Cover Page

TechDB Settings
Guide
Disclaimer
Geometric Americas, Inc. makes no warranties, either express or implied with respect
to this manual. Geometric Americas, Inc. reserves the right to revise and improve
products as it sees fit, and to revise the specifications and information contained
herein without prior notice. Due to continuing product development, specifications
and capabilities described in this manual are subject to change without notice.

Trademarks
The following and other product names and corporate references herein are registered
or proprietary trademarks of their respective owners.
CAMWorks® is a registered trademark of Geometric Americas, Inc.
SOLIDWORKS® is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS
Corp.
FeatureManager™ is a trademark owned jointly by DS SOLIDWORKS and Bentley
Systems, Inc.
All other brands and names are property of their respective owners.

Copyright ©2017-2018 Geometric Americas, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Product Name: CAMWorks 2018 SP1

Technology Database Setting Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Technology Database Basics ............................................................... 5
What is Technology Database (TechDB)? .........................................................5
Why are TechDB Settings important? ................................................................5
Database formats in which TechDB is supported ..............................................6
Advantages of using SQLite based TechDB compared to TechDB supported in
other database formats ........................................................................................... 7
Default Folder Location of the TechDB Source Files .............................................. 8
Migrating from MS Access based TechDB or SQL Server based TechDB to SQLite
based TechDB ........................................................................................................ 9
Linking an MS Access based or SQL-Server based TechDB with CAMWorks ....... 9
TechDB User Interface Files ........................................................................... 10
Steps to select the User Interface file for viewing/accessing/editing Info in the
TechDB................................................................................................................. 11
Mapping of TechDB User Interface Files with TechDB Formats ........................... 12
Supported Languages for TechDB user interface files ......................................... 13
Supported MS Access Versions for running TechDB & *.mde based user
interface files ................................................................................................... 13
Launching the Technology Database .............................................................. 14
Customizing Information within the TechDB ................................................... 14
Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings when for first-time CAMWorks
installation ....................................................................................................... 15
Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings on upgrading existing CAMWorks
Installation ....................................................................................................... 15
2. TechDB Settings For a Single User License ..................................... 17
Default location of TechDB when single user license of CAMWorks is installed17
Functioning of TechDB for a single user license of CAMWorks...................... 17
Relocating the TechDB Repository to another location (Single User
Installation) ...................................................................................................... 18
Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks ....................... 19
Steps to Import customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks installation for
a single-user license: ............................................................................................ 19

3. TechDB Settings for a Floating Network License ............................. 22

Default nature of the TechDB installation when multiple licenses of CAMWorks
are active ......................................................................................................... 22
Need for creating a common TechDB repository for Floating network license
of CAMWorks .................................................................................................. 23

Table of Contents i
 Technology Database Setting Guide

Pre-requisite for creating a centralized TechDB repository for Floating network

license of CAMWorks ........................................................................................... 23
When should one ideally create a centralized TechDB repository on a network
drive? .................................................................................................................... 23
Creating a centralized TechDB Repository for a floating network installation
of CAMWorks .................................................................................................. 24
Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks ....................... 25
Steps to Import customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks installation on
a floating network.................................................................................................. 26

4. Using a SQL-Server based TechDB ................................................... 28

Supported versions of SQL Server.................................................................. 28
User Interface Files for viewing/accessing/editing information in a SQL Server
based TechDB ................................................................................................. 29
Steps to create a SQL Server based TechDB ................................................ 29
Steps to link the CAMWorks application to the SQL Server based TechDB... 30
Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks (SQL Server
based TechDB) ............................................................................................... 32
Steps to import customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks when TechDB
supported on SQL Server is used ......................................................................... 32

Appendix A: Migrating from MS Access based TechDB to SQLite Based

TechDB ........................................................................................................ 34
Steps to migrate customized data in MS Access based TechDB to SQLite based
TechDB................................................................................................................. 34

Appendix B: Migrating from SQL Server based TechDB to SQLite based

TechDB ........................................................................................................ 36
Steps to migrate customized data in SQL Server based TechDB to SQLite based
TechDB................................................................................................................. 36

Appendix C: Linking CAMWorks to MS Access based TechDB ............. 38

Steps to link CAMWorks with MS Access based TechDB .................................... 38

ii Table of Contents
Technology Database Setting Guide

1. TECHNOLOGY DATABASE BASICS

What is Technology Database (TechDB)?
The TechDBTM is the intelligence behind the machining automation in
CAMWorks. The knowledge-based machining technology, tooling details,
cutting conditions and operation defaults saved in the Technology Database are
used to generate operations automatically.
The default TechDB shipped along with CAMWorks contains data that is
considered generally applicable to most machining environments. In order to
gain full advantage of CAMWorks, you need to customize this data as per your
best practices and machine tool infrastructure available at your end. This
information can then be used to generate toolpaths on various types of
features. Such a repository ensures uniformity and quality in the generated
toolpaths. The machining information in the database is divided into these
categories:
 Machine: All the CNC machines in your facility and the associated
controller and tool crib.
 Tools: The tool library can contain all the tools in your facility.
 Cutting Parameters: Information for calculating feed rates and spindle
speeds, stock materials and tool materials.
 Feature and Operations: The machining sequence for different types of
features.

Why are TechDB Settings important?

To make the best use of the TechDB, you will have to change from default
settings of TechDB to suit your requirements such as:
 Creating centralized TechDB repository on a Floating Network (Multi-user
license)
 Setting up a SQL Server-based Technology Database (Applicable only if you
wish to link CAMWorks to a SQL Server based-TechDB)
 Importing customized TechDB data after upgrading your existing CAMWorks
installation
 Customizing the information stored within the TechDB

Technology Database Basics 5

 Technology Database Setting Guide

 Link CAMWorks with the TechDB supported in a Database format other than
the default SQLite format (Applicable only if you wish to link CAMWorks to
TechDB supported in MS Access or SQL Server format)
 Selecting the user interface file to view/access/edit the information stored
within the Technology Database (Applicable only if you wish to use a user
interface file other than the default TechDB App user interface file)

Database formats in which TechDB is supported

The Technology Database associated with CAMWorks is supported in the
following three database formats:
1. SQLite
The SQLite-based TechDB was introduced with CAMWorks 2018 SP0
version. Its associated Technology Database data file name is
TechDB.cwdb. The SQLite based TechDB is the default TechDB linked to
the CAMWorks application at the time of installation/upgradation.
2. Microsoft Access
Associated Technology Database data file name is TechDB.mdb.

