Virtual Machining Using

CAMWorks 2020 ®

CAMWorks as a SOLIDWORKS Module

®

Kuang-Hua Chang, Ph.D.

SDC
P U B L I C AT I O N S
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Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks 1

Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks

1.1 Overview of the Lesson

CAMWorks, developed by Geometric Americas Inc. (www.camworks.com/about), is a parametric,

feature-based virtual machining software. By defining areas to be machined as machinable features,
CAMWorks is able to apply more automation and intelligence into CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
toolpath creation. This approach is more intuitive and follows the feature-based modeling concepts of
computer-aided design (CAD) systems. Consequently, CAMWorks is fully integrated with CAD systems,
such as SOLIDWORKS (and Solid Edge and CAMWorks Solids). Because of this integration, you can
use the same user interface and solid models for design and later to create machining simulation. Such a
tight integration completely eliminates file transfers using less-desirable standard file formats such as
IGES, STEP, SAT, or Parasolid. Hence, the toolpaths generated are on the SOLIDWORKS part, not on
an imported approximation. In addition, the toolpaths generated are associative with SOLIDWORKS
parametric solid model. This means that if the solid model is changed, the toolpaths are changed
automatically with minimal user intervention. In addition, CAMWorks is available as a standalone
CAD/CAM package, with embedded CAMWorks Solids as an integrated solid modeler.

One unique feature of CAMWorks is the AFR (automatic feature recognition) technology. AFR
automatically recognizes over 20 types of machinable features in solid models of native format or neutral
file format, including mill features such as holes, slots, pockets and bosses; turn features such as outside
and inside diameter profiles, faces, grooves and cutoffs; and wire EDM features such as die openings.
This capability is complemented by interactive feature recognition (IFR) for recognizing complex multi-
surface features, as well as creating contain and avoid areas.

Another powerful capability found in CAMWorks is its technology database, called TechDBTM, which
provides the ability to store machining strategies feature-by-feature, and then reuse these strategies to
facilitate the toolpath generation. Furthermore, the TechDBTM is a self-populating database which
contains information about the cutting tools and the machining parameters used by the operator. It also
maintains information regarding the cutting tools available at the shop floor. This database within
CAMWorks can be customized easily to meet the user’s and the shop floor’s requirements. This database
helps in storing the best practices at a centralized location in support of machining operations, both in
computers and at the shop floors.

We set off to learn virtual machining and explore capabilities offered by CAMWorks in this lesson. The
follow-up lessons and examples offered in this book are carefully designed and structured to support
readers becoming efficient in using CAMWorks and competent in carrying out virtual machining
simulation for general applications.

We assume that readers are familiar with part and assembly modeling capabilities in SOLIDWORKS,
comfortable with NC programming and G-code, and understand the practical aspects of setting up and
conducting machining operations on CNC machines on the shop floor. Therefore, this book focuses solely
2 Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks

on illustrating virtual machining simulation using CAMWorks for toolpath and G-code generations.
Topics, such as NC part programming and transition from virtual machining to practical NC operations,
can be referenced in other books mentioned in the preface of the book.

1.2 Virtual Machining

Virtual machining is a simulation-based technology that supports engineers in defining, simulating, and
visualizing machining processes in a computer environment using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
tools, such as CAMWorks. Working in a virtual environment offers advantages of ease in making
adjustment, detecting error and correcting mistakes, and understanding machining operations through
visualization of machining simulations. Once finalized, the toolpath can be converted to G-code and then
uploaded to a CNC machine at the shop floor to physically machine parts.

The overall process of using CAMWorks for conducting virtual machining consists of several steps:
create design model (solid models in SOLIDWORKS part or assembly), choose NC machine and create
stock, extract or identify machinable features, generate operation plan, generate toolpath, simulate
toolpath, and convert toolpath to G-code through a post processor, as illustrated in Figure 1.1. Note that
before extracting machinable features, you must select an NC machine, i.e., mill, lathe, or mill-turn,
choosing tool cribs, selecting a suitable post processor, and then creating a stock.

