tighter is the tolerance, the better is the performance of the simulation.
Confirm the dialog box with .
In the process of the Target model definition, SolidCAM creates the Envelope sketch in
the CAM component of the CAM-Part assembly. The Envelope sketch is used later for
the machining geometry definition.

8. Save the CAM-Part data

Click in the Turning Part Data dialog box.

The defined CAM-Part is saved. The dialog box is closed, and the
SolidCAM Manager tree is displayed.

25
 SolidCAM Manager

The SolidCAM Manager tree is the main interface feature of SolidCAM that
displays complete information about the CAM-Part.

SolidCAM
Manager

The SolidCAM Manager tree contains the following elements:

CAM-Part header

Tool header

Machining Process
header

Geometries header
Fixtures header

Operations header
} Operations

• CAM-Part header

This header displays the name of the current CAM-Part. By right-clicking

on it, you can display the menu to manage your CAM-Parts.
The Machine subheader is located under the CAM-Part header. Double-
click this subheader to display the Machine ID Editor dialog box that
enables you to preview the machine parameters.
The CoordSys Manager subheader is located under the CAM-Part header.
Double-click this subheader to display the CoordSys Manager dialog box
that enables you to manage your Coordinate Systems.

26
 2. CAM-Part Definition

The Stock subheader is located under the CAM-Part header. Double-click

this subheader to load the Model dialog box that enables you to edit the
definition of the Stock model.
The Target subheader is located under the CAM-Part header. Double-click
this subheader to load the Model dialog box that enables you to edit the
definition of the Target model.
The Settings subheader is also located under the CAM-Part header.
Double-click this subheader to load the Part Settings dialog box that
enables you to edit the settings defined for the current CAM-Part.
• Tool header

This header displays the name of the current Tool Library. Double-click
this header to display the Part Tool Table, which is the list of tools available
to use in the current CAM-Part.
• Machining Process header

This header displays the name of the current Machining Process table.
• Geometries header

This header displays all SolidCAM geometries that are not used in the
operations.
• Fixtures header

This header displays all SolidCAM fixtures that are not used with the
current CAM-Part.
• Operations header

This header displays all SolidCAM operations defined for the current
CAM-Part.

At this stage, the definition of the CAM-Part is finished. The definition of Turning
operations is covered in the following exercises where this CAM-Part is used.

9. Close the CAM-Part

Right-click the CAM-Part header in SolidCAM
Manager and choose Close from the menu.
The CAM-Part is closed.

27
Exercise #2: CAM-Part Definition in Mill-Turn

This exercise illustrates the process of the CAM-Part definition in Mill-

Turn module of SolidCAM.
In this exercise, you have to create the CAM-Part for the model displayed
on the illustration and define the Coordinate System, the Stock model
and the Target model, which are necessary for the part machining. The
CAM-Part will be used in the exercises further on.

Before you start, select the SolidCAM Settings

command from the SolidCAM menu. In the left pane,
select Automatic CAM-Part definition. In the right
pane, click the Mill-Turn tab and clear the following
check boxes: Create machine setup, Definition of
Stock, and Definition of Target.

These settings can be turned back on at any time.

1. Load the SolidWorks model

Load the Exercise2.sldprt model located in the Exercises folder.

28
 2. CAM-Part Definition

2. Start Mill-Turn project

Click the SolidCAM field in the Tool menu of SolidWorks and choose Mill-Turn from the
New submenu or click the Mill-Turn button on the SolidCAM New toolbar.

The New Mill-Turn Part dialog box is displayed. It is similar to the New Turning Part dialog
box described in Exercise #1.

3. Confirm the CAM-Part creation

Choose the External mode of CAM-Part creation. After the
Directory, CAM-Part name and Model name are defined, click OK
to confirm the CAM-Part creation. The CAM-Part is defined,
and its structure is created. The Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box is
displayed.

4. Choose the CNC-controller

Click the arrow in the CNC-Machine area to display the list of

post-processors installed on your system. Choose the NTX1000
CNC-controller from the list.

29
 5. Define the Coordinate System

Definition of the Machine Coordinate System is a mandatory step in the process of

CAM-Part definition.

The Machine Coordinate System defines the origin for all machining
operations on the CAM-Part. It corresponds with the built-in controller
functions and can be used for various clamping positions in a variety of
operations on the CAM-Part.
Geometry
The Machine Coordinate System #1
(Position #1) can be used for turning
operations as well as for all types of
milling operations. In the Turning
mode, SolidCAM uses the Turning
Coordinate System created by rotating
of the Machine Coordinate System #1
(Position #1) around the Z-axis. Coordinate System

The axes orientation for the Turning Coordinate System are

defined in the CoordSys item of the submachine in the
Machine ID file of the chosen CNC-controller. At the stage
of operation definition, you will need to make sure that you
choose an appropriate submachine to generate the correct
GCode.

Click the Coordsys button in the Coordinate System area of the Mill-Turn Part Data
dialog box to define the Machine Coordinate System.

The CoordSys dialog box enables you to define the Coordinate System location and the
orientation of the axes. You can define the position of the Coordinate System origin and
the axes orientation by selecting model faces, vertices, edges or SolidWorks Coordinate
Systems.

30
 2. CAM-Part Definition

SolidCAM enables you to define the CoordSys using the following methods:
• Select face

This method enables you to define a new CoordSys

by selecting a face. The face can be planar or
cylindrical/conical. For planar faces, SolidCAM
defines CoordSys with the Z-axis normal to the
face. For cylindrical or conical faces, the Z-axis
of the CoordSys is coincident with the axis of
revolution of the specified cylindrical/conical
surface.
When the High precision check box is selected,
the Coordinate System is defined using the faceted
model, which results in more precise definition
but may take more time to generate. When this
check box is not selected, the Coordinate System
is defined using CAD tools without facetting.
• Define

This method enables you to define the CoordSys

by picking points. You have to define the origin
and the directions of the X- and Y-axes.
• Select Coordinate System

This method enables you to choose the SolidWorks

Coordinate System defined in the design model
file as the CoordSys. The CoordSys origin and
the orientation of the axes is the same as in the
original SolidWorks Coordinate System.
• Normal to current view

This option enables you to define the Coordinate

System with the Z-axis normal to the model view
you are facing on your screen. The CoordSys origin
will lie in the origin of the SolidWorks Coordinate
System, and the Z-axis will be directed normally to the chosen view of
the model.
• By 3 points (associative)

This option enables you to define the CoordSys Origin and axes by
selecting any three points.

31
 6. Select the model face
Make sure that the Center of revolution face
option is chosen for Place CoordSys origin
to. With this option, the origin is placed
automatically on the axis of revolution
face. With the Select Face mode chosen,
select the High precision check box and
click on the model face as shown.
Note that the CoordSys origin is
automatically defined on the model back
face, and the Z-axis is directed backwards.
The Z-axis of the CoordSys is coincident
with the axis of revolution.
Click the Change to opposite button. This button enables you to reverse the Z-axis
direction along the revolution axis.

Now the CoordSys origin is located on the front face of the model, and the Z-axis is
directed forward along the revolution axis.
Click to confirm the selection.
The CoordSys Data dialog box is displayed.

32
 2. CAM-Part Definition

7. Define the CoordSys data

The CoordSys Data dialog box enables you to define the Coordinate System values and
machining levels such as Tool start level, Clearance level, Part upper level, etc.

CoordSys Data dialog box

The Machine CoordSys number defines the number of the CoordSys in

the CNC-machine. The default value is 1. If you use another number, the
GCode file contains the G-function that prompts the machine to use the
specified number stored in the controller of your machine.
The Position field defines the sequential number of the Coordinate System.
For each Machine Coordinate System, several Position values can be
defined for different positions; each such Position value is related to the
Machine Coordinate System.
• X shows the X-value of the CoordSys.
• Y shows the Y-value of the CoordSys.
• Z shows the Z-value of the CoordSys.
The Plane box defines the default work plane for the operations using this
CoordSys, as it is output to the GCode program. In the SolidCAM CAM
module, you must always work on the XY-plane. Some CNC-machines,
however, have different axes definitions and require a GCode output with
rotated XY-planes.
Shift is the distance from the Machine Coordinate System to the location
of the Position in the coordinate system and the orientation of the Machine
Coordinate System.
Rotation around is the angle of rotation around the main axes X, Y and Z.
In the Mill-Turn module, facial and radial milling is performed using the
same Coordinate System. But since the part levels used for facial milling
are measured along the Z-axis, whereas those used for radial milling are
measured around the Z-axis, the CoordSys data must be defined separately.
The Main and Rear tabs contain sets of facial machining levels describing
the planes parallel to the XY-plane and located along the Z-axis.
The Main tab contains the Plane movement and Radial movement sections.
The Plane movement section displays levels for milling from the positive
Z-direction.

33
 The Radial movement section contains a set of machining levels describing
the virtual cylinders situated around the Z-axis.
Tool Z-level

Tool Start Level

Clearance level
Part Upper Level

CoordSys

Part Lower Level

The Rear tab displays levels for milling from the negative Z-direction.

CoordSys
X

Part
Lower Level
Z

Part Upper Level

Clearance level
Tool Start Level

Tool Z-level

34
 2. CAM-Part Definition

These tabs contain the following parameters:

• The Tool start level defines the Z-level at which the tool starts working.
• The Clearance level is the Z-level to which the tool moves rapidly from
one operation to another (in case the tool does not change).
• The Part upper level defines the height of the upper surface of the part
to be machined.
• The Part lower level defines the lower surface level of the part to be
machined.
• The Tool Z-level is the height to which the tool moves before the rotation
of the 4/5 axes to avoid collision between the tool and the workpiece.
This level is related to the CoordSys position and you have to check if it
is not over the limit switch of the machine. It is highly recommended to
send the tool to the reference point or to a point related to the reference
point.

Tool Start level

Rapid Movements area
Part
Clearance level Feed Movements area Upper level

Part
Lower level

The Create planar surface at Part Lower level option enables you to generate
a transparent planar surface at the minimal Z-level of the part so that its
lower level plane is visible. This planar surface provides you the possibility
to select points that do not lie on the model entities. It is suppressed by
default and not visible until you unsuppress it in the FeatureManager
Design tree.

Confirm the CoordSys Data dialog box with OK.

35
 The CoordSys Manager dialog box is displayed in the PropertyManager area of
SolidWorks.
This dialog box displays one Machine Coordinate System.
Confirm the CoordSys Manager dialog box by clicking .
The Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box is displayed.

8. Define the Stock model

Define the boundaries of the stock material used for the CAM-
Part.
Click the Stock button.
The Model dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to define the Stock model
of the CAM-Part to be machined.

The following methods of Stock definition are

available:
• Cylinder

The Stock boundary is defined as a cylinder

surrounding the selected solid model. When you
click on the solid body, SolidCAM generates
a cylinder around it. This cylinder defines the
geometry of the Stock.
You can define the cylindrical stock by specifying
offsets of the cylinder faces from the selected solid
body or coordinates of its boundaries relative to
the CAM-Part Coordinate System.
• Box

The Stock boundary is defined as a box surrounding

the selected solid model. When you click on the
solid body, SolidCAM generates a 3D box around
it. This box defines the geometry of the Stock.
You can define the box stock by specifying offsets
of the box faces from the selected solid body or
coordinates of its boundaries relative to the CAM-
Part Coordinate System.

36
 2. CAM-Part Definition

• Revolved boundary around Z

The Stock boundary is defined as a wireframe geometry chain using

one of the model sketches in the ZX-plane. When the chain is selected,
perpendiculars are dropped from its end points to the axis of rotation to
create the 2D geometry that will be revolved around the Z-axis to define
material boundary.

• Extruded boundary

The Stock boundary is defined as a closed wireframe geometry chain

using one of the model sketches in the XY-plane. This chain is extruded
by the Z-axis to define the material boundary.

• 3D Model

The Stock boundary is defined by selecting a 3D model.

• STL

The Stock model is defined based on a STL file that exists in your system.
When you choose this mode and click the Browse button in the STL file
section, the Browse dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you
to choose the STL file for the stock definition.
When the Generate envelope check box is selected, SolidCAM generates a
sketch containing the envelope of the selected solid body. The Stock
boundary is defined in this sketch.

Solid body Surrounding Envelope

revolution profile
body

Choose the Cylinder mode from the Defined by list

and click on the solid body to select it. SolidCAM
defines a cylinder.
In the Offsets section, define the following offsets:
• Set +Z to 2 and -Z to 20 to define the front and
back offsets from the model.
• Set the External offset to 2.
• Set the Internal diameter offset to 0.

37
 When the Internal diameter value is different from 0, SolidCAM defines a
tube.

The defined offsets are added to the cylindrical stock.

In the Facet tolerance section, set the value to 0.01. This parameter defines the accuracy
of triangulation of the Stock model. The triangulated model is used later in the tool path
simulation. The tighter is the tolerance, the better is
the performance of the simulation.
Click to confirm the Model dialog box.
The Stock envelope sketch is added to the CAM
component of the CAM-Part assembly and is
displayed on the solid model.

9. Define the Target model

Now you have to define the Target model. The Target model is the final shape of the
CAM-Part after the machining. It is used for gouge checking in the SolidVerify simulation.
The Target options are similar to those used for Turning CAM-Part definition.
Click the Target button. The Model dialog box is displayed.

38
 2. CAM-Part Definition

Click on the solid body. The model is highlighted.

Make sure the Envelope option is selected in the Generate Envelope/Section area.
Confirm the Target dialog box with .
The envelope sketch is added to the CAM
component of the CAM-Part assembly
and is displayed on the solid model. This
sketch will be used later for the turning
geometry definition.

10. Save the CAM-Part

In the Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box, click . The dialog box is closed and the SolidCAM
Manager tree is displayed. The defined CAM-Part is saved.
At this stage, the definition of the CAM-Part is finished. The definition of Milling and
Turning operations is covered in the coming exercises using this CAM-Part.

11. Close the CAM-Part

Right-click the CAM-Part header in the SolidCAM
Manager tree and choose Close from the menu.
The CAM-Part is closed.

39
40
Turning Operations 3
3.1 Basic Turning

SolidCAM enables you to perform the following types of Turning operations.

Turning Operation types

Face Turning Cutoff

Turning Trochoidal Turning

Drilling Balanced Rough

Threading Manual Turning

Grooving Sim. tilted turning

Angled Grooving

Face Turning Operation

This operation enables you to perform turning of facial profiles. The
principal working direction is the X-axis direction.

Turning Operation
This operation enables you to turn a longitudinal or facial profile. The
resulting tool path can either use the turning cycles of the CNC-machine, if
they exist, or it can generate all the tool movements. If the tool movements
are generated by the program, then minimum tool movements length is
generated taking into account the material boundary in the beginning of
the particular operation. The profile geometry is adjusted automatically by
the program, if needed because of the tool shape, to avoid gouging of the
material.

42
 3. Turning Operations

Drilling Operation
This operation enables you to perform a drilling action along the
rotation axis. There is no geometry definition for this type of operation
since it is enough to define the drill start and end positions.

Threading Operation
This operation enables you to perform threading. The threading can
be either longitudinal (internal or external) or facial. This operation
can be used only if the CNC-machine has a thread cycle. SolidCAM
outputs the tool path for the threading exactly with the same length
as the defined geometry without any checking for material collision.

Grooving Operation
This operation enables you to perform a groove either on
a longitudinal geometry (internal or external) or a facial geometry. The
resulting tool path can either use a single machine cycle, generate all the
tool movements (G0, G1) or generate several machine cycles.

Angled Grooving Operation

This operation enables you to perform inclined grooves. The geometry
defined for this operation must be inclined relative to the Z-axis of the
CAM-Part Coordinate System. The Tool angle parameter enables you to
adjust the angle of the tool cutting the material.

43
Cutoff Operation
This operation enables you to perform cutoff machining. This
operation is used to cut the part or to perform a groove whose width is
exactly the same as the tool width. The cutting can be performed using
CNC-machine cycles; chamfers and fillets can also be generated.

Balanced Rough Operation

This operation enables you to work with two tools performing roughing
cuts at the same time. The Master submachine and Slave submachine
should include the same Table.

Manual Turning Operation

This operation enables you to perform turning according to your
own geometry regardless of a stock model, target model, or envelope.
The Reverse cutting path option enables you to machine undercuts
effectively.

Sim. tilted turning

This operation enables you to perform machining of curve-shaped
tool paths using tilting capabilities of tools with round insert. The
tool tilting is defined by specifying lines that indicate the tool vector
change. This operation is useful for machining of undercut areas in a
single machining step.

For more detailed explanation on the Turning operations, refer to the SolidCAM Turning
Online Help.

44
 3. Turning Operations

Exercise #3: Turning Operations on Turning CNC-Machine

In this exercise, you have to define the machine setup and

clamping fixture and to perform a number of Turning operations
to conclude the machining of the CAM-Part.
The exercise uses the CAM-Part created in Exercise #1. First,
you have to define the machine setup and clamping fixture that
holds the machined workpiece on the CNC-machine table.

1. Load the CAM-Part

Click Tools > SolidCAM > Open, or click the Open
button on the SolidCAM toolbar.

In the browser window, choose Exercise1.prz to load the CAM-Part that has been
prepared earlier.
The CAM-Part is loaded.

45
 2. Define the machine setup

Right-click the Operations header in SolidCAM Manager and choose the Machine Setup
( ) command.
The Machine setup dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to define the
relations between fixtures, submachines, and the Machine Coordinate System.

Machine Setup

The Machine Setup definition is an optional step in definition of CAM-

Parts that contain Turning operations. Using the Setup feature, you can
define the fixtures and their location relative to the Coordinate Systems
associated with certain submachines.
This unified representation of all setup data allows you to get a more
realistic picture during simulation and check possible collisions between
the cutting tools and fixtures.

This machine setup contains a submachine called Turret_Table with the Machine
Coordinate System MAC 1. SolidCAM automatically defines the name of the submachine
and the Machine Coordinate System. At this stage, you have to define a fixture that helps
prevent a possible collision of tools during machining.
The Fixture column enables you to choose or define a fixture to be used with the specified
submachine. To define the fixture, double-click the cell, click the
arrow and choose .
The Model dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you
to define the fixture geometry.
Make sure that the Chuck (Standard) option is chosen in the
Defined by section. This option enables you to define a standard
three-step chuck by specifying the clamping method, chuck
position and dimensions.

46
 3. Turning Operations

Clamping method

This section enables you to define how the clamping

device will be attached to the workpiece. The Main/
Sub options enable you to choose the location and
orientation of the current fixture.

In the Clamping method section, use the default Main option and make sure that the
default clamping option is chosen.

Chuck position

The chuck positioning is defined with the Clamping

diameter (CD) and Axial position ( Z ) parameters
relative to the stock end face:
The Clamping diameter (CD) and Axial position (Z )
parameters can be defined by picking on the model.
When the model is picked, SolidCAM measures the
X- and Z- distances from the CoordSys origin to
the picked positions and displays the values in the
corresponding edit boxes.

The default Chuck position is defined on the edge of the stock envelope created during
the Stock model definition. The Clamping diameter is 94, and the Axial position is -92.
Now you need to define the dimensions of the chuck.

Jaws parameters

• The Jaw width (JW) parameter defines the overall width of a single jaw.

• The Jaw height (JH) parameter defines the overall height of a single jaw.

47
 • The Step width (SW) parameter defines the width of the lower step.

• The Step height (SH) parameter defines the height of the lower step.
Step
Width

Jaw
Height
Step
Height

Jaw Width

Associativity is not maintained for chucks defined by

parameters.

Set the values in the Jaws parameters section as follows:

• Set the Jaw width (JW) value to 24.
• Set the Jaw height (JH) value to 21.
• Set the Step width (SW) value to 8.
• Set the Step height (SH) value to 7.
The clamping fixture is defined.

Click to confirm the Model dialog box.

The Machine setup dialog box is displayed again.
Now you have to define the model position relative to the submachine coordinate system.
Double-click the cell in the X column. Set the value to 50.
Click the Preview icon to see the changes.

48
 3. Turning Operations

The model is located now in 50 mm above the table

allowing better visualization during the machine
simulation mode.

Confirm the Setup definition with OK. The Setup

subheader is added to the SolidCAM Manager tree
under the Operations header.

3. Add a Turning Operation

Right-click the Operations header in the SolidCAM Manager tree and choose Turning
from the Add Turning Operation submenu.

You can also select the Turning command from the Turning menu on
the SolidCAM Operations ribbon.
The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.

4. Define the Geometry

Make sure the Wireframe option is selected the Geometry section.

49
 Turning geometry can be defined by selecting wireframe elements or by
picking solid model entities such as faces, edges and vertices.
The following geometry definition options are available:
• Wireframe

This option enables you to define the turning geometry by wireframe

geometry selection.
• Solid

This option enables you to define the turning geometry by selecting model
entities such as faces, edges, vertices, origin and sketch points.
When model entities are picked, SolidCAM automatically defines the
geometry on the envelope/section segment corresponding to the selected
model elements.

You have to define the machining geometry for the external

roughing operation using the Envelope sketch. The sketch was
automatically generated in the Target model definition process
described in Exercise #1.

Click the New icon ( ). The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed
in the SolidWorks PropertyManager area. This dialog box enables
you to define and edit geometry chains.
SolidCAM enables you to choose the mode of the geometry selection in the Chain
section of the Geometry Edit dialog box.

Chain options

You can define the geometry by selecting edges, sketch segments and points
on the contour. The following options are available:
• Curve

You can create a chain of existing curves and edges by selecting them one
after the other.

Associativity: SolidCAM keeps the associativity to any edge

or sketch entity. Any change made to the model or sketch
automatically updates the selected geometry.

50
 3. Turning Operations

• Point to point

This option enables you to connect specified

points; the points are connected by a straight line.
Associativity: SolidCAM does not
keep the associativity to any selected
point. SolidCAM saves the X-, Y- and
Z-coordinates of the selected points.
Any change made to the model or sketch
does not update the selected geometry.

• Arc by points

This option enables you to create

a chain segment on an arc up to
a specific point on the arc.
Associativity: SolidCAM does not keep
the associativity to any selected arcs by
points. SolidCAM saves the X-, Y- and
Z-coordinates of the selected points.
Any change made to the model or sketch
does not update the selected geometry.

Auto Select options

SolidCAM automatically determines the chain entities and closes the chain
contour. The Auto select mode offers the following options:
• Auto-to

The chain is selected by specifying the start curve, the direction of the
chain and the element up to which the chain is created. SolidCAM enables
you to choose any model edge, vertex or sketch entity to determine the
chain end.
When the end item is chosen, SolidCAM determines the chain according
to the chosen selection mode (Auto-general, Auto-constant Z or Curve
propagation). The chain selection is terminated when the selected end
item is reached.
If the chosen end item cannot be reached by the chain flow, the chain
definition is terminated when the start chain segment is reached. The
chain is automatically closed.

51
 • Auto-general

SolidCAM highlights all entities that are connected to the last chain entity.
You have to select the entity along which you want the chain to continue.
• Auto-constant Z

This option identifies only the entities on the same XY-plane with the
previously selected chain entity. You are prompted to identify the next
chain element when two entities on the same Z-level are connected to the
chain. The system tolerance for this option can be set in the SolidCAM
Settings.

• Curve propagation

This option identifies the entities following the current entity according
to certain criteria:
Tangent - a tangent entity following the current one and not located at the
same Z-level is chosen.
Delta Z - you are required to enter a positive and negative Z-deviation
into the Delta Z Tolerance edit box. Only entities within this range are
identified as the next possible entity of the chain.