Note: For MS Access database type, the Technology Database is supported

on both 32-bit and 64-bit modes of MS Access.

3. SQL Server

Database Formats

Microsoft Access SQLite SQL Server

Database Formats in which TechDB is supported

Given on the next page is a tabular comparison of the TechDB supported in

these Database formats.

6 Technology Database Basics

Technology Database Setting Guide

Associated
Is Database Type
TechDB Data Default Location of the TechDB
Database dependent on any
Source Data source file (TechDB
Format Third-part
File/TechDB repository) at time of installation
application?
Repository
Yes. A supported version
of 32-bit or 64-bit MS
Access application must
C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2018x64\Lan
MS Access TechDB.mdb be installed on the
g\English
machine of which the
TechDB.mdb file will
reside.
No. The SQLite based
C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2018x64\Tec TechDB.cwdb is not
SQLite TechDB.cwdb
hDB\TechDB.cwdb dependent on any third-
party application.
Yes. The Microsoft
product ‘SQL Server’
User needs to
(SQL Server 2005 or any
configure the
SQL Server Not applicable as it is user configured. other higher version)
server and add
must be installed in order
the database.
to use the SQL Server
based TechDB.

Advantages of using SQLite based TechDB compared to TechDB

supported in other database formats
There are two advantages of using the default SQLite based TechDB compared
to the MS Access based TechDB and SQL Server based TechDB.

1. No dependency on any third party application

The first advantage is that SQLite based TechDB is not dependent on any
third party application.

2. Common TechDB Repository for all supported languages

The second advantage is that for the SQLite based TechDB, a common
TechDB repository (TechDB.cwdb) exists for all the languages in which the
TechDB is supported. In the case of MS Access based TechDB and SQL
Server based TechDB, a separate TechDB repository exists for each
supported language. This means that for MS Access based TechDB and
SQL Server based TechDB, whenever customized data is saved, it will be
saved only in that particular language version. The TechDB repositories
in other language versions won't be updated. In the case of SQLite based
TechDB, as a common TechDB repository is shared by all languages, any
changes saved to the TechDB will be applicable to all languages.

Technology Database Basics 7

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Default Folder Location of the TechDB Source Files

When you install CAMWorks, the files associated with its Technology Database
too will be installed simultaneously.
The default location of the TechDB depends on the database format.

Default location of SQLite based TechDB at time of installation

For SQLite based TechDB, the associated repository (TechDB.cwdb) will be
installed at the following location:
C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2018x64\TechDB\TechDB.cwdb

Default location of MS Access based TechDB at time of installation

For MS Access based TechDB, the associated TechDB repository will be
installed at the following location:
C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2018x64\Lang\xxxx
Where, xxxx indicates the supported language specific folder name.

Note: The specific language-based versions of the Technology Database will be

installed only if the options to install CAMWorks in those specific
language versions are exercised at the time of installation.

MS Access based TechDB files in the \CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2018x64\Lang\xxxx folder

8 Technology Database Basics

Technology Database Setting Guide

Migrating from MS Access based TechDB or SQL Server based TechDB

to SQLite based TechDB
The SQLite based TechDB was introduced with the CAMWorks 2018 SP0 version.
From this version onwards, the default TechDB format linked to the CAMWorks
application at the time of installation/upgradation is the SQLite-based TechDB.
In CAMWorks versions previous to this version, the MS Access based TechDB
was the default format linked to the CAMWorks application. If you are an
existing user of CAMWorks who uses an MS Access based TechDB or SQL
Server based TechDB containing customized data and wishes to migrate to
SQLite based TechDB, you can do so at any point of time. The migration of
customized data from the previous version of the MS Access based or SQL
Server based TechDB data source file into the SQLite based TechDB repository
(TechDB.cwdb) is supported.
For detailed steps on how to migrate customized data, refer the following
topics in the Appendix section of this document:
 Appendix A: Migrating from MS Access based TechDB to SQLite based
TechDB
 Appendix B: Migrating from SQL Server based TechDB to SQLite based
TechDB

Linking an MS Access based or SQL-Server based TechDB with

CAMWorks
The SQLite based TechDB was introduced with the CAMWorks 2018 SP0 version.
Whenever you install/upgrade CAMWorks, the default TechDB repository (data
source file) linked to the CAMWorks application will be TechDB.cwdb (SQLite
Database format). In CAMWorks versions previous to this version, the MS
Access based TechDB was the default format linked to the CAMWorks
application.
If you wish to use the TechDB supported in another database format (viz. MS
Access or SQL Server), then use the Link Database functionality to select the
database format of your choice and link it to the CAMWorks application.
 To change default settings and link the CAMWorks application with MS-
access based TechDB, refer Appendix C: Linking CAMWorks to MS access
based TechDB.
 To change default settings and link the CAMWorks application with SQL
Server based TechDB, refer the section Steps to link the CAMWorks
application to the SQL Server based TechDB in Chapter 4 of this
document.

Technology Database Basics 9

 Technology Database Setting Guide

TechDB User Interface Files

A user interface file is required to view/access/edit information within the
Technology Database data source file. The TechDB Forms dropdown list in the
File Locations tab of the CAMWorks Options dialog box is used for selecting
such a user interface file.
Following are the user interface file options available in the TechDB Forms
dropdown list of the Options dialog box:

1. TechDB App
This is the default option at the time of installation. It can be used to
view/access/edit information within the TechDB for all supported database
types. It has a very simplified and user-friendly interface. Unlike the other
options available within this TechDB Forms list, it is not dependent on the
installation of MS Access.