Create Design Model • Create a solid model, part or assembly, in SOLIDWORKS

• Choose an NC machine, mill, lathe, or mill-turn, intended for the machining

operations, choose a tool crib, select a coordinate system, and select a suitable post
Choose NC Machine processor
• Create stock, including shape, size and material

Extract or Identify • Use AFR to extract machinable features embedded in the solid model, such as
Machinable Features holes, pockets, bosses, etc.; or manually identify machinable features

Generate Operation • Generate machining operation plan, including specific machining strategies,
cutting tools, and machining parameters, such as feedrate, spindle speed, stepover,
Plan
depth of cut, etc.

Generate Toolpath • CAMWorks generates toolpath

• Simulate machining operations or step through toolpath

Simulate Toolpath • Record machining time

• Convert toolpath to G-code

Post Process
• Verify G-code

Figure 1.1 Process of conducting virtual machining using CAMWorks

The operation plan involves the NC operations to be performed on the stock, including selection of part
setup origin, where G-code program zero is located. Also included is choosing tools, defining machining
parameters, such as feedrate, stepover, depth of cut, etc. Note that operation plans are automatically
determined by the technology database of CAMWorks as long as a machinable feature is extracted or
Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks 3

identified manually. Users may make changes to any part of the operation plan, for instance, choosing a
different tool (also called cutter, or cutting tool in the book), entering a different feedrate, adjusting depth
of cut, etc. After an operation plan is defined, CAMWorks generates toolpath automatically. Users may
simulate material removal process, step through machining toolpath, and review important machining
operation information, such as machining time that contributes largely to the product cost.

The design model (also called part, design part or target part in this book), which is a SOLIDWORKS
part representing the perfectly finished product, is used as the basis for all machining operations.
Machinable features are extracted automatically or identified interactively on the design model as
references for individual toolpaths. By referencing the geometry of the design model, an associative link
between the design model and the stock is established. Because of this link, when the design model is
changed, all associated machining operations are updated to reflect the change.

The following example, a block with a pocket and eight holes shown in Figure 1.2, illustrates the concept
of conducting virtual machining using CAMWorks. The design model consists of a base block (a boss
extrude solid feature) with a pocket and eight holes that can be machined from a rectangular block (the
raw stock shown in Figure 1.3) through pocket milling and hole drilling operations, respectively. A
generic NC machine Mill-in. (3-axis mill of inch system) available in CAMWorks is chosen to carry out
the machining operations. For example, toolpaths for machining the pocket (both rough and contour
milling operations), as shown in Figure 1.4, can be generated referring to the part setup origin located at
the top left corner of the stock (see Figure 1.3). Users can step through the toolpaths, for example, the
contour milling operation for cutting the pocket with tool holder turned on for display, as shown in Figure
1.5. The material removal simulation of the same toolpath can also be carried out like that of Figure 1.6.

Part setup origin Stock (shaded

Holes (8) Pocket rectangular block)

Figure 1.2 Design model in SOLIDWORKS Figure 1.3 Stock enclosing the design model

Rough toolpath (shown Contour toolpath

in orange color) (shown in blue color)

Figure 1.4 Toolpath of the pocket milling operations Figure 1.5 Step through toolpath
4 Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks

1.3 CAMWorks Machining Modules

The machining modules included in CAMWorks represent a fairly

complete set of capabilities in support of virtual machining and
toolpath generations. These modules include:

• 2½ axis mill: includes roughing, finishing, thread milling, face

milling and single point cycles (drilling, boring, reaming,
tapping) to machine prismatic features;
• 3 axis mill: includes 2.5 axis capabilities plus strategies to
machine complex, contoured surfaces encountered in mold
making and aerospace applications;
• 2 and 4 axis turning: includes roughing, finishing, grooving, Figure 1.6 The material
threading, cutoff and single point cycles (drilling, boring, removal simulation
reaming and tapping);
• Mill-turn: includes milling and turning capabilities for multitasking machine centers;
• Multiaxis machining: 4 axis and 5 axis machining, including high-performance automotive part
finishing, impellers, turbine blades, cutting tools, 5 axis trimming, and undercut machining in mold
and die making;
• Wire EDM: 2.5 axis and 4 axis cutting operations automate the creation of rough, skim and tab cuts.

