Technology Database Tutorial

Cover Page
Technology Database
(TechDB)
Tutorial
SOLIDWORKS CAM 2020

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Product Name: SOLIDWORKS CAM 2020

Technology Database Tutorial
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: LEARNING THE TECHNOLOGY DATABASE 6

Technology Database 1 .................................................................................................7
Adding and Editing Mill Machines .....................................................................7
General Tab ..............................................................................................................9
Specifications Tab ..................................................................................................11
Turret Tab ..............................................................................................................12
Spindle Tab ............................................................................................................13
Setup Tab ...............................................................................................................14
Viewing the Other Machines defined in the TechDB .......................................14
Technology Database 2 ...............................................................................................15
Viewing Tools in the Tools Library ..................................................................15
Creating a new Drill Tool Entry (Adding New Tools) .....................................17
Searching for Tools that Meet Specific Criteria ................................................17
Steps to use the Filter Command for identifying tools that meet specific criteria .17
Navigating Through the Tool List in the Table .................................................18
Sorting Tool Entries ..........................................................................................18
Using Tool Cribs ...............................................................................................20
Layout of the Tool Cribs User Interface ...........................................................21
Parameters at the top of the User Interface ............................................................21
Command Buttons in the Tool Cribs User Interface .............................................22
Feature and Operations ......................................................................................23
Viewing the Mill Features & Operations User Interface .......................................23
Parameters in the Mill Features & Operations User Interface ..........................23
Feature (dropdown list) ..........................................................................................23
Strategy (dropdown list) ........................................................................................23
Define Strategy button ......................................................................................24
Feature Conditions table ........................................................................................24
Operations table .....................................................................................................25
Feature Conditions Form .......................................................................................25
Operation Tool Selection Form .............................................................................25
Operation Depth Criteria Form ..............................................................................25
Operation Parameters Form ..............................................................................25
Illustrative example:...............................................................................................26
Sort Operations ..................................................................................................27
Setting up Machining Sequences for a Strategy ....................................................27
Technology Database 5 : User Defined Strategies ...................................................28
Creating a User-Defined Strategy and Associating a Machining Sequence .....28
Table of Contents i
Creating a new User Defined Strategy...................................................................29

Defining a Feature Condition for the Strategy .......................................................30
Associate a Machining Operations Sequence for the Strategy ..............................32
Tool Selection Criteria for Each Operation in Machining Operations Sequence ..33
Depth Criteria for Machining Operations ..............................................................36
Editing the Operation Parameters of the Operations in the Operation Sequence ..37
Applying the User-Defined Strategy to a Feature in SOLIDWORKS CAM
application .........................................................................................................41
Step 1: Open the tutorial part .................................................................................41
Step 2: Define the Machine....................................................................................41
Step 3: Applying the User Defined Strategy..........................................................41
Technology Database 6: Defining Thread Strategies ..............................................44
Threading Strategies in TechDB .......................................................................44
Viewing the Threading Strategies User Interface ..................................................44
Table and Forms in the Tap Cutting Strategies User Interface ..............................45
Self-Learning Assignment: Tap – Rolling Strategies User Interface ....................49
Technology Database 7: User-Defined Tools in TechDB ........................................50
Defining and Using Custom Tools ....................................................................50
Create Tools in SOLIDWORKS ............................................................................50
Use CW-Tooling Utility to Save Sketch as a Tool ................................................51
Add the User-Defined Tool to the TechDB Tools Library ...............................52
Navigating to the User-Defined Tools interface in the TechDB ...........................52
Adding the User-Defined tool to the TechDB .......................................................53
Using the User-Defined Tool in to machine a part model in SOLIDWORKS CAM
...........................................................................................................................56
Step 1: Open the part model and perform Automatic Feature Recognition ..........56
Step 2: Deleting the auto-generated Mill Part Setup .............................................56
Step 3: Inserting Mill Part Setup and Machinable Features ..................................57
Step 4: Generating the Operation Plan and Rearranging the operations ...............59
Adjusting the Operation Parameters ......................................................................59
Step 6: Generating the Toolpaths and Simulating Toolpaths ................................62
Creating and Using User-defined Mill Tool Holders ........................................64
Step1: Create Holder in SOLIDWORKS CAM ................................................64
Use CW-Tooling Utility to Save Sketch as a Holder ............................................65
Step 2: Add the Holder to the TechDB and Associate with a Tool ..................66
Step 3: Use the Holder in SOLIDWORKS CAM ..................................................73
Defining the Machine and Stock............................................................................73
Extracting and Defining Machinable Features ......................................................74
Generating Operation Plan and Adjusting the Operation Feature .........................75
Generate the Toolpath and Simulation ..................................................................75
Customizing Toolpath ............................................................................................76
Step 1: Open the part and select the Machine and Stock Type ..............................79
Step 2: Defining a Keyway Cutter in the Technology Database ...........................79
Step 3: Defining a Strategy in the Technology Database ......................................82
ii Table of Contents
Step 4: Defining Feature Conditions for the User-Defined Strategy .....................85

Step 5: Defining the Operation Sequence for a Feature Condition .......................86
Step 6: Defining the Tool Selection Criteria..........................................................87
Step 7: Defining the Depth Criteria for the Operation ...........................................88
Defining the feature to machine the top part of T-slot...........................................89
Defining the Open profile feature for the keyway cutter .......................................91
Generating Operations and Toolpaths ...............................................................92
Simulation Toolpath ..........................................................................................93
LEGAL NOTICES 95
Table of Contents iii

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database
The intelligence behind SOLIDWORKS CAM machining automation is the

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

 Definition and selection of machine tools
 Definition and selection of tool sets
 Definition and selection of cutting tools and holders
 Determination of machining methods
 Definition of speeds and feeds conditions
6 Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

Technology Database 1
Topics covered in this tutorial:
Adding and Editing Mill Machines
One of the first steps when using SOLIDWORKS CAM is to define the machine that
the part will be programmed for. The machine tool used for the manufacturing of a part
will influence the methods used to complete the task. SOLIDWORKS CAM has
automated this by allowing your facility to create a database of the existing milling
centers.
When you set up a mill machine in the TechDB, you can:
 Define the CNC machine tools in your facility.
 Assign a name or machine number to each machine tool.
 Assign a Post Processor to each individual machine.
 Assign Tool Cribs to each individual machine.
 Define the machine as a light duty or heavy duty machine, which if used, will
directly influence the speeds and feeds output by the MES Speed and Feed library.
 Set X & Y travel limits of the machine tool.
 Define the number of axes that the machine tool is capable of machining to.
The following tutorial explains how to use the Machine Parameters form to add
additional machines.
1. Open any Mill part file.
2. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command
Manager.
Select ‘Technology Database’ from the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager
The Technology Database user interface will be displayed. The TechDB user interface
contains menus and forms that are used to modify and input data.
3. The information within the Technology Database is stored in two System of units viz. Metric
and Inch units. For this tutorial, depending on the System of Units assigned to the mill part
Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database 7

model you have opened in SOLIDWORKS, you can select either Inches or Metric as the
Units option.
- If the mill part is in Metric units, SOLIDWORKS CAM will access the metric
information within the Technology Database.
- If the mill part is Inch units, SOLIDWORKS CAM will access the Inches information
within the TechDB.
When you input information in the TechDB, you need to specify which section of the
Technology Database (TechDB) you are editing viz. Metric or Inch.
At the top right-hand corner of the TechDB user interface are present the options to set
the System of Units viz. Metric and Inches. Click on the appropriate button to set the
units. The currently assigned Units can be recognized by the blue color of the button.
For the purposes of this tutorial, the Metric units will be selected.
Set the System of Units at the top-right Corner of the TechDB User Interface
4. Within the TechDB user interface, click on the Mill menu on the left-hand side. Under the
Machines sub-menu, click on the Mill – Metric machine.
Select the Mill-Metric Machine in the Mill menu interface of the TechDB
The Machine Parameters form will be displayed. The Machine Parameters form is divided
into five tabs:

- General
- Specifications
- Turret
- Spindle
- Setup
Refer the context-based Help (displayed when you click on the Help button at the top-right
corner of the TechDB user interface) for detailed information on the various parameters
within these tabs.
A brief description of the functions of the parameters within these various tabs are given in
the following pages of this tutorial.
General Tab
The General tab allows you to view the general information regarding machine.
General tab of Mill Machine Parameters Form
Machine name, Machine ID, Machine description

These are user description fields. The Machine name is the name that appears in the list of
machines within the SOLIDWORKS CAM user interface. Machine ID is used to reflect a

number or name that the user can assign to the machine. Machine description allows for a
brief description that is shown in SOLIDWORKS CAM along with the name. These fields
do not affect code output.
Default machine
Only one machine can be the default. The default machine is the one assigned automatically
to the active mill part model when you use SOLIDWORKS CAM to program that part.
Normally, you would make the default machine the one you program most. If you program
on different machines, you can change the machine easily within the SOLIDWORKS CAM
interface.
Post processor
This parameter defines the SOLIDWORKS CAM post processor (controller) file to use for
the selected machine.
Machine duty
This option allows you to specify the kind of work this machine does. Changing the setting
changes the speeds and feeds coming out of the database. A different speed and feed can be
set for each material depending on this setting. This allows you to set speeds and feeds
according to the specific machine’s capabilities. For instance, a machine with a 20 hp
spindle motor may be set as Heavy Duty, while another machine with a 10 hp spindle motor
may be set as Medium or Light Duty.

Specifications Tab
Click anywhere within the blue label portion of the General tab in order to collapse that tab.
Click on the Specifications tab below it in order to expand it and view its parameters.
Specifications tab of Mill Machine Parameters Form
The Specifications tab allows you to set some operating parameters for the machine. These
values are available during posting.

Turret Tab
Collapse the Specifications tab and expand the Turret tab by clicking on the respective blue
labels at the top of these tabs.
The Turret tab allows you to define the number of turrets for Turn and Mill machines and
tool change swap times.
Turret tab of Mill Machine Parameters Form

Spindle Tab
Collapse the Turret tab and expand the Spindle tab by clicking on the respective blue labels
at the top of these tabs.
The Spindle tab of Mill Machine Parameters form allows you to define the spindle speed
times. For Turn machines, the parameters within the Spindle tab allow you to define spindle
speed times for the main and sub spindles, the default chuck and additional sub spindle
parameters.
Spindle tab of Mill Machine Parameters Form

Setup Tab
Collapse the Turret tab and expand the Spindle tab by clicking on the respective blue labels
at the top of these tabs.
The Setup tab allows you to define the Indexing and limits for machine. These values are
available while defining the machine.
Setup tab of Mill Machine Parameters Form
Viewing the Other Machines defined in the TechDB

The SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database comes pre-loaded with multiple Mill and
Turn machines. To view these machines, click on the corresponding Machine menu on the
left hand side of the TechDB user interface. Once the corresponding user interface based on
your selection is displayed, the names of machine definitions currently saved within the
TechDB will be listed under Machines sub-menu. Click on the desired Machine name to
view the Machine definition in the Machine Parameters form.