Note: If you retain/select TechDB App as the user interface of choice for
accessing information in the TechDB, then you don't require a compatible
version of MS Access to be installed on your system on which CAMWorks
is also installed.

2. TechDBForms.mde (32bit)
This user interface option will be visible in the TechDB Forms dropdown only
if a compatible 32-bit version of MS Access is installed on the system. This
user interface can be used to view/access/edit information within the
TechDB when the TechDB data source is either MS Access based or SQL
Server based.

3. TechDBForms_basic.mde (32bit)
This user interface option will be visible in the TechDB Forms dropdown only
if a compatible 32-bit version of MS Access is installed on the system. The
difference between this user interface and TechDBForms.mde is the layout
of the user interface. When TechDBForms_basic.mde option is selected and
the Technology Database is launched, the display will consist of a basic user
interface with no navigation tree.
This user interface can be used to view/access/edit information within the
TechDB when the TechDB data source is either MS Access based or SQL
Server based.

4. TechDBFormsx64.mde (64bit)
This user interface option will be visible in the TechDB Forms dropdown only
if a compatible 64-bit version of MS Access is installed on the system. This

10 Technology Database Basics

Technology Database Setting Guide

user interface can be used to view/access/edit information within the

TechDB when the TechDB data source is either MS Access based or SQL
Server based.

When you click on the Technology Database command button on the

CAMWorks Command Manager, the TechDB user interface file that will be
displayed depends on the selection made in this TechDB Forms field.

Steps to select the User Interface file for viewing/accessing/editing Info

in the TechDB
Depending on the database format in which the Technology Database is
supported, the user interface files required to access information within the
TechDB will also differ. Given below are the steps to select the user interface
file for viewing, accessing and editing information within the Technology
Database.
1. On the CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the Options command

button .
2. The Options dialog box will be displayed. Click on the File locations tab within
this dialog box.

TechDB Forms in the dropdown list of the Options dialog box

Technology Database Basics 11

 Technology Database Setting Guide

3. Click on the TechDB Forms dropdown list within this tab.

4. Depending on the TechDB Database format you have linked to the
CAMWorks application, select the appropriate user interface file.
5. Click the OK button to apply the changes and close the dialog box.

Mapping of TechDB User Interface Files with TechDB Formats

As the Technology Database is supported in three different database formats,
the user interface files required to view/access/edit information in the
corresponding TechDB data source files are different.
Given in the below table is the mapping of all TechDB User Interface files
available in the CAMWorks application and the TechDB data source files that
can be viewed/accessed/edited using this user interface files.
Supported Technology
Is User Interface file Database Format that can
Sr. Name of the TechDB
dependent on any third be viewed/accessed/
No. User Interface File
party application? edited using the User
Interface File

i. SQLite based TechDB

(TechDB.cwdb)
ii. MS Access based
1. TechDB App No.
TechDB (TechDB.mdb)
iii. SQL Server based
TechDB

Yes. 32-bit mode of i. MS Access based

TechDBForms.mde supported MS Access TechDB (TechDB.mdb)
2.
(32-bit) version must be installed ii. SQL Server based
on the system. TechDB

Yes. 32-bit mode of i. MS Access based

supported MS Access TechDB (TechDB.mdb)
3. TechDBForms_basic.mde
version must be installed ii. SQL Server based
on the system. TechDB

Yes. 64-bit mode of i. MS Access based

TechDBFormsx64.mde supported MS Access TechDB (TechDB.mdb)
4. ii. SQL Server based
(64-bit) version must be installed
on the system. TechDB

12 Technology Database Basics

Technology Database Setting Guide

Supported Languages for TechDB user interface files

The user interface for CAMWorks and its associated Technology Database are
available in the following languages:
 Chinese Simplified
 Chinese Traditional
 Czech
 English
 French
 German
 Italian
 Japanese
 Korean
 Polish
 Portuguese-Brazilian
 Russian
 Spanish
 Turkish

Note: The specific language-based versions of the Technology Database will be

installed only if the options to install CAMWorks in those specific language
versions are exercised at the time of installation.

Supported MS Access Versions for running TechDB &

*.mde based user interface files
The Technology Database is supported on three database formats viz. SQLite,
Microsoft Access and SQL Server.
For the Microsoft Access based TechDB, a Full or Runtime version of MS Access
is required to view/access/edit information in the TechDB.
For running an *.mde based user interface file too, a Full or Runtime version of
MS Access is required.
The Technology Database is supported both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of
Microsoft Access, although 64-bit version of MS Access is recommended.
Following are supported/compatible versions of Microsoft Access:
 MS Access 2010 SP2 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
 MS Access 2013 SP1 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
 MS Office 365 with Office 2013 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
 MS Access 2016 SP1 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
 MS Office 365 with Office 2016 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)

Technology Database Basics 13

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Launching the Technology Database

Use any one of the following two methods to launch the Technology Database
after launching the CAMWorks application:

1. Click on the Technology Database command button on the CAMWorks

Command Manager.
2. Click on the CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS Tools menu and select
CAMWorks>>Technology Database from the cascading menu.
Executing any of the above-mentioned commands will launch the User
Interface of the Technology Database. This user interface file that will be
displayed depends on the selection made in this TechDB Forms field in File
Locations tab of the Options dialog box.

Customizing Information within the TechDB

After opening TechDB, you can view/edit/customize it to suit your facility’s
requirements. To learn how to customize the Technology Database to suit your
facility’s requirements, we recommend that you read the Manual Technology
Database Tutorial. This manual can be accessed from the Windows Start menu by
selecting
All Programs>>CAMWorks2018x64>>Manuals>>Technology Database Tutorial.

Please refer the flowcharts given on the next two pages to gain an understanding of
the various Technology Database (TechDB) settings.