Make sure that the default Curve mode is chosen.

Select the sketch segments as shown.

The order of the geometry selection

is important, since it defines the
direction of machining. Operations
in SolidCAM use the direction of the
chain geometry to calculate the tool
path. The arrow at the start point of
the chain indicates the direction of
the chain.

52
 3. Turning Operations

In the Chain section of the Geometry Edit dialog box, choose the Point to point option.

This option enables you to connect the specified points

with a straight line.
Click on the sketch point as shown.
The linear geometry segment is defined.

Switch back to the Curve mode

and pick the rest of the sketch
entities.
The geometry chain is defined for
the external roughing operation.
Confirm the chain definition with
the Accept chain button.

53
 Reverse

This button enables you to reverse the chain direction.

Undo step

This button enables you to undo the last selection of a chain element.

Reject chain

This button cancels the single chain selection.

The chain icon is displayed in the Chain List section.

Close the Geometry Edit dialog box with and return to the Turning Operation dialog
box.
In the Edit Geometry section, click the Modify Geometry button.
The Modify Geometry dialog box is displayed. It enables you to
modify geometries defined for SolidCAM operations: extend/
trim and assign offsets, and also choose the geometry chains to
be used in the operation (in case of multiple chain geometry).

54
 3. Turning Operations

The Start Extension/trimming and End Extension/trimming sections enable

you to define the length of the extension/trimming applied to the start/end
of the geometry chain.
The Distance option enables you to define the extension/trimming distance:
when a positive value is defined, the chain is extended from the start/end
point with straight lines of the specified length; when a negative value is
defined, the chain is trimmed from the start/end point up to the specified
distance measured along the geometry chains.
End Extension

Start
Extension

In the Start Extension/trimming section, clear the Auto extend

to stock option and set 3 as the Distance value to extend the
geometry outside the material. In the End Extension/trimming
section, set the Distance value to 5.
Click the Apply to all button to confirm the chain selection.
Close the Modify Geometry dialog box with . The Turning
Operation dialog box is displayed again.

5. Define the Tool

After the geometry definition, you have
to define the tool for the operation.
Switch to the Tool page of the Turning
Operation dialog box and click the
Select button.
The Part Tool Table is displayed.

55
 The Part Tool Table is a tool library that contains all the tools available for
use with a specific CAM-Part. The Part Tool Table is stored within the CAM-
Part.

Click the Add Turning Tool icon to start the definition of a new tool.

Available composite and solid

tools are displayed in the right
pane of the dialog box.

From the Solid Tools section, choose the Ext. Rough tool.
• Set the tool holder width (A) value to 25.
• Set the tool height (D) value to 55.
• Set the tool tip angle (a°) value to 80.
• Set Cutting edge direction to Left ( ).

Click the Mounting button. The Mounting dialog box is displayed.

56
 3. Turning Operations

Using the Flip and axes rotation buttons, set the

tool in the vertical position as shown.
Click the Mounting button again to close the dialog
box.
Switch to the Tool Data tab.
This page enables you to define the general
technological parameters. These parameters are

associated with the current tool and applied to every operation where this tool is used.

Spin normal
This field defines the Spin value for Normal turning.

Spin finish
This field defines the Spin value for Finish turning.
Generally, the Spin value can be calculated using the following formula:
Spin=(1000*V)/(π*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter.
In this exercise, it is recommended to use the cutting speed of
210 m/min.
The diameter used for spin calculation is 90 mm (maximal diameter of the
part).
According to the formula above, Spin≈750.

Choose V(m/min) as Spin units. Define the Spin parameters. Set the Spin normal and
Spin finish values to 750.

57
 Click the Select button to choose the tool for the operation. At this stage, the tool is
defined in the Part Tool Table.

6. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page of the Turning Operation dialog box. Make sure that the
default Long external option is chosen in the Mode area.
This option enables you to execute external longitudinal turning (the principal working
direction is the Z-axis direction).
In the Work type area, use the default Rough option.

Work type

This option enables you to choose the method of the machining:

• Rough

The tool path movements are parallel to the

Z-axis (longitudinal turning) or to the X-axis
(facial turning). Semi-finish and finish passes
are performed, if chosen, at the end of the
rough stage.
• Copy

The finish pass is performed, if chosen, at the

end of the copy stage.

• Finish only

This option is used for the final turning of the

CAM-Part. When this option is chosen, only
the semi-finish or finish pass is executed.

In the Rough tab, choose Smooth from the Rough type

drop-down list.
Set the Step down value to 2.

58
 3. Turning Operations

In the Rough offset section, choose the ZX-ABS option.

Set the Distance X value to 0.4 and the Distance Z value to
0.1.

Rough offset

This drop-down list has three options:

• Distance

This option defines the constant offset distance

from the geometry. You are prompted to enter the
Distance value.

• ZX dz

SolidCAM enables you to define different offsets in

the X and Z directions. You are prompted to enter
both Distance X and Distance Z. dx

• ZX-ABS

This option is similar to the ZX option, except

that the program chooses the sign of each vector
component (dx, dz) so that the offset geometry
does not intersect with the profile geometry.

In the Semi-finish/finish tab, select the No option in the Semi-finish and Finish sections.
The finishing operation will be performed later.

7. Calculate the tool path

At this stage, all of the operation parameters are defined.

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Turning Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.

59
 8. Simulate the tool path
Use the simulation to check and view the generated tool path after you have defined and
calculated your machining operations.
If you have made mistakes in the definition of operations or used unsuitable turning
strategies, the simulation helps you avoid problems that you would otherwise experience
during the actual production running.
Click the Simulate icon in the Turning Operation dialog
box. The Simulation control panel is displayed.
Switch to the Turning page. This simulation mode enables
you to display the 2D simulation of the turning tool path.
In the Show section, choose the Both option. This option
displays both the tool path and the material.
Click the Play button. The simulation is displayed.

When the simulation is finished, switch to the SolidVerify page of the Simulation control
panel. This simulation mode enables you to view the tool path on the 3D Model.
Rotate the model to the isometric view with the button.
Click the Play button to start the simulation.

60
 3. Turning Operations

SolidVerify simulation mode

This mode enables the simulation of machining on the solid model. The
solid stock model defined as Stock is used in this mode. The Fixture is
displayed. During the machining simulation, SolidCAM subtracts the tool
movements from the solid model of the stock using solid Boolean
operations. The remaining machined stock is a solid model that can be
dynamically zoomed or rotated.

When the simulation is finished, click the Exit button. The Turning Operation dialog
box is displayed. Click the Exit icon to close the dialog box.

9. Add a Face Turning operation

Right-click the Turning operation defined in the previous step and choose Face from the
Add Turning Operation submenu to add a new facing operation.
The Face Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.

10. Define the Geometry

Define the geometry as shown on the illustration to machine the
end face.
Click (New) in the Geometry page.
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.

61
 Click on the sketch segment as shown.

In this operation, the geometry must be directed to the rotation axis of the model.

Note the direction of the geometry. When you pick the first chain entity on
the solid model, SolidCAM determines the start point of the picked entity
closest to the picked position. The direction of the picked first chain entity
is defined automatically from the start point to the picked position.
Picked position
Geometry chain Direction

Start point

Accept the chain and get back to the Face Turning Operation dialog box.
Click the Modify Geometry button. In the Start Extension/trimming section, set 4 as
the Distance value to extend the geometry outside the material. In the End extension/
trimming section, set the Distance value to 20.
Confirm the geometry modification with the button.

11. Define the Tool

Use the tool defined in the previous operation. Click the Select button in the Tool page
to choose the tool from the Part Tool Table.

62
 3. Turning Operations

The Part Tool Table is displayed.

Choose the Tool #1 and click Select. The tool is chosen for the operation.
Click the Data tab in the Tool page of the Turning Operation dialog box to customize the
tool parameters such as Spin and Feed for the operation.

The Spin value can be calculated using the following formula:

Spin=(1000*V)/(π*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter.
In this exercise, it is recommended to use the cutting speed of 200 m/min.
The diameter used for spin calculation is 58 mm (maximal diameter of the
end face).
According to the formula above, Spin≈1100.

Set the Spin normal and

the Spin finish to 1100.
Set the Feed normal to
0.2.
The tool is defined for
the operation.

12. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page of the Face Turning Operation dialog box.
Make sure that the Front option is chosen in the Mode area. This option enables
you to machine the front end face.
SolidCAM enables you to perform roughing and finishing in a single operation.
Make sure that the Rough option is selected. In the Rough type section, select the Smooth
option. In the Offset section, set Offset Z value to 0.1.

63
 Select the Finish option to execute a finishing pass in the direction of the geometry.

13. Save and Calculate

At this stage, all the operation parameters are defined.
Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Face Turning Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.

14. Simulate

Click the Simulate icon in the Face Turning Operation dialog box. The Simulation control
panel is displayed.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

When the simulation is finished, switch to the SolidVerify mode and simulate the tool
path again.

64
 3. Turning Operations

Close the Simulation control panel with

the Exit button.
The Face Turning Operation dialog box is
displayed. Close it with the Exit button.

In the following operation, you have to perform rough machining of

the internal faces using a Drilling operation. The U-Drill tool is used
to machine the internal hole without center drilling and to increase the
machining speed by avoiding the pecking. Using the U-Drill, you can
also avoid the preliminary drilling and operate the tool with the largest
diameter.

15. Add a Drilling operation

Right-click the Face Turning operation and choose Drilling from the Add Turning
Operation submenu to add a new Drilling operation.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.

16. Define the Tool

Click the Select button in the Tool page to start the tool definition.
The Part Tool Table is displayed.
Click to start the definition of a new tool.
Select a standard drill for this
operation.
Set the following parameters of
the U-Drill tool that will be used
for the operation:
• Set the D parameter to 28
• Set the A parameter to 180
• Set the AD parameter to 35
• Set the OHL parameter to 90
• Set the SL parameter to 90
• Set the CL parameter to 72

65
 Switch to the Tool Data page to define the Spin and Feed parameters of drilling.

The Cutting speed recommended for the drilling operation is 80 m/min.

According to the following formula,
Spin=(1000*V)/(π*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter (28
mm),
Spin≈900.

Set the Spin rate and Spin finish values to 900.

Set the Feed XY value to 0.08 mm/tooth.
Confirm the tool definition with the Select button. The Drilling Operation dialog box is
displayed.

17. Define the Drill start position

The geometry for drilling is defined by two points:
start and end positions. Switch to the Technology
page of the Drilling Operation dialog box. Click the
Drill start button in the Positions section.
The Pick Start point dialog box is displayed.
Click on the front face of the part as shown.

The coordinates of the selected point are displayed in the Pick Start point dialog box.
Confirm this dialog box with the button.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed again.

18. Define the Drill end position

Define the end position of the drilling.
Click the Drill end button in the Positions section.

66
 3. Turning Operations

The Pick End point dialog box is displayed.

Click on the back face of the part.
The coordinates of the selected point are displayed in the Pick End point dialog box.
Confirm the dialog box with the button.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed again.
In the Depth type section, select the Full diameter option.

19. Save and Calculate

At this stage, all the parameters of the operation are defined.
Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Drilling Operation dialog box to save the operation
data and calculate the tool path.

20. Simulate
Click the Simulate icon in the Drilling Operation dialog box. Simulate the tool path in the
Turning mode.
Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel with the Exit button. Close the Drilling
Operation dialog box with the Exit icon.

67
 21. Add an External Finishing operation

Right-click the last defined Drilling operation in SolidCAM Manager and choose Turning
from the Add Turning Operation submenu.
The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.

22. Copy data from the existing operation

SolidCAM enables you to use an already existing operation as a template for the current
operation. All the operation data is copied from the template to the current operation.
This feature enables you to save the programming time.
In the Operation name section, choose the first operation
(TR_contour) as a template.
The data is copied.
In the current operation, use the same geometry that you used for the external roughing.

23. Define the Tool

Click the Select button in the Tool page. The Choosing tool for operation dialog box is
displayed with the data of the Tool #1 copied from the template operation. Now you have
to define a new tool in the Part Tool Table and choose it for the operation.
Click to start the definition of the new tool. Add a new Ext. Rough tool.
• Set the A parameter to 25
• Set the D parameter to 55
• Set the F parameter to 55
• Set the Ra parameter to 0.4
Choose (Left) in the Cutting edge direction
area.
Click Mounting and set the tool in the
vertical position as shown.
Click the Select button to confirm the tool
definition and choose it for the operation.
Now you have to define the Spin and Feed
values. Click the Data tab in the Tool page
of the Turning Operation dialog box.

68
 3. Turning Operations

Generally, the Spin value can be calculated using the following formula:
Spin=(1000*V)/(π*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter.
In this case, the differences of diameters through the tool path do not
enable you to use the common Spin value.
The V ( Velocity) option is used. This option enables you to define the
cutting speed. The number of revolutions per minute is calculated
automatically according to the actual diameter. Using this option, you can
maintain the constant cutting speed along the tool path. In the areas of the
smallest diameter, the number of revolutions is greater and vice versa.

Under Spin, choose the V(m/min)

option in the Spin units area.
Set the cutting speed value of 240
for the Spin normal and the Spin
finish.
Set the Spin limit value to 3000.
With this value, SolidCAM limits
the number of revolutions per
minute.
Click Select to choose the tool for
the operation.

24. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page of the Turning Operation dialog box.
Under the General tab, in the Work type area of the Technology page, choose the Finish
only option.
This option is used for the finish turning of the CAM-Part. When this option is chosen,
only the semi-finish or finish pass is executed.
In the Semi-finish/finish tab, choose the ISO-Turning Method option in Finish area. This
option enables you to perform the finishing pass in the direction of the geometry.

25. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Turning Operation dialog box to save the operation
data and calculate the tool path.

69
 26. Simulate
Click the Simulate icon in the Turning Operation dialog box. Simulate the tool path in the
Turning mode.

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel with the Exit button. Close the Turning Operation
dialog box with the Exit icon.

27. Add an Internal Turning operation

Right-click the last defined Turning operation in SolidCAM Manager and choose Turning
from the Add Turning Operation submenu.
The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.

70
 3. Turning Operations

28. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined in order to perform
the internal turning.
Click in the Geometry page. The Geometry Edit dialog box
is displayed.
Select the chamfer
segment as shown.

Note the direction of the geometry. The

geometry defined for this operation must
be directed in the negative direction of the
Z-axis.

In the Chain section of the Geometry Edit dialog

box, switch to the Point to point mode.
Click on the end point of the geometry as shown.
The geometry chain is selected.
In the Modify Geometry section, set Distance to 3 in
Start Extension/trimming and to 1 in End Extension/
trimming. Confirm your selection by with .
The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.

29. Define the Tool

Click the Select button in the Tool page to start the definition of a new tool for the
operation. The Part Tool Table is displayed.
Click to define a new tool.

71
 From the Solid Tools section, choose the Int.Rough type to define the tool for the internal
finish.
Set the following parameters:
• Set the lengths of the cutting edges: D1 to 4 and D2 to 5
• Set the width of the turret (F) to 30
• Set the b° parameter to 27
• Set the tool nose radius (Ra) to 0.4
• Set the Cutting edge direction to Left
Click the Mounting button and set the mounting as shown.
Confirm the tool definition with the Select button.
Click the Data tab in the Tool page of the Turning Operation dialog box to define the Spin
data for the operation.

The Cutting speed recommended for the Turning operation is 180 m/min.
According to the following formula,
Spin=(1000*V)/(π*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter
(31.5 mm),
Spin≈1800.

Set the Spin normal and Spin finish to 1800.

30. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Make sure the Long internal option is chosen in the
Mode area. This option enables you to perform the internal radial turning.
In the Work type area, choose the Finish only option. This option is used for finish
turning of the CAM-Part. When this option is chosen, only a semi-finish or a finish pass
is executed.
Choose the ISO-Turning Method option for Finish in the Semi-finish/finish tab.
At this stage, all relevant technological parameters are defined.

31. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Turning Operation dialog box to save the operation
data and calculate the tool path.

72
 3. Turning Operations

32. Simulate
Click the Simulate icon in the Turning Operation dialog box. The Simulation control
panel is displayed. Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel with the Exit button. Close the Turning
Operation dialog box with the Exit icon.

33. Add an External Grooving operation

Right-click the last defined Turning operation in SolidCAM Manager and choose Grooving
from the Add Turning Operation submenu.
The Grooving Operation dialog box is displayed.

73
 34. Define the Geometry
The following geometry has to be defined in order to perform
the machining of the external groove.

Click in the Geometry page.

The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
Choose the Curve option in the Chain section and select the
sketch segments as shown.

Confirm the chain definition with the Accept Chain button.

In the Modify Geometry section, set the Distance values to 1 in the Start Extension/
trimming and End Extension/ trimming areas.

Close the Modify Geometry dialog box with the button.

35. Define the Tool

Click the Select button in the Tool page. The Part Tool Table is displayed.
Click to start a new tool definition.
From Solid Tools, add an Ext. Groove tool for the operation.
Update the following parameters of the tool:
• Set the width of the tool holder (A) to
25
• Set the distance (B) to -8
• Set the lower width of the tool tip (G)
to 3
• Set the lengths of the tool tip cutting
edges (D1 and D2) to 7
• Set the tool tip angles a° and b° to -1

74
 3. Turning Operations

• Set the nose radius Ra to 0.2

• Set Cutting edge direction to Left
Set the tool Mounting as shown.
The tool parameters are defined. Click the Select button.
Click the Data tab in the Tool page of the Grooving Operation
dialog box. These parameters allow you to define the Feed
values.
Set the Feed normal to 0.18 and the Feed finish to 0.12.
Set the Safety angle value to 0.

Safety angle

This parameter defines the angle between the material and the cutting edge
of the tool. It prevents the cutting edge of the tool from coinciding with
the material.

Modified geometry
Geometry

Safety angle
​

75
 36. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Make sure that the Long external option is chosen
in the Mode area. This option enables you to perform the External grooving tool path.
SolidCAM enables you to combine roughing and finishing in one operation. Make sure
that the Rough option is chosen in the Work type area.
Click the Rough tab to define the rough grooving parameters.
In the Rough offset area, choose the Distance option. This option enables you to define
a constant offset distance from the geometry. Set the Distance value to 0.2.
In the Step over area, set the Value to 2.8.

Step over

T his field defines the sideways distance between

each two successive groove-cut steps. This distance
must be smaller than the tool width.

Switch now to Semi-finish/Finish tab. Make sure that the Turn-Groove method option is
chosen in the Finish area.

Turn-Groove method

The finishing pass is executed. The tool movements are generated in such
way that only the bottom of the tool cuts the material. This can cause the
tool to move against the direction of the geometry, while the movement of
the tool on the geometry is not continuous.

From the Finish on box, select the Entire geometry option.

This option performs finishing on the entire profile geometry.
Switch to the Groove parameters tab and set the Finish value to 0 in the Delta compensation
area.

Delta compensation

F or good surface finishing and better cutting conditions, the tool

should be allowed to bend slightly during the side cutting. This is important
so that only the corner radius of the tool will touch the material. This field
defines the distance the tool retreats before going sideways.

76
 3. Turning Operations

• Rough

Enter the distance the tool should retreat before moving sideways in the
roughing operation.
• Finish

Enter the distance the tool should retreat before moving sideways in the
finishing operation.

37. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Grooving Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.

38. Simulate
Click Simulate in the Grooving Operation dialog box.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.
Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel. Close the Grooving Operation dialog box.

39. Add an Internal Grooving operation

Right-click the last defined Grooving operation in SolidCAM Manager and choose
Grooving from the Add Turning Operation submenu.
The Grooving Operation dialog box is displayed.

77
 40. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined in order to perform

machining of the internal groove.
Click in the Geometry page.
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.

With the Curve option chosen, select the sketch

segments as shown. Confirm the chain definition
with the Accept Chain button.
The Grooving Operation dialog box is displayed.
Click the Modify Geometry button.
Set the Distance values in the Start Extension and
the End Extension areas to 1. Close the Modify
Geometry dialog box with .

41. Define the Tool

In the Tool page, click the Select button. The Part Tool Table is displayed.

Click to start the definition of a new tool.

From the Solid Tools section, choose the Int.Groove tool type.
The default parameters of the Internal grooving tool are displayed.
Define the following parameters:

78
 3. Turning Operations

• Set the height of the tool (D) to 40

• Set the width of the tool tip (G) to 3
• Set the width of the tool tip carrier (H) to 3
• Set the tool tip angles a° and b° to -1
• Set the nose radius (Ra) to 0.2
• Set the height of the tool (D) to 60
• Set the Cutting edge direction to Left
Set the tool mounting as shown.
Click the Tool Data tab to define the feeds and safety angle.
• Set Feed normal to 0.15 and Feed finish to 0.1
• Set the Safety angle to 0
Confirm the tool selection with Select.

42. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Make sure that the

Long internal option is chosen in the Mode area. This
option enables you to perform the internal radial grooving.
Make sure that the Rough option is chosen in the Work type
area.
Click the Rough tab to set the
following.
Make sure that the ZX-ABS option
is chosen in the Rough offset area.
• Set the Distance X to 0.2
• Set the Distance Z to 0.05
• In the Step over area, set the
Value to 2.8

At this stage, the technological

parameters of the operation are
defined.

43. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Grooving Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.

79
 44. Simulate
Click Simulate in the Grooving Operation dialog
box.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.
Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.
Click the Half view button to see the section of
the machined part as shown.
Close the Simulation control panel. Close the
Grooving Operation dialog box.

45. Add an Angled Grooving operation

Right-click the last defined Grooving operation in SolidCAM Manager and choose
Angled Grooving from the Add Turning Operation submenu.
The Angled Grooving Operation dialog box is displayed.

46. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined in order to perform
the machining of the angled groove.
Click in the Geometry page.
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
With the Curve option chosen, select the sketch segments as
shown.

Close the Geometry Edit dialog box with the button.

80
 3. Turning Operations

47. Define the Tool

In the Tool page, click the Select button. The Part Tool Table is displayed.

Click to start the definition of a new tool.

From the Solid Tools section, choose the Ext.Groove tool type.
The default parameters of the External grooving tool are displayed.
Define the following parameters:
• Set the distance the tool tip extends beyond the tool tip carrier (C) to 10
• Set the width of the tool tip (G) to 2
• Set the cutting edge lengths (D1, D2) to 4
• Set the tool nose (Ra) to 0.2
• Set the Cutting edge direction to Left
Now you have to define the tool tilting in 45°.
Click the Mounting button to display the Mounting
dialog box. Set the Additional angle parameter to
-45° to tilt the tool. Using the axes and Flip buttons,
adjust the tool mounting as shown.
Close the Mounting window. Click the Select button
to confirm the tool selection.

48. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Make sure that the Long external option is chosen
in the Mode area. This option enables you to perform the angled grooving.
Make sure that the Rough option is chosen in the Work
type area and click the Rough tab to define the roughing
parameters.
Make sure that Single is chosen in the Step down section.
This option allows you to machine the groove in a single
step down.
Set Step over value to 0.2.
Switch to Semi-finish/Finish tab. Choose the ISO-Turning
method in the Finish section.

49. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Angled Grooving Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.

81
 50. Simulate
Click the Simulate icon in the Angled Grooving Operation dialog box.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.
Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel. Close the Grooving Operation dialog box.

In the next stage, you have to perform machining of the external thread using a Threading operation.
The minimal diameter of the thread is 56 mm, and the pitch is 1.5 mm.

51. Add a Threading operation

Right-click the last defined Angled Grooving operation in SolidCAM Manager and
choose Threading from the Add Turning Operation submenu.
The Threading Operation dialog box is displayed.

52. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined to machine the
external thread.
Click in the Geometry page.
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.

82
 3. Turning Operations

With the Curve option chosen, select the sketch

segment as shown.
Confirm the selected geometry with the button.

Notice the direction of the geometry.

The geometry for this operation must
be directed in the negative direction of
the Z-axis.
In the Modify Geometry dialog box, set the
Distance to 2 in Start Extension/trimming and End
Extension/trimming. This extension enables the
tool to approach the geometry from outside.
Confirm the modification with button.

53. Define the Tool

In the Tool page, click the Select button.
The Part Tool Table is displayed. Define a new tool for the external threading.
Click and choose the Ext.Thread tool from the Solid tools section.
• Set the tool holder width (A) to 25
• Set the distance between the tool tip point and
the left side of the tool holder (B) to 2.5
• Set the height of the tool (D) to 50
• Set the turret width (F) to 45
• Set the tool nose radius (Ra) to 0.1
• Set the Cutting edge direction to Right
Set the tool mounting as shown.
Click the Tool Data tab.
The cutting speed chosen for the operation is 110 m/min.

The Spin value can be calculated with the following formula:

Spin=(1000*V)/(π*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter.
Spin=(1000*110)/(π*58)≈600 rev/min.

Set the Spin normal and Spin finish to 600.

Click the Select button to confirm the tool selection.
The Threading Operation dialog box is displayed.

83
 54. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Make sure that the Long external option is chosen
in the Mode area. This option enables you to perform the radial external threading

Make sure that the Multiple option is chosen in the Work type area.

SolidCAM enables you to choose between two main Work type options:
• Single – the threading is performed in a single pass (G33).
• Multiple – the threading is performed in several passes according to
the machine cycle.

Switch to the Data tab. In the Pitch unit area, set the Value to 1.5.
In the Minor Diameter area, set the Value to 56.

Minor diameter

This option is available with Long external mode. It

defines the minimum diameter of the thread at the
first point of the geometry. The thread depth is the
difference between the diameter of the first geometry
point of the thread and the minimum diameter value.

Choose Yes under External finish. This option enables you to perform the finishing pass
on the tips of the threads.
Choose Yes under Thread finish. The finishing pass is performed on the thread.

55. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Threading Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.

56. Simulate
Click the Simulate icon in the Threading Operation dialog box.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

84
 3. Turning Operations

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel. Close the Grooving Operation dialog box.

At this stage, you have to perform machining of the internal thread using the Threading operation.
The maximal diameter of the thread is 33.5 mm and the pitch is 1.5 mm.

57. Add an operation

Right-click the last defined Threading operation in SolidCAM Manager and choose
Threading from the Add Turning Operation submenu.

58. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined to machine the internal
thread.
Click in the Geometry page. The Geometry Edit dialog box
is displayed.
Select the sketch segment as shown.

Notice the direction of the geometry.

The geometry for this operation must be
directed in the negative direction of the
Z-axis.

85
 Confirm the selected geometry with the Accept Chain button.
In the Modify Geometry dialog box, set the Distance values to 2 in the Start Extension
and End Extension. This extension enables the tool to approach (and retreat from) the
geometry from outside.
Close the Modify Geometry dialog box with the button.

59. Define the Tool

In the Tool page, click the Select button to define a new tool in the Part Tool Table and
choose it for the operation.
In the Part Tool Table, click .
In the Solid Tools section, choose the Int.Thread tool type.
The Internal Threading tool with the default parameters is displayed.
Set the following parameters:
• Set the width of the tool holder (A) to 18
• Set the distance the tool tip extends beyond the
tool tip carrier (C) to 4
• Set the height of the tool (D) to 80
• Set the turret width (F) to 32
• Set the tool nose radius (Ra) to 0.1
• Set Cutting edge direction to Left
Set the tool mounting as shown.
Switch to the Tool Data tab. Set the spin and feed data.

The cutting speed chosen for the operation is 80 m/min.

The spin can be calculated with the following formula:
Spin=(1000*V)/(π*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the maximal
diameter of the thread.
Spin=(1000*80)/(π*33.5)≈750 rev/min.

Set the Spin normal and Spin finish to 750.

Click the Select button to choose the tool for the operation.

86
 3. Turning Operations

60. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Make sure that the Long internal option is chosen in
the Mode area. This option enables you perform the internal radial threading.
Make sure that the Multiple option is chosen in the Work type area. Set the Step down
to 0.1.
Switch to the Data tab to set the following:
• In the Pitch unit area, set the Value to 1.5
• In the Major Diameter area, set the Value to 33.5

Major Diameter

This option is available with the Long internal mode.

It defines the maximum diameter of the thread at the
first point of the geometry. The thread depth is the
difference between the maximal diameter value and
the diameter of the first geometry point of the thread.

Choose Yes under External finish. This option enables you to perform the finish pass on
the tips of the threads.
Choose Yes under Thread finish. The finish pass is performed on the thread.
At this stage, all the technological parameters of the Threading operation are defined.

61. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Threading Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.

62. Simulate

Click the Simulate icon in the Threading Operation dialog

box.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.
Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode. Use the
Half view button to see the section of the machined
part as shown.

Close the Simulation control panel. Close the Threading

Operation dialog box.

87
At this stage, you have to perform parting (cutting off) of the machined part using a Cutoff operation.

63. Add a Cutoff Operation

Right-click the last defined Threading operation and choose Cutoff from the Add Turning
Operation submenu.

64. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined to perform the
parting (cutting off).
In the Geometry page, click to start the geometry definition.
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
Select the sketch segment as shown.

Note the direction of the geometry. In this operation, the geometry directed
to the model rotation axis should be used.
In the Modify Geometry dialog box, set the Distance values to 2 in Start Extension/
trimming and End Extension/trimming.

65. Define the Tool

Click the Select button in the Tool page to start the definition of a new tool.

The Part Tool table is displayed. Click to define a new tool.

Choose the Ext. Groove tool from the Solid Tools section.

88
 3. Turning Operations

• Set the distance between the center of the radius of the tool tip and the left side of
the tool holder (B) to 0
• Set the height of the tool tip (C) to 35
• Set the height of the tool (D) to 60
• Set the position of the left side of the turret (E) to 0
• Set the nose radius of the right side of the tool tip (Ra) to 0.2
Set the Cutting edge direction to Left by clicking .

Click Select to choose the defined tool for the operation.

Click the Data tab in the Tool page of the Cutoff Operation dialog box. Define the spin
and feed data.

In this case, the differences of diameters through the tool path do not
enable you to use the common spin value.
The Constant Surface Speed (CSS) option is used. This option enables
you to define the cutting speed. The number of revolutions per minute is
calculated automatically according to the actual diameter. You can maintain
the constant cutting speed along the tool path. In the areas of the smallest
diameter, the number of revolutions is greater and vice versa.

Switch to the CSS option in the Spin Units section.

Set the cutting speed value of 100 for Spin normal and Spin limit.
Set the Feed normal value to 0.08.

66. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. This page enables you to define the parting (cutting off)
technological parameters.

89
 Make sure the Long external option is chosen in the Mode area. Choose the Left
option in the Tool side section.
In the Corner section, choose the Chamfer option. In the Location
area, choose the Right option. The chamfer is machined as shown.

The Location options enable you to define the tool position relative to the
defined geometry:
• Left

The tool cuts to the left of the geometry.

• Right

The tool cuts to the right of the geometry.

• Middle

The tool center is located on the geometry.

Left Middle Right

In the Chamfer parameters section, select the Distance option and set the Distance X
and Distance Z values to 1.
At this stage, the definition of the technological parameters of the parting operation is
finished.

67. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Cutoff Operation dialog box to save the operation
data and calculate the tool path.

90
 3. Turning Operations

68. Simulate

Click the Simulate icon in the Cutoff Operation dialog box. Simulate the tool path in the
Turning mode.
Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

At this stage, the exercise is completed.

91
Exercise #4: Button Lock Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the button lock shown below on
a Turning CNC-machine.

This exercise reinforces the following skills:

• Turning CAM-Part definition
• External rough turning
• External finishing
• Parting (cutting off)
The SolidWorks model of the Button Lock (Exercise4.sldprt) is located in the Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Material boundary, the Clamp and the Target model.
The OKUMALL CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

2. External roughing
Define a Turning operation to perform the rough
machining of the part.

92
 3. Turning Operations

3. External finish
Perform the finishing of the front faces of the part as
shown.

4. Back side finish

Perform the finishing of the back faces of the part.

5. Parting
Define a Cutoff operation for cutting off the part and
machining of the chamfer.

93
Exercise #5: Guided Ejector Bushing Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the guided ejector bushing shown below
on Turning CNC-machine.

This exercise reinforces the following skills:

• Turning CAM-Part definition
• External turning with a groove tool
• Facial turning
• Drilling
• Internal turning
• Parting (cutting off)
The SolidWorks model of the Guided Ejector Bushing (Exercise5.sldprt) is located in the Exercises
folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Material boundary, the Clamp and the Target model.
The OKUMALL CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

2. External turning
Define the Turning operation to perform the machining of
the external radial faces. Use the grooving tool to machine
the grooves located radially.

94
 3. Turning Operations

3. Facial turning
Perform the facial turning of the front face as shown. Note
that it is not necessary to machine the whole face because of
the next Drilling operation.

4. Grooves machining
Define a Grooving operation to machine three grooves.

5. Drilling
Drill the preliminary hole that will be finally turned at the
next stage. Use a flat drill tool (see Exercise #3).

6. Internal finish
Perform the internal finish of the center hole including
chamfers.

7. Parting
Define a Cutoff operation for cutting off the part and
machining of the chamfer.

95
Exercise #6: Guide Pillar Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the guide pillar shown below on the
Turning CNC-machine.

This exercise reinforces the following skills:

• Turning CAM-Part definition
• External rough turning
• External finish turning
• Facial turning
• Grooving
• Parting (cutting off)
The SolidWorks model of the Guide Pillar (Exercise6.sldprt) is located in the Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Material boundary, the Clamp and the Target model.
The OKUMALL CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

2. External rough turning

Define a Turning operation to perform the rough machining
of the external radial faces.

96
 3. Turning Operations

3. Facial turning
Perform the facial turning of the front face as shown.

4. External finish turning

Define a Turning operation to machine the external model
faces except for grooves that will be machined in one of the
next stages.

5. Grooves machining
Define a Grooving operation to machine four grooves.

6. Parting
Define a Cutoff operation for cutting off the part and
machining of the chamfer.

97
Exercise #7: Bearing Bush Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the

bearing bush on the Turning CNC-machine.
This exercise reinforces the following skills:
• Turning CAM-Part definition
• External turning
• Internal turning
• Facial turning
• Drilling
• Parting (cutting off)
The SolidWorks model of the Bearing Bush (Exercise7.sldprt) is located in the Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Material boundary, the Clamp and the Target model.
The OKUMALL CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

2. Facial turning
Perform the facial turning of the front face as shown.

3. External faces turning

Define a Turning operation to perform the machining of the
external cylindrical faces.

98
 3. Turning Operations

4. Center drilling
Define a Drilling operation to perform the preliminary
center drilling of the center hole.

5. Drilling
Define two Drilling operations to
machine the center hole segments
as shown.

6. Internal turning
Define a Turning operation to machine the internal model
faces.

7. Back side grooving

Define a Grooving operation to machine the back faces as
shown.

8. Parting
Define a Cutoff operation for cutting off the part and
machining of the chamfer.

99
3.2 Advanced Turning: Rest Material

SolidCAM automatically recognizes the rest material areas

left unmachined after the previous operations.
Consider the longitudinal turning of the geometry
presented on the illustration with an external roughing
Geometry
tool.
According to its geometry, the tool cannot reach some
areas of the part in the process of machining.

Geometry

In SolidCAM, these unmachined areas are called Rest Material areas.

Rest
Material
Geometry

SolidCAM offers you a number of methods to determine and machine Rest Material areas.
The following exercise illustrates SolidCAM functionality of the Rest Material turning.

100
 3. Turning Operations

Exercise #8: Wheel Machining

The following exercise illustrates SolidCAM functionality of

Rest Material machining during longitudinal and facial rough/
finish turning operations performed on the Wheel part.

1. Load the model

Load the Exercise8.sldprt model located in the
Exercises folder.

2. Define the CAM-Part

Since the CAM-Part definition process was explained earlier, the details of the CAM-
Part definition process are omitted.
Define the Coordinate System in the pierce point of the revolution axis and the front
face of the model.

20 2

Choose the OKUMALL CNC-controller.

Define the material boundary sketch on the Plane 1 as
shown. Make sure that the end points of the sketched
line are coincident to the model front and back sides.
Select the sketched line for the definition of the Stock.

101
 Create a new sketch for the clamp on the same plane. 20
10
Sketch the clamp geometry as shown.
20
Define the SolidCAM Clamp geometry using this
sketch. 10
15
Define the Target model by selecting the solid body.
When defining the Target model in the Model dialog
box, set the Facet tolerance value to 0.01 to get better
performance during the simulation.

SolidCAM automatically generates the Envelope geometry that will be used later
in the definition of operations.
Confirm the CAM-Part definition.

3. Perform the external roughing

Define a new Turning operation to perform the rough
machining of the external model faces.
Define the geometry for the operation using the Envelope
sketch as shown below.

5 2

102
 3. Turning Operations

Define an External roughing tool for the operation.

Set the tool tip angle (a°) value to 55°.
Choose the defined tool for the operation.

Define the parameters of External roughing. Select Rough from the Work type area in
the General tab. Switch to the Rough tab to define roughing parameters:
In the Step down section, select the Adaptive step down option.
Make sure that the default ZX-ABS option is chosen in the Rough offset area.
• Set the Distance X value to 0.3
• Set the Distance Z value to 0.1
The defined offset remains unmachined till
the next finishing operation.

Switch to the Semi-finish/finish tab. Make sure that the No option is selected under Finish
and Semi-finish. The finish machining will be performed later in a separate operation.
Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.
Simulate the tool path.

103
 Some areas of the current geometry are unreachable for the tool. These areas are left
unmachined.
The next operation uses the Rest material option to perform the additional machining
only in the unmachined area.

4. Perform the rest material roughing

In the previous external roughing operation, the tool

with the Left orientation was moving in the negative
Z-direction.
In the Rest material roughing operation, the tool moves
in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The Right
orientation of the tool must be chosen.

Add a new Turning operation to perform the rough machining of the Rest material area.
SolidCAM enables you to use an already existing operation as a template for the current
operation. All the data is copied from the template to the current operation. This feature
enables you to save the programming time.
In the Operation name section, choose the first operation
(TR_contour) as a template.
The data is copied. This operation contains the same
geometry and technological parameters as the previous
Turning operation.
Define a new External roughing tool for the
operation. Use the default geometric parameters of
the tool.
Change the Cutting edge direction from Left to
Right. Choose the Mounting as shown. The tool
orientation enables you to use this tool for cutting
in the positive Z-direction.
Choose the defined tool for the operation.

104
 3. Turning Operations

Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.

Simulate the tool path.

During the tool path calculation, SolidCAM automatically determines the Rest material
area suitable for machining with the defined tool and technological parameters. The
machining is performed in this Rest material area only.
At this stage, the rough machining of the external faces is completed. At the next stage,
you have to perform the finish machining.

5. Perform the external finishing

Perform the finishing of the external faces that were rough machined in the previous
steps.
Add a new Turning operation.
Define the geometry for the operation as shown.

2 2

Define a new tool of the Ext.Contour type for the operation.

• Set the height of the tool tip (C) to 22
• Set the height of the tool (D) to 60
• Set the lengths of the two cutting edges of the tool tip (D1, D2) to 10
• Set the tool tip angle (a°) to 30
• Set the tool nose radius (Ra) to 0.8

105
 Confirm the tool definition and choose the tool for the operation.
In the Technology page, choose the Finish only option
under Work type. This option enables you to perform the
finishing of the external faces.
Switch to the Semi-finish/finish tab. Make sure that the
ISO-Turning method is chosen for Finish. With this option,
the finishing tool path is performed in the direction of the
geometry.
Note that the default Rest material only option is chosen in
the Finish on section. This option enables you to perform
finishing only in Rest material areas.
In this case, the Rest material area is the allowance left
unmachined in the previous operations.
Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.
Simulate the tool path.

At this stage, the external faces turning is complete.

106
 3. Turning Operations

6. Perform the facial roughing

Perform the facial rough turning of the end faces of the
wheel.
Add a new Turning operation and define the geometry as
shown. Use the Envelope sketch automatically generated by
SolidCAM during the Target model definition.
Envelope

22

Define the tool for the operation. Add a new tool of the Ext.Rough type to the Part Tool
Table. Edit the following tool parameters:
• Set the height of the tool (D) to 80
• Edit the position of the left side of the turret with reference to the tool tip point (E).
Set the value to -15
• Set the tool tip angle (a°) to 35°
• Set the lengths of the cutting edges of the tool (D1, D2) to 6
The tool Cutting edge direction is automatically set to Right, and it cannot be changed.
This option enables you to use the tool for the facial turning directed from outside to
the revolution axis.
Confirm the tool data and choose the tool for the current operation.

In the Technology page, choose the Face front option

in the Mode area. With this option, SolidCAM performs the
facial turning of the front faces.

107
 Choose the Rough option in the Work type. The finish machining is performed later in a
separate operation.

Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.

Simulate the tool path.
There is an area of the geometry that is not reachable for the tool during the machining.
This area will be machined in a separate operation using the Rest material strategy.

7. Perform the facial Rest material machining

At this stage, you have to perform an additional roughing

operation that removes the bulk of material in the area
left unmachined after the previous operation.
In this operation, the Rest material is removed with a
left-oriented tool in a number of cuts in the positive
X-direction (from the revolution axis to the outside).
Add a new Turning operation. In the same manner as
explained in Step #4, use the previous operation as a
template for the current one.

108
 3. Turning Operations

In this operation, you need to use the tool with the same geometric parameters as the one
used for the previous operation, except for its orientation.
Right-click the Tool #4 in the list and choose the Copy Tool
command. A new tool identical to the previous one is added.
Choose Left for Cutting edge direction.
Confirm the tool definition and choose the tool for the
operation.
Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.
Simulate the tool path.

During the tool path calculation, the Rest material area suitable for the machining with the
defined tool and technological parameters is determined automatically. The machining is
performed in this Rest material area only.
At this stage, the rough machining of the front faces is completed. At the next stage, you
have to perform the finish machining.

8. Perform the facial finishing

Define a new Turning operation. Use the Turning operation defined in Step #6 as a
template to copy all the data into the current operation. Use the same tool and the same
geometry as in the template operation.
Click the Data tab in the Tool page and set the Safety angle to 5 in the Safety parameters
area.
In the Work type list of the Technology page, choose the Finish only option. This type
enables you to perform the finish machining along the geometry.
Make sure that the ISO-Turning method option is chosen in the Finish area of the Semi-
finish/finish tab.

109
 The Rest material only option is automatically chosen in the Finish on box. With this
option, SolidCAM performs the machining only in the Rest material areas. Set the Start
extension and End extension values to 1. These values enable you to overlap the rest
material area.
Save the operation data and calculate the tool path. Simulate the tool path.

In the same manner, define a new Turning operation based on the operation defined in
Step #7. This operation performs the facial finish machining in the Rest material area.
Use an External roughing tool with the lengths of cutting edges (D1, D2) of 9 mm.
In the Finish section, choose the ISO-Turning method option.
The Rest material only option is automatically chosen in the Finish on box. With this
option, SolidCAM performs the machining only in the Rest material areas. Set the Start
extension and End extension values to 1. These values enable you to overlap the rest
material area.
Save the operation data and calculate the tool path. Simulate the tool path.

At this stage, the facial machining of the front faces is finished.

110
 3. Turning Operations

9. Hole machining

At the first stage, sketch a line as shown below to define the

start and the end points for drilling.
Envelope

3 1

Define a new Drilling operation to machine the hole.

In the same manner as explained in Steps #15-21 of Exercise #3, define a new U-drill tool
for the operation. Use the tool of Ø40.

111
 Define the Drill start and the Drill end at the end points of the line.
Save the operation data and calculate the tool path. Simulate the tool path.

At this stage, the exercise is completed.

112
 3. Turning Operations

3.3 Advanced Turning: Partial machining

This functionality supports rough, semi-finish and finish machining of long turning parts. In long
turning parts the machining of the whole geometry all at once might cause problems due to the
deformation of the workpiece under the cutting tool. Partial machining provides the capability to
machine the geometry by dividing it into several segments

Segment #5 Segment #4 Segment #3 Segment #2 Segment #1

113
Exercise #9: Long Shaft Machining

The following exercise illustrates SolidCAM functionality

of Partial machining in turning operations performed on
the Long Shaft part.

1. Load the part file

Load the Exercise9.prz file located in the Exercises folder.
This file contains the pre-machined part with two Turning operations in which the
machining of the front face and the first step is performed.

2. Machine the first segment of the geometry

Add a new Turning operation in SolidCAM Manager.
Define the full machining geometry as shown.

This geometry will be machined in several segments in a number of Turning operations.

In the Part Tool Table, choose the Ext.rough tool (Tool #2) used in the previous operation.
In the Technology page, click Strategies
tab and select the Partial machining check
box.
Click the Data button that becomes
available. The Partial Machining dialog
box is displayed, and the geometry chain is
highlighted on the model.

114
 3. Turning Operations

This dialog box enables you to define the geometry segment that will be machined in the
operation and related parameters such as its initial and final points, distance and
approach/retreat data.

First point/Second point

The First point and Second point sections enable you to define the profile
segment that will be machined in the operation and the parameters of the
tool approach/retreat movements.
The generated partial cutting pass is performed between the first and
second points; the cutting pass direction is determined according to the
Profile direction option state.

Second
point First
point

SolidCAM automatically generates the approach and retreat passes at the

First point and Second point according to the machining direction. In the
illustration above, the approach movement is performed at the First point
and the retreat movement is performed at the Second point.

115
 The approach/retreat pass consists of an arc tangential to the partial
machining geometry at the First/Second point, and a line connected to the
arc. The line direction is automatically chosen according to the Tool type,
Tool tip angle and Safety angle parameters.

By default, the Distance along axis

parameter located in the First point
and Second point sections displays the
minimal/maximal Z-coordinate of the
geometry. Since the first segment to be
machined starts at the beginning of the
geometry, do not change the default
value of this parameter for the First
point.
Pick the final point of the segment to be machined by clicking approximately in the
middle of the edge as shown.

The Distance along axis value for this point is calculated

automatically (-135.61) and displayed in the X,Y,Z dialog
box. Round it down manually to -135.

When the point has been picked, SolidCAM calculates the Distance along
axis and Diameter values for the picked point and displays them in the
X,Y,Z dialog box.

The Distance along axis parameter displays the distance from the CoordSys
to the First/Second point along the Z-axis. When the Pick option was used,
the value is calculated automatically. It can also be used as an alternative to
the Pick option to define the First/Second point locations. Even if the Pick
option was already used, you can edit the value received from the model
and thus change the First/Second point locations.

116
 3. Turning Operations

The Diameter parameter displays the value of the part diameter at the
specified location and is calculated automatically according to the
geometry and the Distance along axis value. When there are several
Diameter values for a single Distance along axis value, SolidCAM
chooses the maximal Diameter value determined.
Diameter Diameter

Second
point First
point

CoordSys
Z
Distance along axis

Distance along axis

Now you need to define the approach and retreat parameters.