Viewing Tools in the Tools Library
The Mill Tooling menu of the Technology Database user interface provides access to
various commands for adding, deleting, and editing mill/turn tools, holders, tool assemblies, and
tool cribs. Tool types supported by SOLIDWORKS CAM include drills, taps, end mills, user
defined tools and many others. While the Technology Database is supplied with many different
and most commonly used tool types and sizes, it is unlikely include all various tools used at your
facility. Ideally, to take the maximum advantage of SOLIDWORKS CAM, it is recommended
that you add or modify the tool libraries present in the TechDB to include the tools used at your
machining facilities.
Each tool is defined with both geometric and non-geometric characteristics. Some of these
parameters are used directly by SOLIDWORKS CAM in the calculation of toolpaths and
feeds/speeds and for display during toolpath simulation. Other parameters are provided for the
purpose of user identification and tool management.
Optionally, holders can be defined and mated to tools for increased tool reference information
and management as well as enhancing toolpath simulation and validation.
The following exercise shows you how to add a tool. For the purposes of this tutorial, only Drill
Tools will be considered.
2. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager.
The TechDB user interface will be launched.
3. For this tutorial, you can use either Inches or Metric as the Units option by clicking on the
corresponding button at the top right corner of the user interface.
4. Click on the Mill Tooling menu on the left-hand side of the TechDB user interface.
Under Cutters sub-menu, the first list of tool types will be Point-to-Point tools. Click on the
Drill tool type listed under Point-to-Point tools.
5. All the Drill tools saved within TechDB will be displayed on the left-hand side of the user
interface in a tabular format and Drill Form will be displayed on the right-hand side. For a
Drill tool selected within the table on the left-hand side, its corresponding parameters will
be loaded and displayed within the Drill Form on the right-hand side.

Select Drill option listed under Point-to-Point Tools under Cutters sub-menu of Mill Tooling
User Interface
The tool library of the TechDB contains all the standard drill sizes. The tool expressions for
hole features are based on the standard drill sizes so that SOLIDWORKS CAM will
automatically find the proper size tool for a hole feature. Most of the drills available in the
Technology Database are cobalt-based.
Within the table, the parameter name is listed across the top of each column. The names of
most of these parameters are self-explanatory as they pertain to the size and configuration of
the tool.
There are 3 parameters available for user customization.
 The Active field allows you to control whether SOLIDWORKS CAM can select the
tool. When this option is checked, SOLIDWORKS CAM can select the tool when an
operation plan is generated. When it is not checked, SOLIDWORKS CAM will not
select the tool.
For example, if a tool that is normally used is temporarily not available, the check
mark can be removed so that the tool will not be selected when Generate Operation
Plan is selected.
 Tool ID can be used to identify tools. For example, if you have a tool crib
identification system in use, this field could be used to reflect this identification
system. Alternatively, you could use the stock # or order # for the specified tool.
 The Comment field at the far right can be used to customize the comment shown for
each tool when displayed in SOLIDWORKS CAM user interface.
To customize these three parameters, select the desired Drill tool entry within the table so
that its corresponding definition is loaded in the Drill Tool form. Edit the parameters within
the Drill form.

List of Drill Tools within TechDB in Tabular format and Drill Form (highlighted in red)
Creating a new Drill Tool Entry (Adding New Tools)

To create a new Tool entry in the Technology Database, highlight an existing entry in the table
and click on the Copy button. On clicking this button, a new Drill Tool entry with a new ID and
parametric values identical to the Drill tool from which it was copied will be added to the bottom
of the table. On highlighting this new entry, the values associated with its parameters will be
populated within the Drill form on the right-hand side of the user interface. Edit these parametric
values to suit your requirements. Click the Save button to save the changes made.
Searching for Tools that Meet Specific Criteria

The Filter option has been provided within the Tools user interface to enable finding tools
that meet specific criteria when dozens of tool entries of the selected tool type are listed in the
TechDB interface.
Steps to use the Filter Command for identifying tools that meet specific criteria
i. Clicking on the Filter command button located above the table of tool entries.
ii. Select the Show Filter option. This action will display search fields in the top row of the
table just below each of its column heading.
iii. Enter the search string (or numerical range in some search fields) in one or more of these
search fields to identify specific entries that you are looking for. Entries within the table
will be dynamically filtered to match the search string that you are typing.
For example, in the Diameter (D1) field just below the column heading, you can type in
the value to find tools with that specified diameter.

Using Filter Command to identify Tools that Meet specific Criteria
Navigating Through the Tool List in the Table

Use the horizontal and vertical scroll to navigate through the list of tool entries.
Sorting Tool Entries

The tool entries listed with the Tools table can be sorted in ascending or descending order based
on value of a specific parameter. To sort tools based on parametric values, click on the column
heading of the desired parameter within the table. The entries will be rearranged in ascending
order based on values of the selected parameter. Clicking on the column heading again will
rearrange the entries in descending order.
For example, if you click on the Diameter (D1) column, all the tools will be rearranged in
ascending order of tool diameter.

Tool Entries listed in ascending order of Tool Diameter value

Using Tool Cribs
After you have input all the required tools into the Tool Library to meet your manufacturing
needs, the next step is to build a Tool Crib for each milling center or build one Tool Crib for use
with all of your machining centers. A tool crib is a subset of all the tools in the library and
usually represents the tools that are commonly loaded into the machine's turret or are commonly
used at your facility for machining. A Tool Crib is then associated to a Machine definition so that
when the machine is selected in SOLIDWORKS CAM, these common tools are made available
during the programming of the part. There is no limit to the number of tools in a Tool Crib or the
number of tool cribs that you can create.
SOLIDWORKS CAM is supplied with several example tool cribs that are intended to be used
with the SOLIDWORKS CAM example files. These tool cribs can be modified or deleted as
required.
In this tutorial, we will learn how to view and create tool cribs.

Manager.
The TechDB user interface will be displayed.
3. Click on the Mill menu on the left-hand side. The Mill menu user interface will be
displayed. Under the Tool Crib sub-menu, click on the Tool Crib 2 (Inch) or Tool Crib 2
(Metric) option.
4. The Tool Cribs form will be displayed.

Mill Tool Cribs User Interface
Layout of the Tool Cribs User Interface

Parameters at the top of the User Interface
At the top of the Mill Tool Crib user interface are the following parameters:
1. Select Tool Crib:
Use this dropdown list to select from the list of available tool cribs. The tools within the
selected tool crib will be displayed within the user interface in a tabular format. Use the
Horizontal scroll bar to scroll towards the right of the table.
When you select a tool crib, the tools within the tool crib will be displayed in a tabular
format in the user interface.
For each tool entry:
 The Stn no. refers to the particular tool turret station that the tool will be loaded in. It
will be the tool number output in the G-Code.
 The Tool type reflects the type of tool, such as Flat End Mill, Ball Mill, Drill, etc.
When you select any tool within the table, the parameters of the tool will be displayed in
the Tools form on the right-hand side of the user interface.
2. Total Stations:
This parameter indicates the total number of stations within the selected tool crib. You
cannot have more tools in the Tool Crib than the number in Total stations.

For example, you may have a machine tool with a 30-tool position magazine with an
additional 20 tools that are readily available. For such a scenario, you could define a Tool
Crib of 50 tools. When programming a part in SOLIDWORKS CAM, you can easily
select the tools to use from this Tool Crib. There is no limit to the number of tool cribs
that you can create. The number of tools you can add to a tool crib is however subject to
the number of total stations.
3. Define Mill tools using Tool Assembly:

This checkbox option determines if the tool crib will be defined individually from tools
and holders (unchecked) or using tool and holder assemblies (checked).
Command Buttons in the Tool Cribs User Interface

Using the command buttons, you can perform the following functions in the Tool Crib user
interface:
- Create new Tool Cribs with a specified number of tools in each one (New button above
table)
- Add tools to a tool crib (Add button on right hand side of the user interface)
- Delete tools from a Tool Crib (Delete button on right hand side of the user interface)
- Create a copy of a selected tool crib (Copy button above the table)
- Create a copy of a tool present in the tool crib and load in same tool crib (Copy button in
the right-hand side of the user interface)
- Edit the parameters of the tools in a tool crib and save those changes
- Delete a selected tool crib (Delete button above the table)
Within the SOLIDWORKS CAM user interface, for the part model you intend to program using
SOLIDWORKS CAM, the Tool Crib that you assign to the machine indicates that only those
tools present within the tool crib will be available for use.

Feature and Operations
The Feature & Operations functionality of the Technology Database is essentially the brain of
the TechDB. The operations generated in SOLIDWORKS CAM and all the parameters they
contain come from the definitions stored in Feature & Operations of the TechDB. This tutorial
will explain how to define:
 Defaults for the Setup Clearance and Retract planes.
 Operation defaults that display when you define new operations in the TechDB.
 Default sort sequences for operations when you use the Sort Operation command in
SOLIDWORKS CAM.
 New Strategies.
Viewing the Mill Features & Operations User Interface

Manager.
The Technology Database user interface will be displayed.
displayed. Under the Strategies sub-menu, click on the Feature & Operations item.
4. The Features & Operations user interface will be displayed. Use the Feature and Operations
user interface to define/edit operation sequences that will be used to machine the different
machinable mill features. You can create and store machining sequences of repetitive
operations such as center drilling, tapping, boring, reaming, chamfering and circular hole
milling.
Parameters in the Mill Features & Operations User Interface

Feature (dropdown list)
This field at the top of the interface indicates the currently selected feature type. When you open
the Features & Operations user interface, by default, the Feature Conditions and operation
sequences defined for a hole feature will be displayed. To select another feature, click the down
arrow of this field and select the desired feature type from the dropdown list.
Strategy (dropdown list)

A 'strategy' indicates a sequence of machining operations and associated operations parameters
that have been defined for a matching feature condition.
The Strategy dropdown list indicates the default Strategies and user defined Strategies defined
for a selected Feature. The number indicated in parentheses next to the Strategy name indicates

the total number of feature conditions defined for that selected strategy. The feature conditions
and their associated parameters will be displayed in the Feature Conditions table of the user
interface.
Define Strategy button