All the above capabilities, except wire EDM, are discussed in this book. In addition, CAMWorks supports
machining of multiple parts in a single setup. Parts are assembled as SOLIDWORKS assembly, which
includes parts, stock, clamps, fixtures, and jig table in a virtual environment that accurately represent a
physical machine setup at shop floor. A multipart machining example, as shown in Figure 1.7, with ten
identical parts in an assembly will be introduced in Lesson 5. Furthermore, machining features on
multiple planes of parts mounted on the respective four faces of the tombstone, as shown in Figure 1.8, in
a single setup is supported. More about multiplane machining operations can be found in Lesson 6.

Clamp

Bolt

Jig table
Fixture
Part Riser

Figure 1.7 The material removal simulation of a multipart machining example

1.4 User Interface

The overall design of CAMWorks user interface, as shown in Figure 1.9 that includes the layout and
windows, buttons, menu selections, dialog boxes, etc., is very similar to that of SOLIDWORKS.
SOLIDWORKS users should find it is straightforward to maneuver in CAMWorks. As shown in Figure
1.9, the user interface window of CAMWorks consists of pull-down menus, command buttons, graphics
Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks 5

area, and feature manager window. An example file, Lesson 1 with Toolpath.SLDPRT, is prepared for you
to browse numerous capabilities and become familiar with selections, buttons, commands and options of
CAMWorks user interface. This file (and all example files of the book) is available for download at the
publisher’s website (www.sdcpublications.com). You may review Section 1.5 for steps to bring the
example into CAMWorks.

Tool
Rotary table Part
Fixture

Tombstone

Figure 1.8 Material removal simulation of the multiplane machining example

Pull-down
menu

CAMWorks
toolbar CAMWorks tab
Heads-up
Feature tree tabs view toolbar

Graphics area

Feature Resource
manager center
i d

Short message

Status bar
Reference triad Unit system

Figure 1.9 User interface of CAMWorks

6 Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks

Table 1.1 The major command buttons in CAMWorks

Button Symbol Name Function

Define Machine Allows you to define the machine tool that the part will be
machined on, such as 3-axis mill.

Define Coordinate Allows you to define a coordinate system and assign it as the
System Fixture Coordinate System for the active machine.
Stock Manger Allows you to define the raw stock from a bounding box, an
extruded sketch or an STL file.
Part Setup Allows you to create Part Setups that defines (1) tool
orientation (or feed direction), (2) G-code program zero, and
(3) the X direction of tool motion.
Extract Initiates automatic feature recognition (AFR) to
Machinable automatically extract solid features that correspond to the
Features machinable features defined in the technology database
(TechDBTM). The types of machinable features recognized
for mill and turn are different. CAMWorks determines the
types of features to recognize based on the NC machine
selected. The machinable features extracted are listed in the
feature manager window under the CAMWorks feature tree
tab .
Generate Generates operation plans automatically for the selected
Operation Plan machinable features. The operation plans and associated
machining strategy and machining parameters are selected
based on rules defined in TechDBTM. An operation plan
contains information on how the machinable features are to
be machined. The operations generated are listed in the
feature manager window under the CAMWorks operation
tree tab .
Generate Toolpath Creates toolpath for the selected operation plans and displays
the toolpath on the part. A toolpath is a cutting entity (line,
circle, arc, etc.) created by a cutting cycle that defines tool
motion.
Simulate Toolpath Provides a visual verification of the machining process for
the current part by simulating the tool motion and the
material removal process.
Step Through Allows you to view toolpath movements either one
Toolpath movement at a time, a specified number of movements or all
movements.
Save CL File Allows you to save the current operation and associated
parameters in the technology database as CL (cutter location)
data for future use.
Post Process Translates toolpath and operation information into G-code
for a specific machine tool controller.
Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks 7

The graphics area displays the solid or machining simulation model with which you are working. The
pull-down menus provide basic solid modeling functions in SOLIDWORKS and machining functions in
CAMWorks. The command buttons of the CAMWorks tab above the graphics area offer all the functions
required to create and modify virtual machining operations in a generic order. Major buttons include
extract machinable features, generate operation plan, generate toolpath, simulate toolpath, step through
toolpath, and save CL file. When you move the mouse pointer over these buttons, a short message
describing the menu command will appear. Some of the frequently used buttons in CAMWorks and their
functions are also summarized in Table 1.1 for your reference.