Approach/Retreat parameters

The Radius parameter defines the radius of the approach/retreat arc

tangential to the profile at the First/second point.
The Line length parameter defines the length of the straight line
tangential to the arc. The direction of the approach/retreat lines,
connected to the approach and retreat arcs, is chosen according to the
Tool type.

Approach
Retreat line
line length
length Retreat Approach
radius radius

Second
point First
point

117
 For External Rough tools, the approach line is determined as follows:

Approach line
direction

Second
point First
point

When the approach/retreat lines are located inside the Material

boundary of the pre-machined stock, SolidCAM automatically extends
them till the Material boundary.

Approach
line length

Second
point First
point

Make sure that the Radius value for both First point
and Second point is 0.5. It must be equal to the tool
nose radius (Ra).
Select the Modify point to avoid collision check box
for both First point and Second point.

118
 3. Turning Operations

Modify point to avoid collision

When this check box is selected, automatic modification of the defined

First and Second points is performed according to the geometry. The
point modification enables you to avoid possible collisions during the
approach and retreat movements.
When the First point is not modified, the approach is performed as
follows:

Second
point First
point

The possible collision during the approach movement can be avoided

by the automatic point modification.

Second
point First
point

Note the Modify contour to avoid

collision check box at the bottom of
the Partial Machining dialog box.

119
 Modify contour to avoid collision

This check box enables you to

perform the modification of the Non-modified contour
partial machining geometry.
When this check box is selected,
the geometry modification is
performed according to the tool
shape. The modification enables
you to avoid possible collisions
between the tool and the geometry
during the machining. During Modified contour

the geometry modification, the

machining geometry is changed in
areas where the possible collisions
are detected. The geometry is
changed taking into account the
tool shape.
The Modify contour to avoid collision check box affects
only the finish and semi-finish tool path when the Profile
option is chosen for the Work type. When the Rough option
is chosen, the geometry modification is automatically
performed, irrespective of the state of the Modify contour to
avoid collision check box.

Click the Show button to check the machining geometry and the updated partial geometry
between the First point and the Second point with the tangential arcs and connected
lines.

120
 3. Turning Operations

Confirm the Partial Machining check box by clicking the OK button.

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Turning Operation dialog box.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

3. Machine the second segment of the geometry

Click the Save & Copy icon in the Turning Operation dialog box. An additional Turning
operation is added in SolidCAM Manager. This operation is a copy of the previous one
and contains the same geometry and tool data. Define the Partial machining parameters
to machine the next geometry segment.
Switch to the Technology page and click Strategies tab. Check the Partial Machining
check box and click on the Data button. The Partial Machining dialog box is displayed.
Define the first point of the segment in such way that there will be an overlap between
the surface machined in the previous operation and the one to be machined. In the
previous operation, the length of the machined segment was 135 mm, i.e. the Distance
along axis value for the Second point was -135. Set the Distance along axis value for the
First point to -134 to perform the 1 mm overlap in the machined surface.
Click the Pick button in the Second point section. Pick the point as shown.

121
 The Distance along axis value for the Second point is calculated: -250.

Confirm the Partial Machining dialog box. Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Turning
Operation dialog box.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

122
 3. Turning Operations

4. Machine the third segment of the geometry

In the same manner as explained in the previous step, add a new Turning operation by
saving and copying the last one. Open the Partial Machining dialog box and set the
Distance along axis value for the First point to -249. To define the Second point, click on
the Pick button and select the point on the model as shown.

The Distance along axis value for the Second point is calculated: -350.
Confirm the Partial Machining dialog box. Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Turning
Operation dialog box.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

5. Machine the rest of the geometry

In the same manner as explained in the previous steps, machine the rest of the geometry
in two segments.

123
 Simulate all of the Partial machining operations in the Turning mode.

124
 3. Turning Operations

3.4 Turning on Mill-Turn CNC Machines

SolidCAM supports all types of Mill-Turn CNC-machines. The Mill-Turn CAM-Part is not strictly
associated with the only type of machine on which it is intended to be manufactured.
In the Mill-Turn module, the flexibility of CAM-Part definition in terms of CNC-machine usage
enables you to easily change the type of machines for parts. The type of the chosen CNC-machine
though applies certain restrictions on the technology: for example, if your programming is intended
for a 3-axis CNC-machine that supports the XZC coordinates, the tool path is not supposed to
contain movements along the Y-axis (except for the movements that can be translated into the
available axes of the machine). Such functionality enables you to create a required machining
technology and then to adapt it for usage on a certain CNC-machine.
All types of Mill-Turn CNC-machines enable you to perform turning operations.

The following types of milling operations are supported according the CNC-machine type:

3-Axis Mill-Turn machine

125
This type of machine enables you to perform facial, indexial and simultaneous milling operations
using the XZC axes.
C

4-Axis Mill-Turn machine

This type of machine enables you to perform facial, indexial and simultaneous milling operations
using the XYZC axes.
C

Y
X

126
 3. Turning Operations

5-Axis Mill-Turn machine

X
B

Z
Y

This type of machine enables you to perform facial, indexial and simultaneous milling operations
using the XYZCB axes.
B
C

Y
X

127
Exercise #10: Turning Operation on Mill-Turn CNC-Machine

In this exercise, you have to define the machine setup and clamping
fixture and to perform two Turning operations to machine the external
faces of the model and prepare it for the next Milling operations.
The exercise uses the CAM-Part created in Exercise #2. In the process
of operation definition, you have to define the machining geometry,
the tool and the technological parameters.

1. Load the CAM-Part

Open the Exercise2.prz CAM-Part prepared earlier.

2. Define the machine setup

Right-click the Operations header in SolidCAM Manager and choose the Machine Setup
( ) command.
The Machine setup dialog box is displayed. This machine setup contains a submachine
called Spindle_Table with the Machine Coordinate System MAC 1.
The Fixture column enables you to choose or define the fixture to be used with the
specified submachine. To define the fixture, double-click the cell, click the arrow and
choose .
The Model dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to define the fixture
geometry.

128
 3. Turning Operations

Make sure that the Chuck (Standard) option is chosen in the Defined by section.
In the Clamping method section, use the default Main option and make sure that the
default clamping option is chosen.
The default Chuck position is defined on the edge of the stock envelope created during
the Stock model definition.
• Set the Clamping diameter to 54
• Set the Axial position to -85
Set the values in the Jaws parameters section as follows:
• Set the Jaw width (JW) value to 60
• Set the Jaw height (JH) value to 45
• Set the Step width (SW) value to 20
• Set the Step height (SH) value to 15
The clamping fixture is defined.
Click to confirm the Model dialog box.

The Machine setup dialog box is displayed again.

Now you have to define the model position relative to the submachine coordinate system.
Double-click the cell in the Z column. Set the value to 125.
Click the Preview icon to see the changes. The model is located now in 125 mm to
the right allowing better visualization during the machine simulation mode.
Confirm the Setup definition with OK. The Setup subheader is added to the SolidCAM
Manager tree under the Operations header.

3. Add an operation

Right-click the Operations header in SolidCAM Manager and choose Turning from the
Add Turning Operation submenu.
The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.

129
 4. Define the Geometry
Make sure that the Wireframe option is chosen on the
Geometry page of the Turning Operation dialog box.

The turning geometry has to be located in the ZX-plane and can be defined
by selecting wireframe elements or solid model entities such as faces, edges
and vertices.
The following geometry definition options are available:
• Wireframe

This option enables you to define the turning geometry by wireframe

geometry selection.
• Solid

This option enables you to define the turning geometry by selecting model
entities such as faces, edges, vertices, origin and sketch points.
When model entities are picked, SolidCAM automatically defines the
geometry on the envelope/section segment corresponding to the selected
model elements.

You have to define the machining geometry for the turning operation
using the Envelope sketch that was automatically generated during
the Target model definition described in Exercise #1.
Click the New button.
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed in the SolidWorks
PropertyManager area. This dialog box enables you to define and
edit geometry chains.
The default Curve option enables you to create a chain by selecting
model edges or wireframe sketch elements one after the other.
In this operation, the geometry must be directed opposite to the
X-axis direction.

130
 3. Turning Operations

Click on the entity of the Envelope sketch as shown. The selected

entity is highlighted.
Click the Accept Chain button to finish the chain definition and
confirm the Geometry Edit dialog box with the button.
In this exercise, the geometry has to be extended in order to enable
the tool approach and retreat outside of the machining geometry.
On the Geometry page of the Turning Operation dialog box, click the
Modify Geometry button.
The Modify Geometry dialog box is displayed.
Makes sure that in the Start Extension/trimming section, the Auto
extend to stock option is selected.
Close the Modify Geometry dialog box with the button.

5. Define the Submachine

To generate the correct GCode for Turning operations, you need to choose an
appropriate submachine. Submachine is a combination of turret and table on the CNC-
machine that will be used to perform this operation.
Make sure that the UT_MS option is chosen in the
Submachine section on the Geometry page of the
Turning Operation dialog box. The structure and
properties of this submachine are available in the
Machine ID file of the chosen machine.

131
 6. Define the Tool
Now you have to define the tool for the turning operation.
Click the Select button on the Tool page of the Turning Operation dialog box.
The Part Tool Table is displayed.

Click . The Part Tool Table provides you with the choice of tools available for the
current operation. Choose the Ext. Turning tool from the Composite Tools section.

In the Insert page, define the following parameters:

• Set the Insert Shape to W (80°)
• Set the IC Diameter to 06 (9.52mm)
• Set Thickness to T3 (3.97mm)
• Set Corner Radius to 04 (0.40mm)
In the Shank page, define the following parameters:
• Set the Insert Lead Angle to L
• Set the M value to 32

For a more detailed explanation of the turning tools parameters, refer to the
SolidCAM Turning Online Help.

Click the Select button to choose the defined tool for the current Turning operation.
The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.

7. Define the machining levels

Switch to the Levels page of the Turning Operation dialog box. This page enables you to
specify the machining levels for the operation.
Use the default Safety distance value (2).

132
 3. Turning Operations

Safety distance

This parameter defines the distance from the workpiece, until which the
tool movements are performed in the Rapid mode. Upon reaching the
Safety distance, the tool switches to the working feed and performs
machining of the part. In this manner, the tool path passes are extended to
ensure that the tool does not drop into the material in the Rapid mode in
the beginning of machining and between one step down to another.

Safety
distance

Safety
distance

When the Custom safety distance check box is selected, SolidCAM enables
you to define the distance at which the tool is positioned relative to the
material in the beginning and in the end of the operation. The Distance X
and Distance Z parameters enable you to define different distance values in
the X- and Z-directions.

Distance X

Distance Z

133
 8. Define the technological parameters
Switch to the Technology page of the Turning Operation dialog box.
In the General tab, make sure that the Rough option is chosen in the Work type area.
Make sure that the Face front option is chosen in the Mode area. This option enables
you to perform face turning (the principal working direction is the X-axis direction).

Use the default parameters of the Rough machining defined in the Rough tab on the
Technology page.

To define the parameters of the finishing machining, switch to the Semi-finish/finish tab
on the Technology page.
Choose the ISO-Turning method option from the Finish list.

Finish

A finishing pass is a single pass that is

executed in the end of the operation. When
the ISO-Turning method option is chosen,
the finishing pass is performed as follows:
the tool moves in the direction of the
geometry; continuous tool path is calculated
along the geometry in the specified
direction. The direction of machining is
maintained throughout the tool path.

In the Finish section, choose the Compensation option.

9. Calculate the operation

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Turning Operation dialog box. The operation data
is saved, and the tool path is calculated.

134
 3. Turning Operations

10. Simulate the operation in the Host CAD mode

Click the Simulate icon in the Turning Operation dialog box.

The Simulation control panel is displayed.

Host CAD simulation mode

This mode enables you to display the tool path directly on the model in the
SolidWorks window. Since all the View options of SolidWorks are available
during the simulation, you can see the tool path from different perspectives
and zoom in on a certain area of the model.

Rotate the model to the side view by clicking the icon of the CAM Views toolbar and
click the Play button on the Simulation control panel.
The tool path is simulated in the SolidWorks window.

Note that the lead in and lead out movements and work feed movements
are displayed with different colors.

135
 11. Simulate the operation in the Turning mode
Switch to the Turning page on the Simulation control panel.

Turning simulation mode

This mode enables you to display the section view simulation of the
turning tool path.

Click the Play button. The tool path is simulated.

136
 3. Turning Operations

12. Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify mode

Switch to the SolidVerify page on the Simulation control panel.

SolidVerify simulation mode

This mode displays the simulation of machining on the solid model. The
3D Stock model is used in this mode with the clamping fixture displayed.
During the machining simulation, SolidCAM subtracts the tool movements
from the solid model of the stock using solid Boolean operations. The
remaining machined stock is a solid model that can be dynamically zoomed
or rotated.

The stock model is displayed in the simulation

window. Rotate the model with the mouse and click
the Play button.
The simulation is performed.

During the SolidVerify simulation, you can use the View buttons to place
the simulation model properly on the screen.

The Isometric View button displays the isometric view of the

simulation model.
The Top View button displays the top view of the simulation model.

The Front View button displays the front view of the simulation
model.
The Move button moves the simulation model to any point on the
screen. This operation is also available by click-and-drag of the
middle mouse button.
The Rotate button rotates the simulation model. This operation is
also available by applying the combination of the Ctrl button and
click-and-drag of the middle mouse button.
The Zoom button zooms in and out the image on the screen. This
operation is also available by applying the combination of the Shift
button and click-and-drag of the middle mouse button.

137
 13. Close the simulation

Click the Exit button on the Simulation control panel.

The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.

14. Close the Turning Operation dialog box

In the Turning Operation dialog box, click .

The dialog box is closed.

15. Add an operation

Click the last Turning operation in SolidCAM Manager and choose

Balanced Rough from the Turning submenu on the SolidCAM
Operations ribbon.
The Balanced Rough operation dialog box is displayed.

16. Define the Geometry

Select the submachine: choose UT_MS as a Master submachine and LT_MS as a Slave
submachine. Make sure that the Wireframe option is chosen in the Geometry section.
Click . The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
The default Curve option enables you to create a chain by selecting
model edges or wireframe sketch elements one after the other.
In this operation, the geometry must be directed opposite to the
Z-axis direction.
Click on the entity of the Envelope sketch as shown. The selected
entity is highlighted.

138
 3. Turning Operations

Click on the next sketch entity as shown.

In the Geometry Edit dialog box, select the Auto-to check
box and choose the Auto-general option.

With the Auto-to and Auto-general options, define the end

point of the chain. Click on the vertex as shown.
The complete selected chain is highlighted.

Click the Accept Chain button to finish the chain definition and
confirm the Geometry Edit dialog box with the button.
In this exercise, the geometry has to be extended in order to enable
the tool approach and retreat outside of the machining geometry.
On the Geometry page of the Turning Operation dialog box, click
the Modify Geometry button.
The Modify Geometry dialog box is displayed.

139
 In the Start Extension/trimming section, set the Distance value to
0. In the End Extension/trimming section, set the Distance value
to 4.
Close the Modify Geometry dialog box with the button.

17. Define the Main Tool

In the Balanced Rough operation, two tools are used simultaneously.
The Tool page enables you to select the tool used with the upper turret (UT). Click the
Select button.
The Part Tool Table is displayed.
Use the same tool as in the previous operation. Click the Select button to choose it for
operation.

18. Define the Slave Tool

Switch to the Slave Tool page. This page enables you to select the tool used with the
lower turret (LT). Click the Select button.
The Part Tool Table is displayed.

Click . Choose the Ext. Turning tool from the Composite Tools section. Use the
default tool parameters. Click the Select button to choose it for operation.
The Balanced Rough operation dialog box is displayed.

19. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page of the Balanced Rough operation dialog box.
In the General tab, make sure that the Rough option is chosen in the Work type area.

140
 3. Turning Operations

Rough Work type

The tool path movements are parallel to the Z-axis (longitudinal turning)
or to the X-axis (facial turning). Semi-finishing and finishing passes are
performed, if chosen, at the end of the rough stage.

Make sure that the Long external option is chosen in the Mode area. This option
enables you to perform longitudinal turning (the principal working direction is the Z-axis
direction).

In the Balanced mode section, choose the Trailing option. With this option, one of the
tools starts working before the other tool, so that each of them turn different diameters.

Set the Distance value to 5 to define the distance on the Z-axis between two tools at their
start points.

To define the parameters of the Rough machining, switch to the Rough tab on the
Technology page of the Turning Operation dialog box.
Select the Smooth option in the Rough type section.
Define the Step down for roughing. This parameter
enables you to define the distance between each two
successive roughing passes. Use the default value
of 1.
Define the offset from the geometry that will remain
after the roughing stage of the operation. In the
Step down
Rough offset section, choose the ZX-ABS option.
This option enables you to define different offsets
from the geometry in the X- and Z-axis directions.
The program chooses the sign of the delta-X and delta-Z vector components in such a
way that the offset geometry does not intersect with the profile geometry.

141
 Use the default Distance X value of 0.6 Distance Z
and Distance Z value of 0.2.

Distance X

20. Calculate the operation

Click the Save & Calculate icon in the Turning Operation dialog box. The operation data
is saved and the tool path is calculated.

21. Simulate the operation in the Host CAD mode

Click the Simulate icon in the Turning Operation dialog box.

The Simulation control panel is displayed.
Play the simulation in the Host CAD mode.

22. Simulate the operation in the Turning mode

Switch to the Turning page on the Simulation control panel. Play the simulation in the
Turning mode.

142
 3. Turning Operations

23. Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify mode

Switch to the SolidVerify page on the Simulation control panel. Play the simulation in the
SolidVerify mode.

24. Close the simulation

Click the Exit button on the Simulation control panel.

The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.

25. Close the Turning Operation dialog box

In the Turning Operation dialog box click the Exit icon.
The dialog box is closed.

26. Close the CAM-Part

Right-click the CAM-Part header in SolidCAM Manager and choose Close from the menu.
The CAM-Part is closed.

143
144
 4
Milling on Mill-Turn
CNC-Machines
The Mill-Turn module enables you to use all types of milling operations to generate the tool path
for the driven tools.
Milling Operations

Face Milling ToolBox Cycles Sim. 5-Axis Milling

Profile Engraving SWARF Machining

Contour 3D Pocket Recognition Multiaxis Drilling

Pocket Chamfer Recognition Contour 5-Axis Machining

Drilling Drill Recognition Convert HSM to Sim. 5-Axis

Thread Milling HSS Port Machining

Slot 3D HSR Multiblade Machining

T-Slot 3D HSM 2D iMachining

Translated Surface 3D iMachining

Face Milling Operation

This operation enables you to machine large flat surfaces with face
mill tools.

Profile Operation
You can mill on or along a contour. The profile geometry can be
open or closed. In profile milling you can optionally use tool radius
compensation to the right or to the left side of the geometry.
SolidCAM offers two types of profiling:
• Milling a single profile to the specified constant or variable
depth in one step or in several user-defined down steps.

146
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

• Concentric profiles to the specified constant or variable depth; this type of profiling
generates several concentric profiles that start from the defined clear offset distance
from the profile, and finish on the profile geometry, thus clearing the area around the
profile to a constant depth.
Contour 3D Operation
This operation enables you to utilize the power of the 3D Engraving
technology for the 3D contour machining. In this operation,
SolidCAM enables you to prevent the gouging between the tool and
the 3D contour.

Pocket Operation
In pocket milling, you remove material from the interior of a closed
geometry. SolidCAM offers two types of pocketing:
• Pocket without islands. When a profile geometry consists
of one or more profiles and none of them are enclosed
or intersect with one another, each is milled as a separate
pocket without islands.
• Pocket with islands. When a profile geometry consists of
several profiles, any profile that is enclosed or intersects
with another profile is treated as an island. You can define
an unlimited number of islands within a single pocket.
Drilling Operation
This operation enables you to perform 2D and 3D drills and other canned
drill cycles. SolidCAM supports the canned drill cycles provided by your
particular CNC-machine such as threading, peck, ream, boring, etc. If your
CNC-machine has no canned drill cycles of its own, they can be defined
using the General Pre- and Post-processor program (GPPTool).
With 3D drills, SolidCAM takes into account the solid model geometry.
The program uses the holes prepared in this operation for the descent
during 3D Model roughing.

147
Thread Milling Operation
This operation enables you to generate a helical tool path for the
machining of internal and external threads with thread mills.

Slot Operation
This operation generates a tool path along the centerline to the right
or to the left of one or more profiles. Two types of slots can be
defined: the Slot with constant depth operation machines the slot
in several steps until the final depth is reached. In Slot with variable
depth, the depth profile is also defined by a 2D section. The slot can
be pre-machined using rough and semi-finish cycles. The finish cut
produces a tool path according to the specified scallop height on
the floor of the slot. With available parameters for the right and left
extension and the side step, you can mill a slot wider than the tool
diameter.

T-Slot Operation
This operation enables you to machine slots in vertical walls with a slot
mill tool.

Translated Surface Operation

A translated surface is generated by moving a section along a profile
geometry. Limit geometries can be projected on the translated
surface. You can machine the resulting translated surface inside,
outside or along the limit geometry.

148
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

ToolBox Cycles
ToolBox sub-operations are a set of 2.5D Milling operations, and
each one of these operations is intended for a specific machining
case. For example, a number of operations cover different
strategies of the counterbore machining. Each operation
provides you with a specific machining strategy optimal for a
particular machining case.

Engraving Operations
You can mill text or any other profile on a 2D or 3D geometry. The
profile is projected on the surface, engraving the contour at a specified
depth.

Pocket Recognition Operation

This operation enables you to recognize the pocket features on the
solid model and perform the machining of these features.

Chamfer Recognition Operation

This operation recognizes automatically chamfer features at the target
model and creates the necessary machining.

149
Drill Recognition Operation
This operation performs powerful drill feature recognition and
automatic Drill geometry creation using the AFRM module
functionality. This operation enables you to handle separate sets of
Milling levels for each drill position. The initial values of the Milling
levels sets are automatically recognized from the model; they can be
edited by the user.

HSS Operation
SolidCAM HSS module is a high speed surface machining
module for smooth and powerful machining of localized
surface areas in the part, including undercuts. It provides
easy selection of the surfaces to be machined, with no need
to define the boundaries. It supports both standard and
shaped tools.

3D HSR/ 3D HSM Operation

SolidCAM HSR/HSM module smooths the paths of both
cutting moves and retracts wherever possible to maintain a
continuous machine tool motion – an essential requirement
for maintaining higher feed rates and eliminating dwelling. The
retracts to high Z-levels are kept to a minimum. Angled where
possible, smoothed by arcs, retracts do not go any higher than
necessary, thus minimizing air cutting and reducing machining
time. The result of HSM is an efficient, smooth, and gouge-free
tool path.

Sim. 5 Axis Operation

This operation enables you to perform simultaneous 5-axis
machining. 5-axis machining strategies enable the use of
SolidCAM for machining of complex geometry parts such
as mold cores and cavities, aerospace parts, cutting tools,
cylinder heads, turbine blades and impellers. SolidCAM
enables collision checking between the tool and the machine
components.

150
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

SWARF Machining Operation

SWARF (Side Wall Axial Relief Feed) machining is one of 5-Axis
Simultaneous milling operations. The purpose of the operation is
to produce the target surface with only one cut, while the whole
flute length of the tool is used.

Multiaxis Drilling Operation

This operation enables you to machine a series of drills that have
different orientations.

Contour 5-Axis Machining Operation

This machining strategy tilts the tool along a chained 3D profile
drive curve, while aligning the tool axis according to defined tilt
lines, making it ideal for generating 5-axis tool path for deburring
and trimming.