Every feature in SOLIDWORKS CAM, (pocket, hole, slot, multi surface feature, etc.) has
Strategies assigned to it. Strategies allow you to set up multiple methods for machining the same
type of feature. The hole feature shown here is a good example. You may want to drill, ream,
bore or thread a hole. Defining a Strategy consisting of an operation sequence allows you to
choose the method for each feature in SOLIDWORKS CAM before generating the operation
plan.
Clicking on the Define Strategy button adjacent to the Strategy dropdown list displays the
Strategy dialog box. The Strategies dialog box allows you to define new user-defined strategies,
rename existing strategies, delete existing strategies, select the default strategy or create copies of
existing strategies.
Strategies Dialog Box
The name of the Strategy assigned as the default strategy cannot be changed. For example, the
Drill, Bore, Ream, and Thread Strategy names for hole features cannot be changed. However, the
parameters associated with those Strategies can be changed in the Feature Conditions form.
After adding a new Strategy in this form, you set up the machining method for the new Strategy
in the Feature & Operations user interface.
Feature Conditions table

For a specific Feature and its associated Strategy selected in this user interface, the Feature
Conditions table lists the different feature conditions defined for that particular strategy. Each
row in this table represents a separate Feature Condition entry uniquely identified by its ID.
 To edit the parameters associated with a particular feature condition, highlight that specific entry
in this table. The associated parameters will be displayed in the Feature Condition Form on the

right hand side of the user interface. Edit the parameters in this form as per your requirements and
click the Save button.
 For every Feature Condition entry in this table, the corresponding operation sequence defined for
it will be displayed in the Operations table below this table.
 If a newly created Strategy is assigned to the feature using the Strategy dropdown list, then there
will be no Feature Conditions defined for this strategy. Use the new button to define feature
conditions in such a case.
Operations table
For a selected Feature Condition entry in the Feature Conditions table, the corresponding
operation sequence will be displayed in the Operations table. The Operation sequence displayed
depends on the Strategy selected for a Feature Condition. If no operation sequence has been
defined for a Feature Condition, then this table will be empty.
Feature Conditions Form

Use the Feature Conditions form to edit the parameters associated with a selected Feature
Condition entry in the Feature Conditions table of the user interface.
Operation Tool Selection Form

The Operation Tool Selection form allows you to specify criteria for assigning a tool to the
current operation. When the Generate Operation Plan command is executed, this tool will be the
default tool assigned to operation.
The method of specifying specific tools or Tool Assemblies should be based on the type of tool
cribs used by your facility.
Operation Depth Criteria Form

The Operation Depth Criteria form allows you to specify the machining depth using any one of
the following options:
 Based on a constant depth (The constant depth will be relative to the top of the feature.)
 As a function of the depth of the feature
 Based on a specified countersink diameter
Operation Parameters Form

When you click on the Edit Operation Parameters button under the Operation Parameters form,
the Operation Parameters pop-up dialog box is displayed. Use this dialog box to view/edit the
operation sequence and the default parameters associated with those operations. Close the pop-up
dialog box after making the changes.

For example, if you were to use this dialog box to add a new Rough Mill operation to the
sequence, the fields within the dialog box would display default values. This is where those
parameters come from. Setting your preferences beforehand can save you a significant amount of
time later.
Operation Parameters Form
Illustrative example:
Once the Feature & Operations user interface displays, the default feature listed in the
Feature dropdown list is the Hole feature.
Locate the Strategy column in the Feature Conditions section.
1. Click on the Feature dropdown list and select Rectangular Pocket feature.
2. In the Strategy dropdown list, select the Rough option from the dropdown list.
3. Observe that the Feature Conditions table and Operations table are updated. Select any
Feature Condition listed in the Feature Conditions table. The parameters associated with
the selected feature condition will be displayed in the Feature Condition form on the
right. Observe the name of the Strategy in the Strategy field within the form. Notice that
the name is the same as the that of the strategy selected in the Strategy dropdown list.
4. In the Operations table, the list of operation(s) that comprise the operations for the
selected Feature Condition will be displayed. Select a desired operation in the
Operations table and click on the Edit Operation Parameters button under the
Operation Parameters form on the right-hand side of the user interface.

Features & Operations User Interface
Sort Operations
displayed. Under the Strategies sub-menu, click on the Sort Operations item .
2. The Sort Operations user interface will be displayed.
Operations in SOLIDWORKS CAM can be sorted manually by dragging and dropping in
the Operation tree or automatically using the Sort Operations command. The Sort
Operations user interface controls the default order for how the operations are be sorted
using the command.
To change the order of the operations, first select the Scheme on the left-hand side of this
interface. The corresponding operation scheme will be displayed in the Operation Priority
List form on the right-hand side. Place a check against the checkbox to be moved, scroll to
the top of the form and then use the Move Up or Move Down buttons to change the position.
3. Click on the Save button to save the changes.
Setting up Machining Sequences for a Strategy

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

Technology Database 5 : User Defined Strategies

 Creating a user-defined Strategy and associating a machining sequence
 Applying the User-Defined Strategy Feature in SOLIDWORKS CAM
Creating new user-defined strategies in TechDB allows you

to customize the TechDB so that SOLIDWORKS CAM will
machine features based on your exact specifications (as
defined in the strategy).
In the following tutorial, we will create a new Strategy and
associated Feature Conditions and machining sequence in
the TechDB. Once such a strategy is created and saved in the
TechDB, the Strategy will be applied to a feature in the
SOLIDWORKS CAM user interface and operations to
machine that feature will be generated based on the assigned
strategy. MILL2AX_11.SLDPRT
Creating a User-Defined Strategy and Associating a Machining Sequence

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

Manager.
3. The Technology Database user interface will be displayed. At the top right corner of the
interface, click on the Inches button to ensure that the units is set to Inches.
4. Click on the Mill menu on the left-hand side. The Mill menu user interface will be displayed.
Under the Strategies sub-menu, click on the Feature & Operations item.
‘Features & Operations’ item in Mill Menu user interface

5. The Features & Operations interface will be displayed. In the Feature dropdown list, select
Rectangular Pocket.
6. Click on the Strategy dropdown list. Observe the strategies listed in this dropdown list. These
are strategies that are currently available within the TechDB.
Strategy Dropdown List in Features & Operations user interface
Creating a new User Defined Strategy

In this tutorial, the intention is to create our own user-defined strategy. To this purpose, we need
to first name the strategy. Following are the steps:
i. In the Features & Operations user interface, click on the Define Strategy button adjacent
to the Strategy dropdown list.
ii. The Strategies pop-up dialog box will be displayed. Click on the New button at the top-left
corner.
iii. In the pop-up dialog box that will be displayed, assign the name Example in the Strategy
field. In the Description field, assign a brief description (Rect_Pocket_Strategy) regarding the
strategy.
iv.As there is no intention to assign this strategy as the default strategy, leave the Default
checkbox unchecked.
v. Click on the OK button icon within this pop-up dialog box to add this newly created
strategy to the list of strategies. Observe that the Example Strategy is now listed at the bottom
of the list of strategies within the Strategies dialog box.
vi.Close the Strategies dialog box.

Defining a New Strategy in the strategies pop-up dialog box

Defining a Feature Condition for the Strategy
We have now defined the name for the user-defined strategy. The next step is to define the
strategy. For this purpose, we need to define Feature Conditions and Operations for Matching
Conditions for this strategy.
To define/edit a strategy:
 Use the Feature dropdown list to indicate the feature type for which the strategy is being
defined/edited.
 Select the strategy to be defined/edited in the Strategy dropdown list.
 Use the Feature Conditions Form to set the specific conditions (based on feature
dimensions) that the feature type must match in order for the strategy to be applied.
 For a defined Feature Condition, use the Operations table within the user interface to
define the operation sequence. This sequence is the list of machining operations (and its
associated tools for machining) that SOLIDWORKS CAM will generate when a feature
that matches the feature type and feature conditions is identified.
 For every operation of the operation sequence listed in the Operations table for a Feature
Condition, use the Operation Tool Selection form, Operation Depth Criteria form and
Operation Parameters form to edit parameters associated with the operation.
Following are the steps:

1. In the Features & Operations user interface, ensure that Rectangular Pocket is listed in the
Feature dropdown list and then click on the Strategy dropdown list. Observe the strategies
listed in this dropdown list. Observe that the Example strategy is listed. Select it.
As no Feature Conditions or Operation sequence for matching conditions have been
defined, the Feature Conditions table and Operations table will be empty. These need to be
defined.

2. To create a new feature condition, click on the New button just above the Feature
Conditions table.
New button just above Feature Conditions Table
3. A new Feature Condition entry will be added to the table. The parameters associated with
this Feature Condition entry will be loaded in the Feature Conditions form on the right.
Use this Feature Conditions form to edit the parameters associated with the Feature
Condition as follows:
- Leave the Sub-Type set to Blind.
- Leave the Base Attribute set to None.
(The Base Attribute is a feature condition that is used to distinguish features with
a fillet between the bottom and the sides of the feature. Selecting the ‘None’
option as the Base Attribute indicates that there is no fillet. Selecting the ‘Bottom
Radius’ option indicates that there is a fillet. Features with bottom radius fillets
can be defined interactively using the New 2.5 Axis Feature command.)
- In the Box Width > field, input a value of 1.
- In the Box Width <=, enter a value of 10.
- Leave the default values in the Feature Depth > and Feature Depth <= fields as it
is.
- Click on the Save button just above the Feature Condition form to save the record.
(When you click the Save button, the corresponding Feature Condition entry in the
Feature conditions table will be dynamically updated.)

Feature Condition Form for editing parameters associated with a Feature Condition
With this Feature Condition entry, we have defined a blind rectangular pocket that will use
Example Strategy with no base attribute. The Example strategy will be assigned to the
rectangular pocket feature when the feature dimensions are in the range from ‘greater than 1’ to
‘less than or equal to 10’ and the feature depth is in the range of ‘greater than 0’ to ‘less than or
equal to 1000’.
The next step is to define the operations you want generated when a rectangular pocket matching
this Feature Condition is recognized using Automatic Feature Recognition in SOLIDWORKS
CAM.
Associate a Machining Operations Sequence for the Strategy

In this tutorial, we will define operations for roughing and contouring the rectangular pocket. We
will set up two roughing operations, the first rough operation will machine with a large tool and
the second rough operation will machine with a smaller tool to machine only in those areas where
the large tool could not. There will be two contouring operations, the first for machining the
bottom of the pocket and the second for cutting the side walls.

1. In the Features & Operations user interface, click on the New button just above the
Operations table.
2. A dropdown list displaying the two types of operations (viz. Rough Mill and Contour Mill)
will be displayed. Select Rough Mill option.