There are four feature tree tabs on top of the feature manager window that are highly relevant in learning
CAMWorks. The left most tab, FeatureManager design tree (see Figure 1.10), sets the display to the
SOLIDWORKS design tree (also called model tree or solid feature tree), which lists solid features, parts,
assembly mates, and assemblies created in SOLIDWORKS in the feature manager window.

The third tab from the right, CAMWorks feature tree (see Figure 1.11), shifts the display to the
CAMWorks feature tree, which lists machinable features extracted or identified from the solid model. The
tree initially shows only Configurations, Machine (for example, Mill-in in Figure 1.11), Stock Manager,
Coordinate System, and Recycle Bin. The Machine entity indicates the current machine as mill, turn, mill-
turn, or wire EDM. You will have to select a correct machine before you begin working on a part. If you
click any machinable feature, an outline view of the machinable feature appears in the part in the graphics
area. For example, the sketch of the pocket appears when clicking Irregular Pocket1 in the feature tree, as
shown in Figure 1.11. Note that a symbol (called tool axis symbol) appears indicating the tool axis
direction (or feed direction) of all the machinable features under the current mill part setup.

The second tab from the right, CAMWorks operation tree (shown in Figure 1.12), sets the display to
the CAMWorks operation tree. After you select the Generate Operation Plan command, the operation
tree lists operations for the corresponding machinable features. Similar to SOLIDWORKS, right clicking
an operation in the operation tree will bring up command options that you can choose to modify or adjust
the machining operation, such as feedrate, spindle speed, and so on. Clicking any operations after
selecting the Generate Toolpath command will bring out the corresponding toolpaths in the part in the
graphics area, like that of Figure 1.4.

The tool axis symbol

Sketch of the pocket
Figure 1.11 Selecting a machinable feature under the
CAMWorks feature tree tab
Figure 1.10 Solid features listed in
the feature manager window under
the FeatureManager design tree
8 Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks

Figure 1.12 CAMWorks

operation tree tab

Figure 1.13 CAMWorks tools tree tab

The right most tab, CAMWorks tools tree (shown in Figure 1.13), sets the display to the CAMWorks
tools tree. CAMWorks tools tree lists tools available in the tool crib you selected for the machine.

1.5 Opening Lesson 1 Model and Entering CAMWorks

A machining simulation model for the simple block example shown in Figure 1.2 has been created for
you. You may download all example files from the publisher’s website, unzip them, and locate the model
under Lesson 1 folder. Copy or move Lesson 1 folder to your hard drive.

Start SOLIDWORKS, and open model file Lesson 1 with toolpath.SLDPRT. You should see a solid
model file like that of Figure 1.2 appearing in the graphics area.

Entering CAMWorks from SOLIDWORKS is straightforward. You may click the CAMWorks feature
tree tab or operation tree tab to browse respective machining entities. You may right click any
entity listed in the feature or operation tree to modify or adjust the machining model. You may also
choose options under the pull-down menu Tools > CAMWorks to launch the same commands of those
listed in Table 1.1 (and more) that support you to extract machinable features, generate operation plan,
and so on.

If you do not see the CAMWorks feature tree or operation tree tab, you may have not activated the
CAMWorks add-in module. To activate the CAMWorks module, choose from the pull-down menu

Tools > Add-Ins

In the Add-Ins dialog box shown in Figure 1.14, click CAMWorks 2020 in both boxes (Active Add-ins and
Start Up), and then click OK. You should see that CAMWorks 2020 tab appears above the graphics area
like that of Figure 1.9 and CAMWorks tree tabs added to the top of the feature manager window.