Convert HSM to Sim. 5 Axis Operation

In some machining cases, there is a need to perform machining of
3D parts using the 5-axis capabilities. For example, 3D machining
of deep cavities requires the use of tools of great length, which
can cause tool breakage; the same cavities can be machined using
a tool of smaller length while tilting this tool to follow the same
tool path.

151
Port Machining Operation
This operation is an easy-to-use method for machining ports with tapered
lollipop tools, and has collision checks for the entire tool. It provides both
roughing and finishing tool paths to make ports from castings or billet.

Multiblade Machining Operation

This operation easily handles impellers and bladed disks, with multiple
strategies to efficiently rough and finish each part of these complex
shapes. Multibladed parts are used in many industries and this operation
is specifically designed to generate the necessary tool paths for the
different multiblade configurations.

2D iMachining / 3D iMachining
SolidCAM iMachining is an advanced technology of high
speed machining that generates optimized tool paths, efficient
cutting and high material removal rates, while reducing
machining time and tool wear. The iMachining Technology
Wizard enables you to define the optimum cutting conditions
for sustainable high speed machining. Using the cutting
conditions produced by the Wizard, the iMachining Tool Path
Generator calculates all the tool paths necessary to efficiently
produce the target geometry from the given stock geometry.

152
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

4.1 Facial Milling

SolidCAM enables you to perform facial milling on Mill-Turn CNC-machines. In facial milling, the
tool axis is parallel to the revolution axis of the part. Machine CoordSys #1 with the Z-axis collinear
with the part revolution axis is used for this operation. The Geometry is defined directly on the
solid model.

Y
X Machine
CoordSys #1

Machining Geometry Z

153
Exercise #11: Facial Milling

This exercise illustrates the capabilities of facial milling. The

CAM-Part prepared in the previous exercises is used. During
the facial milling, the octagon and the adjacent faces of the
model are machined using the Profile operation.

1. Load the CAM-Part

Load the Exercise10.prz CAM-Part prepared in the
previous exercises.

2. Add an operation
Right-click the last operation in the SolidCAM Manager tree and choose Profile from the
Add Milling Operation submenu.
The Profile Operation dialog box is displayed.

3. Define the Geometry

Click on the Geometry page.

The Geometry section enables you to choose the appropriate Coordinate

System for the operation and define the machining geometry.
The Machine CoordSys #1 is chosen by default for the operation. This
Coordinate System enables you to perform the facial milling operation.
The tool axis is parallel to the Z-axis of the Machine CoordSys #1.

154
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

The Geometry has to be located in the plane parallel to the XY-plane of the
Machine CoordSys #1.

Y
X Machine
CoordSys #1

Machining Geometry Z

The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.

In the Multi-chain section, click the Add button.
The Chains Selection dialog box is displayed in the SolidWorks
PropertyManager area.

This dialog box enables you to define several chains by selecting

the model elements. The chains are created automatically from
the selected elements.

155
 Click on the front face of the model octagon as shown.

The face is selected.

Click the button to confirm your selection.
The chain is generated, and the chain icon is displayed in the Geometry Edit dialog box.
Confirm the chain definition by clicking the button. The geometry is defined for the
operation.

4. Define the Tool

Click the Select button on the Tool page.
The Part Tool Table is
displayed. It shows all the
tools that can be used in
the CAM-Part machining.
Currently, the Part Tool
Table contains only one
tool used for the Turning
operations executed in
the previous exercise. For
this operation, you have
to define a new milling
tool.

156
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Click the Add Milling Tool icon ( ). The Part Tool Table provides you with the choice
of tools suitable for profile milling.

Choose the End mill tool from the Milling Tools section.
A new milling tool is added to the Part Tool Table.

5. Edit the Tool parameters

By default, SolidCAM offers you a Ø6 End mill tool. Edit the tool definition as follows:
• Set the Diameter to 10
• Set the Total length to 60
• Set the Outside holder length to 50
• Set the Shoulder length to 40
• Set the Cutting length to 35

157
 Now you need to define the tool holder.
In the Part Tool Table, switch to the Holder page.
The Global tab displays the Global holders table.

The Global holders table is supplied

within SolidCAM. This table contains
a number of frequently used tool
holder components. The Global Outside
Holder
Total
Length
Shoulder
holders table can be modified by the Length
Cutting
Length
Length

user.
Diameter

Expand the BT40 header and choose the BT40 ER16x70 tool holder from the list by
selecting its check box.

Click the Select button in the Part Tool Table to confirm the tool definition.

6. Define the Machining depth

Switch to the Levels page and click the Profile depth button.
The Pick Lower level dialog box is displayed.

SolidCAM enables you to define the Lower level directly on the model. The
Profile depth is calculated automatically relative to the Upper level.
Click on the model face as shown. The picked value
(-10) is displayed in the Pick Lower level dialog box.
Confirm your selection by clicking . The Profile
Operation dialog box is displayed.
The Profile depth value is calculated automatically
as the difference between the Upper level and the
Lower level values.

158
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

The Lower level parameter is associative to the solid model. Associativity

enables SolidCAM to be synchronized with the solid model changes;
SolidCAM automatically updates the CAM data when the model is modified.
The Profile depth parameter is indirectly associative. The associativity is
established for the Lower level. When the Upper level or the Lower level is
synchronized, the Depth is updated. The background of the parameter box
defined associatively to the solid model changes to the color chosen in
SolidCAM setting > Defaults > Colors for associative fields (by default,
green).

7. Define the Tool side

Switch to the Technology page of the Profile Operation dialog box.

Tool Side

The Tool side option enables you to determine the tool position relative to
the geometry.
Right –the tool cuts on the right side of the profile geometry.
Left –the tool cuts on the left side of the profile geometry.
Center–the center of the tool moves on the profile geometry
(No compensation G4x can be used with this option).

Right Left Center

The Geometry button displays the Modify Geometry dialog box that
enables you to define the modification parameters of the geometry
and to choose which geometry chains are active in the operation (in
case of multiple chain geometry). The chain geometry of the profile
is displayed on the model with the chain direction indicated and
a circle representing the tool relative to the geometry.

159
 In the Modify section, click the Geometry button to check
the tool location relative to the selected geometry.
The Modify Geometry dialog box is displayed.
As you see, the tool side offered by default is not suitable:
the tool is located inside the defined geometry. The Tool
side has to be changed.

In the Modify Geometry dialog box, choose the Right option

form the Tool Side list.

Now the tool is located outside the defined geometry.

Confirm the Modify Geometry dialog box with the button.

8. Define the Rough and Finish machining parameters

SolidCAM enables you to perform rough and finish machining of the profile in a single
Profile operation.

160
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Define the parameters of the Profile roughing. Select the Rough check box. Define
the Step down parameter for roughing.

Step down Upper level

Step down
Profile roughing is performed in Profile depth
constant Z-passes. The Step down
parameter defines the distance
between each two successive Z-levels.

Set the Step down to 3. With this value, SolidCAM performs three cuts at the following
Z-levels: -3, -6, -9; the last cut is performed at the Z-level defined by Profile depth: -10.
The distance between the Z-levels of the last cut and the preceding cut is smaller than
that between the previous cuts, because the machining depth value is not divisible exactly
by the Step down value.
In this operation, use the Equal step down option to keep an equal distance between all
Z-levels.

Equal step down

This option enables you to perform all

cuts at an equal Z-level distance one Max.
from the other. SolidCAM automatically Step down
calculates the actual step down to keep
an equal distance between all passes.
When the Equal step down check box
is selected, Step down is replaced by
Max step down. This value is taken
Actual Step down
into account during the calculation of
the actual step down so that it is not
exceeded.

With the Max step down value set to 3, the actual step down is automatically calculated
as the largest possible value within the bounds of 3 so that the machining depth can
be divided exactly into equal Z-levels. Four roughing passes will be performed at the
followings Z-levels: -2.5, -5, -7.5, -10 with the Step down of 2.5 mm.
Now you need to define the wall and floor offsets that will remain after the roughing
passes.

161
 Offsets

The Wall offset and Floor offset parameters enable you to define the
allowances that remain on the walls and the floor of the machined
part till the profile finish machining. These allowances can be removed
with the finish passes in the same Profile operation or in an additional
Profile operation with another tool.

Step down
Wall offset
Profile depth

Floor offset

In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and Floor offset
values to 0.2. The allowance of 0.2 mm is left on the walls
and the floor of the steps during the profile roughing. This
allowance is removed with a separate finishing cut in the end
of the profile machining.
Select the Finish check box to perform the finishing of the
profile. Set the Max step down for the profile finishing to 5
mm.

162
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

9. Define the Lead in and the Lead out

Switch to the Link page of the Profile Operation dialog box.

This page enables you to define the way the tool approaches the profile and
retreats away. The lead in movement is necessary to prevent vertical entering
of the tool into the material. With the lead in strategies the tool descends to
the machining level outside of the material and then horizontally penetrates
the material with the lead in movement. The lead out strategy enables you
to perform the retract movements outside the material.
The following options are available:
• None

The tool leads in to and out from

the milling level exactly adjacent to
the start point of the profile.

• Normal Normal
Length
The tool leads in to and out from
the profile from a point normal Tangent
Extension
to the profile. The length of the
normal can be set in the Value field.

• Arc Radius

The tool leads in to and out from the

profile with a tangential arc. The arc Tangent
Extension
radius can be set in the Value field.

• Tangent Length

The tool leads in/out on a line

Tangent
tangent to the profile. The length of Extension
the tangent can be set in the Value
field.

163
 • Point

The tool leads in/out from a picked

position. From this position, the
tool moves on a straight line to the Tangent
Extension
start point of the profile. When you
select this option, the Pick button
is activated so that you can select a
position directly on the solid model.
• User-defined

The tool’s leads in/out trajectory is specified by a user-defined wireframe

chain similar to the geometry definition.
When the Same as lead in check box is selected, the strategy and parameters
defined for Lead in are used for Lead out.

Under Lead in, choose the Arc option from the list, set the Radius value to 6, Arc angle
to 45 and the Distance to 0.6. Select the Same as Lead in check box under Lead out.

10. Define the technological parameters of facial milling

Switch to the Motion control page and select the 4th Axis check box. This check box
enables you to define the technological parameters of facial milling on Mill-Turn CNC-
machines.

4th axis type

When the Diameter option is chosen, you receive the GCode output for the
part machining in standard linear coordinates (X, Y, Z).

Y
X Machine
CoordSys #1

Machining Geometry Z

164
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

The Face option enables you to perform milling using the rotary axis by
translating the linear movements in the XY-plane into the rotary XC-
movements.

X
Machine
CoordSys #1
Machining Geometry Z

Note that the technology offered by SolidCAM is universal:

there is no limitations in terms of machines on which the part
can be milled. But if you use the GCode output in the XYZ
coordinates (the Diameter option), the usability of this GCode
is limited to machines with possibility of movements along
three linear axes (X, Y, Z). Therefore, to enable the possibility
of milling the part on 3-axis Mill-Turn CNC-machines that
support only the XZC coordinates where the movements along
the Y-axis is impossible, you need to choose the Face option.

Choose the Face option.

Coordinate type

This option enables you to determine whether the GCode will consist of
blocks in polar/Cartesian coordinates:
• Polar

When this option is chosen, the tool path is calculated in polar

coordinates.
• Cartesian

The tool path lines and arcs are calculated in Cartesian coordinates; the
CoordSys position is zero for linear coordinates. The milling is processed
using the rotary axis by translating the linear movements into the rotary-
linear movements according to the plane.

165
 In the Coordinate type section, choose the Polar option to obtain the tool path in polar
coordinates.

Plane

This option offers you the choice of plane in which the translated rotary-
linear movements are performed.

Make sure XC is chosen for Plane to perform all movements in these coordinates.
Define the Tolerance.

Tolerance

The tool path lines and arcs are split into

many blocks that do not exactly generate the
required tool path. The tolerance value in the
Approximate arcs by lines within tolerance
option defines the maximum allowed error; the
smaller is the value of this field, the greater is
the number of GCode blocks generated.

Set the Tolerance value to 0.01.

The definition of the basic technological parameters of the
profile milling is finished.

11. Calculate the Tool path

Click the Save & Calculate button. The operation data is saved, and the tool path is
calculated.

12. Simulate the operation

Click the Simulate button in the Profile Operation dialog box.

The Simulation control panel is displayed. Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the
simulation with the button.

166
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

When the simulation is finished, click the Stop on next button

on the Simulation control panel. The Stop on Next dialog box is
displayed. This dialog box enables you to define specific points
where the simulation process is stopped.
Select the Z Change check box. This option stops the simulation
at every change of the Z-coordinate of the tool.
Play the simulation again. Every time the simulation stops on
Z Change, click the button to continue. The Z Change option
enables you to see the tool path simulation in detail.
Exit the simulation.

13. Close the operation dialog box

Click the Exit button. The Profile Operation dialog box is closed.

167
4.2 Simultaneous 4-Axis Milling

SolidCAM enables you to perform simultaneous 4-axis milling on Mill-Turn CNC-machines.

Machine Coordinate System #1 Position #1 is used for the geometry definition for simultaneous
4-axis milling.

Y
Machine
CoordSys #1
Z X

The SolidCAM simultaneous 4-axis capabilities enable you to perform machining with the tool
axis always intersecting with the part revolution axis.

168
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Exercise #12: Simultaneous 4-Axis Milling

This exercise illustrates the SolidCAM capabilities for simultaneous

4-axis milling using Mill-Turn CNC-machines. This exercise uses
the pre-machined CAM-Part defined in the previous exercises.
The wrapped elliptical pocket is machined in this exercise.

1. Load the CAM-Part

Load the Exercise11.prz CAM-Part prepared in the
previous exercise.

2. Add an operation

Right-click the last operation in SolidCAM Manager and choose Pocket from the Add
Milling Operation submenu.
The Pocket Operation dialog box is displayed.

3. Define the Geometry

On the Geometry page, click to start the geometry definition.

The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
In the Geometry type section, select the Wrapped option.

SolidCAM enables you to perform radial milling using the same Coordinate
System as for facial milling.
When the Wrapped option is selected, you can wrap the selected profile
geometry around any axis of the Coordinate System. The axes list offers
you the choice of axis around which the geometry is wrapped.

Profile geometry
wrapped around Z Z

169
 Choose Z from the list. The selected geometry will be wrapped around the Z-axis.
Select the model edge as shown.

The confirmation message is displayed.

Click Yes. The chain icon is displayed in the Geometry Edit dialog box.
Click to confirm the Geometry selection.
The Pocket Operation dialog box is displayed.

4. Define the Tool

On the Tool page of the Pocket Operation dialog box, click the Select button to add a
new tool to the Part Tool Table and use it in the operation.
The Part Tool Table is displayed.
Click to define a new milling tool.
Choose the tool of the End mill type. A new Ø6 End mill tool is added to the Part Tool
Table.
Choose the BT40 ER16x70 tool holder from the Local holders table and click the Select
button to choose the tool for the operation.

The Local holders table contains the tool holders that were already used
in the current CAM-Part. When a new holder is chosen from the Global
holders table, it is copied to the local table to make a further use easier.

170
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

5. Define the Pocket depth

Switch to the Levels page of the Pocket Operation dialog box.

When the geometry for the operation is defined in the wrapping mode,
SolidCAM substitutes the current levels with defaults received from the
Radial movement set defined in the CoordSys Data dialog box.

Click the Pocket depth button to pick the Lower Level directly on the solid model. Click
on the bottom face of the wrapped pocket as shown.

Confirm the level selection with the button. The Pocket depth value (5) is automatically
calculated according to the Upper and Lower levels.
Set the Step down to 3 and select the Equal step down check box.

171
 6. Define the Pocket machining strategy

Switch to the Technology page of the Pocket Operation dialog box.

SolidCAM offers the following strategies for the pocket machining:

• Contour: the pocket is machined in a round pattern.
• Hatch: the pocket is machined in a linear pattern.
• Hatch+Finish: the pocket is machined in a linear pattern, and the
profile is cleaned up on each cutting depth.
• Plunging pattern: the tool moves up and down in a drilling motion,
travelling inside the pocket.

Geometry Tool path

Use the default Contour strategy. With this strategy, the tool
moves at offsets parallel to the pocket contour.

7. Save & Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon to save the operation data and calculate the tool path.

8. Simulate the operation

Click the Simulate button and simulate the

CAM-Part in the SolidVerify mode.
Play the simulation with the button.
Close the Simulation control panel.
Close the Pocket Operation dialog box
with the Exit button.

9. Close the CAM-Part

Right-click the
CAM-Part header in
SolidCAM Manager and choose the Close item from the menu.
At this stage, the exercise is finished.

172
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Exercise #13: Stopper Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of

the stopper presented on the illustration on a Mill-Turn CNC-
machine.
This exercise reinforces the following skills:
• CAM-Part definition
• Turning
• Facial milling
• Simultaneous 4-axis machining
The SolidWorks model of the Stopper (Exercise13.sldprt) is located in the Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Stock model and the Target model.
The NTX1000 CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

2. Define the clamping fixture

Define the fixture for clamping of the part on the CNC-machine table.

3. External turning
Define a Turning operation to obtain the following
revolution body.

4. Facial milling of the prismatic projection

Machine the prism using the facial milling feature.

173
 5. Pocket machining
Machine the pocket wrapped on the cylindrical surface of
the stopper using the simultaneous 4-axis milling.

6. Helical Slot machining

Machine the helical slot wrapped on the cylindrical surface
of the stopper using the simultaneous 4-axis milling.

174
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Exercise #14: Bushing Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the bushing
presented on the illustration on a Mill-Turn CNC-machine.
This exercise reinforces the following skills:
• CAM-Part definition
• Turning
• Facial milling
The SolidWorks model of the Bushing (Exercise14.sldprt) is located in the Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Stock model and the Target model.
The NTX1000 CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

2. Define the clamping fixture

Define the fixture for clamping of the part on the CNC-machine table.

3. External turning
Define a Turning operation to obtain the following revolution body.

4. Machining of the inner faces

Define a number of Turning Drilling operations to obtain the
following model faces.

5. Facial Drilling
Machine the circular pattern of drills using the facial milling
capabilities.

175
Exercise #15: Shaft Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the shaft
presented on the illustration on a Mill-Turn CNC-machine.
This exercise reinforces the following skills:
• CAM-Part definition
• Turning
• Facial milling
• Radial milling
The SolidWorks model of the Shaft (Exercise15.sldprt) is located in the Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Stock model and the Target model.
The NTX1000 CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

2. Define the clamping fixture

Define the fixture for clamping of the part on the CNC-machine table.

3. External turning
Define a Turning operation to obtain the following revolution
body.

4. Facial milling
Machine the highlighted model faces using the facial milling
capabilities.

5. Drilling
Machine two holes using the facial milling capabilities.

176
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

4.3 Indexial Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-machines

SolidCAM enables you to perform indexial 4-axis milling operations on Mill-Turn CNC-machines.
The workflow of the indexial milling in the Mill-Turn module is similar to the indexial milling
workflow in SolidCAM Milling. At the first stage, you have to define a specific position of the
Machine Coordinate System. This Coordinate System position is used later for the definition of
operations. The geometry intended to be used in the indexial milling operation has to be located
in the plane parallel to the XY-plane of the Coordinate System position. During the machining,
SolidCAM maintains the tool axis orientation parallel to the Z-axis of the Coordinate System
position.
Generally, SolidCAM does not limit you in the machining methods used for indexial milling. All
the operations and technology options are available. But, at the same time, the technology choice
depends on the type and possibilities of your CNC-machine. During the operation programming,
you have to take care that the generated tool path will contain only the linear/rotational movements
supported by your CNC-machine. The tool path that contains the movements illegal for the current
CNC-machine will cause errors during postprocessing.
For example, the indexial milling tool path that contains movements along the Y-axis cannot be
executed on a 3-axis CNC-machine (XZC axes). For machines of this type, indexial machining is
performed using ZX-movements only; the positioning is performed using the C-axis (revolution
axis).
In the CNC-machines of this type, the tool axis is always
perpendicular to and intersecting with the spindle revolution
axis. The positioning is performed by rotating the part around
the revolution axis keeping the same tool orientation. Z
Therefore, the position of the Coordinate System must be X
defined in such a way that the Z-axis of the position will be
located in the plane parallel to the XY-plane of the Machine C
Coordinate System. Incorrect definition of the Coordinate
System position causes illegal tool movements that result in
errors during postprocessing. Positioning Machining

During the indexial milling operations on the machines of

this type, the tool axis must always intersect with the revolution axis of
the part. This applies restrictions on the range of machining methods that
can be used. For example, indexial milling on the machines of this type
enables you to perform machining of key grooves with the symmetry plane
intersecting with the part revolution axis, because this type of machining can
be performed with the ZX-movements only.

177
SolidCAM enables you to perform machining on 4-axis Mill-Turn CNC-machines (XYZC axes).
This type of CNC-machines provides you with all functionality of 3-axis Mill-Turn CNC-machines.
In addition, it provides the capability of Y-axis movements for milling.
The 4-axis Mill-Turn CNC-machines C
provide you with all the possibilities of
indexial milling around the revolution
axis (C-axis). Generally, the capabilities
of these machines are similar to those
of a 3-axis Milling machine equipped
with the rotary axis (4-axis milling
CNC-machine). The positioning in Y Z
these machines is performed using the X
C-axis, similar to the 3-axis Mill-Turn
CNC-machines; when the positioning is
performed, the machining is performed
using the XYZ axes.
The Coordinate System position has to be defined similar to the one defined for 3-axis machines;
the Z-axis of the position must be located in the plane parallel to the XY-plane of the Machine
Coordinate System.
With such Coordinate System position, all 2.5D and 3D Milling functionality is available.
SolidCAM enables you to perform machining on 5-axis Mill-Turn CNC-machines (XYZCB axes).
This type of CNC-machines provides you with all the functionality available on the 4-axis Mill-Turn
CNC-machines. In addition, it provides the capability of indexial rotation around either Y-axis or
X-axis.
The Coordinate System position B
for the indexial milling has to be
defined according to the rotation C
limitations of the CNC-machine
revolution axes. This means that
the rotation angles between the
axes of the Machine Coordinate
Y
System and Coordinate System X
position have to be kept within
the range supported by the
CNC-machine.
Z

178
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Exercise #16: Indexial Milling on 4-Axis CNC-Machines

This exercise covers the process of CAM-Part definition and

Milling on 4-axis Mill-Turn CNC-machines (supporting the
XYZC coordinates). The following model of support is used.
Since the CAM-Part definition process was explained in detail
in Exercise #2, the details of this CAM-Part definition process
are omitted.

1. Load the SolidWorks model

Load the Exercise16.sldprt model located in the Exercises folder.
This model contains a number of features forming the solid body and sketches that are
used in the CAM-Part definition.

2. Start a new Mill-Turn part

Click SolidCAM in the main menu of SolidWorks and choose Mill-Turn from the New
submenu. SolidCAM is started and the New Mill-Turn Part dialog box is displayed. Choose
the External mode and confirm this dialog box with OK.
The Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box is displayed.

3. Define the CNC-controller

In this exercise, the CNC-machine with an upper rotary turret and two spindles (main
and back) is used. Choose the urt_ms_bs CNC-controller from the list.

4. Define the Coordinate System

Click the CoordSys button to start the Coordinate
System definition.
The CoordSys dialog box is displayed.
In the Place CoordSys origin to list, choose Center
of revolution face. Select the High precision check
box and click on the cylindrical face of the model
as shown.