Creating an Operation Sequence in the Operations table using New command button
3. This action will list a Rough Mill operation in the Operations table. Click on the New button
again and insert a Rough Mill operation and two Contour Mill operations.
4. The Operations table will now list four operations viz. two Rough Mill operations followed
by two contour Mill operations.
Operation Sequence defined for Feature Condition
The Machining Operation Sequence for the strategy is now defined. The next step is to define
the Tools to be used for machining these operations. For each operation listed in the Operations
table, the Tool selection criteria can be edited in the Operation Tool Selection form on the right-
hand side of the user interface.
Tool Selection Criteria for Each Operation in Machining Operations Sequence

The next step is to select the tools for machining each operation in the Operation Sequence.
For the first Rough Mill operation
1. Highlight/left mouse click the first Rough Mill operation in the Operations table in order
to select it.
2. The assigned tool selection criteria for this operation will be loaded in the Operation
Tool Selection form on the right-hand side of the user interface.
3. In the Operation Tool Selection form, edit the parameters as follows:
- Leave the Type of tool set to Flat End Mill.
- Select the Use constant radio button, if not already selected. Set the Constant value
to 1.
- Click on the Save button at the top of the user interface.

This sets the basic tool diameter to 1inch. The exact tool chosen will be determined
by other factors, such as the material being machined.
‘Use Constant’ option in Operation Tool Selection Form

Note:
With the Use constant method, you are specifying only a constant diameter and not a
specific tool. There are two other methods for choosing a tool:
‘Use Expression’ option
This option for selecting the tool allows you to give a tool diameter range. If you use a
range, then when an Operation Plan is generated, SOLIDWORKS CAM searches the
Tools database within the TechDB for a tool diameter that is within the specified upper
and lower diameter range as per this expression. If a tool cannot be found, the
SOLIDWORKS CAM Message Window will inform you that a tool of the required
size could not be found.
‘Select Tool’ option

With the Select tool option, you can click the Select Tool button and choose a specific
tool from the tools database of the TechDB.

For the second Rough Mill operation

1. Highlight/left mouse click the second Rough Mill operation in the Operations table in
order to select it.
- In the Operation Tool Selection form, leave the Type of tool set to Flat End Mill
and
select the Use constant radio button, if not already selected. Set the Constant
value to 0.25.
- Click on the Save button at the top of the user interface.
For the first Contour Mill operation

1. Highlight/left mouse click the first Contour Mill operation in the Operations table in
order to select it.
In the Operation Tool Selection form, perform the following:
- Leave the Type of tool set to Flat End Mill.
- Select the Select Tool radio button.
- The Tool ID field will display a value of -1. This value indicates that no valid tool
has been assigned.
- Click on the Select Tool button command under this option. Executing this
command will display all the Flat End Mill Tools within the TechDB in the Select
Tool pop-up dialog box.
‘Select Tool’ pop-up Dialog Box with Tool having ID number 46 selected

For the second Contour Mill operation

1. Highlight/left mouse click the second Contour Mill operation in the Operations table in
order to select it.
2. Assign the same tool selection criteria for this Contour Mill operation as that for the
preceding Contour Mill operation viz. the Select Tool option and Tool with ID number
46 assigned.
The tool selection criteria for all the four operations that comprise the machining operations
sequence is now complete. The updated tool selection criteria are visible in the Operations table.
Updated Tool Selection Criteria in Operations table for the four Operations
The next step is to define the depth criteria for machining.
Depth Criteria for Machining Operations

1. Highlight/left mouse click the first Rough Mill operation in the Operations table in order to
select it.
2. The assigned Depth criteria for the selected operation will be loaded in the Operation Depth
Criteria form on the right-hand side of the user interface.
3. If the Operation Depth Criteria form is in a collapsed state, click anywhere on the form’s
blue label portion in order to expand it.
4. In the Operation Depth Criteria form, edit the parameters as follows:

- Select the Use Expression option, if not already selected.

- Note that the default expression is Feature Depth + zero (0). This tells
SOLIDWORKS CAM to machine to the bottom of the feature.
5. Click on the Save button if you have made any changes.
6. Repeat the steps 2 to 5 for the remaining three operations that comprise the operation
sequence.
7. The updated Depth Criteria will be displayed in the Depth Criteria column of the
Operations table.
Editing the Operation Parameters of the Operations in the Operation Sequence

Editing the parameters of the first Rough Mill Operation
1. Highlight/left mouse click the first Rough Mill operation in the Operations table in order
to select it.
2. On the right-hand side of the user interface, collapse the Feature Condition, Operation
Tool Selection and Operation Depth Criteria forms so that the bottom most form named
Operation Parameters is visible. (To collapse a form, click anywhere on the blue
heading of the form.)
Arrow icons indicating
that the forms are in
collapsed state
Arrow icon indicating

Operation Parameters form that form is in
expanded state
Edit Operation
Parameters button
3. In this Operation Parameters form, click on the Edit Operations parameters button
command .
4. The Operation Parameters pop-up dialog box for the Rough Mill operation will be
displayed.
5. Expand the Roughing tab.
6. Click the Roughing tab, in the Leftover group box, make sure the Generate option is
checked.
7. In the Depth Parameters group box, alter the values assigned to the following
parameters:
- Bottom allowance to 0.05in

- First cut amount to 1

- Max cut amt. to 1
Operation Parameters Pop-up Dialog box
8. Click on the Save button at the top of the pop-up dialog box.
9. Close the Operation Parameters pop-up dialog box by clicking on the Close icon at the
top right corner of the dialog box.
Editing the parameters of the second Rough Mill Operation

1. Highlight/left mouse click the second Rough Mill operation in the Operations table in
order to select it.
2. On the right-hand side of the user interface, click on the Edit Operations parameters
button command under the Operation Parameters form.

displayed. Expand the Roughing tab. Edit the following parameters within this tab:
- In the Pocketing group box, set the Pattern to Pocket In.
- In the Leftover group box, set the Machine option to Previous Leftover.
- In the Depth Parameters group box, set the Bottom Allowance to 0.05 inch and set
the First cut amt. and Max cut amt. to 0.5 inch.
Editing the parameters of the first Contour Mill Operation

1. Highlight/left mouse click the first Contour Mill operation in the Operations table in
order to select it.
displayed. Expand the Contour tab. Edit the following parameters within this tab:
- In the Side Parameters group box, set the Allowance to 0.05 inch.
- In the Depth Parameters group box, set the First cut amt. to 2 inches.
- In the Flat areas group box, place a check in the Bottom finish checkbox option
and set the Step Over % to 50.

Contour Tab of Operation Parameters dialog box for Contour Mill Operation
Editing the parameters of the second Contour Mill Operation

1. Highlight/left mouse click the second Contour Mill operation in the Operations table in
order to select it.
displayed. Expand the Contour tab. In the Depth Parameters group box, edit the
following parameters:
- Set the Ramp parameter to Angle
- Set the Angle to 3deg.
- Ensure that the Cleanup pass checkbox option is checked

The definition of the user-defined strategy for Rectangular Pocket feature is now complete. Close
the TechDB user interface. The user interface will now revert to the SOLIDWORKS CAM user
interface.
The following section in this tutorial explains how to apply this user-defined strategy to a
recognized Rectangular Pocket feature when using the SOLIDWORKS CAM application to
program a mill part model.
Applying the User-Defined Strategy to a Feature in SOLIDWORKS CAM

application
Step 1: Open the tutorial part
1. Ensure that the part file MILL2AX_11.SLDPRT present in the following folder is
open in the SOLIDWORKS CAM user interface.
Drive: :\Users\Public\Public Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS
201x\CAM Examples\Tutorial_Parts\Mill
Step 2: Define the Machine
1. Click the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature Tree tab in the SOLIDWORKS.
2. Double click Machine item in the Feature tree.
OR
Right click the Machine in the Feature tree and select Edit Definition on the context
menu.
3. On the Machine tab, highlight Mill–Inch and click on Select button.
4. Click the Tool Crib tab and highlight Tool Crib 2 (Inch) and click Select button.
5. Make sure Tool crib priority option is unchecked.
6. Click the Post Processor tab; select M3Axis-Tutorial as Active post processor.
7. Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialog box.
Step 3: Applying the User Defined Strategy
1. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the SOLIDWORKS

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

Rectangular Pocket Parameters dialog box

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

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

Generated operation listed in

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

Technology Database 6: Defining Thread Strategies

Threading Strategies in TechDB
For all Mill and Turn operations (except Thread operations), the machining strategies can be
defined/edited in the Features & Operations user interface (displayed when you click on the
Features & Operations item under Strategies sub-menu of the Mill menu/Turn menu interface in
TechDB).
To define/edit Thread Strategies, a separate user interface is provided in the TechDB. The layout
of this user interface is partially similar to the Features & Operations user interface discussed in
the previous tutorial in this manual.
In this tutorial, we will familiarize ourselves with the methods to view/edit Thread Strategies in
the TechDB.
Viewing the Threading Strategies User Interface

Thread Strategies can be either Tap – Cutting Strategies or Tap – Rolling Strategies. Two
separate user interfaces are available in TechDB in the TechDB for these two categories of
Thread Strategies.
In this tutorial, we will discuss how to navigate and use the user interface for Tap – Cutting
Strategies.
Following are the steps to view this user interface.
1. Open any Turn part file in SOLIDWORKS.

Manager.
The TechDB user interface will be displayed in a separate window.
3. Click on the Mill Tooling menu. The corresponding menu will be displayed. Under the
Threading Strategies sub-menu, click on the Tap -Cutting Strategies item.
OR
Click on the Turn Tooling menu. The corresponding menu will be displayed. Under the
Threading Strategies sub-menu, click on the Tap -Cutting Strategies item.

Thread Condition Operations item in Turn Menu of TechDB
4. The Tap Cutting Strategies user interface will be displayed. This user interface is divided
into multiple tables and forms.
Table and Forms in the Tap Cutting Strategies User Interface

Tap – Cutting Table
The table at the top lists the taps currently stored within the TechDB and their associated
parameters. When you select any entry within this table, the parameters associated with that
tap tool entry will be loaded in the Tap form on the right-hand side of the user interface.
There are parameters for the physical size aspects of the tap, as well as fields for material,
hand of cut, and comments. You can edit these parameters to suit your requirements.

User Interface for Tap Cutting Strategies
Mill Tap Operations table

For a Tap Cutting Strategy entry selected in the Tap - Cutting table, the Mill Tap operations
table lists the operations that will be generated for a threaded hole on Mill part model when
that Tap Cutting Strategy is assigned to the hole feature.
Turn Tap Operations table
For a Tap Cutting Strategy entry selected in the Tap - Cutting table, the Turn Tap
operations table lists the operations that will be generated for a threaded OD/ID feature on a
Turn part model when that Tap cutting Strategy is assigned to the OD/ID feature.
Tap Form
Within the Tap - Cutting table, the parameters listed in the columns of the table for each
Tap Cutting Strategy entry is read-only in nature. To edit a specific entry, select that entry
with a left mouse click. When you select an entry, the parameters associated with that entry
will be loaded in the Tap form on the right-hand side of the user interface. Use this form to
edit the parameters as per your requirements.

Forms on the right-hand side of the Tap Thread Strategies User Interface
Operation Tool Selection Form under Mill Tap Operations

For a selected operation in the Mill Tap Operations table, the Tool selection criteria for that
operation can be edited in the Operation Tool Selection form under Mill Tap Operations on
the right-hand side of the user interface.
There are three options available for defining the Tool Selection Criteria:
Use the Use Constant option if you do not wish to specify a specific tool but rather
any tool with a specified diameter. SOLIDWORKS CAM uses other criteria (such
as the material being cut) to choose the tool when the Tap Cutting Strategy is
assigned to a feature.
Use the Select Tool option if you wish to assign a specific tool from the Tools
library of the TechDB.
Use the Select Tool Assembly option if you wish to assign a specific tool assembly
from saved in the TechDB.
Operation Depth Criteria Form under Mill Tap Operations
For a selected operation in the Mill Tap Operations table, the depth criteria for that
operation can be edited/defined in the Operation Depth Criteria form under Mill Tap
Operations on the right-hand side of the user interface.
Note:
In the Operation Depth Criteria form, there are three depth setting sections in the form. The
first is for blind/flat bottom holes; the second is for through holes, and the third is or drill
point holes/end holes.
In each of these depth setting sections within the form, the following two/three methods are
available for determining the depth that the tool will machine up to. Following are the
available methods:
- The Use constant option specifies a constant Z depth for the tool to drill to.

- The Use expression option allows you to use a mathematical expression to

determine the depth. For instance, you can specify a depth that is greater or lesser
than the actual depth of the feature.
- The Use countersink diameter option is available only for Center Drill operations.
This option allows you to specify the diameter of the countersink hole instead of a
depth setting. In this case, SOLIDWORKS CAM will automatically compute the
depth necessary to obtain the desired countersink diameter.
Operation Depth Criteria Form for Operation Depth Criteria Form for Drill
Center Drill Operations Operations
Operation Parameters Form under Mill Tap Operations

To edit the parameters of a specific operation in the Mill Tap Operations table, select that
operation and click on the Edit Operations parameters button command in the Operation
Parameters form under the Mill Tap Operations on the right-hand side of the user interface.
Clicking on this button command displays the operation parameters for the selected
operation in a pop-up dialog box. Edit the parameters as per your requirements, save the
changes and close the dialog box.
Note:
Any changes to the parameters in the Operation Parameters dialog box will apply only to
operations generated for the specific tapped hole size and will not affect operations for other
hole sizes.

Operation Tool Selection Form under Turn Tap Operations

For a selected operation in the Turn Tap Operations table, the Tool selection criteria for that
operation can be edited in the Operation Tool Selection form under Turn Tap Operations on
the right-hand side of the user interface.
Operation Parameters Form under Turn Tap Operations
To edit the parameters of a specific operation in the Turn Tap Operations table, select that
operation and click on the Edit Operations parameters button command in the Operation
Parameters form under the Turn Tap Operations on the right-hand side of the user
interface. Clicking on this button command displays the operation parameters for the
selected operation in a pop-up dialog box. Edit the parameters as per your requirements,
save the changes and close the dialog box.
Once all the operations and their respective parameters have been set, the settings for the
Tap Cutting strategy will be complete.
Self-Learning Assignment: Tap – Rolling Strategies User Interface

The Tap – Rolling Strategies user interface is displayed when you click on the Tap – Rolling
Strategies item under the Threading Strategies sub-menu of the Mill Tooling menu interface or
Turn Tooling menu interface. The layout of this interface is identical to the Tap – Cutting
Strategies user interface discussed in this tutorial.
As a self-learning assignment, it is recommended that you attempt creating a user-defined
Thread Strategy in this interface. For detailed information on the various tables and form and
how they affect the Thread Strategy, refer the context-based Help (displayed when you click on
the Help button at the top right corner of the TechDB user interface).

Technology Database 7: User-Defined Tools in

TechDB
Defining and Using Custom Tools
SOLIDWORKS CAM allows you to create and display your own custom tools and tool holders.
It is important to be able to use the actual tool shape during simulation, so that you can see and
verify an accurate representation of the tool cutting the part.
In this tutorial, we will explore how to use define and save such user-defined tools in TechDB
and later assign them to operations for machining a part model in the SOLIDWORKS CAM
application.
Create Tools in SOLIDWORKS

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

CAM Technology Database, then use the tool to cut a part.

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

from the list of menu items.
4. The Create Tool / Holder dialog box will be displayed. In
this dialog box, select Mill Tool (*.mt) for the File Type.
5. Click on the Browse button at the bottom of this dialog
box.
6. The Save As dialog box will be displayed, Using this dialog
box, browse to the \Tooling\MTools folder inside the
SOLIDWORKSCAMData folder.
This folder is provided as a default location for custom
(user defined) tools; however, you can organize tool and
holder files in a folder structure that best suits your
requirements. For example, you can save a tool file in the
same folder as the associated part file or you can set up
shared folders for tools and holders.
7. Use MillTool_SideGroove for the file name and click
Save.
The file can have the same name as the SOLIDWORKS
CAM document or a different name. Mill form files are
saved automatically with a *.mt extension.
SOLIDWORKS CAM validates the geometry and saves
the file.
Create Tool/Holder dialog box

8. Click OK to close the Create Tool / Holder dialog box.
Add the User-Defined Tool to the TechDB Tools Library

Navigating to the User-Defined Tools interface in the TechDB

Manager.
2. The TechDB user interface will be displayed in a separate window. At the top-right corner
of this interface, click on the Inches button to set the System of Units.
3. Within the TechDB user interface, click on the Mill Tooling menu on the left. The
corresponding Mill Tooling user interface will be displayed. In the Cutters sub-menu, scroll
down to the Form Cutters category and click on the User Defined Tools option.
User-Defined tools option under Cutters sub-menu in Mill Tooling user interface of TechDB
4. The user interface for user-defined tools will be displayed. On the left-hand side of this user
interface is a table of all the user-defined tools currently saved within the TechDB. The
parameters associated with these tools will in displayed in the various columns of the table
in read-only format.
To edit the parameters associated with a specific user-defined tool, select that tool entry
(using left-mouse click) in this table. The parameters associated with that selected user-
defined tool will be loaded in the Form Cutter – User Defined form on the right-hand side
of the user interface.

Adding the User-Defined tool to the TechDB

Steps to add a new user-defined Mill Tool to the TechDB are given below. In this tutorial, we
will add the user-defined Mill tool created in the previous section of this tutorial.
1. In the User-Defined Tools interface of the TechDB, select any entry in the table of user-
defined tools on the left-hand side of the interface.
2. Click on the Copy button above the Form Cutter- User Defined Form on the right-hand side
of the user interface. This action will create a copy of the selected tool entry and list it as the
bottom-most entry of the table. The only parameter different for this copied tool entry will
be the unique ID assigned automatically to the tool by TechDB.
In above table, tool with ID no. 12 is a copy of the Tool with ID no. 1
3. Ensure that this newly copied tool is selected (left-mouse click) in the table. This action will
load the parameters associated with this tool entry in the Form Cutters- User Defined form
on the right-hand side of the user interface.
4. Within this form, click on the Browse button adjacent to the Tool name & path field at
the bottom of the form.
5. The File Open dialog box will be displayed. Use this dialog box to navigate to the
\Tooling\MTools folder inside the SOLIDWORKS CAM Data folder. Select the
MillTool_SideGroove.mt tool file and click on the Open button.

Use the File Open Dialog Box to browse to the \Tooling\MTools folder and select the Tool File
6. The File Open dialog box will close, and the selected Mill tool will now be linked to the
user-defined tool entry. In the Form Cutters- User Defined form, assign the following
values/settings to the various parameters of this tool entry:
Value Comments
Field
When the option is checked, SOLIDWORKS CAM can select the tool
ON Checked when an operation plan is generated.
Tool ID User-1 This is a user-defined tool identification field.
The text entered in this field displays in the tool description section of
Designation Side groove the operation name in the Operation tree.
When generating roughing and finishing toolpaths, SOLIDWORKS
Cut diameter (D1) 1 CAM bases the toolpath offset calculation on this parameter.
Defines the diameter of the tool shank. In this release, this field is used
Shank dia. (D2) 0.625 for reference only.
Overall length (L1) 3.7 Overall length of the tool.
Flute length (L2) 1.25 Length of the tool that can be used for cutting.
Defines the distance from the tip of the tool to the bottom of the holder.
Protrusion (L3) 3 This value is used to determine how much of the tool protrudes from
the mill holder during simulation.
Shoulder length (L4) 1 Length from the end of the tool to the start of the shank diameter.

Value Comments
Field
Tip offset (O) 0 Defines an offset for the Z program point.
Determines if your spindle will rotate CCW or CW. In the case of a right
Hand of cut Right hand hand tool, the spindle will rotate CW.
Number of flutes on the tool. Feed and Speed calculations are partially
No. of flutes 4 based on the number of flutes.
Tool Material HSS The material is used for feed/speed calculations.
1" Mill Side
Comment The comment is output in the posted G-code.
Groove
Defines the folder and name of the user-defined tool file. Use the
Tool name & Click to Browse button to locate the \Program
path data\SOLIDWORKSCAMData\Tooling\MTools folder and select the
locate file
MillTool_SideGroove.mt file.
7. When you are done assigning the parameters, click on the Save button above the Form
Cutters- User Defined form.
Form Cutters- User Defined Form

8. Observe that the parametric values for the tool entry will the table too will be updated.
Close the TechDB user interface window.
9. Within the SOLIDWORKS user interface, close the MillTool_SideGroove.SLDPRT file.
Using the User-Defined Tool in to machine a part model in SOLIDWORKS
CAM
Once the user-defined mill tool is defined, you can use it for machining mill part models. In this
tutorial, we will explore how to use the newly added user-defined mill tool for machining a mill
part model.
Step 1: Open the part model and perform Automatic Feature Recognition
1. Open part file MILL2AX_12.SLDPRT located in the following folder.
2. Click the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature Tree tab.

3. Double click on Machine in the Feature tree. In the displayed Machine dialog box,
perform the following actions:
 On the Machine tab, highlight Mill–Inch machine and click the Select button.
 Click on the Tool Crib tab and make sure Tool Crib 2 (Inch) is selected as the
active tool set.
 Make sure Tool crib priority checkbox option is unchecked.
 Click on the Post Processor tab and make sure M3Axis-Tutorial is selected.
 Click OK to close the Machine dialog box.
4. Double click Stock Manager in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree. The Stock
Manager dialog box will be displayed. Click OK to use the default Bounding box as
the stock type and close the dialog box.
5. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM
Command Manager. Executing this command generate a Mil Part Setup and list it in the
SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree. The 2.5 Axis Mill features recognized will be listed
under this Mill part Setup in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree.
Step 2: Deleting the auto-generated Mill Part Setup

The features you are going to machine in this tutorial cannot be machined from the direction of
the Mill Part Setup generated on executing the Extract Machinable Features command. Hence,
we need to delete this setup and interactively insert a new setup.
1. Click Mill Part Setup1 in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree.
2. Right click Mill Part Setup1 in the Feature tree and select Delete from the context menu.
3. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.

Step 3: Inserting Mill Part Setup and Machinable Features

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

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

edge of other side

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

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

16. Click OK to close the 2.5 Axis Feature: Feature Profiles dialog box.
17. Then click OK to close the 2.5 Axis Feature: End Conditions dialog box.
The tree lists the two Open Profile Features.
Open Profile listed
Step 4: Generating the Operation Plan and Rearranging the operations

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

Before you can use the form tool, you need to add it to the Tool Crib. If you add a tool to the
Tool Crib in the TechDB, the tool will be available to use in other parts. If a tool is used

occasionally or only for a specific part, you can add the tool to the Tool Crib in the Machine
dialog box or to the Tool Crib on the Tool Crib tab in the Operation Parameters dialog box so
that it is available only for the current part. In this exercise, you add the tool in the Operation
Parameters dialog box for the Contour Mill1 operation.
1. Double click Contour Mill1 in the Operation tree.
The Operation Parameters dialog box is displayed.
2. Click on the Tool tab and select Tool Crib page.
3. Click the Add button to select a new tool from the Tool library.
The Tool Select Filter dialog box is displayed.
4. In this dialog box, select User defined tool in the list.
The Mill (Inch) list displays the tool list based on the selected tool type.
5. Select the Side Groove tool with Tool ID: User-1.
6. The Preview window is activated and displays the 3D view of the selected tool.
7. Click OK button to select the tool.
Tool Select Filter dialog box
This action closes the dialog box and adds the selected tool to the active Tool crib. The
new tool is listed at the bottom of the Tool Crib grid.
8. On the Tool Crib tab, select the User defined tool at bottom of the Tool Crib.

9. A Preview window is displayed at right side of the Operation Parameters dialog box. This
Preview window contains the dynamic 3D view of the tool and holder. The tool Station
Number, Tool Comment and labels of the Tool parameters are displayed in the Preview
window.
10. Click the Select button. This action will assign the selected tool as the tool to be used for
machining this operation.
Operation Parameters dialog box
11. Click Yes to replace the corresponding holder.

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

18. Click the Contour tab.

- In the Depth Parameters group box, click on the button next to the First cut amt. to
display its value in inches. Set the value to 1inch.
Since the feature depth is 1inch, this setting cuts the feature to depth in one pass.
- In the Side Parameters group box, click the Settings button.
The Side Parameters dialog box is displayed.
- Click on the button next to the Cut amt. to display its value in inches. Set the value
to 0.0625in.
- Set the Prev. allowance to 0.1875in.
These two parameters determine the number of side passes. These values will generate
three side passes.
- Click OK to close the Side Parameters dialog box.
19. Click the Feature Options tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box.
Notice that the Feature list currently shows Open Profile1. When machining multiple
features with the same operation, most of the cutting conditions are the same and the
settings in the Operation Parameters dialog box apply automatically to all features. To
allow greater flexibility in machining individual features, cutting conditions that are
feature-based are not applied automatically to all features. For some feature-based
parameters, an Apply to All button is provided to set the parameters the same. For others,
the parameters must be set for each feature.
20. In the Features group box, click on Feature list and select Open Profile2.
21. Click the Contour tab and notice that your change is retained for the First cut amt.
22. In the Side Parameters group box, click the Settings button.
The change for the Cut amt. is retained; however, the Prev. allowance value is the
original default. This parameter must be set for each feature.
23. In the Side Parameters dialog box, change the Prev. allowance to 0.1875in.
24. Click OK to close the dialog box.
25. Click OK to close the Operation Parameters dialog box.
Step 6: Generating the Toolpaths and Simulating Toolpaths

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

- Tool: Shaded with Edges display
- Holder: Shaded with Edges display
- Target: No Display
- Tool: Ignore Collision
- Tool Shank: Ignore Collision
- Tool Holder: Ignore Collision
5. Click the Single Step button several times to step through the simulation.
Note that simulation using user-defined tools is not supported in Turbo mode.
Simulation Toolpath

Creating and Using User-defined Mill Tool Holders
SOLIDWORKS CAM includes the capability to define mill tool holders and create a Holder
library in the TechDB. The Holder library within the TechDB consists of all holders available
within a machining facility. When a holder is mated to a mill tool, the holder can be optionally
displayed during simulation. Displaying mill tool holders in simulation provides valuable
feedback to determine whether a collision will occur during machining.
SOLIDWORKS CAM supports two types of mill holders. The first type, called
Basic, has the shape of a larger diameter cylinder on top of a smaller diameter
cylinder. The Basic holders are defined directly in the Holder library by
specifying the Top diameter (D1), Bottom diameter (D2), Overall length (L1),
and Bottom length (L2) as shown in the figure on the right. For many
applications, the Basic mill holder shape is usually adequate. However, in cases
where additional detail in the holder is desired, a User defined holder can be
used. The shape of the user defined holder is based on a SOLIDWORKS CAM
part model.
The tutorial describes how to create a user defined holder, add it to the Holder
library and use it in SOLIDWORKS CAM. Basic Holder
Parameters
Step1: Create Holder in SOLIDWORKS CAM

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

Use CW-Tooling Utility to Save Sketch as a Holder

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

Step 2: Add the Holder to the TechDB and Associate with a Tool
2. The TechDB user interface will be displayed. In the top right corner, ensure that the Units is
set to Metric.
Setting the correct units is necessary the information you input/ edit in the TechDB will be
saved in those specific units.
Set the Units by clicking on the button for the desired units in the Top right corner of the
TechDB UI
3. Click on the Mill Tooling item in the TechDB menu on the left side of the user interface.
4. The user interface for Mill Tooling will be displayed. Under the Holders & Assemblies sub-
menu, click on the Holders item.
Mill Tooling Interface displayed on clicking the Mill Tooling item in the menu on left hand side

5. The Holders & Assemblies user interface will be displayed. The Holders saved within the
Holder Library of the TechDB will be displayed on the left side of this user interface in a
tabular format. If you select any entry within this table, then the corresponding parametric
definition for that holder will be displayed on the right-hand side of this user interface within
the Mill Holder Library form.
6. For this tutorial, we will use a user-defined Holder. To create a user-defined Holder, you need
to create a copy of an existing holder listed in the table of holders and then edit the values that
comprise its parametric definition in the Mill Holder Library form.
Following are the steps to create a new user-defined holder:
i. Highlight any holder in the table.
ii. Click on the Copy button above the Mill Holder Library form on the right-hand side of
the user interface.
Highlight a Holder Entry in the table and click on the ‘Copy’ button
iii. This action will create a new Holder entry at the bottom of the table. The parametric
definition of this newly created holder will be identical to the holder it was copied
from. This new entry will be highlighted by default and its parametric definition will
be loaded in the Mill Holder Library form.

Copy of Holder Entry listed in last row of table
iv. In the Mill Holder Library form, edit the parametric values as required to create a new
definition and click the Save button above the form. For this tutorial, assign the
following parametric values in the Mill Holder Library form:
a. For Holder Number parameter, assign the alphanumeric string Holder1.
b. For Holder Shape, select User Defined from the corresponding
dropdown list.
c. For Holder Type parameter:
i. Click on the Select holder type button adjacent to this
parameter.
ii. The Holders pop-up window will be displayed. The list of Holder
Types will be displayed on the left-hand side of this window.
iii. Highlight the RIGID-STATIC holder type and click on the
Select button at top left corner.
iv. The pop-up window will close and user interface will revert to the
Holders and Assemblies user interface.
d. For Holder Specification parameter:
i. Click on the Edit holder specification button adjacent to this
parameter.
ii. The Holders pop-up window will be displayed. The list of Holder
Specifications will be displayed on the left-hand side of this
window.
iii. Highlight the CAT-45 holder specification and click on the Select
button at top left corner.
iv. The pop-up window will close and user interface will revert to the
Holders and Assemblies user interface.

Selecting the Holder type using the corresponding pop-up window
Selecting the Holder Specification using the corresponding pop-up window
e. Observe that the parameters Top Diameter (D1), Bottom Diameter (D2),
Overall Length (L1) and Bottom Length (L2) are disabled. These fields
are disabled as the Holder Shape has been defined as User Defined.
f. The User defined name & path parameter defines the folder and name of
the user-defined holder file. This field will be enabled only when the
Holder Shape has been defined as User Defined. A Browse button
will be displayed adjacent to this field when Holder Shape is set to User
Defined. Click on this Browse button displays the Windows File
Explorer dialog box. Use this dialog box to locate the \Program

data\SOLIDWORKSCAMData\Tooling\MHolders folder and select the

MillHolder_CAT45-VFlange.mh file defined previously.
Use the File Explorer to select the Mill Holder File
g. In the Comment parameter field, assign the user supplied comment

(alphanumeric text string) as CAT45V.
v. Click on the Save button.
Mill Holder Library Form after Holder Definition has been updated

7. SOLIDWORKS CAM provides two methods of assigning holders to tools:

 In the less formal approach, a holder is mated to a tool in the Tool Cribs user interface
of the TechDB. This user interface is displayed when you select a Tool Crib listed in
Mill user interface of the TechDB. When creating the tool crib, do not select the
Define using Tool Assemblies option. In this approach, tool management is focused
more on the tool itself.
 In environments where a more formal strategy of managing both tool and holder
assemblies is required, each tool and holder combination can be mated permanently
using the Tool Assemblies form. This form is displayed within the Holders &
Assemblies user interface when you click on the Assembly Tools menu option under
Holder & Assemblies sub-menu in the Mill Tooling user interface of the TechDB.
The Mill Tool tab in the Operation Parameters dialog box has a Holder page that
allows you to change the holder for an individual operation, if necessary. In this
tutorial, we will use the Mill Tool Crib form to associate the holder with a tool.
8. In the TechDB menu on the left-hand side of the user interface, click on the Mill menu.
9. The Mill menu user interface will be displayed. In the Tool Cribs sub-menu, click on the Tool
Crib 2 (Metric).
Select Tool Crib 2 (Metric) under Tool Cribs sub-menu in the Mill user interface
10. The Tool Cribs user interface will be displayed. The tools that comprise this tool crib will be
listed in a tabular format on the left-hand side of the user interface.
11. Within this table, highlight the tool with Stn No. 3. Observe that this a Flat End Mill tool.
12. The parameters associated with this selected tool will be displayed in the Tools form on the
right. Observe that the Holder ID parameter is the bottom-most parameter within the Tools
form. Click on the Select Holder button adjacent to the Holder ID parameter.

Tools Form displaying parameters of selected Tool in the Tool Cribs User Interface
13. The Holders pop-up window will be displayed. Use the scroll bar to scroll down the table of
listed holders and select the holder named Holder1. Click on the Select button at top left
corner.
Select the holder with holder number ‘Holder1’ in Holders pop-up window

14. The popup window will close. The user interface will revert to the previous interface.
Observe that the Holder ID of the selected holder will be displayed in field for the Holder ID
parameter in the Tools form.
15. Click the Close button to exit the TechDB.
16. The user interface will revert to SOLIDWORKS. Close MillHolder_CAT45-
VFlange.sldprt file.
Step 3: Use the Holder in SOLIDWORKS CAM

Defining the Machine and Stock
1. Open part file MILL2AX_13.SLDPRT from the following folder location:
MILL2AX_13.SLDPRT
2. Click on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature Tree tab.

3. Double-click on the Machine item in the Feature tree.
Machine item in Feature Tree
The Machine dialog box will be displayed. Within this dialog box:
 On the Machine tab, highlight Mill–Metric and click Select button. (To be done
if the machine is not already selected.)

 Click on the Tool Crib tab, in the list box of Available tool cribs, make sure
Tool Crib 2 (Metric) is selected as Active tool set.
 Make sure Tool crib priority checkbox option is unchecked.
 Click on the Post Processor tab and make sure M3Axis-Tutorial is selected.
 Click OK button at the bottom of the Machine dialog box to close the dialog
box.
4. Click the SOLIDWORKS CAM Options button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM
Command Manager.
OR
Select Tools from the SOLIDWORKS CAM menu and click on SOLIDWORKS CAM
>> Options.
The Options dialog box will be displayed. Click on the Mill Features tab.
5. In the Feature types group box, make sure the Boss and Face options are not checked,
then click OK.
6. Click OK to save the changes and close the dialog box.
Extracting and Defining Machinable Features
1. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM

Command Manager.
AFR finds an Open Pocket and a Rectangular Pocket.
Automatic Feature recognition (AFR) will find an Open Pocket and a Rectangular Pocket
and list them in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree.
Recognized Features listed in SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree
2. Right-click Rectangular Pocket1 in the Feature tree and select Parameters from the
context menu.
3. The Rectangular Pocket Parameters dialog box will be displayed. Within this dialog
box, in the Strategy dropdown list, select Rough-Finish as the Strategy.
(This Strategy has been set up in the TechDB to generate a Rough Mill operation for a
Rectangular Pocket feature.)

Generating Operation Plan and Adjusting the Operation Feature
1. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM

Command Manager. Four operations (Two Rough Mill operations and two Contour Mill
operations) will be generated for the features.
2. Double click Rough Mill2 in the Operation tree.
3. Select Tool Crib page under the Tool tab.
4. Scroll down the tool list and select the tool in Stn. No. 5 (20mm diameter tool).
5. Click the Select button.
Tool Crib page under Tool tab
6. When SOLIDWORKS CAM displays a warning message asking you if you want to
replace the corresponding holder too, click Yes.
7. Click OK to close the Operation Parameters dialog box.
Generate the Toolpath and Simulation

Manager.

The toolpaths will be generated for the four

operations.
2. Click the Simulate Toolpath button on the
SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager.
3. The Simulate Toolpath dialog box will be
displayed. Within this dialog box. set the following
display options:
- Stock: Shaded with Edges
- Tool: Shaded with Edges

- Tool Holder: Shaded with Edges
- Tool Holder: Collision option: Cut

Collision
Holder Gouges the boss
4. Click the Run button to run the simulation.
Notice that the tool holder gouges the boss.
5. Click the OK button to exit the simulation mode.
Customizing Toolpath
1. In the Operation tree, double click on Rough Mill2.
The Operation Parameters dialog box will be displayed.
2. Under the Tool tab and select the Tool Crib page.
3. In the list of tools, select the tool in Stn. No. 3 (12mm diameter tool).
(This action will associate the user-defined holder to this tool in the TechDB.)
4. Click the Select button.
5. When SOLIDWORKS CAM displays a warning message asking you if you want to
replace the corresponding holder too, click Yes.
6. Click the Mill Holder page under the Tool tab.
The information for Holder1 is displayed.

Operation Parameters dialog box
7. Change the Protrusion to 65mm.

This parameter defines the distance from the tip of the tool to the bottom of the holder.
9. Right click Rough Mill2 in the Operation tree and select the Generate Toolpath command
from the context menu.
You need to regenerate the toolpath because you selected a different diameter tool.
10. Double click Contour Mill1 in the Operation tree.
11. Click the Mill Holder page under the Tool tab.
12. Change the Protrusion to 65mm.
This parameter defines the distance from the tip of the tool to the bottom of the holder.
14. Click the Simulate Toolpath button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command
Manager.
15. The Simulate Toolpath dialog box will be displayed. Click the Run button within this
dialog box.
Observe that this holder no longer gouges the boss feature.

Simulation Toolpath without gouging the

boss

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

 Defining a keyway cutter in the Technology Database
 Creating a user-defined T-slot Strategy in the Technology Database
 Inserting a 2 Axis Feature and applying the TechDB T-slot Strategy
 Generating Operations and Toolpaths
Step 1: Open the part and select the Machine and Stock Type
1. Open the part file MILL2AX_8.SLDPRT in the following folder location:

3. Double click on Machine item in the Feature tree.
The Machine dialog box will be displayed.
 On the Machine tab, highlight Mill–Inch machine and click Select button.
 Click on the Tool Crib tab. In the Available Tool Cribs list box, select Tool Crib 2
(Inch) and click Select button. This action defines the active tool set.
 Make sure Tool crib priority option is unchecked.
 Click on the Post Processor tab and make sure M3Axis-Tutorial is selected
 Click OK to close the Machine dialog box.
4. Double click Stock Manager item in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree.
 Observe that the selected stock is of type Bounding box.
 Click OK to close this dialog box.
Step 2: Defining a Keyway Cutter in the Technology Database

In this step, we will define a keyway cutter in the TechDB.
1. Click the TechDB button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager.

OR
Select Tools from the SOLIDWORKS CAM menu and select SOLIDWORS CAM from the
dropdown list>> Technology Database

The TechDB user interface will be displayed in a separate window.

2. At the top-right corner, make sure the Units is set to Inches.
3. On the left-hand side of the user interface, click on the Mill Tooling menu. The Mill Tooling
user interface will be displayed.
4. On the left-hand side of the TechDB user interface, click on the Mill Tooling menu option.
5. The Mill Tooling user interface will be displayed. Under the Cutters sub-menu in this
interface, scroll down to Form Cutters and click on the Keyway option.
Select ‘Keyway’ under ‘Form Cutters’ in the ‘Cutters’ sub-menu of the Mill Tooling user
interface
6. The Keyway Cutters user interface will be displayed. The Keyway Cutter tools saved within
the Tools Library of the TechDB will be displayed on the left side of this user interface in a
tabular format. If you select any entry within this table, then the corresponding parametric
definition for that tool will be displayed on the right-hand side of this user interface within the
Form Cutter – Keyway form.
7. For this tutorial, we will define a new keyway cutter tool. To create a new Keyway Cutter
tool, you need to create a copy of an existing Keyway Cutter tool listed in the table of
Keyway Cutter tools and then edit the values that comprise its parametric definition in the
Form Cutter – Keyway form.
Following are the steps to create a new user-defined holder:
i. Highlight any Keyway Cutter tool in the table of this user interface.
ii. Click on the Copy button above the Form Cutter – Keyway form on the right-hand side
of the user interface.

Select any Entry in the table and click on the ‘Copy’ button
iii. This action will create a new Keyway Cutter tool entry at the bottom of the table. The
parametric definition of this newly created tool will be identical to the Keyway Cutter
tool it was copied from. This new entry will be highlighted by default and its
parametric definition will be loaded in the Form Cutter- Keyway form.
iv. In the Form Cutter- Keyway form, edit the parametric values as required to create a
new
definition and click the Save button above the form. For this tutorial, assign the
following parametric values in the Form Cutter- Keyway form:
a. Ensure that the Active checkbox is checked.
b. For Tool ID parameter, assign the alphanumeric string 1010.
c. For Diameter (D1), assign the value 1.75.
d. For Shank Diameter, assign the value 1.75.
e. For Bottom radius (R1), assign the value 0.05.
f. For Top radius (R2), assign the value 0.05.
g. For Overall length (L1), assign the value 3.
h. For Flute length (L2), assign the value 0.5.
i. For Protrusion (L3), assign the value 2.

j. For Hand of Cut parameter, select the option ‘Right hand’ from the
dropdown list.
k. For No. of Flutes, assign the value ‘8’.
l. For Tool material parameter, select the option ‘Carbide’ from the dropdown
list.
m. For Comment, assign the alphanumeric string 1.75” Keyway.
v. Click the Save button above the Form Cutter – Keyway form to save the changes.
Define the Keyway tool in the Form Cutter – Keyway form and click the Save button
Step 3: Defining a Strategy in the Technology Database

In this step, we will create a user-defined Strategy to apply a machining process in the TechDB.
1. On the left-hand side of the TechDB user interface, click on the Mill menu option.
2. The Mill user interface will be displayed. Under its Strategies sub-menu, click on the Features
& Options menu option.

Click on ‘Features & Options’ menu option in Strategies sub-menu
3. The Features & Operations user interface will be displayed. In the Feature dropdown list,
select the Open Profile/Wrapped Open Profile option.
4. Based on the current machining strategy selected in the dropdown list, the corresponding
Feature Conditions and Operations for the selected Feature Conditions will be displayed in
tabular format within this user interface.
As we are going to define to define a user-defined strategy, the strategy first needs to be
defined so that it becomes available for selection in the Strategy dropdown list. To view the
UI for defining a new strategy, click on the Define strategy button adjacent to the Strategy
dropdown list.
Click on the ‘Define’ strategy button adjacent to the ‘Strategy’ dropdown list
5. The Strategies pop-up window will be displayed. Click on the New button.

6. In the displayed pop-up window box:

i. Assign the name T-slot in the Strategy field
ii. Assign the description T-slot in the Description field.
iii. Ensure that the Default button is unchecked.
iv. Click on the Save button to save the changes.
Defining the name and description for a new strategy in the window displayed when
you click the ‘New’ button
7. This action will add T-Slot as one of the strategies for the selected feature type (Open
Profile/Wrapped Open Profile in this case). Click on the Close button to revert to the previous
user interface.
T-Slot listed as one of the Strategies for the currently selected Feature Type
8. In the Features & Strategies user interface, click on the Strategy dropdown list and select T-
Slot as the strategy.

Select T-Slot in the Strategy dropdown list

The number displayed within parentheses in the adjacent to the name of a strategy in the
Strategy dropdown list indicates the number of Feature Conditions defined for that strategy.
As no Feature Conditions have been defined for the T-Slot strategy, the number displayed
within the parentheses will be “0”.
The next step will therefore be defining Feature Conditions for the T-Slot feature.
Step 4: Defining Feature Conditions for the User-Defined Strategy

As no feature conditions have been defined for the T-Slot strategy, the Feature Conditions table
will be empty. In this step, we will define Feature Conditions for the T-Slot strategy.
1. In the Features & Strategies user interface, ensure that the Feature type selected is Open
Profile/ Wrapped Open Profile and that the Strategy selected is T-Slot.
2. Click on the New button just above the Feature Conditions table.
Click on the ‘New’ button above the Feature Conditions table
3. A new feature condition will be added to the table. For a selected feature condition listed in
the table, the parameters associated with that feature condition will be displayed in the
Feature Condition form on the right-hand side of the user-interface. (If this form is in a
collapsed state, then expand it by clicking on the label of the form.)
As only one feature condition is currently defined in the Feature Conditions table, the
parameters associated with it will be loaded in the Feature Condition form.
Using the Feature Condition form, edit the parameters for this feature condition as follows:
i. Make sure the Sub-Type is set to Blind.

ii. Set the Feature Depth > to 0.001 and the Feature Depth <= to 1.
iii. Set the Box Width > to 0.
4. Click on the Save button above the Feature Condition form.
Observe that the parameters for the Feature Condition’s entry in the Feature Conditions table
is updated to reflect the changes.
Editing parameters in Feature Conditions Form
After defining the Feature Condition, the next step is to define the machining operations for
the feature condition.
Step 5: Defining the Operation Sequence for a Feature Condition

1. In the Feature Conditions table, ensure that the feature condition for which the operation
sequence is to be defined is selected.
2. Click on the New button above the Operations table. In the displayed dropdown list, select
the Contour Mill operation.
Click on ‘New’ button above Operations table

3. A new Contour Mill operation will be added to the Operations table. For the selected feature
condition, the operation sequence will comprise of only one operation viz. this Contour Mill
operation.
The next step is to define the tool selection criteria, operation depth criteria and parameters
for this operation.
Step 6: Defining the Tool Selection Criteria
1. In the Operations table, highlight the operation for which the Tool Selection Criteria is to be
defined.
2. On the right-hand side of the user interface, expand the Operation Tool Selection form in
case it is in a collapsed state by clicking on its label.
3. Within this form, assign the following:
i. In the Type of Tool dropdown list, select KeyWay.
ii. Select the Select Tool radio button option.
iii. Click on the Select tool button adjacent to the Tool ID field.
iv. The Select Tool pop-up window will be displayed. Select the tool with Tool ID of 1010
and click on the Select button at the top left corner of this user interface. (This is 1.75"
keyway tool we defined earlier in Step 2 of this tutorial.)
Select Tool Pop-up Window
4. The Select Tool pop-up window will close and the UI will revert to the Features &
Operations user interface.

Operation Tool Selection Form
5. Click on the Save button.

The next step is to define the Depth Criteria for the operation.
Step 7: Defining the Depth Criteria for the Operation

1. In the Operations table, highlight the operation for which the Depth Criteria is to be defined.
2. On the right-hand side of the user interface, expand the Operation Depth Criteria form in
case it is in a collapsed state by clicking on its label. (This form is located below the
Operation Tool Selection form.
3. Within this Operation Depth Criteria form, assign the following:

i. Select the Use expression option.

ii. This action will enable the Machining depth expression group box. Make no changes to
the defaults within this group box. (Default depth criterion within this group box is the
feature depth.)
iii. Click on the Save button.
4. The strategy definition is complete. Exit the TechDB user interface by clicking on the Close
button .
Step 8: Inserting 2 Axis Features for T-slot and Applying the T-slot Strategy
1. In the SOLIDWORKS CAM environment,
make sure that the part
MILL2AX_8.SLDPRT is open.
2. Click the Extract Machinable Features

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

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

displayed.
5. Select Open Profile for the Feature Type.
6. Zoom to the T-slot area of the part.

7. Rotate the part and pick the edge (highlighted in blue) as shown in the image on the right.
Edge is selected to the Entities selected list box.
8. Click End Condition.
The 2.5 Axis: End Conditions dialog box is displayed.
9. Pick the face (highlighted in blue) as shown in the image.
Select the face
10. The End Condition Type changes to Upto Face.

The Depth is calculated automatically.
11. Set the Strategy to Finish.
12. Click on the Edit feature profiles button.
The 2.5 Axis Feature: Feature Profiles dialog box is displayed.
13. In the 2.5 Axis Feature: Feature Profiles dialog box, ensure that the Flip direction to cut
option is active.
This ensures that the direction of the arrow indicating the side to cut is correct (as shown in
the image).

Correct Direction
14. Click the OK button to close the 2.5 Axis Feature: Feature Profiles dialog box.
15. Then click on the OK button to close the 2.5 Axis Feature: End Conditions dialog box.
An Open Profile feature (Open Profile1) is added to the Mill Part Setup3.
Defining the Open profile feature for the keyway cutter
You will define an open profile feature to machine the T-region.
16. Right click Mill Part Setup3 in the Feature tree and select 2.5 Axis Feature from the context
menu.
17. In the displayed 2.5 Axis Feature: Select Entities dialog box, make sure Open Profile is
selected as the Feature Type.
18. Rotate the part and pick the bottom inside edge of the T-slot as shown in the image.
Edge is selected to the Entities selected list box.
Select the Edge

19. Click End Condition.
20. In the displayed 2.5 Axis Feature: End Conditions dialog box, select T-slot from the Strategy
dropdown list in the Strategy group box.
21. For the End Condition, rotate the part and pick the face as shown in the image (selected face
highlighted in blue).

This action sets the End condition Type to Upto Face and the Depth is calculated
automatically.
Arrow indicating the direction of the side

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

1. Right click Mill Part Setup3 in the Feature tree and select Generate Operation Plan from the
context menu.
In the Operation tree, observe that two Contour Mill operations have been generated for the
two Open Profile features.
2. Double click the first Contour Mill operation under Mill Part Setup3 in the Operation tree.
(This is the operation to machine the top part of the T-slot.)
3. Click on the Leadin tab,
- Set the Leading type to Parallel

- Click on button next to the Leadin amount field so the value in this field is
displayed in inches instead of percentage.
Then, set the Leadin amount to 1in
- Click on button next to the Leadin overlap field so the value in this field is
displayed in inches instead of percentage.
Then, set the Leadin overlap to 0.1in
4. Click OK to apply the changes and close the Operation Parameters dialog box.
5. Double click the second Contour Mill operation. [This is the operation to machine the
bottom part (T-shaped region) of the T-slot.]
The Operation Parameters dialog box for this operation is displayed.
6. Make the same changes on the Leadin tab. (Step 3 and Step 4.)
7. Click on the Contour tab.
8. In the Depth Parameters group box:
- Ensure that the Method is set to Equal.
- Click on button next to the First cut amount field so the value in this field is displayed
in inches instead of percentage.
Then, set the First cut amount to 0.5in.
- Click on button next to the Max cut amount field so the value in this field is displayed
in inches instead of percentage.
Then, set the Max cut amount to 0.5in.
10. Right click Mill Part Setup3 and select Generate Toolpath from the context menu.
Simulation Toolpath
1. Right click Mill Part Setup3 and select Simulate Toolpath from the context menu.
2. In the Toolpath Simulation toolbar, set the End condition to Next Operation.
3. Click the Run button.
4. When the first operation has completed, click the Single Step button to see the keyway
tool cut the T-slot.

Simulation Toolpath

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SOLIDWORKS CAM 2020

Product Name: SOLIDWORKS CAM 2020

CHAPTER 1: LEARNING THE TECHNOLOGY DATABASE 6

Creating a new User Defined Strategy...................................................................29

Step 4: Defining Feature Conditions for the User-Defined Strategy .....................85

Table of Contents iii

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

The intelligence behind SOLIDWORKS CAM machining automation is the

The TechDB is responsible for the following:

6 Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

Select ‘Technology Database’ from the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database 7

8 Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

General tab of Mill Machine Parameters Form

Machine name, Machine ID, Machine description

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database 9

10 Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

Specifications tab of Mill Machine Parameters Form

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database 11

Turret tab of Mill Machine Parameters Form

12 Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

Spindle tab of Mill Machine Parameters Form

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database 13

Setup tab of Mill Machine Parameters Form

Viewing the Other Machines defined in the TechDB

14 Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database 15

16 Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

Creating a new Drill Tool Entry (Adding New Tools)

Searching for Tools that Meet Specific Criteria

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database 17

Using Filter Command to identify Tools that Meet specific Criteria

Navigating Through the Tool List in the Table

Sorting Tool Entries

18 Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

Tool Entries listed in ascending order of Tool Diameter value

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database 19

2. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command

20 Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

Mill Tool Cribs User Interface

Layout of the Tool Cribs User Interface

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database 21

3. Define Mill tools using Tool Assembly:

Command Buttons in the Tool Cribs User Interface

22 Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

2. Click the Technology Database button on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command

Parameters in the Mill Features & Operations User Interface

Strategy (dropdown list)

Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database 23

Define Strategy button

Strategies Dialog Box

Feature Conditions table

24 Chapter 1: Learning the Technology Database

Feature Conditions Form

Operation Tool Selection Form

Operation Depth Criteria Form