If you still do not see any of the CAMWorks tree tabs on top of the feature manager window or any of the
CAMWorks buttons above the graphics area (like those of Table 1.1), you may have not set up your
CAMWorks license option properly. To check the CAMWorks license setup, choose from the pull-down
menu
Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks 9

Help > CAMWorks 2020 > License Info

In the CAMWorks License Info dialog box (Figure 1.15), click all clickable boxes (or select modules as
needed, for example, 3X Mill L1 for 3-axis mill level 1) to activate the module(s). Then click OK.

You may need to restart SOLIDWORKS to activate newly added CAMWorks modules. Certainly, before
going over this tutorial lesson, you are encouraged to check with your system administrator to make sure
SOLIDWORKS and CAMWorks have been properly installed on your computer.

Another point worth noting is that the auto save option might have been turned on in CAMWorks by
default. Often, it is annoying to get interrupted by this auto save every few minutes asking if you want to
save the model. You may turn this auto save option off by choosing from the pull-down menu

Tools > CAMWorks > Options

In the Options dialog box (Figure 1.16), select Disable Auto Saving under the General tab to turn it off.
Then click OK.

To browse an existing CAMWorks model, you may click any machinable features listed under the
CAMWorks feature tree tab to display the feature in the graphics area. For example, the pocket
profile sketch like that of Figure 1.11 appears in the design model after clicking Irregular Pocket1.

Figure 1.14 The Add-Ins dialog box Figure 1.15 The CAMWorks License Info dialog box
10 Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks

You may also click an operation under

CAMWorks operation tree tab to show the
toolpath of the selected operation; for example,
Rough Mill or Contour Mill to display toolpaths
like those of Figure 1.4. You may step through
toolpath of an operation by right clicking it and
choosing Step Through Toolpath (see Figure
1.5). You may right click an operation and
choose Simulate Toolpath to simulate a material
removal process of the operation like that of
Figure 1.6.

1.6 Extracting Machinable Features

Machining operations and toolpaths can be

generated only on machinable features. A unique
and appealing technical feature in CAMWorks is
the automatic feature recognition (AFR)
technology, which analyzes the solid features in
the part and extracts mill features such as holes,
slots, pockets and bosses; turn features such as
outside and inside diameter profiles, faces,
grooves and cutoff, and wire EDM features such
as die openings.

The AFR technology helps in reducing the time

spent by the designer to feed in data and select Figure 1.16 The Options dialog box
options related to creating machining simulation.

A set of machinable features for milling and turning operations that can be extracted by AFR are
summarized in Appendix A. The associated machining strategies of individual machinable features can be
found in Appendix B.

The Extract Machinable Features command initiates AFR capability. Depending on the
complexity of the part, AFR can save considerable time in extracting 2.5 axis features, such as holes,
pockets, slots, bosses, etc., either prismatic (with vertical walls) or tapered.

AFR cannot recognize every single feature on a complex part and does not recognize features beyond 2.5
axis. To machine these areas, you need to define machinable features manually using the interactive
feature recognition (IFR) wizard. For example, you may define a Multi Surface feature manually by
selecting faces to be cut and faces to avoid in the design model. More on this topic will be discussed in
this book, for example, in Lesson 2: Simple Plate, and Lesson 4: Freeform Surface.

In addition to AFR and IFR, CAMWorks provides local feature recognition (LFR) capability for
extracting machinable features. Local feature recognition is a semi-automatic method to define
machinable features based on face selection. You may select one or more faces on the part in the graphics
area and use LFR to extract machinable features.
Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks 11

1.7 Technology Database

CAMWorks technology database, TechDBTM, is a self-populating database which contains all the
information about the machine, cutting tools and the parameters used by the operator, and rules of
repetitive NC operations (called strategy in CAMWorks) for the respective machinable features. This
database within CAMWorks can be customized easily to meet the user’s and the shop floor’s
requirements. The database can be utilized for all the manufacturing processes viz. milling, turning, mill-
turn and wire EDM. This database supports best practices at a centralized location in the tool room; thus,
it eliminates the non-uniformity in practicing virtual and physical machining operations.

Using a set of knowledge-based rules, CAMWorks analyzes the machinable features to determine the
machining process plan for a design model. In this approach, features are classified according to the
number of possible tool approaching directions that can be used to machine them. The knowledge-based
rules are applied to assure that you get desired cutting operations. The rules that determine machining
operations for a respective machinable feature can be found in Appendix B, for both milling and turning
operations.