14 Technology Database Basics

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings when for first-time CAMWorks installation

Download and install the Activate the
CAMWorks Installer CAMWorks License Have you
Package installed a
Refer License
Refer Installation Activation Guide Standalone
Guide License or
Floating Network
Floating network License?
License

Do you Single User

want to use a License
SQLite based TechDB
or MS-Access based
TechDB or SQLite- Do you
SQL-based based want to use a
TechDB? TechDB SQLite based TechDB
MS-Access or MS-Access based
Based Create a centralized TechDB or
TechDB TechDB repository on SQL-based SQL
the Floating Network MS-Access Server-
Based TechDB?
Create a centralized based
TechDB repository on SQL Server- TechDB TechDB
the Floating Network based
TechDB Link CAMWorks Create a SQL
installation to MS Server-based
Create a SQL Server- Access based TechDB SQLite- TechDB
based TechDB
based
TechDB
Link CAMWorks
Link CAMWorks Link CAMWorks to
installation on each
installation on each the SQL Server
machine on the floating
machine on the floating based TechDB
network to the
network to the
centralized TechDB
centralized TechDB
Do you
want share the
Link CAMWorks TechDB on the
installation on each Network?
machine on the floating (ideal in situation where
network to the SQL multiple single user
Server based TechDB licenses are No
present)

Relocate the TechDB on a

network drive
Yes

TechDB ready for use.

Customize info within the
TechDB to suit your
requirements

Technology Database Basics 15

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings on upgrading existing CAMWorks Installation

Download new
CAMWorks Version
Do you
Have a
Floating Network Standalone Standalone License
License or
Floating Network
License? Upgrade existing
Upgrade the CAMWorks CAMWorks Installation
installation on all systems of Refer Installation
the floating network Guide
Refer Installation
Guide

Do you
have a SQLite
Do you based or MS-Access
have a SQLite SQL Server based or
SQLite SQL Server-based
based or MS-Access based license Based
based or TechDB?
SQL Server-based TechDB
TechDB?
MS-
SQLite Access SQL
Link CAMWorks to
Based MS-Access based Server
the MS Access
TechDB Based TechDB based TechDB based
TechDB
Create a centralized Create a SQL Server Create SQL-based
TechDB repository on based TechDB using TechDB using TechDB
the Floating Network TechDB files provided Import customized data files provided
from previous TechDB
version into new
TechDB
Link CAMWorks Link CAMWorks Link CAMWorks to the
installation on each installation on each SQL Server based
machine on the floating machine on the floating TechDB
network to the network to the SQL Do
centralized TechDB Server based TechDB you wish to
relocate the
TechDB Import customized data
location? from existing SQL-
Import customized data Import customized data based TechDB into
from existing SQL No newly created SQL-
from existing TechDB
repository into new Server-based TechDB based TechDB
Yes
TechDB into newly created SQL-
based TechDB Relocate updated TechDB
to another location and
link to CAMWorks

TechDB is ready for

use with upgraded
version of CAMWorks

16 Technology Database Basics

Technology Database Setting Guide

2. TECHDB SETTINGS FOR A SINGLE USER

LICENSE
This chapter deals with the various Technology Database settings you might
have to change from time to time depending on your requirements.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
 Default location of TechDB when single user license of CAMWorks is
installed
 Functioning of TechDB for a single user license of CAMWorks
 Relocating the TechDB Repository to another location
 Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks

Default location of TechDB when single user license

of CAMWorks is installed
On every Windows system on which the CAMWorks application is installed, the
default Technology Database shipped along with CAMWorks too will be installed
on the same machine at the following location:
Drive:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2018x64\TechDB\TechDB.cwdb

For more details, refer: Default location of TechDB Source Files

Functioning of TechDB for a single user license

of CAMWorks
If you have purchased a single-user license of CAMWorks, then by default, the
Technology Database will reside on the same machine on which the CAMWorks
application is installed. You can customize the data within the TechDB to
represent your facility’s capabilities.

TechDB Settings For a Single User License 17

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Relocating the TechDB Repository to another location

(Single User Installation)
If you customize the data within the Technology database repository and wish
to safeguard your customized TechDB repository by moving it from it default
location to a secure location on the network, you can choose to do so.
The steps to relocate the TechDB repository depend on whether you have a
standalone (single-user) license or floating network license of CAMWorks
application.
 If you have a floating network license, then refer: Creating a centralized
TechDB repository on a floating network installation of CAMWorks.
 If you use a SQL Server based TechDB, then refer: Creating and Linking a
SQL-based TechDB.
 If you have a standalone (single-user) license of CAMWorks, then following
are the steps:
1. On the Windows system on which CAMWorks has been installed, browse to
the default location where the TechDB file (TechDB.cwdb/TechDB.mdb) is
installed within the CAMWorks data folder.
2. From this default folder location, move the TechDB data source file
(TechDB.cwdb/TechDB.mdb) to a shared folder location on the network or
any other desired location. (Ensure that the folder in which the file is
relocated has read-write permissions.)
3. Launch CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS.
4. On the CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the Technology Database

button .
5. The User Interface for accessing the Technology Database will be displayed
in a separate window. Close the CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS
application.
6. In the Technology Database window, click on the Settings menu option

on the left hand side.

7. Ensure that the Link Database tab is active. Click on the Browse button.
8. The File Open dialog box will be displayed. Use this dialog box to browse to
the shared folder on the network where the TechDB.cwdb file resides. Select
this file and click the Open button. The File Open dialog box will close and
the user interface will revert to the Link Database tab.
9. Close the Technology Database main window.

18 TechDB Settings For a Single User License

Technology Database Setting Guide

10. Launch CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS again. On the CAMWorks Command

Manager, click on the CAMWorks Options button . The Options dialog

box will be displayed.
11. The File Locations tab of this dialog box indicates the new location of the
TechDB. Verify that this path is correct and close the dialog box.
If the folder path displayed to the shared folder is correct, then it indicates
successful relocation of the centralized Technology Database source file to a
shared folder on the network.

Importing customized TechDB data on

upgrading CAMWorks
Every time the CAMWorks installation is upgraded to a newer version, the data
structures and data associated with its Technology Database too undergo
upgrades. If you have customized data within the Technology Database
associated with your existing CAMWorks installation, it is imperative that you
create its back up copy and then import the customized TechDB data from the
backed up copy into the newly installed Technology Database.

If you use a SQL Server based TechDB, then refer: Importing customized
TechDB data (SQL Server based TechDB).