179
 The Z-axis of the Machine Coordinate System is collinear to the revolution axis of the
part.
Click the Change to opposite button in the CoordSys dialog box.
The Machine Coordinate System is defined on the front face of
the model.

Click to confirm the definition.

The CoordSys Data dialog box is displayed. Close it with OK.
The CoordSys Manager dialog box is displayed in the SolidWorks
PropertyManager area. Confirm this dialog box with .

Coordinate Systems

SolidCAM enables you to define Machine Coordinate System #1 with the

Z-axis directed along the revolution axis.

Y
X
Machine
CoordSys #1
Z

This Machine Coordinate System is used for Turning operations. The

turning tool movements are located in the ZX-plane.

180
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

The Machine Coordinate System #1 is also used for facial milling, where
the axis of the milling tool is parallel to the Z-axis of the Machine
Coordinate System.

C
Y

X
Machine CoordSys #1
Z

To perform the indexial milling of the upper face, the pocket and the drills,
you have to define a new indexial position under the Machine CoordSys #1.

Machine CoordSys #1
Position 2
Z Y

C
X
Y X
Machine CoordSys #1
Z Position 1

5. Define the Stock model

In the Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box, click the Stock button. The Model dialog box is
displayed in the SolidWorks PropertyManager area.
Choose the Cylinder option and click on the solid body to select it.
Specify the following parameters in the dialog box:
• Set the Right (+Z) value to 2. This offset enables you to machine the front face of the
stock material.
• Set the Left (-Z) value to 20. This offset enables you to have stock material at the back
side of the model for clamping.
• Set the External to 2.

181
 • Set the Internal diameter to 36. The stock used in this exercise is a tube with this
internal diameter.

Set the Facet tolerance value to 0.01.

Confirm the parameters with the button.
The Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box is displayed.

6. Define the Target model

In the Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box, click the Target button.
The Model dialog box is displayed.
Click on the solid body. It is highlighted.
In the Generate Envelope/Section section, select the
Envelope option.

Confirm the selection with the button. The Mill-Turn

Part Data dialog box is displayed.

7. Save the CAM-Part

Click in the Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box. The CAM-Part is saved and the SolidCAM
Manager tree is displayed.
At this stage, the CAM-Part definition is finished. Now you have to define a number of
operations to machine the part.

182
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

8. Add an operation
Right-click the Operations header in the SolidCAM Manager tree and choose Turning
from the Add Turning Operation submenu.
The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.

9. Define the Geometry

In the Submachine section, select the upper rotary
turret - main spindle option from the list.

Click on the Geometry section.

The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
Define the geometry as shown on the picture.

10. Define the Tool

Click the Select button on the Tool page.
The Part Tool Table is displayed. Define a new
turning tool.
Click and select Ext.Turning tool from the Composite Tools section.
Define the tool with the following parameters:

• Set the Insert Shape to W

• Set the Thickness to T3
• Set the Corner radius to 04

• Set the Insert Lead Angle to L

• Set the M value to 32
Click Select to choose the tool for the
operation.

183
 11. Define the machining parameters

Switch to the Technology page of the Turning Operation dialog box.

In the Mode section, select the Face front option to machine the front face of the model.
Make sure that the Rough option is chosen in the Work type section.
Switch to the Semi-finish/finish tab. In the Finish section, select the ISO-Turning method.

12. Save and calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon to save the operation data and generate the tool path.

13. Add an operation

In the Turning Operation dialog box, click Save & Copy to start a new operation. All data
defined in the previous operation is copied to a new operation.

14. Define the Geometry

In the Geometry page, click to define a new

geometry. Click on the entity of the Envelope
sketch as shown. The selected entity is highlighted.
Click the Accept Chain button in the Geometry
Edit dialog box to confirm the chain selection.
Close the dialog box with the button.
The geometry is defined for the operation.

15. Define the Tool

Use the same tool as in the previous operation.

16. Define the machining parameters

In the Technology page, change the Mode to Long external .

The rest of the parameters remain the same.

17. Save and calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon to save the operation data and generate the tool path.

184
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

18. Add a new CoordSys position

To machine the top face, you have to define an additional
Coordinate System position related to the Machine CoordSys
#1. The Z-axis of this CoordSys position has to be normal to
the top face.
Double-click the CoordSys Manager header in the SolidCAM
Manager tree. The CoordSys Manager dialog box is displayed.
Right-click the MAC 1 item and choose Add from the menu.
The CoordSys dialog box is displayed. Note that the Mac CoordSys number is 1 and the
Position number is 2. Now SolidCAM can define CoordSys Position #2 related to
Machine Coordinate System #1.
In the Place CoordSys origin to list, choose Corner of model
box.
Select the High precision check box and click on the model
face as shown.

The CoordSys position origin is defined in

the corner of the model box. The Z-axis of
the position is normal to the selected face.
Click to confirm the CoordSys position
definition.
The CoordSys Data dialog box is displayed.
The Part Upper level and Part Lower
level values are determined automatically
according to the solid model.

185
 Confirm the CoordSys Data dialog box with the OK button. The CoordSys Manager
dialog box is displayed again. Close it with .

19. Add a new Face Milling operation

Add a new Face Milling operation to machine the model face using CoordSys Position
#2. This operation enables you to machine large flat surfaces with face mill tools.
Right-click the Operations header in the SolidCAM Manager tree and choose Face from
the Add Milling Operation submenu. The Face Milling Operation dialog box is displayed.

20. Define the Geometry

On the Geometry page of the Face Milling Operation dialog box,
choose the Machine CoordSys #1 Position #2. Click . The
Face Milling Geometry dialog box is displayed.

The Type section enables you to define the face

milling geometry using the following methods:
• Model

This option generates a rectangle located at the

XY-plane and surrounding the Target model
and selects it for the Face Milling geometry. The
rectangle chain is displayed in the Chain List
section.

Face Milling geometry

186
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

• Faces

This option enables you to define the Face Milling geometry by face
selection. The Define button and the related combo-box enable you
either to define a new faces geometry with the Select Faces dialog box
or to choose an already defined geometry from the list. When the model
faces are selected, SolidCAM generates a number of chains surrounding
the selected faces. These chains are displayed in the Chain List section.

Selected faces

Face Milling geometry

• Profile

This option enables you to define the Face Milling geometry by a profile.
The Define button and the related combo box enable you either to define
a new profile geometry with the Geometry Edit dialog box or to choose
an already defined geometry from the list. The defined chains are
displayed in the Chain List section.

Face Milling geometry

187
 In the Type section, choose the Faces option and click the Define button. The Select
Faces dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to define the face milling
geometry by selecting the model faces.
Select the model face as shown.
Confirm the Select Faces dialog box with .
The Face Milling Geometry dialog box is displayed.
In the Modify section, set the Offset from the
machined face to 1.
Confirm the Face Milling Geometry dialog box by
clicking .

21. Define the Tool

Add a new End Mill tool to the Part Tool Table.

Set the Diameter of the tool to 16.

Choose the BT40 ER40x80 tool holder from the Global holders table and click the Select
button to choose the tool for the operation.

22. Define the Milling levels

Click the Face depth button on the Levels page.

Define the Lower level directly on the solid model
as shown.

23. Define the machining strategy

On the Technology page, make sure that the Hatch machining strategy is chosen. This
strategy enables you to machine the face in a linear pattern.

24. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon to save the operation data and calculate the tool path.

188
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

25. Simulate

Simulate the tool path with the SolidVerify mode.

When the simulation is finished, close the Face Milling
dialog box.
Operation

26. Define a Profile operation

Define a new Profile operation to machine the step displayed

on the illustration.
The Profile Operation dialog box is displayed.

27. Define the Geometry

In the Geometry page, choose MAC 1 (1-Position) from the

Coordsys options. Click to start the definition. The
Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
Select the model edge as shown.
Click Accept chain in the Geometry Edit dialog box
to confirm the chain selection.
Close the dialog box with .
The geometry is defined for the operation.

189
 28. Define the Tool
Click the Select button on the Tool page.
The Part Tool Table is displayed.
Add a new End Mill tool. Set the Diameter to 16. Choose the BT40 ER16x70 tool holder
from the Global holders table.
Click the Select button to choose the defined tool for the operation.
Switch to the Data tab on the Tool page to define the tool spin parameters for the
operation.

Spin

This parameter defines the spinning speed of the tool. It defines two spin
values:
• Spin rate – normal spin rate used in rough milling;

• Spin finish – finish spin rate used in finish milling.

The Spin finish check box enables you to optionally define different
values for Spin rate and Spin finish. When this check box is selected, the
corresponding edit box is available so that you can edit its value. When
this check box is not selected, the specified Spin rate value is used for both
rough and finish machining.
The spin value can be defined in two types of units: S and V.
S is the default and signifies Revolutions per Minute. V signifies material
cutting speed in Meters per Minute in the Metric system or in Feet per
Minute in the Inch system; it is calculated according to the following
formula:
V = (S * PI * Tool Diameter) / 1000

190
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Feed

This parameter defines the feed rate of the tool. It defines three feed values:
• Feed XY – the feed rate in the XY-plane.
• Feed Z – the feed rate in the Z direction.
• Feed finish – the feed rate used for finish milling.
The Feed finish check box enables you to optionally define different
values for Feed XY and Feed finish. When this check box is selected, the
corresponding edit box is available so that you can edit its value. When
this check box is not selected, the specified Feed XY value is used for both
rough and finish machining.
The feed value can be defined in two types of units: F and Fz.
F is the default and signifies Units per minute. Fz signifies Units per tooth
and is calculated according to the following formula:
Fz = F/(Number of Flutes * S)

Define the parameters as follows:

• Set the Spin rate parameter to 1500
• Select the check box and set the Spin finish parameter
to 2000

29. Define the Milling levels

Click the Profile depth button on the Levels page to
define the machining depth directly on the solid model.
Click on the model face as shown.
Confirm the selection and close the Pick Lower level
dialog box with .

191
 30. Specify the technological parameters
In the Modify section of the Technology page, click
the Geometry button to check the tool location
relative to the profile. If the tool is located at the
wrong side, change the Tool side to Left.
Select the Rough check box in order to perform the
rough machining of the profile. Set the Step down
value to 5. The material is removed in two Z-cuts.
Set the Wall offset and Floor offset to 0.2. The offsets
of 0.2 mm will be left on the profile wall and floor
during machining. These offsets will be removed in
a separate cut in the end of the profile machining.
Select the Clear offset check box.

Clear offset

This option generates several concentric profiles with a constant

depth that start at the defined clear offset distance from the profile and
finish at the geometry of the profile, thus clearing the area around the
profile.
• Offset defines the distance from the geometry, at which the milling
starts. The Clear offset value should be equal or larger than the Wall
offset value. The tool starts milling the profile at the distance defined as
Clear offset and finishes at the distance defined as Wall offset.

• Step over defines the overlap of adjacent tool paths; it determines the
offset between two successive concentric profiles.

Step over

Clear offset

Set the Offset value to 10 and the Step over value to 5. Choose
the Zigzag option. The profile will be machined in two equidistant
profiles located at the offset of 5 mm.
Select the Finish check box to perform the finish machining of the
profile. Set the Step down value to 5.

192
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

31. Define the Lead in and Lead out

In the Link page, choose the Arc option for Lead in. This option enables the tool to
approach the material from outside by an arc.
Define the following parameters:
• Set the Tangent extension value to 1.6
• Set the Radius value to 16
• Set the Arc angle value to 45
• Set the Distance value to 1.6
In the Lead out section, select the Same as
lead in option.

32. Save and calculate

At this stage, the definition of the technological parameters is finished. Click the Save &
Calculate icon to save the operation data and generate the tool path.

33. Simulate the operation

Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify
mode.
When the simulation is finished, close the
dialog box with the Exit
Profile Operation
button.

34. Add a Pocket operation

Define a new Pocket operation to machine the through pocket located on the face
machined earlier.

193
 35. Define the Geometry
Choose Machine CoordSys #1 Position #2 for the
operation.
Define the Geometry for the Pocket operation as
shown. In the Geometry Edit dialog box, use the
Auto-constant Z option to complete the chain.

36. Define the Tool

In the Part Tool Table, define a new End mill tool

with default parameters.

37. Define the Milling levels

Define the Upper level on the face machined in the

previous operation as shown.
Click the Pocket depth button and pick the point on the
model as shown.

Set the Step down to 6 and select the Equal step down check box.

38. Define the Wall offset

Switch to the Technology page of the Pocket Operation
dialog box. In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset to 0.2.
In the Finish section, select the Wall check box.
With the specified Wall offset value, the offset of 0.2 mm is
left on the wall of the pocket. This offset is removed at the
end of pocket machining in a separate cut.

194
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

39. Define the Ramping parameters

In the Ramping section of the Link page, choose the Helical
option from the list. This option enables the tool to plunge
into the material along a helix at the automatically calculated
point.
Click the Data button to define the Helical Ramping
parameters.
The Helical ramping dialog box is displayed. This dialog box
enables you to define the ramping position and the related
parameters for each chain used in the Pocket operation.
The tool chosen for the operation has center cutting
capabilities, therefore make sure that the Center cutting check
box is selected.
Set the Angle value to 5 and the Radius value to 1.
Confirm the Helical Ramping dialog box with .

40. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon in order to save the operation
data and calculate the tool path.

41. Simulate
Simulate the tool path with the SolidVerify mode.
When the simulation is finished, close the Pocket Operation dialog
box.

42. Define a Drilling operation

Define a new Drilling operation to machine four holes Ø4 located
on the top face of the model.

195
 43. Define the Geometry

Choose Machine CoordSys #1 Position #2 used in the

previous operation.
In the Geometry area, click to start the geometry
definition.
The Drill Geometry Selection dialog box is displayed. In
the Select centers by area, choose the Multi-positions
option and click on the top face of the model as shown.
SolidCAM selects all drill centers on the selected face.
The coordinates of the selected hole centers are displayed
in the Drill Geometry Selection dialog box.

Confirm the geometry selection with the button.

44. Define the Tool

Click the Select button on the Tool page. The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.
Add a Drill tool.
Set the Diameter to 4. Choose the BT40 ER16x70 tool holder from the Global holders
table and click the Select button to choose the tool for the operation.

45. Define the Milling levels

Define the Upper level on the top face of the model as

shown.

196
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

In the same manner, define the Drill depth by picking the drill cone vertex on the solid
model.

46. Define the Drill cycle

On the Technology page, click the Drill cycle type button to choose the drill cycle.
The drill cycles panel is displayed.
Choose the Peck option.
Click the Data button in the Drill cycle area to
define the pecking parameters.
The Drill Options dialog box is displayed. This
dialog box enables you to define the parameters of the
chosen canned drill cycle.
Set the Step down to 2 and click OK to confirm the dialog
box.

47. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon to save the operation data
and calculate the tool path.

48. Simulate
Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.
When the simulation is finished, close the Drilling Operation
dialog box.
At this stage, the exercise is finished.

197
Exercise #17: Joint Part Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the joint
part presented on the illustration on a Mill-Turn CNC-machine.
This exercise reinforces the following skills:
• CAM-Part definition
• Turning
• Indexial 4-axis milling on 4-axis machines
The SolidWorks model of the Joint (Exercise17.sldprt) is located in the
Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Coordinate
System, the Stock model and the Target model.
The NTX1000 CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

2. Define the clamping fixture

Define the fixture for clamping of the part on the CNC-machine
table.

3. External turning

Machine the external turning faces using the automatically

generated envelope.

4. Drilling

Machine the hole located on the spherical surface.

5. Side slots machining

Machine the two slots using the SolidCAM

indexial milling capabilities.

198
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Exercise #18: Slotted Nut Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the

slotted nut presented on the illustration on a Mill-Turn CNC-
machine.
This exercise reinforces the following skills:
• CAM-Part definition
• Turning
• Indexial 4-axis machining
The SolidWorks model of the Slotted Nut (Exercise18.sldprt)
is located in the Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach
the final CAM-Part:

1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Stock model and the Target model.
The NTX1000 CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

2. Define the clamping fixture

Define the fixture for clamping of the part on the CNC-machine table.

3. External turning
Define a Turning operation to obtain the following
revolution body.

199
 4. Internal turning
Machine the internal faces of the model.

5. Machine the side faces

Machine the side faces of the part.

6. Machine the slots

Machine the slots located on the sides of the part.

200
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Exercise #19: Connector Part Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the

Connector part presented on the illustration on a 4-axis Mill-Turn
CNC-machine.
This exercise reinforces the following skills:
• CAM-Part definition
• Turning
• Facial milling
• Indexial 4-axis machining on 4-axis CNC-machines

The SolidWorks model of the Connector part (Exercise19.sldprt)

is located in the Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Define the CAM-Part

Define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Coordinate System, the Stock model and
the Target model.
The NTX1000 CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

2. Define the clamping fixture

Define the fixture for clamping of the part on the CNC-machine table.

3. External turning
Machine the external turning faces using the automatically
generated envelope.

201
 4. Facial milling
Machine the highlighted faces using the SolidCAM facial milling capabilities.

5. Slot machining
Machine the highlighted model faces.

6. Drilling
Drill all the holes.

202
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

4.4 Using MCO on Mill-Turn CNC-machines

SolidCAM supports the use of the back spindle in the Mill-Turn module. This functionality enables
you to use the back spindle of your CNC-machine for Turning and Milling machining with the part
clamped in the main or back spindle. The part is transferred between the spindles, thus enabling you
to complete the part machining from both sides in a single setup.

Each milling or turning operation can be performed with the part clamped in the main or back
spindle.
Operation sequence #1: General use
There are two optional stages in this operation sequence:

1. SolidCAM Operations with Main spindle. At this stage, only the main spindle
is used for milling and turning operations; this is the standard way of working
in SolidCAM when the back spindle does not exist.

2. SolidCAM Operations with Back spindle. At this stage, the operations are
performed with the back spindle only.

203
Operation sequence #2: Optimized tool use
SolidCAM enables you to define a combined sequence of operations that uses intermittently the
main and back spindles. Each operation in the sequence is related either to the main or to the back
spindle. The Machine Control Operation enables you to define the transfer of the machined part
between the main and back spindles.
In this sequence, the combined operations with the main and back spindle use enable you to avoid
unnecessary tool change (in cases when the same tool can work with the main and back spindles).
In the beginning or end of all operations, the finished part is ejected from the back spindle and the
partly machined part is transferred from the main spindle to the back spindle.

Machining with the main and back spindle

Transferring the part to the back spindle

204
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Exercise #20: Machining with Back Spindle

This exercise covers the process of Machine Control Operation definition in order to transfer a part
from the main spindle to the back spindle.

1. Load the CAM-Part

Load the Exercise16.prz CAM-Part prepared earlier.

2. Open the Machine ID Editor

Double-click the Machine header in SolidCAM Manager. The Machine ID Editor dialog
box is displayed.

The machine defined for this part machining consists of two tables called main spindle
and back spindle, and one turret called upper rotary turret.
Click Exit ( ) to close the Machine ID Editor dialog box.

205
 3. Add a Machine Control Operation (MCO)
Right-click the Operations header in
SolidCAM Manager and choose Add
Machine Control Operation from the menu.
The Machine Control Operation dialog box
is displayed.

Machine Control Operation

This operation enables you to manage and use the devices of the CNC-
machine.
• Action on

This section contains a list of available CNC-machine devices. Choose

the device to be managed and drag-and-drop it into the Process section.
• Process

In this section the various machine devices are added for performing
actions such as movements, opening/closing the chuck jaws, tool
change, etc.
• Properties

This section contains a list of parameters of devices to be modified.

206
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Using this operation, the part will be moved from the main spindle to the back spindle.
The procedure is as follows: the jaws of the back spindle chuck open, the back spindle
is moved to the part, its jaws take the part and close, the jaws of the main spindle chuck
open to release the part, the back spindle is returned to its initial position.
In the Operation name field, type in a new name: part transfer. This name will appear
later in the SolidCAM Manager tree.
Click the Start Definition entry. Under Properties, select MAC-1 Position #1 for CoordSys.
The CAM-Part is located in the main spindle, therefore choose upper rotary turret - main
spindle for the Submachine.
First, the Turret should retract to a safety position in order to avoid possible collisions
with the back spindle. Drag and drop the upper rotary turret item from the Action on
pane to the Process pane.

Click the Movement item located under the upper rotary turret item and define the
movement properties in the right pane as follows:
• In the Mode cell, choose MA–Machine Coordinate mode ( )
• In the X cell, type in 400
• In the Z cell, type in 250
• In the Feed cell, choose RAPID

The first table, main spindle, should also be prepared to the operation. The angles of the
two tables should be synchronized to enable the part transfer with an exact angle.
Drag and drop the main spindle item from the Action on pane to the Process pane.

207
 Select the Working Mode item and make sure the value is set to Milling to activate the 4th
axis of the machine.
Select the Movement item and define the movement properties as follows:
• In the Mode cell, choose MA ( )
• In the C cell, type in 30
• In the Feed cell, choose RAPID

Now you have to open the back spindle clamp.

Drag and drop the back spindle Chuck item from the Action on pane to the Process
pane.
Select the Clamp item to enable the clamp opening.
Now the second table, back spindle, should be prepared for the operation. Drag and
drop the back spindle item from the Action on pane to the Process pane.
Select the Working Mode item and make sure the value is set to Milling to activate the 4th
axis of the machine.
Select the Movement item and define the movement properties as follows:
• For the first movement, in the Mode cell, choose MA ( )
• In the C1 cell, type in 0
• In the Feed cell, choose RAPID
• For the second movement, in the Mode cell, choose MA ( )
• In the Z1 cell, type in -385

With the last movement, the back spindle approaches to the part in order to catch it.
Now the back spindle chucks should be closed.
Define a new action for the back spindle Chuck.
Select the Clamp item and choose the CLOSE option in the Value cell.

208
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

At the next action, the clamp of the main spindle should be released.
Define a new action for the main spindle Chuck.
Select the Clamp item and make sure the OPEN option is chosen in the Value cell.

During the next action, the second table with the clamped part should retract to the
initial position.
Define a new action for the back spindle.
Select the Part Move item and define the movement properties as follows:
• In the Mode cell, choose MA ( )
• In the Z1 cell, type in 0
• In the Feed cell, choose RAPID
Click the Save icon to save the operation. Click the Exit icon to close the Machine Control
Operation dialog box.

The part transfer operation appears in SolidCAM Manager.

209
 4. Perform turning with the back spindle
Add a Turning operation to machine the back face.
Define an additional Coordinate System for turning with the back spindle.
In the Submachine section, select upper rotary turret - back spindle. Choose the Machine
Coordinate System #2 Position #1.

Define the geometry as shown.

Add a new Ext. Turning composite tool with the
following parameters:
For the Insert:
• Set the Insert Shape to W
• Set the IC Diameter to 02
• Set the Thickness to T3
• Set the Corner radius to 04
For the Shank:
• Set the Insert Lead Angle to L
• Set the M value to 32
In the Technology page, select the Face back mode ( ).
In the Semi-finish/finish tab, select ISO-Turning
method in the Finish section.
Save, calculate and simulate the operation in the
SolidVerify mode.

210
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

5. Perform internal turning with the back spindle

Add a Turning operation to machine the internal part of the model.
In the Submachine section, select upper rotary turret
- back spindle. Choose the Machine Coordinate
System #2 Position #1. Define the geometry as
shown.
Add a new Int. Turning composite tool with the
following parameters:
For the Insert:
• Set the IC Diameter to 09
• Set the Thickness to T3
• Set the Corner radius to 04
For the Shank:
• Set the Shank Diameter to 20.00
• Set the Tool Length to 150

In the Technology page, select the Face back mode ( ).

In the Semi-finish/finish tab, select ISO-Turning method in the Finish section.
Save, calculate and simulate the operation in the SolidVerify mode.

At this stage, the exercise is finished.

211
Exercise #21: Indexial Milling on 4-Axis CNC-Machines

This exercise covers the SolidCAM functionality of indexial 4-axis milling using 3-axis Mill-Turn
CNC-machines. The exercise uses a CAM-Part with previously defined Turning operations.

The CAM-Part after the turning The complete CAM-Part after the milling
The milling is performed in Profile and Drilling operations to machine each dodecahedron face
and drill two holes on it. The circular pattern of these two operations is used to machine the other
faces and holes.

1. Open the CAM-Part

Open the Exercise21.prz file.

2. Simulate the CAM-Part

This CAM-Part contains a number of turning operations for machining of the external
and internal faces.
Right-click the Operations header in SolidCAM Manager and choose Simulate from the
menu. This command enables you to simulate the complete CAM-Part.
The Simulate command is also available for each operation separately by
right-clicking on the operation icons in SolidCAM Manager.

Play the SolidVerify simulation.

Close the Simulation control panel and
return to SolidCAM Manager.

212
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

3. Define an additional CoordSys position

At this stage, you need to define an additional CoordSys position to perform milling of
the dodecahedron face.

SolidCAM enables you to define a Geometry

number of CoordSys positions for
indexial 4-axis milling directly on the
solid model. These positions
correspond to the Machine Coordinate Y X
System #1. The geometry for the
Z
machining has to be located in the Machining
plane parallel to the XY-plane of such plane
CoordSys position. CoordSys

In the SolidCAM Manager tree, double-click the CoordSys

Manager header.
The CoordSys Manager dialog box is displayed in the SolidWorks
PropertyManager area. Click the Add button.
The CoordSys dialog box is displayed.
In the Define CoordSys options section, choose the CoordSys #1
option from the Place CoordSys origin to list.
Rotate the model and click on its face as shown.

Click Change to opposite.

213
 Note that you have to select the face that contains the line sketch that will
be used in the next steps for the milling geometry definition.

The system automatically creates the CoordSys position in which

the Z-axis is normal to the selected faces, and the axes X and Y
are defined in accordance with the CNC-machine capabilities.
Click to confirm the CoordSys dialog box. Confirm the
CoordSys Data dialogbox with the OK button.
The defined CoordSys Position #2 is displayed in the CoordSys
Manager dialog box.

Close this dialog box with .

4. Add a Profile operation

Right-click the last Turning operation icon in SolidCAM Manager

and choose Profile from the Add Milling Operation submenu.
The Profile Operation dialog box is displayed.

5. Choose the Coordinate System position

On the Geometry page, choose the Position #2 of the
Machine Coordinate System #1 from the CoordSys list.
This CoordSys position is used for the profile milling of the
dodecahedron face.

6. Define the Geometry

Click . The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.

Select the predefined sketch line as shown.

Make sure that the selected geometry

chain direction is from the model front
face backwards.
Click the Accept chain button to confirm the
chain selection.
Close the Geometry Edit dialog box with . The
geometry is defined.

214
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

7. Define the Tool

Click the Select button on the Tool page to choose a milling tool for the operation.
The Part Tool Table is displayed.

Click and choose the Face Mill tool. Define the following parameters:
• Set the Diameter to 50
• Set the Start shoulder length
to 10
• Set the Shoulder length to 10
• Set the Cutting length to 10
Click Select to choose the tool for
the operation.

8. Define the machining levels

Click the Upper level button on the Levels page.
This button enables you to define the plane where
the machining will start directly on the solid model.
Click on the model face that contains the profile
geometry as shown.
The value (25) of the Upper level is displayed in the
Pick Upper level dialog box. Confirm your selection
with .
Click the Profile depth button. This option
enables you to define the machining depth
directly on the solid model.
Click on the same model face. The value of
the Lower level is displayed. Confirm your
selection with .
The Profile depth is calculated automatically according to the Upper and Lower level
values. The 0 value of the Profile depth means that the machining is performed in a
single Z-step.

215
 9. Define the Tool side
Define the tool position relative to the selected geometry.
Switch to the Technology page of the Profile Operation
dialog box. Choose the Center option from the Tool
side list. When this option is chosen, the center of
the tool moves on the profile geometry.
Click the Geometry button. As you can see, the tool
completely covers the face to be milled.
Click to return to the Profile Operation dialog
box.
On the Technology page, select the Rough check
box.

10. Define the Lead in and the Lead out

On the Link page, choose the Tangent option for both Lead in and Lead out.
For Lead in, set the Length value to 10. The tool enters the material tangentially to the
geometry from outside of the material.
For Lead out, set the Length value to 1. This tangential lead out movement enables the
tool to completely machine the geometry.

11. Calculate the operation

Click the Save & Calculate icon to save the operation data and calculate the tool path.

12. Simulate the operation

Click the Simulate button and choose the SolidVerify mode for the simulation. Play the
simulation.
Close the simulation and exit from the Profile Operation dialog box.
The SolidCAM Manager dialog box is displayed.

13. Add a Drilling operation

Right-click the last Profile operation in SolidCAM Manager and choose Drilling from the
Add Milling Operation submenu. The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.

216
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

14. Choose the Coordinate System position

On the Geometry page, choose the same CoordSys position (Machine CoordSys #1
Position #2) that was used in the previous operation.

15. Define the Drill geometry

Click to start the geometry definition.

The Drill Geometry Selection dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to
select the drill positions.

Select/Unselect drill centers

You can switch between the Select/Unselect modes

to add or remove drill positions from the geometry.
The Undo/Redo button deletes or restores the last
selection. All selected points are shown in the list
at the bottom of the dialog box. To remove a point
from the list, right-click on its name in the list and
choose the Delete option from the menu, or the
Delete All option to remove all points.
Selecting modes (Select centers by)
You can add drill positions to the current geometry
using the following selection options:
• Pick position
You can define the drill positions one by one
using the CAD point selection options.
• 3 Points on circumference
Usually, all curves and arcs of imported models
are converted into splines by the exporting CAD
system. Due to the nature of spline curves or
surface boundaries, you cannot pick a center
position like you could on a circle or an arc.
SolidCAM calculates the center position of an
arc defined by three points positioned on the
spline edges. This facilitates selecting drill centers
on spline surfaces.
• Multi-positions

You can select circular edges of the solid model.

The drill position is automatically defined in the
circular edge center.

217
 • All circle/arc centers

SolidCAM searches the solid model for arcs and circles parallel to the
XY-plane of the current Coordinate System and adds all center points as
drill positions to the geometry.
CAD selection
SolidCAM enables you to select the drill geometry with the Host CAD
tools.
For more information about the Drill Geometry Selection dialog box
functionality, refer to the SolidCAM Milling Online Help.

Use the default Multi-positions option in the Select centers

by field. Click on the model face as shown. Two circular
edges are recognized on the chosen face and their center
points are selected.
Click to confirm the geometry definition.

16. Define the Tool

Click the Select button on the Tool page. The Part Tool Table is displayed.
Add a Drill tool to the Part Tool Table and choose the BT40 ER16x70 tool holder from the
Local Holders Table.

Click Select to choose the tool for the operation.

The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.

218
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

17. Define the Drilling levels

On the Levels page, click the Upper level button to define
the upper machining level directly on the solid model.
Click on the face as shown.
Confirm the Pick Upper level dialog box by clicking .
Set the Drill depth value to 15 and the Delta value to -1.

The Delta parameter defines the offset for the cutting depth that can be
changed with its associativity preserved. The Delta depth value is always
relative to the Depth defined for the operation.

Define the Depth type.

Depth type

This option enables you to deepen the drilled hole in order to obtain
a given diameter at the specified drill depth.

• Cutter tip
Drill
The drill tip reaches the defined drill depth. depth

• Full diameter

The drill reaches the defined drill depth with the Drill
depth

full diameter.

• Diameter value

The drill reaches the defined drill depth with the

drill cone diameter specified in the edit box.
Drill
depth

Diameter
value

219
 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 to
the drill tool diameter.

In the Depth type section, choose the Full diameter option

18. Define the drilling cycle

Switch to the Technology page of the Drilling Operation dialog

box and click the Drill cycle type button.
The Drill Cycle dialog box is displayed.

SolidCAM enables you to use the following types of drill canned cycles
supported by the post-processor of the current CNC-controller:
Drilling. The drill travels in one single motion to the specified depth and
retracts.
Peck. The drill travels in steps to the specified depth. At each depth step
the tool rapidly retracts to the safety distance. Then the tool rapidly returns
to the point where it continues drilling. This sequence is repeated until it
reaches the final depth.
Tapping. The tap travels in one single motion to the specified depth and
then retracts reversing its spin direction.
Boring. The boring tool travels in one single motion to the specified depth,
stop its spin motion and retracts rapidly.

Choose the Peck option.

In the Drill cycle section, click the Data button to
specify the pecking parameters.
The Drill options dialog box is displayed. This
dialog box enables you to define the parameters of
the chosen drill canned cycle.

220
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Step down

This option defines the depth that you want the tool to travel at each step.

Set the Step down to 2 and click OK to confirm the dialog box.

19. Save and calculate the operation

Click Save & Calculate to save the operation data and

calculate the drilling tool path.

20. Simulate the operation

Click Simulate. The Simulation control panel is displayed.
Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.
Close the Simulation control panel. Close the Drilling
Operation dialog box.

21. Define the pattern of operations

At this stage, the definition of the operations is finished. Now you have to define a
circular pattern of operations around the revolution axis of the CAM-Part in order to
machine all of the dodecahedron faces.
In the SolidCAM Manager tree, select the last two
operations (Profile and Drilling). Right-click these
operations and choose Transform from the menu.
The Operation Transformations dialog box is
displayed. This dialog box enables you to perform
various transformations such as rotating, translating,
and mirroring of the selected operations.

221
 Operation Transformations

The Operation Transformations section offers you the choice of whether

the original operation will be transformed or its copy will be added for
transformation and, in the latter case, enables you to define the placing of
the new operation in the SolidCAM Manager tree.
The following options are available:
• Edit operation transformations

This option enables you to perform transformation of the selected

operation.
• New operation (add at current position in operations tree)

This option enables you to add a copy of the selected operation and apply
the transformation to the copied operation, without effect on the original
operation. The transformed copy is inserted immediately after the original
operation in the SolidCAM Manager tree. The original operation can be
suppressed by selecting the appropriate check box in the Options section.
• New operation (add at end of operations tree)

This option also enables you to add a copy of the selected operation
and apply the transformation to the copied operation, without effect on
the original operation. The transformed copy is inserted at the end of
the operation list in the SolidCAM Manager tree. The original operation
can be suppressed by selecting the appropriate check box in the Options
section.

In the Operation transformations section, use the default Edit operation transformations
option.
In this exercise, you need to define a circular pattern of the selected operations around
the 4th axis. Click the 4 Axis button located in the right part of the dialog box. The

222
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Rotate List dialog box is displayed.

Select the Include original operation check box. When this check box is selected, the
original operation tool path is included in the transforming action. In the Add angle
section, set the Angle value to 30°. This parameter defines the rotation angle for each
pattern step. Enter 11 for the number of Steps.
Click the Insert button. The specific value of the
rotation angle is calculated for each step of the
pattern.
Confirm the Rotate List dialog box with OK.
The operations to be transformed appear in the
Operation Transformations dialog box.
Confirm the dialog box with OK.

Note that the Profile and Drilling operations icons are marked with the
icon. This icon means that the operations were transformed using the
C-axis.

22. Simulate the operations

Right-click the selected Profile and Drilling operations and
choose Simulate from the menu.
Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

223
 Note that the indexial machining of the part is performed as follows: cutting passes in
milling operations are performed only along the Z-axis of the Machine Coordinate
System, without movements in the XY-plane; drilling motion is performed along the
X-axis of the Machine Coordinate System. The transformation of operations around the
Z-axis is performed using the C-axis. Therefore, the GCode generated for this part can
be used on any 3-axis CNC-machine (and also on machines with more than three
coordinate axes).

224
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Exercise #22: Indexial Milling on 5-Axis CNC-Machines

This exercise covers the process of CAM-Part definition and

Milling on 5-axis Mill-Turn CNC-machines (supporting the
XYZCB coordinates). The following flange model is used.
Since the CAM-Part definition process was explained in detail
in previous exercises, some details of the CAM-Part definition
process are omitted in this exercise.

1. Load the SolidWorks model

Load the Exercise22.sldprt model located in the
Exercises folder.
This model contains a number of features forming the solid body and a few sketches
that are used for the CAM-Part definition.

2. Start a new Mill-Turn part

Click SolidCAM in the Tools menu of SolidWorks and choose Mill-Turn from the New
submenu. SolidCAM is started, and the New Mill-Turn Part dialog box is displayed.
Confirm this dialog box with OK.
The Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box is displayed.

3. Define the CNC-controller

Choose the ust_us_bs CNC-controller from the list.

4. Define the Coordinate System

Click the CoordSys button to start the Coordinate System definition.
The CoordSys dialog box is displayed.
Click the cylindrical face of the model as shown.

225
 The Z-axis of the Machine CoordSys is collinear with the revolution axis of the part.
Click the Change to opposite button in the CoordSys dialog box.
The Machine Coordinate System is defined on the model front
face.

Click to confirm the Machine Coordinate System definition.

The CoordSys Data dialog box is displayed. Close it with OK.
The CoordSys Manager dialog box is displayed in the SolidWorks
PropertyManager area.

226
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Coordinate Systems for 5-axis Mill-Turn machines

SolidCAM enables you to define

Machine CoordSys #1 with the Z-axis
directed along the revolution axis.
Y X
This Machine Coordinate System
Machine
is used for Turning operations; CoordSys #1
the turning tool movements are Z
performed in the ZX-plane.
Machine CoordSys #1 is used also for facial milling, where the axis of the
milling tool is parallel to the Z-axis of the Machine Coordinate System.

Y X
Machine CoordSys #1
Z

To perform indexial milling of the inclined faces, you need to define two
additional positions for Machine CoordSys #1.

X
Y
Y Z X
Machine Z Machine
CoordSys #1 CoordSys #1
Position 2 Position 3

Confirm the CoordSys Manager dialog box with the button.

The Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box is displayed.

227
 5. Define the Stock model
Click the Stock button in the Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box.
Choose the Cylinder option in the Model dialog box and click on the solid body to
choose it for the Stock definition.
Define the following offsets:
• Set the Right (+Z) offset to 2 and Left (-Z) offset to 20
• Set the External offset to 2
• Set the Internal diameter to 71

Set the Facet tolerance value to 0.01.

Confirm the Model dialog box with the button.

6. Define the Target model

Click the Target button.
Select the solid body as the Target model.

228
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

7. Save the CAM-Part definition

In the Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box, click the Save & Exit button to confirm the CAM-
Part definition.
The SolidCAM Manager tree is displayed.

Technological overview

The current CAM-Part requires the following operations:

• Facial milling – machining of two inclined

faces.

• Step machining – machining of the steps

around the inclined faces.

• Holes machining – machining of the

pattern of holes Ø3 located on the inclined
faces.

All of these operations are performed using B-axis rotation, therefore

additional Coordinate System positions of the Machine CoordSys #1 have
to be defined in order to perform the machining.

229
 8. Define additional CoordSys positions
In the SolidCAM Manager tree, double-click the CoordSys Manager header to display the
CoordSys Manager dialog box.
In the CoordSys Manager dialog box, click the Add button.
The CoordSys dialog box is displayed. In the Place CoordSys
origin to list, choose CoordSys #1.
Click on the model face as shown.

The CoordSys Position #2 is defined at the origin of the

Machine CoordSys #1 with the Z-axis normal to the selected
face.
Confirm the CoordSys dialog box with the button. Z
Close the CoordSys Data dialog box with the OK button.
In the same manner, add the CoordSys Position #3 related
to Machine CoordSys #1 to machine the second inclined
face.
Add a new Machine Coordsys # 2 in order to
machine the back side of the model with the back
spindle.
Confirm the definition of the Coordinate System
positions and close the CoordSys Manager dialog
box with the button.
The SolidCAM Manager tree is displayed.

230
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

9. Define the Machine setup

Define two Machine setup positions: one with the main spindle and another with the
back spindle.
Define two fixtures for each of the positions.
Set the model shift along the Z-axis. For the main spindle, set the Z shift to 140. For the
back spindle, set the Z shift to -75.

10. Add a Turning operation

Add a new Turning operation to machine the
external faces of the model.
In the Submachine section, choose the upper
spindle turret - main spindle option.
In the Geometry section, choose Machine
CoordSys #1 Position #1 from the list and click .
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed. Select
the sketch entity as shown.

11. Define the Tool

Add a new Ext. Turning composite tool with the following parameters:
For the Insert:
• Set the IC Diameter to 09
• Set the Thickness to T3
• Set the Corner radius to 04
For the Shank:
• Set the Insert Lead Angle to L
• Set the M value to 32.

231
 12. Define the technological parameters
In the Technology page, select the Long
external mode.
In the Semi-finish/finish tab, select ISO-
Turning method in the Finish section.
Save, calculate and simulate the operation
in the SolidVerify mode.

Add two more turning operations to machine the front face and the internal part of the model.
Simulate the operations in the SolidVerify mode.

13. Add a Profile operation

Add a new Milling Profile operation to machine the
inclined face.

14. Define the Geometry

In the Submachine section, choose the upper spindle
turret - main spindle option.
In the Geometry section, choose Machine
CoordSys #2 Position #1 from the list and click .
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed. Select the
model edge as shown.

232
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

15. Define the Tool

Define a new Ø16 End Mill for the operation.

16. Define the Milling levels

Click the Profile depth button.
Define the Profile depth directly on the solid
model by clicking on the face as shown.
Confirm the definition with the button.

17. Define the Tool side

Switch to the Technology page of the Profile

Operation dialog box. In the Modify section, click
the Geometry button to check the tool location
relative to the selected geometry.
The tool has to be located inside the geometry. If
it is not located correctly relative to the geometry,
change the tool side.
In the Modify Offset section, define the offset from
the geometry.

The Offset parameter enables you to define the offset for the machining
geometry. The machining is performed at the specified offset.

Machining
Geometry

Modify offset

Set the Modify offset value to -1. With a negative offset Geometry
value, SolidCAM performs the finishing cut that overlaps
2
the geometry.

233
 18. Define the Roughing parameters
On the Technology page of the Profile Operation dialog box, select the Rough check
box.
Set the Wall offset to 0.5. Step over

In the Clear offset area, set the Offset value to 20

and the Step over value to 10. Clear
offset
Select the Finish check box and set the Number
of passes to 1.

19. Define the Lead in and the Lead out

On the Link page, choose the Feed option for Ramping.

Choose the Tangent option for Lead in and set the Length value to 10. For Lead out,
select the Same as Lead in check box.

20. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon to save the operation parameters and calculate the tool
path.

21. Simulate the operation

Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify mode.
Close the Profile Operation dialog box with the Exit button.

234
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

22. Add a Profile operation

Add a new Profile operation to machine the step located on the machined inclined face.

23. Define the Geometry

In the Submachine section, choose
the upper spindle turret - main spindle
option.
In the Geometry section, choose the
Machine CoordSys #1 Position #2.

Click . The Geometry Edit dialog

box is displayed.
Select the model edge as shown.
Confirm the edge selection with
the Accept Chain button in the
Geometry Edit dialog box.
Confirm the geometry definition with
the button.

24. Define the Tool

In the Part Tool Table, choose the tool used in the previous operation (Ø16 End Mill).

25. Define the Milling levels

Define the Milling levels directly on the solid model.
Use the inclined face for the Upper level definition.
Use the lower face of the step for the Profile depth
definition.

235
 26. Define the Tool side
In the Tool side section of the Technology page,
click the Geometry button to check the tool position
relative to the selected geometry.
The tool has to be located inside the geometry; if it
is not located correctly, change the tool side.
In the Profile Operation dialog box, select the Finish
check box and set the Step down value to 1. With
this value, the step is machined in a single cut.

27. Define the Lead in and the Lead out

On the Link page, choose the Tangent option for Lead in and set the Value to 10. For
Lead out, select the Same as Lead in check box.

28. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon to save the operation parameters and calculate the tool
path.

29. Simulate the operation

Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify mode.

236
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

30. Add a Drilling operation

Add a new Drilling operation to machine holes Ø3 located on the inclined face.

31. Define the Geometry

In the Submachine section, choose the upper
spindle turret - main spindle option.
In the Geometry section, choose Machine
CoordSys #1 Position #2 for the operation.

Click to define the Geometry. The Drill

Geometry Selection dialog box is displayed.

In the Select centers by field, choose the

Multi-positions option. Select the inclined face
as shown. SolidCAM automatically determines
all centers of the holes located on the selected
face.
Confirm the geometry selection by clicking .

32. Define the Tool

Define a new drilling tool Ø3 for the operation.

33. Define the Milling levels

Define the Upper level and the Drill depth directly

on the solid model.
Define the Upper level by clicking on the inclined
face of the model as shown.
Pick the drill cone vertex to define the Drill depth.

237
 34. Define the Drill cycle

In the Technology page, choose the Peck drill cycle for the operation.
In the Drill Options dialog box, set the Step down to 2.

35. Save and Calculate

Click the Save & Calculate icon to save the operation parameters and calculate the tool
path.

36. Simulate the operation

Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify mode.

37. Define the machining of the other side

Repeat Steps #13-36 for the other inclined face of the model.
Use Machine CoordSys #1 Position #3 for the operations.

238
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

38. Add an MCO Operation

Right-click the Operations header in SolidCAM Manager and choose Add Machine
Control from the menu.
The Machine Control Operation dialog box is displayed.
Click the Start Definition entry. Under Properties, select MAC-1 Position #1 for CoordSys.
The CAM-Part is located in the main spindle, therefore choose upper spindle turret -
main spindle for the Submachine.
First, the Turret should retract to a safety position in order to avoid possible collisions
with the back spindle. Drag and drop the upper spindle turret item from the Action on
pane to the Process pane.
Click the Movement item located under the upper spindle turret item and define the
movement properties in the right pane as follows:
• In the Mode cell, choose MA–Machine Coordinate mode ( )
• In the X cell, type in 400
• In the Z cell, type in 250
• In the Feed cell, choose RAPID
Click the Tool Change item located under the upper spindle turret item and define the
tool change properties in the right pane. In the Tool Change row, double-click Next Tool
On Turret. In the list, choose the Select Turning tool option.

The Part Tool Table is displayed with all the tools used for machining the part. Click
to define a new turning tool.
From Composite Tools, choose the Ext. Grooving tool. Define the tool with the following
parameters:
• For the Insert, use the default parameters
• For the Shank, set the Cutting direction to R (Right).
Click the Select button. The tool is defined and prepared for the next operation.
Define one more action for the upper spindle turret. Drag and drop the upper spindle
turret item from the Action on pane to the Process pane.
Select the Movement item located under the upper spindle turret item and define the
movement properties in the right pane as follows:

239
 • In the Mode cell, choose MA ( )
• In the Ry cell, type in 90
• In the Feed cell, choose RAPID
Start a second line of definitions for the Part Coordinate System:
• In the Mode cell, choose PA ( )
• In the X cell, type in 97.5
• In the Z cell, type in -79

The next action you need to perform is to open the jaws of the back spindle chuck.
Drag and drop the back spindle Chuck item from the Action on pane to the Process
pane.
Select the Clamp item to enable the clamp opening.
The second table, back spindle, should be prepared for the operation. Drag and drop the
back spindle item from the Action on pane to the Process pane.
Select the Spindles Synchronization item to enable synchronization with other devices.
Select the Movement item and define the movement properties as follows:
• For the first movement, in the Mode cell, choose MA ( )
• In the Z cell, type in -360
• In the Feed cell, choose RAPID
With the previous movement, the back spindle approaches to the part in order to catch
it. Now the back spindle chucks should be closed.
Define a new action for the back spindle Chuck.
Select the Clamp item and choose the CLOSE option in the Value cell.
At this stage, the part is held both in the main and back spindles.
Click the Save button to save the operation. Click the Exit button to close the Machine
Control Operation dialog box.