The technology database is shipped with data that is considered generally applicable to most machining
environments. Data and information stored in the database can be added, modified, or deleted to meet the
user’s specific needs in practice. More about accessing and modifying the database is discussed in Lesson
10: Die Machining Application.

1.8 CAMWorks Machine Simulation

CAMWorks Machine Simulation offers a realistic machine setting in a virtual environment, in which
machining simulation may be conducted on a virtual replicate of the physical NC machine. Computer
models of the machine, tilt rotary table, fixtures, tool, tool holder, stock and part are assembled to
realistically represent a physical NC machine setting. In addition to simulating machining operations, the
Machine Simulation capability provides tool collision detection in a more realistic setting.

Although CAMWorks Machine Simulation capability is offered as a separate licensed module, legacy
machines, including a mill and a mill-turn, come with CAMWorks. For example, Figure 1.17 shows
machining simulation using a legacy mill, Mill_Tutorial, in which the tool, tool holder, tilt table, rotary
table, and a stock together with a machine coordinate system XYZ are displayed (see Figure 1.17). To the
right, the machining operations and the corresponding G-code is listed in the upper and lower areas of
Move List, respectively. On top, a default virtual machine (or simulator), Mill_Tutorial, is selected. Below
are buttons that control the machining simulation run. More about the Machine Simulation capability and
commands can be found in Lesson 7: Multiaxis Milling and Machine Simulation.

More importantly, this capability allows you to install a virtual CNC machine that is a virtual replicate of
a physical machine available at your machine shop on your computer to carry out machining simulation.
For example, a HAAS mill can be added to CAMWorks as a virtual CNC machine for support of machine
simulation, as shown in Figure 1.18. We will discuss this capability in Lesson 10: Die Machining
Application.

1.9 Tutorial Examples

In addition to the example of this lesson, nine machining examples are included in this book: seven
milling and two turning. All nine lessons illustrate step-by-step details of creating machining operations
and simulating toolpath capabilities in CAMWorks.
12 Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks

NC machine

Tool holder NC operations

Tool

Tilt table
G-code

Stock

Rotary table

Figure 1.17 The Machine Simulation window of Mill_Tutorial

Figure 1.18 The Machine Simulation window of a HAAS mill

Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks 13

We start in Lesson 2 with a simple plate example, which provides you with a brief introduction to
CAMWorks 2020 and offers a quick run-through for creating a contour (also called profile) mill operation
using a 3-axis mill.

Lessons 3 through 7 focus on milling operations. We include examples of machining 2.5 axis features
using 3-axis mill in Lesson 3, machining a freeform surface of a solid feature in Lesson 4, machining a set
of identical parts in an assembly in Lesson 5, machining features on multiple planes using a 3-axis mill
with a rotary table in Lesson 6, and machining a cylindrical surface using multiaxis milling operation in
Lesson 7. In Lesson 7 we also discuss Machine Simulation, in which we bring the machining simulation
into a legacy mill that comes with CAMWorks software.

Lessons 8 and 9 focus on turning operations. In Lesson 8, we use a simple stepped bar example to learn
basic capabilities in simulating turning operations and understanding G-code generated by CAMWorks.
In Lesson 9, we machine a similar example with more turn features to gain a broader understanding of the
turning capabilities offered by CAMWorks. In Lesson 9, we also discuss mill-turn operations.

In Lesson 10, we present an industrial application that involves die machining for sheet metal forming. In
this application, tooling manufacturing for sheet metal forming, including punch and die, was carried out
mainly by using a HAAS mill. CAMWorks was employed to conduct virtual machining and toolpath
generation for the die and punch. The goal of the lesson is to offer readers a flavor of the role that
CAMWorks would play in a practical tooling manufacturing application.

