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What's New in CAMWorks 2014
Contents (Click a link below or use the bookmarks)
What’s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 1.0
Option to convert 3 Axis Finishing Toolpath to 5 Axis Toolpath
Dynamic Tool Preview in Machine Node
Override 4th Axis Angle in Mill-Turn Setups
Selecting Point to Point Tools for ID Features in TechDB using expressions or constants
64-bit Microsoft Access Support for TechDB
Introduction of TechDBForms_basic.mde (32-bit) for accessing TechDB
Introduction of new Sample Mill Machine for 5 Axis Machining
Automatic Selection of Proper Tools for Machining Mill Features
Post Variable ‘DSPINDLE’ now available for Mill operations in Mill-Turn
What’s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 0.1
CAMWorks Virtual Machine
New APIs
What’s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 0.0
General
Mill
Turn
CAMWorks Licensing
Geometric Americas Inc. makes no warranties, either expressed or implied with respect to this document. Geometric reserves the right to revise and improve products as it sees fit, and to revise the specifications and information contained herein without prior notice. Due to continuing product development, specifications and capabilities described in this
New – Option to convert 3 Axis Finishing Toolpath to 5 Axis Toolpath
Purpose:
‘Convert to 5 Axis’ is an option for Holder Avoidance and is available for 3
Axis Finishing operations. It enables the tilting of cutting tool to avoid the
collision of holder with the feature being machined and avoid areas if defined
in the operation.
Implementation:
The ‘Convert to 5 Axis’ option is available in the Holder Avoidance group box
of the Advanced tab in the Operation Parameters dialog box for all 3 Axis
finishing operations. This option is enabled only if the ‘Enable Holder
Avoidance’ option is checked.
- Avoid allowance is supported in ‘Convert to 5 Axis’ for all Avoid features
and clamping fixtures.
- In the event that the Tool/Holder cannot be tilted to avoid a collision,
the areas of the toolpath resulting in collision will be deleted.
Note:
Tools supported – Only Ball End Mill tools are supported.
CAMWorks License Module required – The CAMWorks license module
‘5X Mill’ is required to execute the ‘Convert to 5 Axis’ option.
5 Axis post – The post processor should have the ability to post
process 5 Axis toolpaths.
Conversion of Arc Moves to Line moves – As CAMWorks 5 Axis
Machining doesn’t support arc moves, all arc moves will be converted to
line moves.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
3
New – Dynamic Preview of tool in Machine node
Purpose:
Provides a dynamic preview of the selected tool on the tool crib
of the machine node. The 3D model view of the tool in the
Preview window enables visual identification of the tool.
Implementation:
From CAMWorks 2014 SP1 onwards, a Preview window is
displayed when a tool is selected in the Tool Crib tab of the
Machine node dialog box. This Preview window contains the
dynamic 3D model view of the tool. The Tool Station number and
Tool Comment are displayed in the Preview Window. The ‘Show
tool dimensions’ option in the Preview window, when checked,
displays the Tool dimensions. When unchecked, it displays the
Tool Parameters. Users can zoom/pan/rotate this tool model to
the desired orientation.
- Use the scroll button of the mouse to zoom in/out the tool
view.
- Use the left mouse button to rotate the tool view.
- Use the right mouse button to pan the tool view.
- Double click within the Preview Window to reset the tool
view to default orientation.
Note:
If multiple tools are selected in the Tool crib tab, then the
Preview Window will display the 3D model of the first tool that
was selected.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
4
New – Override 4th Axis Angle in Mill-Turn Setups
Purpose:
In Mill-Turn machining mode, allow the user to override the 4th
axis prepositioning angle on the Part Setup. Provide the axis tab
to override the specified angle.
Implementation:
The ‘Axis’ tab for Mill-Turn machine mode is now introduced in the
Part Setup Parameters dialog box. Under circumstances where the
part has to be indexed in order to machine the features on the
face, this parameter will be used.
The ‘Axis’ tab of the Part Setup Parameters dialog box allows you
to define the X axis machining direction related to the SolidWorks
X axis.
Example: The Solid part having 4 slot features on the face.
After modifying the X axis machining direction, the toolpath will be
regenerated before post processing. The post processed output
will ensure that the part is properly oriented to machine the
desired features.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
5
New – Selecting Point to Point Tools for ID Features using expressions or constants
Purpose:
In TechDB, this functionality will provide the ability to select point-to-point
tools for ID features in Turn module using expressions or constants (which
are available in TechDB for Mill operations).
Implementation:
In TechDB, while defining tools for mill operations, the user can make use of
the expressions. Users can specify a range for selecting the tool. The
parameters for expressions include the width of the pocket, diameter of the
hole, the bottom radius and the side fillet. This functionality was not present
for the features of Turn module.
From CAMWorks 2014 SP1 onwards, the functionality to select tools by using
expressions or constants is extended to mill tools used for point-to-point operations (Drill, Center Drill, Tap) in Turn module. The Tool Selection and
Machining Depth Form for Turn module in TechDB has been updated
accordingly. There will now be three methods available to select a tool in
Turn module viz.
1. Use expression option will be active only selecting point-to-point tools for
ID features. 2. Use constant option will be active only selecting point-to-point tools for
ID features. 3. Use tool option will be the default option and will be active for all tool
types.
Note:
For an imported TechDB, the default option in the Tool Selection and
Machining Depth Form will be Use tool and the earlier selected tool will be
retained, thus maintaining sync of the TechDB.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
6
New – 64-bit Microsoft Access Support for Technology Database (TechDB)
Purpose:
Up to the CAMWorks 2014 SP0 version, TechDB was supported only on 32-bit
Microsoft Access. From CAMWorks 2014 SP1 version, TechDB will now also
be supported on 64-bit Microsoft Access. CAMWorks users who have 64-bit
Microsoft access installed on their systems can now choose to run TechDB in
64-bit mode, if desired.
Implementation:
Default TechDB mode on installing CAMWorks
When CAMWorks is installed, it will detect for the presence of Microsoft
Access on the system.
- If Microsoft Access is not detected on the system, CAMWorks will install
a 32 bit Runtime version of Microsoft Access 2007. This is done
irrespective of the Operating System of the computer. TechDB will
function only in 32-bit mode.
- On computers having 32-bit operating systems, TechDB will function
only in 32-bit mode.
- On computers having 64-bit operating systems, if only 64-bit version of
Microsoft Access is detected, then TechDB will function in 64-bit mode
by default.
- On computers having 64-bit operating systems, if both 32-bit and 64-bit
versions of Microsoft Access are present, TechDB will be run in 32-bit
mode by default.
Steps to activate TechDB in 64-bit mode
Though TechDB runs in 32-bit mode by default on 64-bit systems, if
required, users can switch TechDB to 64-bit mode. This switch can be done
by changing TechDB-related settings in the CAMWorks Options dialog box.
Following are the steps:
1. Within SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids, click on the CAMWorks menu and select Options.
2. The Options dialog box will be displayed. Click on the File Locations tab.
3. In the TechDB forms dropdown list:
Select TechDBForms.mde (32bit) to run TechDB in 32-bit mode.
Select TechDBFormsx64.mde (64bit) to run TechDB in 64-bit mode.
4. Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialog box.
5. Restart SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids.
Note:
- On 64-bit system, 64-bit version Microsoft Access 2010 SP1.0 or a later service packs and 2013 are supported.
- There will be no need to import the data again when toggling is done
between 32-bit and 64-bit TechDBs. The data is saved in the TechDB.mdb file which is independent of the Operating System.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
7
New – Introduction of TechDBForms_basic.mde (32-bit) for accessing TechDB
Purpose:
Due to some updates from Microsoft, the TechDBforms.mde may run into
errors. To overcome these errors, an alternative User Interface file needs to
be provided in order to run TechDB in 32-bit mode on such machines. This
method will be useful till Geometric develops measures to overcome the
error caused by Microsoft updates.