If you use an MS Access based TechDB or SQLite based TechDB, the steps to
import customized TechDB data for a CAMWorks single user installation are
given below.

Steps to Import customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks

installation for a single-user license:

1. Before you upgrade your existing CAMWorks installation on your Windows

system, browse to the folder location where the Technology Database data
source file (TechDB.cwdb/TechDB.mdb) containing customized data is
located. If you had relocated the TechDB data source file from its default
location to another location, then browse to that folder location.
2. Create a backup copy in the same folder or another folder.
3. Upgrade your existing CAMWorks installation to a newer version.
4. Launch CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS.

TechDB Settings For a Single User License 19

 Technology Database Setting Guide

5. On the CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the Technology Database

button .
6. The main window of the Technology Database will be displayed. Close
the CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS application.
7. In the Technology Database window, click on the Settings menu option

on the left hand side.

8. Ensure that the Link Database tab is active. Select the Database type by
clicking on the respective tab (SQLite/MS-Access/SQL Server) to activate it.
9. The default path to the TechDB repository associated with the newly
installed/upgraded CAMWorks will be displayed next to the Browse button.
Make a note of this folder location.
10. Click on the Import Database tab.
11. Click on the Browse button within this tab.
12. The File Open dialog box will be displayed. Use this dialog box to browse to
the folder location containing the backup copy of the TechDB repository (as
was indicated in step number 2). Select this backed up TechDB repository
file and click on the Open button in the File Open dialog box. The File Open
dialog box will close and the user interface will revert to the Import
Database tab.
13. In the Import database tab, the folder path to the backed up TechDB
repository file containing customized data will be displayed adjacent to the
Browse button.
14. Select the data to be imported. By default, the checkboxes for all the data
import options will be checked. In case, your customized data pertains to
only to specific data sets, you can uncheck the other data import options.
15. The Create Backup Copy checkbox option in the Import Database tab will be
checked by default. It is recommended that you retain the tick in this
checkbox option before importing. This ensures that a backup copy of the
newly installed TechDB containing the imported customized data is created
in the same folder. (The name of the backed up copy will be "Backup of
TechDB".) This backed up copy can be used the next time you need to
import customized TechDB data after upgrading your CAMWorks
installation.

20 TechDB Settings For a Single User License

Technology Database Setting Guide

Note: If you add additional customized data to your Technology Database after
the backup copy has been created, you will need to create and use a
separate backup copy of your TechDB for importing customized data
when you upgrade your CAMWorks installation the next time to a newer
version.

16. Click on the Import button. The importing process will begin.

Note: The process of importing data takes a few minutes to complete. Do not
close the Technology Database main window while the importing
process is in progress.

17. Once the importing process is completed, a pop-up message indicating

successful completion of data migration will be displayed. Close the TechDB
main window.
18. If your previous TechDB containing customized data was placed in a secure
location on the network, then relocate the newly installed TechDB
containing the imported customized data to the same location. [For steps to
complete this procedure, refer: Relocating the TechDB Repository to
another location.]
Your upgraded CAMWorks installation is now ready for use.

TechDB Settings For a Single User License 21

 Technology Database Setting Guide

3. TECHDB SETTINGS FOR A FLOATING

NETWORK LICENSE
This chapter deals with the various Technology Database settings you might
have to change from time to time depending on your requirements.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
 Default nature of the TechDB installation when multiple licenses of CAMWorks are
active
 Need for creating a common TechDB repository for Floating license
 Creating a centralized TechDB repository for Floating License Network installation
 Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks

Default nature of the TechDB installation when multiple

licenses of CAMWorks are active
On every Windows system on which the CAMWorks application is installed, the
default Technology Database shipped along with CAMWorks too will be installed
on the same machine at the following locations depending on their database
format.

Default location of SQLite based TechDB at time of installation

For SQLite based TechDB, the associated repository (TechDB.cwdb) will be
installed at the following location:
C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2018x64\TechDB\TechDB.cwdb

Default location of MS Access based TechDB at time of installation

For MS Access based TechDB, the associated TechDB repository will be
installed at the following location:
C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2018x64\Lang\xxxxx
Where, xxxxx indicates the supported language specific folder name.

If you have purchased a Floating network license of the CAMWorks application,

then by default, a copy of the Technology Database repository (both SQLite
based TechDB.cwdb and MS Access based TechDB.mdb) will reside on the
every Windows machine on which the CAMWorks application is installed. Post

22 TechDB Settings for a Floating Network License

Technology Database Setting Guide

installation and license activation, every user will have access to the TechDB
repository installed on their individual machines. Any customization saved into
one instance the TechDB residing on a particular Windows machine will
therefore not be saved in the copies of the TechDB residing on other machines.

Need for creating a common TechDB repository for

Floating network license of CAMWorks
If you have purchased a Floating network license of CAMWorks, then having
individual instances of the Technology Database on each Windows machine on
which CAMWorks application is installed is not ideal as it prevents the users
from accessing a common and shared TechDB repository which contains
customized data that represents your facility’s machining capabilities. This
situation can be easily overcome by sharing the Technology Database file on a
network and then changing the folder path to the source database on
individual machines on which CAMWorks application is installed.

Pre-requisite for creating a centralized TechDB repository for Floating

network license of CAMWorks
Ensure that every Windows system on which the CAMWorks application is
installed has read-write access to the shared folder on the network drive where
the centralized Technology Database repository will be relocated.
If MS Access based TechDB (TechDB.mdb) is your database type of choice,
then ensure that a supported version of MS Access is available on the machine
on which the TechDB.mdb will be relocated.

When should one ideally create a centralized TechDB repository on a

network drive?
If you have purchased a multiple licenses of CAMWorks and have
installed CAMWorks on multiple Windows systems connected on a network, you
need to move the TechDB to a shared folder. Such a common and shared
TechDB repository can then be accessed by all the Windows machines (on
which CAMWorks application is installed) via the network.