One thing we emphasize in this book is the verification the G-code converted from virtual machining
simulation. Learning the menu selections and button clicking of CAMWorks for generating machining
operations is important. On the other hand, the virtual machining simulation must lead to something
useful at the shop floor. That is, the G-code converted from machining operations must be accurate and
compatible with the NC machines at the shop floor. The G-code must be ready and able to produce parts
as desired without major hurdles. Please note that no software is 100% error-proof and bug-free.
Therefore, it is extremely important that we carefully review and verify the G-code before loading it to
the NC machine for material cutting. At the end of most lessons, we review and verify the G-code
converted. Readers are strongly encouraged to do the same while applying the skills learned from this
book to their own machining projects. Examples and topics to be discussed in individual lessons are
summarized in Table 1.2.

Table 1.2 Examples employed and topics to be discussed in this book

Lesson Example Machining Model Problem Topics to Discuss

Type
2 Simple 3-axis 1. A brief introduction to CAMWorks
Plate contour (or 2020
profile) 2. A complete process of using
milling CAMWorks to create a milling
operation from the beginning all the
way to the post process that generates
G-code
3. Extract machinable feature using
interactive feature recognition (IFR)
4. Review and verify G-code generated
14 Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks

Table 1.2 Examples employed and topics to be discussed in this book (cont’d)

Lesson Example Machining Model Problem Topics to Discuss

Type
3 2.5 Axis Pocket 1. Extract 2.5 axis machinable features
Features milling and using automatic feature recognition
hole drilling (AFR)
2. Identify machinable feature for face
milling operation interactively
3. Define part setup origin for G-code
generation
4. Adjust machining parameters to
regenerate toolpath
5. Review and verify G-code generated
4 Freeform Machine a 1. Create a multi surface machinable
Surface freeform feature and select avoid surface feature
surface using to restrain area of toolpath generation
a 3-axis mill 2. Create Area Clearance (rough cut) and
Pattern Project (finish cut) operations
3. Convert an area clearance operation to
local milling operation
4. Take a closer look at the options offered
for creating desirable Pattern Project
operation
5. Create section views for a closer look at
the freeform surface in material removal
simulation
5 Multipart Machine a set 1. Select fixture coordinate system for
Machining of identical cutting multiple parts
parts in an 2. Create instances of part for machining
assembly operations
3. Define stocks for individual instances
4. Select components in the assembly for
the tools to avoid
5. Simulate material removal for cutting
multiple parts
6. Review and verify G-code generated
6 Multiplane Machine 1. Cut parts with machinable features on
Machining features on multiple planes
multiple 2. Set the rotation axis of the rotary table
planes using as the 4th axis
a 3-axis mill 3. Select components to avoid and to be
with a rotary included in material removal simulation
table 4. Rotate tool vs. rotate stock in material
removal simulation
5. Review and verify G-code generated
Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks 15

Table 1.2 Examples employed and topics to be discussed in this book (cont’d)

Lesson Example Machining Model Problem Topics to Discuss

Type
7 Multiaxis Multiaxis 1. Machine a cylindrical surface extruded
Surface milling by a Bézier curve using 5-axis mill
Machining operations 2. Create volume milling, local milling,
and Machine and multiaxis surface milling operations
Simulation 3. Identify tool gouging and regenerate
toolpath to avoid gouging
4. Use Machine Simulation to simulate
multiaxis machining operations in a
setup with a tilt rotary table
8 Turning a Basic turning 1. Follow a complete process in using
Stepped operations CAMWorks to create a turning
Bar using 2-axis simulation from the beginning all the
lathe way to the post process that generates
G-code
2. Interactively extract machinable
features
3. Review and verify G-code generated
9 Turning a Advanced 1. Extract machinable features for turning,
Stub Shaft turning including face, groove, thread, and holes
operations at both ends using AFR
2. Interactively create turn thread feature,
generate toolpath and review and verify
G-code generated
3. Choose mill-turn to machine the side cut
features and a cross hole in the stub
shaft
10 Die Practical 1. Introduce an industrial application that
Machining application involves die machining for sheet metal
Application forming
2. Add a HAAS mill computer model to
CAMWorks Machine Simulation
3. Customize the technology database
4. Use the added HAAS mill to support
machine simulation
5. Add a HAAS post processor to
CAMWorks for G-code generation
6. Collision detection in Machine
Simulation
16 Lesson 1: Introduction to CAMWorks

Notes: