Keeping the CAD file, CAM file and G-code file all current can be challenging and time consuming. If any changes or revisions are made to the part after the initial programming, the separate CAM file has to be updated or sometimes completely re-programmed. Because of the time required to “clean up” the part file when transferring it from a CAD system to a CAM system, programmers will often end up creating the part from scratch in the CAM system instead. Sometimes the version of the CAD file is not the same as the version that the CAM system is expecting to see, which also leads to translation errors. There are often translation errors or missing data when pulling your part model into a separate CAM system. With stand-alone CAM systems, the CAD files require translation into the CAM system. One of the largest benefits you will see when using SOLIDWORKS CAM is the time savings realized when using a system that is fully integrated with your CAD software. What are the Benefits to Using SOLIDWORKS CAM? You can find these under the SOLIDWORKS CAM Help Menu and Tutorials. Once you have activated your SOLIDWORKS CAM, there are several Tutorials to help walk you through using it.
#CAMWORKS 5 AXIS SOFTWARE#
To activate it, go to the Add-Ins menu in your SOLIDWORKS software and select SOLIDWORKS CAM in the SOLIDWORKS Add-Ins options. If you are using SOLIDWORKS Version 2018 or later and are currently on subscription, you already have SOLIDWORKS CAM. SOLIDWORKS selected CAMWorks to power its SOLIDWORKS CAM software. SOLIDWORKS CAM is available to SOLIDWORKS customers at no additional cost, with SOLIDWORKS Version 2018 and later, on subscription. ModuleWorks 5-Axis and Simulation software has been used in the manufacture of complex parts for over a decade and they have many users in the global CAD/CAM industry.SOLIDWORKS CAM is a great way for SOLIDWORKS users to utilize CAM programming technologies for their manufacturing needs. ModuleWorks’ expertise in 5-Axis Machining and Simulation is recognized throughout the CAM industry and its software components and development services are used by the majority of the leading CAM vendors. ModuleWorks is a software component provider for the CAD/CAM industry.
#CAMWORKS 5 AXIS LICENSE#
This feature is available to ModuleWorks’ partners who license the main 5-Axis component or the MultiBlade application This was a really neat toolpath to watch run on the machine. The video example below shows how the barrel cutter can be used with the Swarf finishing of an impeller blade. The ModuleWorks 5-Axis component allows barrel mill tools to be used with all of the existing machining strategies. Larger step over values can be used and this results in shorter machining times. The effective radius of engagement is larger than a standard cutter form and this will result in smaller cusps between passes leading to better surface finish. Their unique geometry form has a number of benefits in the machining process. Recent testing has shown the benefits of this as part of the main 5-Axis component and also in the MultiBlade application.īarrel mill cutters are not new but they have not been commonly used in 5-Axis applications until recently. Our development team has been working hard to add support for barrel mill cutters to our 5-Axis machining strategies.