TechDB Settings for a Floating Network License 23

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Creating a centralized TechDB Repository for a floating

network installation of CAMWorks
If you use a SQL Server based TechDB, then refer: Creating and Linking a
SQL-based TechDB.
If you use an MS Access based TechDB or SQLite based TechDB, the steps to
relocate the TechDB to a shared location on a network drive and create a
common and shared TechDB repository accessible to multiple users
of CAMWorks on the network are given below:
Following are the steps:
1. Ensure that the pre-requisites for creating a centralized TechDB repository
are met.
2. Identify the Windows system that has the TechDB source file containing
customized TechDB data. In case no customized TechDB data has yet been
generated, then select any Windows machine on which the CAMWorks
application has been installed.
3. On the selected Windows machine, use the Windows explorer to browse to
the default location where the TechDB source file (TechDB.cwdb/
TechDB.mdb) is located.
4. From this folder location, move the file TechDB.cwdb to a shared folder
location on the network.
5. After completing the above step, the following steps need to be performed
on every individual Windows machine on which CAMWorks in installed so
that it can successfully access the centralized and shared Technology
Database repository on the network:
i. Launch CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS.
ii. On the CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the Technology

Database button .
iii. The User Interface for accessing the Technology Database will be
displayed in a separate window. Close the CAMWorks
Solids/SOLIDWORKS application.
iv. In the Technology Database window, click on the Settings menu

option on the left hand side.

v. Ensure that the Link Database tab is active. Click on the Browse
button.
vi. The File Open dialog box will be displayed. Use this dialog box to
browse to the shared folder on the network where the TechDB.cwdb

24 TechDB Settings for a Floating Network License

Technology Database Setting Guide

file resides. Select this file and click the Open button. Your CAMWorks
application is now linked to the TechDB repository shared on the
network.
vii. Close the TechDB.
viii. Launch CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS again. On the CAMWorks

Command Manager, click on the CAMWorks Options button . The

Options dialog box will be displayed.
ix. The File Locations tab of this dialog box indicates the new location of
the TechDB. Verify that this path is correct.
If the folder path displayed to the shared folder is correct, then it
indicates successful relocation of the centralized Technology Database
repository to a shared folder on the network.

Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading

CAMWorks
Every time the CAMWorks application installed on a Windows machine is
upgraded to a newer version, the data structures and data associated with its
Technology Database too will be upgraded. If you have a Floating network
installation of CAMWorks with a centralized TechDB repository containing
customized data shared over a network, then it is imperative that you create
its back up copy and then import the customized TechDB data from the backed
up copy into the newly installed Technology Database.
Every time the CAMWorks installation is upgraded to a newer version, the data
structures and data associated with its Technology Database too undergo
upgrades. If you have customized data within the Technology Database
associated with your existing CAMWorks installation, it is imperative that you
import the customized TechDB data into the newly installed Technology
Database.
If you use a SQL Server based TechDB, then refer: Importing customized
TechDB data (SQL Server based TechDB).
If you use an MS Access based TechDB or SQLite based TechDB, the steps to
import customized TechDB data for a CAMWorks floating network installation
are given below.

TechDB Settings for a Floating Network License 25

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Steps to Import customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks

installation on a floating network

1. Before you upgrade your existing CAMWorks installation on your Windows

system, browse to the folder where the Technology Database source file
(TechDB.cwdb/TechDB.mdb) containing customized data is located. For a
floating network license, then the folder path will be to the shared folder on
the network where the centralized TechDB source file is located.
2. Create a backup copy of the TechDB repository file in the same or another
folder.
3. Upgrade all the Windows machines on which the CAMWorks application is
installed.
4. Relocate the newly installed TechDB to a shared location on a network drive
in order to create a common and shared TechDB repository accessible to
multiple users of CAMWorks on the network. [For steps to complete this
procedure, refer: Creating a centralized TechDB Repository for a floating
network installation of CAMWorks.]
5. Launch CAMWorks on any one of the Windows machines on the floating
network installation.
6. On the CAMWorks Command Manager, click on the Technology Database

button .
7. The main window of the Technology Database will be displayed. Close
the CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS application.
8. In the Technology Database window, click on the Settings menu option

on the left hand side.

9. Ensure that the Link Database tab is active. Select the Database type by
clicking on the respective tab (SQLite/MS-Access/SQL Server) to activate it.
10. The default path to the TechDB repository associated with the newly
installed/upgraded CAMWorks will be displayed next to the Browse button.
Make a note of this folder location.
11. Click on the Import Database tab.
12. Click on the Browse button within this tab.
13. The File Open dialog box will be displayed. Use this dialog box to browse to
the folder location containing the backup copy of the TechDB source file (as
was indicated in step number 2). Select the source file and click the Open
button. The File Open dialog box will close and the user interface will revert
to the Import Database tab.

26 TechDB Settings for a Floating Network License

Technology Database Setting Guide

14. In the Import Database tab, the folder path to the backed up TechDB
repository file containing customized data will be displayed adjacent to the
Browse button.
15. Select the data to be imported. By default, the checkboxes for all the data
import options will be checked. In case, your customized data pertains to
only to specific data sets, you can uncheck the other data import options.
16. The Create Backup Copy checkbox option in the Import Database tab will be
checked by default. It is recommended that you retain the tick in this
checkbox option before importing. This ensures that a backup copy of the
newly installed TechDB containing the imported customized data is created
in the same folder. (The name of the backed up copy will be "Backup of
TechDB".) This backed up copy can be used the next time you need to
import customized TechDB data after upgrading your CAMWorks
installation.

Note: If you add additional customized data to your Technology Database after
the backup copy has been created, you will need to create and use a
separate backup copy of your TechDB for importing customized data
when you upgrade your CAMWorks installation the next time to a newer
version.

17. Click on the Import button. The importing process will begin.

Note: The process of importing data takes some time to complete. Do not close
the Technology Database main window while the importing process is in
progress.

18. Once the importing process is completed, a pop-up message indicating

successful completion of data migration will be displayed. Close the TechDB
main window.
Your upgraded CAMWorks installation is now ready for use on all Windows
machines on which it is installed.

TechDB Settings for a Floating Network License 27

 Technology Database Setting Guide

4. USING A SQL-SERVER BASED TECHDB

The Technology Database associated with CAMWorks is supported on three
database types. By default, when you install the CAMWorks application, the
Technology Database supported on SQLite database type (i.e. TechDB.cwdb) is
linked to the application. The other two database types on which TechDB is
supported are MS Access and SQL Server. If desired, you can create and link a
SQL-based TechDB to the CAMWorks application.
How to create and link a SQL-based TechDB is discussed in this chapter.

The following topics are covered in this chapter:

 Supported versions of SQL Server
 User Interface Files for viewing/accessing/editing information in a SQL
Server based TechDB
 Steps to create a SQL Server based TechDB
 Steps to link the CAMWorks application to the SQL Server based
Technology Database
 Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks (SQL Server
based TechDB)

Supported versions of SQL Server

 SQL Server 2005 / 2008/ 2012
 SQL Server 2005 / 2008/ 2012 Express
 SQL Server 2008 R2
 All higher versions of SQL Server are also supported.

Note: ‘SQL Server’ is Microsoft product. The purchase and installation of this
software is separate from CAMWorks. Geometric Americas, Inc. does
not provide support for installation, setup and database creation for
SQL Server.

28 Using a SQL-Server based TechDB

Technology Database Setting Guide

User Interface Files for viewing/accessing/editing

information in a SQL Server based TechDB
All user interface files supplied with the CAMWorks application can be used to
view/access/edit information in the SQL Server based TechDB. The
recommended user interface file is the default file named TechDB App which is
not dependent on any third party application. If you choose to use user
interface files in *.mde format, a supported version of MS Access must be
installed on client machines accessing the Technology Database on the SQL
Server.

Steps to create a SQL Server based TechDB

1. On a Windows machine on which the CAMWorks application is installed,
browse to the following folder within the CAMWorks data folder.
C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2018x64\Lang\xxxxx
where, xxxxx indicates the supported language specific folder name. You
need to select the language folder based on the language in which you wish
to view/access/edit the SQL Server based TechDB.
2. Locate the TechDB.bak file in this folder.

Note: If you wish to use SQL Server based TechDB in more than one language,
you need to create separate SQL Server based databases of the TechDB
for each of the required languages using the corresponding TechDB.bak
file. Note that these databases will be mutually exclusive. Such a mutual
exclusion means that customized data saved in the TechDB of a particular
language won't be simultaneously saved in any other language version.
Hence, choose the language version accordingly.

3. Use the Restore Database functionality in SQL Server Management Studio

or SQL Server Management Studio Express to create the Technology
Database from the TechDB.bak file.
4. The database you create may be assigned any name. However, for easy
identification, it is recommended that you follow a syntax that suffixes the
CAMWorks version to the database name.
For example, if you have installed CAMWorks 2018 SP1 version and have
used the TechDB.bak for English language, the name of the database can be
assigned as TechDB_2018SP1_English.
5. Provide the necessary access rights for the users.

Using a SQL-Server based TechDB 29

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Steps to link the CAMWorks application to the SQL

Server based TechDB
Following are the steps:
1. Launch the Technology Database on the Windows machine on which
CAMWorks is installed.
The TechDB user interface will be displayed.
2. Close the CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS application.

3. Click on the Settings menu option in the Technology Database

graphical menu. The Settings user interface will be displayed.
4. Ensure that Link Database tab is active.
5. At the time of installation, the TechDB supported on SQLite database format
will be linked to the CAMWorks application by default. This is indicated by
the SQLite tab being in active mode within the Link Database tab. To link the
TechDB supported in SQL Server database format to the CAMWorks
application, perform the following steps within the Link Database tab:
i. Click on the SQL Server tab. Parameters associated with connecting to
a SQL Server based database will be displayed.
ii. In the Server Name field, type in the Server Name.
iii. Select the Authentication mode from the dropdown list. Select
Windows Authentication to authenticate based on the default user ID
you use to log in to Windows or SQL Authentication to authenticate a
specific SQL user.
iv. If you select SQL Authentication, then enter the User Name and
Password in the respective fields.
v. In the Database name dropdown list, select the SQL Server based
TechDB you created and click on the Get Database button.
vi. Once the database is located, click on the Connect button.

30 Using a SQL-Server based TechDB

Technology Database Setting Guide

SQL Server within the Links Database tab

6. If you have a floating network license, then the above steps need to be
repeated on every Windows machine on which CAMWorks is installed.
7. If you have upgraded your CAMWorks installation, then import customized
TechDB data from your previous CAMWorks version.
The SQL Server based TechDB is now ready to be used with the CAMWorks
application.

Note: You can link only one SQL Server based TechDB to the CAMWorks
application at a time. If you have created SQL Server based TechDB for more
than one language, you need to repeat the above steps for that particular
language based TechDB in order to link it to the CAMWorks application.

Using a SQL-Server based TechDB 31

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading

CAMWorks (SQL Server based TechDB)
Every time the CAMWorks installation is upgraded to a newer version, the data
structures and data associated with its Technology Database too undergo
upgrades. If you have customized data within the Technology Database
associated with your existing CAMWorks installation, it is imperative that you
import the customized TechDB data into the newly installed Technology
Database.
The steps to import customized data from an existing SQL Server based
TechDB into the SQL Server based TechDB associated with the upgraded
version of CAMWorks are given below:

Steps to import customized TechDB data on upgrading CAMWorks

when TechDB supported on SQL Server is used
1. Upgrade all the Windows machines on which the CAMWorks application is
installed.
2. Use the TechDB.bak file available within the CAMWorks data folder to create
a SQL Server based TechDB. [For details, refer: Steps to create a SQL
Server based TechDB.]
3. Launch the Technology Database.

4. Using the Link Database tab in the Settings interface of the TechDB,
link the CAMWorks application to the SQL Server based Technology
Database created in Step number 2. [For details, refer: Steps to link the
CAMWorks application to the SQL Server based Technology Database.]