240
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

39. Perform cutting off

Add a Cutoff operation to perform parting of the
machined part.
With the MAC-1 Position #1, define the geometry
as shown.

Note the direction of the geometry. In

this operation, the geometry directed
to the model rotation axis should be
used.

Use the External grooving tool defined in the previous operation.

In the Technology page, use the default Long external mode. In the Offset section, set
the Offset Z to -1.
In the Link page, choose the Direct option for the Approach and Retract points.
The point coordinates are the same as defined for the movement in the previous
operation:
• Set X (Dia.) to 195
• Set Z to -79

Click the Save & Calculate icon to save the operation parameters and calculate the tool
path.
Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify mode.

241
At this stage, the part should be machined from the rear side to perform the finishing cut of the
back face.

40. Add an MCO Operation

Right-click the Operations header in SolidCAM Manager and choose Add Machine
Control from the menu.
The Machine Control Operation dialog box is displayed.
Click the Start Definition entry. Under Properties, select MAC-1 Position #1 for CoordSys.
The CAM-Part is located in the main spindle, therefore choose upper spindle turret -
main spindle for the Submachine.
Drag and drop the back spindle item from the Action on pane to the Process pane.
Click the Part Move item located under the back spindle item and define the movement
properties in the right pane as follows:
• In the Mode cell, choose MA ( )
• In the Z cell, type in 0
• In the Feed cell, choose RAPID
Click the Save button to save the operation. Click the Exit button to close the Machine
Control Operation dialog box.

41. Perform back face turning

Add a Turning operation to machine the back face of the model.
In the Submachine section, choose upper spindle turret - back spindle.
With the MAC-2 Position #1, define the geometry
as shown.

Note the direction of the geometry. In

this operation, the geometry directed
to the model rotation axis should be
used.

242
 4. Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Use the tool #1 (Ext. Turning) defined earlier.

In the Tool page, set Tool angle as shown.

In the Technology page, use the Face back mode. In the Semi-finish/finish page, choose
the ISO-Turning method in the Finish section.
Click the Save & Calculate icon to save the operation parameters and calculate the tool
path.
Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify mode.

At this stage, the exercise is finished.

243
244
Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling
on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines 5
SolidCAM enables you to perform Simultaneous 5-Axis machining on Mill-Turn CNC-machines.

For more detailed explanation on the Simultaneous 5-Axis operations, refer to the SolidCAM Sim.
5-Axis Machining User Guide.

246
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Exercise #23: Turbine Blade Machining

This exercise covers the process of CAM-Part and operations

definition for Simultaneous 5-Axis machining of the part on
a Mill-Turn CNC-machine.

1. Load the SolidWorks model

Load the Exercise23.sldprt model located in the Exercises folder.

2. Start the Mill-Turn part definition

Start SolidCAM and confirm the New Mill-Turn Part dialog box.
In the Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box, choose the Mill_Turn_5_
Axis CNC-controller from the list.

3. Define the Coordinate System

Define the Coordinate System as shown using the CoordSys
dialog box.

This Coordinate System will be used for Milling and Turning operations.

247
 4. Define the Stock model
Define the Stock model using the Cylinder option with all of the offsets set to 0.
Set the Facet tolerance value to 0.01.

5. Define the Target model

For further turning geometry definition, you will
need the envelope of the part. To generate the
Envelope sketch during the Target model definition,
make sure the Envelope option is chosen under
Generate Envelope/Section in the Model dialog box.
Set the Facet tolerance value to 0.01. Select the
solid body for the Target model definition.
During the Target model definition, SolidCAM
creates the Envelope sketch in the CAM component
of the CAM-Part assembly.

6. Save the CAM-Part

Confirm the Mill-Turn Part Data dialog box to save the CAM-Part.

Now that the CAM-Part is defined, you have to define the machine setup for machining
visualization during the machine simulation. After that you can set properties in a
number of operations for machining of the part using the Turning and Simultaneous
5-Axis Milling capabilities.

248
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

7. Define the clamping fixture

If the automatic definition of a fixture is enabled in the Automatic CAM-Part definition
section of SolidCAM settings, edit the clamping fixture parameters according to the
following values.
If the automatic definition is disabled, define the clamping fixture as follows.
Use the Chuck (Standard) option.
To specify the Clamping diameter,
pick the edge of the back face of
the model as shown. The value of
80 is displayed in the Clamping
diameter edit box.
To define the Axial position, pick
the same model edge. The value
of -165 is displayed in the Axial
position edit box. Change this
value to -157.5 to make the fixture hold the part’s end by 7.5 mm.

Define the dimensions of the chuck as follows:

• Set the Jaw width (JW) and the Jaw height (JH) values to 36.
• Set the Step width (SW) and the Step height (SH) values to 12.
The clamping fixture is defined.

8. Define the Machine Setup

Define the Machine setup position using the clamping fixture defined in the previous
step.
Set the model shift along the Z-axis. Choose the defined clamping fixture as a fixture and
set the Z shift to 220.

249
 9. Perform external turning
At this stage, you need to perform external turning of
the part.
To define the geometry for this operation, first prepare
a sketch on the ZX-plane of the Coordinate System.
In the FeatureManager Design Tree, expand the CAM
component. Right-click the Plane_HomeZX1 item and
select the Sketch icon in the menu.
Draw a horizontal line at the distance of 30 mm from the
part centerline as shown.

30

Add a Turning operation. Using the sketched line and the vertical fragment of the
Envelope sketch, define the geometry for the operation. Set the Start and the End
extension values to 2.

250
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Add an External Rough tool and set the lengths of the cutting edges D1 and D2 to 5.
Define the tool mounting. Click the Mounting button in the Part Tool Table dialog box.

The Mounting dialog box is displayed.

Mounting of turning tools on turrets of the Spindle type is defined by two

major parameters: the orientation of the tool’s cutting insert face (front
or back ) and the default tool direction vector defined in the
Machine ID file.

Use the default tool orientation defined in the Mounting dialog box.
For correct mounting of the tool, you need to specify the Tool tip position parameters.

Tool tip position

Turret
This option enables you to define
the tool tip position relative to Station
the station Coordinate System for CoordSys
Machine Simulation.
Z

X
X

251
 Set the Z value to -13 and the X value to -90.
Click the Select button to confirm the tool definition.
In the Tool page, set the Tool angle as shown.

On the Technology page of the Turning

Operation dialog box, make sure that Mode

is set to Long external ( ) to perform

external longitudinal turning.

Save and calculate the operation. Simulate
it in the SolidVerify mode.

10. Define a 5-Axis operation

At this stage, you need to define a Sim. 5-Axis operation to perform rough machining
of the turbine blade.
Right-click the Turning operation entry in the SolidCAM Manager tree and choose the
Sim. 5-Axis Milling item from the Add Milling Operation submenu.
The Parallel cuts dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to define the
parameters of various strategies in the simultaneous 5-axis machining.

252
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Use the default Parallel cuts strategy to perform a 5-axis operation.

Parallel cuts

This strategy creates tool path cuts parallel to each other. It offers you two
ways the tool path cuts can be performed:
• Linear
Around axis
When this option is chosen,
the tool path cuts are
generated in the Linear
manner, and the axis chosen
from the Around axis list α
is normal to the plane of
machining.

253
 • Constant Around axis
When this option is chosen,
the tool path cuts are
generated in the Constant
Z manner around the axis
chosen from the Around
axis list.

11. Define the geometry

Switch to the Geometry page to define the geometry for machining.

Under Work type, select the Constant option and choose Z-Axis from the Around axis
list.
Now you have to define the geometry by selecting the Drive surface – the model faces
that will be machined in this operation.

Under Geometry, click in the Drive surface section. The Select Faces dialog box is
displayed. This dialog box enables you to define the geometry by selecting the model
faces.
Select the model faces as shown.

Define the Drive surface offset.

254
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

The Drive surface offset parameter

enables you to define a machining
allowance for the drive surface.
The machining is performed at the
specified distance from the drive
surface.
The offset is three-dimensional Drive Surface
offset
and expands the faces in every
direction.

Set the Drive surface offset value to 0.2.

In the Area section, make sure that the Full, avoid cuts at exact edges option is chosen.
This option enables you to generate the tool path on the whole drive surface avoiding
the drive surface edges. With this option, the minimal distance between the edge and the
tool path is equal to half of the Max. Step over value.
The geometry parameters are defined.

12. Define the tool

Switch to the Tool page to define the tool for the operation.
Add a Bull Nose Mill tool. Edit the tool parameters as follows:
• Set the Diameter to 16
• Set the Corner radius to 4
• Set the Total length to 90
• Set the Outside
holder length to 80
• Set the Shoulder
length to 70
• Set the Cutting length
to 60

255
 Use the BT40 ER32x60 tool holder.

13. Define the machining levels

Switch to the Levels page to define the machining levels for the operation.
Under Clearance area, choose the Cylinder option from the Type list.

The Clearance area is the area where the tool movements can be performed
with the rapid feed safely without contacting the material.
The Cylinder option enables you
Radius
to define the Clearance area as
a cylindrical surface enclosing
the Drive surface. The tool
performs a retract movement
to the Clearance cylinder, and
then a rapid movement along the
cylinder surface.
The Radius parameter enables
you to specify the cylinder radius.
The Parallel to X, Parallel to Y and
Parallel to Z options enable you
to define the cylinder axes only
parallel to one of the Coordinate
System axes (X, Y or Z).

256
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Set the Radius value to 40 and make sure that the Parallel to Z option is chosen.

14. Define the tool path parameters

Switch to the Tool path parameters page.

In the Step over section, set the Maximum step over Max. Step over
value to 5. This parameter defines the maximum distance
between two consecutive cuts.
Switch to the Sorting tab. Choose Spiral for Cutting
method.

When the Spiral option is chosen,

SolidCAM generates a spiral tool path
around the drive surface according to
the chosen pattern.
The spiral pitch is defined by the Max. Step over
Step over parameter.

Click the Advanced check box to open the Modify tab.

Switch to the Modify page. Under Surface edge merge distance, choose As value and
set the value to 0.5.

257
 Surface edge merge distance

SolidCAM generates first tool paths for individual surfaces. Then they
are merged together to form the complete tool path. The decision about
merging is based on the Surface edge merge distance parameter. If
all surface paths on a tool path slice are merged, SolidCAM checks if
a closed surface path can be built by connecting the start to the end.
The Surface edge merge distance parameter can be defined either as a
numeric value (the As value option) or as a percentage of the tool diameter
(the % of tool diameter option). In both cases, this limit value must be
greater than or equal to the Cut tolerance value.

15. Define the tool tilting parameters

Switch to the Tool axis control page to define the parameters related to the tilting of the
tool during the machining.
In the Tool axis direction section, make sure that the Tilted relative to cutting direction
option is chosen. Under Angles, set the Lag angle to cutting direction value to 20 and the
Tilt angle at side of cutting direction value to 5.

258
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Tilted relative to cutting direction

This option enables you to define the tool tilting relative to the cutting
direction. The Lag angle to cutting direction parameter enables you to
define the tool tilting in the direction of the cutting pass. This parameter is
measured relative to surface normal.
Lag angle to
cutting direction

The Tilt angle at side of cutting direction parameter enables you to define
the tool inclination in the direction determined by Side tilting options. The
Tilt angle at side of cutting direction parameter is measured relative to
surface normal.
Tilt angle at side
of cutting direction

Under Side tilt definition, choose the Follow surface ISO

Lines direction option.

259
 Follow surface ISO lines direction

The direction of the side tilting is chosen according to the direction

of the U- and V-vectors of the drive surface.
Tilt angle
at side of
cutting direction

Tilt angle
at side of
cutting direction

V
U

Switch to the Advanced tab. Under Tool contact point, choose At Front.

260
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

The Tool contact point section enables you to define the point on the tool
surface that contacts with the drive surfaces during the machining.
When the At front option is
chosen, the tool contact point is
located in the beginning of the Front
tool corner radius (for bull nosed Move direction
tools) in the direction of the tool
movement. All changes to tool
orientation are performed around
the contact point and may cause
gouges. It is recommended to use
the Gouge checking options to
Tool Front
avoid possible gouges.

16. Define the tool path linking

Switch to the Link page to define the linking of the tool path.
In the Approach/Retract tab, choose the Use Lead-In option from the list in the First
entry section and the Use Lead-Out option from the list in the Last exit section.

The First entry section enables you to define the first approach of the tool
to the cutting area. The Last exit section enables you to define the last
retreat of the tool from the cutting area after the machining. SolidCAM
enables you to use pre-defined Lead In/Lead Out strategies to perform the
movements between cutting levels.

261
 • Use Lead-In

The approach movement is performed to the cutting level using the

specified Lead-In options.

• Use Lead-Out

The approach movement is performed from the cutting level using the
specified Lead-Out options.

Define the Lead-in and Lead-out strategies. Click in the First entry section.
The Lead-In dialog box is displayed. This dialog
box enables you to define the strategy of approach
movement.
Make sure that the Use default Lead-In check box
is selected. The default Lead-in strategy will be
used for approach movement. You can change this
strategy on the Default Lead In/Out page of the
5-Axis operation dialog box.
Confirm the dialog box by clicking OK.
Click in the Last exit section.
The Lead-Out dialog box is displayed. This dialog
box enables you to define the strategy of retreat movement.
Clear the Use default Lead-Out check box. The Lead-out parameters can be edited.
For Type, choose Vertical tangential arc.

Vertical tangential arc

SolidCAM performs the approach/

retreat movement with an arc
tangential to the drive surface located
in the plane of the tool axis. Note that
when the side tilting options are used,
the plane of vertical tangential arc is
not changed.

262
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

For Tool axis orientation, choose Variable. When this

option is chosen, the tool axis orientation continuously
changes during the approach/retreat movement. This
option enables you to avoid marks on the part surface
caused by the tool rotation at the start/end point of the
cutting pass.
In the Use the section, make sure that Arc sweep/Arc
diameter option is chosen. Set the Arc diameter/Tool
diameter % value to 300.

Arc sweep/Arc diameter

SolidCAM enables you to specify the diameter of the approach/retreat

arc using the percentage of the Arc diameter to the Tool diameter. For
example, when a tool with the diameter of 10 mm is used and the percentage
parameter is set to 200%, the resulting approach/retreat arc diameter is 20
mm.
The Arc sweep parameter enables you to define the angle of the approach/
retreat arc segment.

Arc diameter

Set the Height value to 20.

Height

This parameter enables you to

define the incremental height of the
first point of the approach/retreat
movement. When the approach
movement is performed with a line,
the Height parameter enables you
to perform inclined ramp approach.
When the approach movement is Height
performed with an arc, the Height
parameter enables you to perform a
helical approach.

263
 Confirm the dialog box by clicking OK.

17. Define the gouge checking parameters

Switch to the Gouge check page. It contains four tabs in which you can define four
different sets of gouge checking parameters. In each set you have to choose components
of the tool holding system and model faces to check for possible collisions between
them. You also have to define the strategy to avoid the possible collisions.

264
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

In the Gouge 1 tab, select the Enable

check box. In the Tool section, select all
of the check boxes corresponding to
the components of the tool.
In the Geometry section, clear the Check
surfaces check box. In this set, the
collisions between the drive surfaces
and the tool will be checked.

Switch to the Gouge 2 tab and select the Enable check box. In the Tool section, select all
of the check boxes corresponding to the components of the tool.
In the Geometry section, clear the Drive surfaces
check box. In this set, the collisions between the
check surfaces and the tool will be checked. To
define the check surfaces, click and select the
model face as shown.
Set the Stock to leave value to 0.2. This parameter
enables you to define the allowance for the check
surfaces, i.e. the distance the tool will keep from the
check surface.
Under Strategy, choose Trim and
relink toolpath. When this strategy is
used, SolidCAM trims the segments
of the tool path where the collisions
are detected. The tool path updated by
trimming will not contain gouges. Use
the default Trim collisions only option.
With this option, only the colliding
segments of the tool path are trimmed
out.
Switch to the Clearance data page. In the Clearance section,
set the Arbor value to 0.2 and the Tool shaft value to 0.

265
 SolidCAM considers the tool holder, the arbor and the tool shaft to have a
cylindrical shape. The Arbor clearance parameter defines the offset applied
to the arbor cylinder from all sides. The Holder clearance parameter defines
the offset applied to the tool holder cylinder from all sides. The Tool Shaft
clearance parameter defines the offset applied to the tool shaft cylinder
from all sides.
Holder

Arbor

Tool shaft

Holder
Arbor
clearance
clearance Tool shaft
clearance

266
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

18. Define the machine control parameters

Switch to the Machine control page. In the Regular tab, use default settings for Angle
pairs. The Rotation angle value is set to 30 to be within the range of minimal and
maximal tilt axis.

Switch to the Advanced tab. In the Move list writer section, choose the Limit between
-180 and +180 deg option for both First and Second rotation axis angle limit
parameters. With this option, the angle coordinates in the output tool path are limited by
the range from -180° to 180°.
In the Point interpolation section, set the Interpolation angle step value to 3. Using this
parameter, SolidCAM enables you to interpolate the angular movements. A new
interpolated tool axis position is defined at each angle defined by the Interpolation angle
step parameter.

267
 19. Save, calculate and simulate the operation
Save and calculate the operation.
Perform the simulation in the Machine simulation mode. This mode enables you to
perform the machining simulation and tool path verification using the kinematics of the
CNC-machine.

Play the simulation by clicking the Play button.

20. Define a 5-Axis operation

Now you need to define an additional Sim. 5-Axis operation to perform machining of
the area close to the blade base.
Right-click the last Sim. 5-Axis operation in the SolidCAM Manager tree and choose
Copy from the menu or press Ctrl + C on your keyboard.. Right-click this operation again
and choose Paste or press Ctrl + V on your keyboad.. The copied operation is pasted after
the previous one. You need to edit several parameters of this operation.

21. Define the geometry

Switch to the Geometry page to define the geometry for machining. In the Area section,
choose the Limit cuts by one or two points option from the Type list. This option enables
you to limit the tool path by one or two points.

268
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

Click the Points button to define the limiting points using the Limit Cuts Between
2 Points dialog box. This dialog box enables you to enter the coordinates of the limiting
points or define them directly by clicking on the solid model.

To define the first point, click the Data button in the Limit Cuts Between 2 Points dialog
box. The Select First Limit Point dialog box is displayed.
Select the first point on the model as shown. The coordinates of the selected point are
displayed in the Select First Limit Point dialog box.

Define the second point as shown.

22. Define the tool

Add a Bull Nose Mill tool. Edit the tool parameters as follows:
• Set the Diameter to 8
• Set the Corner Radius to 2
• Set the Total length to 60
• Set the Outside holder length to 50
• Set the Shoulder length to 40
• Set the Cutting length to 30

269
 Use the BT40 ER16x70 tool holder.

23. Define the tool tilting parameters

Switch to the Tool axis control page to define the parameters related to the tilting of the
tool during the machining.
In the Angles section, set the Tilt angle at side of cutting direction value to 10.
Tilt angle at side
of cutting direction
Tilt angle at side
of cutting direction

Under Side tilt definition, choose the Orthogonal to cut direction at each position option.

270
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

When this option is chosen, the plane of the side tilting is orthogonal to the tool path
direction for each cutting position.

24. Save, calculate and simulate the operation

Save and calculate the operation. Perform
the simulation in the Machine simulation
mode. Play the simulation by clicking the
Play button.

25. Define a Sim. 5-Axis operation

Define an additional Sim. 5-Axis operation to perform

finishing of the blade.
In the Technology section, choose the Parallel to surface
option from the list.

271
 Parallel to surface

This option enables you to generate the tool path on the drive surface
parallel to the specified check surface.
The Edge surface section enables you to define the check surface geometry
for the tool path generation.

Drive
surface

Edge
surface

The drive and check surfaces have to be adjacent, i.e. they must have a
common edge.
Depending on the defined Tool tilting, it is recommended to
activate the gouge checking to make sure that the check
surface will not be gouged.

26. Define the geometry

Switch to the Geometry page to define the

geometry for machining.
In the Drive surface section, choose the
faces geometry defined in the previous
operations.
In the Edge surface section, click to
define the check surface geometry. Select
the model faces as shown.

272
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

27. Define the tool

Add a Ball Nose Mill tool. Edit the tool parameters as follows:
• Set the Diameter to 8
• Set the Total length to 60
• Set the Outside holder length to 50
• Set the Shoulder length to 40
• Set the Cutting length to 30
Use the BT40 ER16x70 tool holder.

28. Define the machining levels

Switch to the Levels page and define the machining levels in the same manner as
explained in Step #13: choose the Cylinder type and set the Radius to 40. Make sure that
the Parallel to Z option is chosen.

29. Define the tool path parameters

Switch to the Tool path parameters page.
In the Sorting tab, choose Spiral for Cutting method.
In the Modify tab, under Surface edge merge distance, choose As value and set the value
to 0.5.

30. Define the tool tilting parameters

Switch to the Tool axis control page to define the parameters related to the tilting of the
tool during the machining.
In the Tool axis direction section, make sure that the Tilted relative to cutting direction
option is chosen. Set the Lag angle to cutting direction value to 20 and the Tilt angle at
side of cutting direction value to 10.
Under Side tilt definition, choose the Follow surface ISO lines direction option.

273
 31. Define the tool path linking
Switch to the Link page to define the linking of the tool path.
For First entry, choose the Use Lead-In option from the list. Choose the Reverse
tangential arc strategy for approach movement.

Reverse tangential arc

The approach/retreat movement is

performed with an arc tangential to
the drive surface, like the Tangential
arc option, but with the direction of
the approach/retreat arc reversed. The
approach/retreat arc is generated in
the plane orthogonal to the tool axis.

For Last exit, choose the Use Lead-Out option from the list. Choose the Tangential line
strategy for retreat movement.

Tangential line

SolidCAM performs the approach/

retreat movement with a line tangential
to the cutting pass.

32. Define the gouge checking parameters

Switch to the Gouge check page and define the parameters in the same manner as
explained in Step #17.

33. Define the machine control parameters

Switch to the Machine control page and define the parameters in the same manner as
explained in Step #18.

274
 5. Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling on Mill-Turn CNC-Machines

34. Save, calculate and simulate the operation

Save and calculate the operation. Perform the simulation in the Machine simulation
mode. Play the simulation by clicking the Play button.

At this stage, the exercise is completed.

Congratulations!
You have successfully finished the SolidCAM 2015 Turning and Mill-Turn Training Course.

275
 SolidCAM Training Course:
Turning & Mill-Turn

iMachining 2D 2.5D Milling HSS (High-Speed Surface Machining)

iMachining 3D Indexed Multi-Sided Machining HSM (High-Speed Machining)

Simultaneous -5Axis Machining Turning & Advanced Mill-Turn Solid Probe

www.youtube.com/SolidCAMProfessor www.facebook.com/SolidCAM
www.youtube.com/SolidCAMiMachining

www.solidcam.com