SOLIDWORKS CAM and CAMWorks Tutorial - An Introduction to Generating CNC Code within SOLIDWORKS

In this video, we take a look at the step by step process to generate your first CNC code using SOLIDWORKS CAM or CAMWorks. We cover the basic layout of the user interface, setting up the machine, stock, and coordinate system, generating setups, features, and operations automatically using Automatic Feature Recognition and the built in strategies, creating features and operations manually using Interactive Feature Recognition, running toolpath simulations, making adjustments to operation parameters, and post processing the g-code. This is intended as a primer for beginners before taking one of our instructor led courses.
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[@CNCPRINTBLOGSPOT]

Nice tutorial thx, i have something to add: The tutorial Example Files is now available under: C:\Users\Public\Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 20XX\CAM Examples\tutorial_parts
and the pdf Manuals are available under: C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS CAM\lang\German\Manuals
Thanks

[@slycooper5455]

Wow, better than their courses!
This tutorial helped a lot! thank you so much!!

[@goengineer]

Glad it helped!

[@amindudharmasena9998]

Great!!!!!! Thanks a lot!!!!!

[@donaldwang6924]

Great Tutorial, thanks a lot!

[@goengineer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hermanbontan50]

Thanks for the detailed explanation

[@goengineer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@grnasalarab206]

شكرا لك

[@neatmachine]

Nice job! Thanks.

[@goengineer]

We are glad to help, thank you! 😊

[@nasrahmed6236]

Thanks aot for your effort

[@surenderrajput9643]

thanks

[@rubanantony7318]

Thanks a bunch🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@goengineer]

Most welcome 😊

[@jeanniellewellyn198]

I have a 3D contour surface that's not a pocket, and some filleted edges, but I can't seem to get SWksCAM to recognize the surface and it would do a pocket of the internal small holes, but not the profile of the shape. I then tried encompassing the whole relief into a circle to be cut out. It pocketed the internal circle, but also cut through ALL of the relief surface (obviously didn't recognize that 3D aspect). Help!?

[@zawilious]

where to set the place where the operator can change the tool ?
and how to specify when to turn ON and OFF the spindle ?

[@sharkbite1686]

This is an awesome tutorial! However, is there a way to globally set a spindle rpm? My mill does not have spindle feedback control and can only be set fixed. It's a minor annoyance to have to "lock spindle speed" for each operation.

[@goengineer]

Once you adjust your parameters on the F/S tab, you can update your default operation parameters on the Optimize tab or update your Strategy from the CAM Feature Tree by right clicking on the feature and choosing Save Operation Plan.

[@mike_jay]

Hi, thx for a great video. I’m a bit confused. When it comes to actually milling the part where would the origin be when milling the bottom feature. Ie once top milled and removed from vice what position would the part need to be put in to orient it correctly. I though there was a way to visualise a vice in solid works. Sorry for daft questions just trying to learn.

[@crlaunch92]

I am having the same issue. I’ve got the process of generating tool paths down. My issue is with work coordinates. Also, I have to do each face (mill setup) in a new file because my machine runs straight through and does not pause for the machinist to rotate and refixture the part.

[@mike_jay]

crlaunch92 I’m not sure if it right way but I’ve just been setting a new work coords when I turn the part to the direction I want to mill from .mine stops automatically for a tool change between tools, waits for restart. But I had to set that up in mach3

[@goengineer]

You can set the origin of the part different for each setup, so you have control of how you would orient the part. If you have SOLIDWORKS CAM Pro, you can generate code within Assembly files which does allow you to visualize and even avoid the vice as a fixture entity.

[@robertgreer7663]

Is this part available for download somewhere?

[@veste75]

I wolud like to know whether solidworks cam can be used as a post processor such as gbrl candle or usg to connect a laptot to a cnc machine and run its controller. At the moment I bought a Sainsmart genmitsu 4030 proven that came with gbrl as defaulted cnc platform and had to learn carveco to translate my dfx files into toolpaths or g codes. I have learnt solidworks last year and was hoping to find a way to use it for cnc machining.

[@dpanayotv90]

Could you please add the link, which you mentioned about 2.5 axis features on 21min? Thanks in advance :)

[@nicknieminen]

I was just looking for this as well - I think it's this one: www.goengineer.com/blog/camworks-milling-features-and-allowable-operations
Also came across this which is handy as well: www.goengineer.com/blog/solidworks-camcamworks-3-axis-operations

[@reza3140]

why my add ins don't have camworks? please help

[@RANJODHSINGHFLICKS]

Hello sir, I have question regarding tap cycle, I tried tap M12 X 1.75 on milling machine. But when I generate g codes for the same , the tap goes all the way down of the hole like upto 30mm. But I want the code for peck tapping means small interval at a time but there is no option available inside camworks . Can you please help me out.

[@Hanal503]

Haaaaaaa .my god..where you learned programming 😀😀😀😀😀 pecking tap I never heard in our life...desaster

[@RANJODHSINGHFLICKS]

@@Hanal503 sorry i got the term rigid tapping... But i just want to explain what I want. Like peck drilling operation... If you know how to do with cam works you are welcome. Currently I am doing it with powermill

[@Hanal503]

@@RANJODHSINGHFLICKS I understood...I dont use those apps ..

[@tokarrnovikov1167]

Hello! Please help with advice. How in camworks to pull a workpiece from a sketch. Maybe there is a link to the video? Thank you in advance.

[@shehroj_saifi1111]

how to download solidcam sir

[@allnewrenegade]

Solidworks software doesn't have g-code generator? do i have to install another g-code generator? I finished modeling using solidworks 2018, but can't generate g-code and don't know how to do it. I don't use 3d printer, I use cnc lathe,turnmill and mct. I want g code for these purposes.

[@goengineer]

Solidworks CAM standard, does come with a few predefined post processors that can be used to generate G-code. However Turning, and Mill Turn require different licenses. You will need to contact your local CAMworks VAR to get access to the camworks licenses that will give you the tools you need.

[@chappyaugusto]

the tutorial is good but to long and complicated, shortened whit the essential could be a good Idea.

[@goengineer]

Thank you for the Feedback Carlos is there any particular part of the video that you felt was not necessary?

[@chappyaugusto]

My coment is related that the hole set up process was too long, Would you do it short as possible ....

[@goengineer]

Thank you for your feed back.