Implementation:
In previous versions of CAMWorks, it has been observed that some of the
Microsoft updates can cause issues while using TechDB in 32-bit mode. Error
messages encountered in such cases are shown below:
or
This happens because TechDB User Interface file (TechDBForms.mde)
depends on availability of a certain Microsoft components like CComCtl32.dll.
Microsoft updates may cause these Microsoft components to get deleted or
unregistered, thus leading to issues in using TechDB in 32-bit mode.
If the user encounters such an issue while accessing TechDB in 32-bit mode,
then it is recommended that the user switches to using the TechDBForms_basic.mde file for accessing TechDB. This file does not use any
such Microsoft components and hence, the above-mentioned issues will not
be observed.
Steps to assign TechDBForms_basic.mde as the default method:
The TechDBForms_basic.mde file can be set as the default User Interface file
while accessing TechDB. Following are the steps:
1. Within SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids, click on the CAMWorks menu and select Options.
2. The Options dialog box will be displayed. Click on the File Locations tab.
3. In the TechDB forms dropdown list, select TechDBForms_basic.mde (32bit)
to run TechDB in 32-bit mode.
4. Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialog box.
5. Restart SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids.
Note:
The TechDBForms_basic.mde can also be accessed from the Windows Start menu. Select All Programs>>CAMWorks2014>>Technology Database
>>Technology Database Basic from the Windows Start menu. Selecting Technology Database Basic opens the TechDBForms_basic.mde file.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
8
Updated – Introduction of new Sample Mill Machine for 5 Axis Machining
Purpose:
Sample Mill Machines are available in the Technology Database for 2.5 Axis
Machining, 3 Axis Machining and 4 Axis Machining. There is no sample Mill
Machine available for 5 Axis Machining. Hence, a new sample machine for 5
Axis Mill Machining has been introduced.
Implementation:
In previous versions of CAMWorks, the sample Mill Machines available in
CAMWorks are:
Mill – metric / Mill – inch: For 2.5 Axis and 3 Axis Machining
components, tools, tool holders, stock, and the finished part can all be
monitored for interference and the system can stop automatically or
report any collision or interference.
Error Message Window and Reporting - Makes it easier to find and
correct errors in the G-code program. The simple link between message
window and G-code editor helps user to identify the part of the G-code
which would have caused the interference.
Full Canned Cycle Support - Milling and turning canned cycles are
fully supported and simulated directly from the actual G-code used for
CNC machining.
Custom Machines – Custom machines for any of the CAMWorks
modules (except Wire EDM) can be developed as per requirements.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
12
Updated – APIs
Purpose: New CAMWorks APIs added for CAMWorks 2014.
Implementation:
1. GetLicenseDetails: This API will fetch license details like CPD No.,
expiry Date, License borrowing status, License type (node-locked/
floating/ dongle licensing).
2. GetLastModifiedHistory: This API will fetch info of last modified
history of mill or turn part in .csv and .txt files.
3. GetController2: This API will get name and status of check/uncheck
APT type of controller file selected for machine.
4. SetController2: This API will set the user specified controller and
check/uncheck status of is APT type to the machine.
5. DeleteOperationByName: This API will delete an operation by name
from Operation tree.
6. GenerateAccessSetupSheet: This API will generate setup sheet in
Access format.
7. SetComment: This API will set user-specified string as comment in the
CAMWorks Configuration Manager.
8. GetComment: This API will fetch the comment from the CAMWorks
Configuration Manager.
9. DefineTurnWorkpieceAsBarStock2: This API will define the Turn
Workpiece as bar stock with user specified values.
10. SetMillSetUpOrigin: This API will set setup the Origin in Origin tab of
Mill Part Setup using user-specified values in the API.
11. SetMillSetUpAxis: This API will set setup Axis in axis tab of mill part
setup from user specified values in API.
12. GetFixtureCount: This API is related to VeriCut. It will return the
number of Fixtures supported for Operation Setup.
13. GetTechDBId: This API will give TechDB ID of the Tool Station used for
the operation.
14. GetCategory: This API will fetch the information whether the operation
was generated using the Generate Operation Plan command or
interactively inserted in the Operation tree.
15. SetOverrideFeatureExtents: This API will set the check\uncheck
status of Override Feature Extents option for the Turn Operation.
16. GetOverrideFeatureExtents: This API will fetch the check\uncheck
status of Override Feature Extents option for the Turn operation.
17. SetOverrideFeatureExtentsTypes: This API will set the Override
Feature Extents option to operation with user-specified information like
Start and End turn extent type, flag option to set/unset apply Start and
End extent to feature.
18. GetOverrideFeatureExtentsTypes: This API will fetch the Override
Feature Extents information like Start and End turn extent type and
check /uncheck status of Start & End extent reverse for the Turn
operation.
19. SetCannedCycleOutput: This API will set check/uncheck status of
Canned Cycle Output option for the Turn operation.
20. GetCannedCycleOutput: This API will fetch the check/uncheck status
of Canned Cycle output option for the Turn operation.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
13
Implementation:
21. SetCannedCycleStartPoint: This API will set the canned cycle start
point in conjunction with the canned cycle method provided in the API
enum CWTurnCannedCycleMethod_e.
22. GetCannedCycleStartPoint: This API will fetch information on the
canned cycle start points and selected canned cycle method.
23. ExternalCorner: This set of APIs will fetch or assign the External corner
type provided with enum CWExternalCornerType_e for Finish Mill
Operation.
24. InternalCorner: This set of APIs will fetch or assign the internal corner
type provided with enum CWExternalCornerType_e for Finish Mill
Operation.
25. GetCategory: This API will fetch info whether the feature was
generated using the Extract Machinable Features (EMF) command or
interactively inserted into the Feature tree.
26. IGetAllAttributes; GetTdbIdForAttribute: These APIs will return the
Attributes list of Mill Features and the TechDB ID for a given attribute
string for the Mill Features.
27. IGetAllAttributes2: This API will return the Attributes list for Multi Step
Feature attributes.
28. SelectFaces: This API will select faces for Multi-surface feature.
29. CreateSTLOfWIPs2: This API will create STL format files of Work-in-
process (WIPs) models using given info like units, reference coordinate
system with given quality types ("Coarse / Fine").
30. SetSTLPathForRestMachining: This API will set STL file path of Rest
Machining for 3 and 5 axis Mill operations.
31. GetAllConfigurations: This API will fetch all configurations list from
Configuration Manager for part.
32. DeleteConfiguration: This API will delete the configuration from
Configuration Manager for the part.
33. AddNewConfiguration: This API will add new configuration from
Configuration Manager for the part.
34. AddCopyConfiguration: This API will create copy of given
configuration and add it as new configuration to Configuration Manager
list for the part.
35. GetActiveConfiguration: This API will fetch the active configuration
from the Configuration Manager for the part.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
14
What’s New in CAMWorks 2014 SP 0.0
General Supported Platforms
Supported Platforms for 32-bit
Solid Modeler The 32-bit version of SolidWorks 2013, SolidWorks 2014 and CAMWorks
Solids 2013.
Operating
System 32-bit version of Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
[*Home Editions are not supported]
Supported Platforms for 64-bit
Solid Modeler The 64-bit version of SolidWorks 2013, SolidWorks 2014 and CAMWorks
Solids 2013.
Operating
System 64-bit version of Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
[*Home Editions are not supported]
Improved – Stock Manager now available in Property Manager UI
Purpose: The controls within the Stock Manager will now be available in the
CAMWorks Property Manager User Interface.
Implementation:
CAMWorks has three Stock Managers:
Mill Stock Manager and EDM Stock Manager in part mode
Turn Stock Manager and Mill/Turn Stock Manager in part mode
Mill Stock Manager in Assembly Mode.
In the previous versions of CAMWorks, the controls within the above-
mentioned Stock Managers were available in the form of a Manage stock
dialog.
From CAMWorks 2014 onwards, the controls with these Stock Managers will
be available within the CAMWorks Property Manager User Interface. This
change will facilitate easier navigation and concurrent view of the part model
in the graphics area.
Improved – Change in location of the ‘Edit Definition’ command on the context menu
Purpose: Uniformity in the location of the ‘Edit Definition’ command in the RMB context
menu
Implementation:
The ‘Edit Definition’ command is now the first command listed in the RMB
context menu when you right-click on the Stock Manager, Machine item,
operation, feature or Part setup.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
15
Improved – Change in name of the Example Machines
Purpose: The default example machines provided with CAMWorks have been renamed
from ‘Machine name’ to ‘Machine[<Machine name>]’.
Implementation:
Examples:
‘Mill-in’ renamed to ‘Machine[Mill - inch]’.
‘Mill-in 4ax’ renamed to ‘Machine[Mill 4 axis - inch]’.
‘Wire EDM Mode-inch’ renamed to ‘Machine[Wire EDM - inch]’.
‘Mill-mm’ renamed to ‘Machine[Mill - metric]’.
‘Mill-mm 4ax’ renamed to ‘Machine[Mill 4 axis - metric]’.
Improved – Access to CAMWorks Tutorials
Purpose: Facilitates easier access to CAMWorks Tutorials while CAMWorks is running
within the SolidWorks/ CAMWorks Solids application.
Implementation:
The CAMWorks Tutorials can be accessed from the Start Menu of the Windows taskbar by selecting Start>>Programs>>CAMworks2014>>Manuals.
From CAMWorks 2014 onwards, these CAMWorks Tutorials can also be
accessed from the Help Menu of SolidWorks/CAMWorks Solids. To access the
CAMWorks Tutorials, click on the Help menu and select CAMWorks
2014>>CAMWorks Tutorials and then select the desired Tutorial file from the
cascading menu.
Improved – Improved CAMWorks Tutorials
Purpose: Introduction of new tutorials and upgrading of existing tutorials with richer
graphical illustrations and hyperlinked Table of Contents.
Implementation:
The following Tutorials have been updated: 1. Multiaxis Tutorial 2. Wire-EDM Tutorial 3. Mill-Turn Tutorial 4. Sub Spindle and Sync Manager Tutorial
The ‘Mill & Turn Tutorial’ has been replaced with the following new Tutorials: 1. Mill Tutorial 2. Mill Assemblies Tutorial 3. Turn Tutorial 4. Technology Database Tutorial
The ‘Installation & Quick-Start Guide’ has been replaced with ‘Installation &
License-Activation Guide’.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
16
Improved – Provision to view Tool vectors for toolpaths during Step Through
Purpose: Option to view tool vectors for toolpaths when Step Through Toolpath
command is executed.
Implementation:
Previously, the button ‘Show tool vectors’ was available only in the Edit
Toolpath dialog box.
From CAMWorks 2014 onwards, this button is also available in the Step
Through Toolpath dialog box. Enabling this button allows the user to view
tool vectors in the Graphics area.
Improved – Change in name of all Insert commands and dialogs from ‘Insert…’ to ‘New…’
Purpose:
All the Insert commands in CAMWorks create a new entity. In order to avoid
confusion (whether an Insert command inserts an already available entity),
all these commands have been renamed with ‘Insert’ being replaced with
‘New’. Dialog titles too, have been accordingly changed.
Implementation:
Renaming in Insert Commands related to Features:
Insert Group… renamed to Create Group…
Insert 2.5 Axis Feature… renamed to New 2.5 Axis Feature…
Insert Part Perimeter Feature renamed to New Part Perimeter Feature
Insert Multi Surface Feature… renamed to New Multi Surface Feature…
Insert Wrapped Feature renamed to New Wrapped Feature
Insert Turn Feature renamed to New Turn Feature
Insert Profile Feature renamed to New Profile Feature
Insert 2.5 Axis EDM Feature… renamed to New 2.5 Axis EDM Feature…
Insert 4 Axis EDM Feature… renamed to New 4 Axis EDM Feature…
Insert Perimeter EDM Feature renamed to New Perimeter EDM Feature
Renaming in Insert Commands related to Setup:
Insert Mill Part Setup renamed to New Mill Part Setup
Insert Turn Setup renamed to New Turn Setup
Insert Part Setup renamed to New Part Setup
Renaming of Insert Commands related to Operations:
Insert Contain Area renamed to New Contain Area
Insert Avoid Area renamed to New Avoid Area
Insert Hole Machining Operations renamed to New Hole Machining
Operations
Insert 2.5 Axis Mill Operations renamed to New 2.5 Axis Mill Operations
Insert 3 Axis Mill Operations renamed to New 3 Axis Mill Operations
Insert Multi Axis Mill Operations renamed to New Multi Axis Mill
Operations
Insert Post Operation renamed to New Post Operation
Insert Turning Operations renamed to New Turning Operations
Insert Turn Groove Operations renamed New Turn Groove Operations
Insert Turn Bore Operations renamed to New Turn Bore Operations
Insert Sub Spindle Operation… renamed to New Sub Spindle Operation…
Insert record renamed to New Record
Insert Wire EDM Operations renamed to New Wire EDM Operations
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
17
New – Use Work-in-process model for Simulation
Purpose: Use work in process model when the simulation is invoked on an operation or
a setup node.
Implementation:
In previous versions of CAMWorks, when simulation is invoked on an
Operation or on a setup node then it always use the original stock rather
than using the WIP model.
From CAMWorks 2014, if <SHIFT> is pressed while invoking the Simulation
command on an Operation or on a setup node then the user will be shown a
dialog to use WIP model as a stock.
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
18
Mill
New – API Macro to create a multi surface feature from the faces having a particular color
Purpose: An example macro that shows how multi surface feature can be created from
the user-identified faces.
Implementation:
In the example macro, the colors used in the part are listed along with the
number of faces having identical colors. User can create a Multi Surface
feature by selecting the checkboxes. This will ensure that the multi surface
feature is created from the faces having the selected colors.
New – Similar UI for all Pages under Tool tab of Mill Operations and for Turn Single Point
Operations
Purpose:
As Turn Single Point Operations make use of Mill Tools and Holders, the UI
for viewing and editing the Tool and Holder parameters will now be similar to
those of the Mill Operations.
Implementation:
The User Interface of the Holder, Tool Crib, Station and Specific Tool Type
pages under Tool tab of the Operations Parameters dialog box for Turn Single
Point Operations will now be similar to those for Mill Operations.
On the Tool and Holder Pages under Tool tab of the Operation Parameters
dialog box, when the Preview option is checked, the display will be updated
when the parameters are modified. When the Preview option is not checked,
the display shows the dimensions.
The above functionalities are available for the following Turn Single Point
Operations:
Center Drill
Drill
Tap
What's New in CAMWorks 2014
19
Turn
Improved – Change in name of the Example Turn Machines
Purpose: The default names of the Turn and Mill-Turn machines are confusing. It has
been changed as per the industry name.
Implementation:
Turn-in Turn Single Turret - inch
Turn –in 4ax (2 + 2) Turn Twin Turret - inch
Mill/Turn – in Mill-Turn Single Turret - inch
Mill/Turn-in 4ax (2+2) Mill-Turn Twin Turret - inch