5. Click on the Import Database tab within the Settings interface of

TechDB.
6. Click on the SQL Server tab within this tab. Parameters associated with
connecting to a SQL Server based database will be displayed. Assign the
following:

i. In the Server Name field, type in the Server Name.

ii. Select the Authentication mode from the dropdown list. Select
Windows Authentication to authenticate based on the default user ID
you use to log in to Windows or SQL Authentication to authenticate a
specific SQL user.
iii. If you select SQL Authentication, then enter the User Name and
Password in the respective fields.

32 Using a SQL-Server based TechDB

Technology Database Setting Guide

iv. In the Database name dropdown list, select the SQL Server based
TechDB containing the customized data and click on the Get Database
button.

7. Once the database is located, the next step is to select the data to be
imported. By default, the checkboxes for all the data import options will be
checked. In case, your customized data pertains to only to specific data
sets, you can uncheck the data import options that do not contain
customized data.
8. The Create Backup Copy checkbox option in the Import Database tab will be
checked by default. It is recommended that you retain the tick in this
checkbox option before importing. This ensures that a backup copy of the
TechDB repository containing the imported customized data is created. (The
name of the backed up copy will be "Backup of TechDB".) This backed up
copy can be used the next time you need to import customized TechDB data
after upgrading your CAMWorks installation.
9. Click on the Import button. The importing process will begin.

Note: The process of importing data takes a few minutes to complete. Do not
close the Technology Database main window while the importing process
is in progress.

10. Once the importing process is completed, a pop-up message indicating

successful completion of data migration will be displayed.
11. If you have a floating network installation, then repeat Step 4 above on all
machines on which the CAMWorks application is installed.
12. Your CAMWorks installation is now linked to the SQL Server based TechDB
containing the imported customized data.

Using a SQL-Server based TechDB 33

 Technology Database Setting Guide

APPENDIX A: MIGRATING FROM MS ACCESS

BASED TECHDB TO SQLITE BASED TECHDB
If you are an existing user of CAMWorks who uses an MS Access based TechDB
containing customized data and wishes to migrate to SQLite based TechDB,
you can do so at any point of time. Migration of customized data from MS
Access based TechDB repository (TechDB.mdb) into the SQLite based TechDB
repository (TechDB.cwdb) is supported.

Steps to migrate customized data in MS Access based TechDB to

SQLite based TechDB
1. Launch the Technology Database.
2. The main window of the Technology Database will be displayed. Close
the CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS application.
3. In the Technology Database window, click on the Settings menu option

on the left hand side.

4. Ensure that the Link Database tab is active. Click on the SQLite tab to link
the SQLite based TechDB to the CAMWorks application.
5. The default path to the SQLite based TechDB repository will be displayed
next to the Browse button.
(C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2018x64\TechDB\TechDB.cwdb)

6. Click on the Import Database tab. Click on the MS Access tab.

7. Click on the Browse button within this tab.
8. The File Open dialog box will be displayed. Use this dialog box to browse to
the folder location containing the MS Access based TechDB repository
(TechDB.mdb) containing customized data. Select this file and click on the
Open button in the File Open dialog box. The File Open dialog box will close
and the user interface will revert to the Import Database tab.
9. In the Import Database tab, the folder path to the selected TechDB.mdb file
that contains customized data will be displayed adjacent to the Browse
button.
10. Select the data to be imported. By default, the checkboxes for all the data
import options will be checked. In case, your customized data pertains to
only to specific data sets, you can uncheck the data import options that do
not contain customized data.

34 Appendix A: Migrating from MS Access based TechDB to SQLite Based TechDB

Technology Database Setting Guide

11. The Create Backup Copy checkbox option in the Import Database tab will be
checked by default. It is recommended that you retain the tick in this
checkbox option before importing. This ensures that a backup copy of the
TechDB.cwdb file containing the imported customized data is created in the
same folder. (The name of the backed up copy will be "Backup of TechDB".)
This backed up copy can be used the next time you need to import
customized TechDB data after upgrading your CAMWorks installation.
12. Click on the Import button. The importing process will begin.

Note: The process of importing data takes a few minutes to complete. Do not
close the Technology Database main window while the importing
process is in progress.

13. Once the importing process is completed, a pop-up message indicating

successful completion of data migration will be displayed.
14. Your CAMWorks installation is now linked to the SQLite based TechDB. You
can optionally perform the following steps:
i. If you wish to relocate the SQLite based TechDb.cwdb file containing
customized data to a secure location on the network, then refer:
Relocating the TechDB Repository to another location.]
ii. If you have a floating network license and need to share the SQLite
based TechDb.cwdb file on the network to create a centralized TechDB
source, refer: Creating a centralized TechDB Repository for a floating
network installation of CAMWorks.

Appendix A: Migrating from MS Access based TechDB to SQLite Based TechDB 35

 Technology Database Setting Guide

APPENDIX B: MIGRATING FROM SQL SERVER BASED

TECHDB TO SQLITE BASED TECHDB
If you are an existing user of CAMWorks who uses a SQL Server based TechDB
containing customized data and wishes to migrate to SQLite based TechDB,
you can do so at any point of time. Migration of customized data from SQL
Server based TechDB repository into the SQLite based TechDB repository
(TechDB.cwdb) is supported.

Steps to migrate customized data in SQL Server based TechDB to

SQLite based TechDB
1. Launch the Technology Database.
2. The main window of the Technology Database will be displayed. Close
the CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS application.
3. In the Technology Database window, click on the Settings menu option

on the left hand side.

4. Ensure that the Link Database tab is active. Click on the SQLite tab to link the
SQLite based TechDB to the CAMWorks application.
5. The default path to the SQLite based TechDB repository will be displayed
next to the Browse button.
(C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2018x64\TechDB\TechDB.cwdb)

6. Click on the Import Database tab. Click on the SQL Server tab within this
tab. Parameters associated with connecting to a SQL Server based database
will be displayed. Assign the following:
i. In the Server Name field, type in the Server Name.
ii. Select the Authentication mode from the dropdown list. Select
Windows Authentication to authenticate based on the default user ID
you use to log in to Windows or SQL Authentication to authenticate a
specific SQL user.
iii. If you select SQL Authentication, then enter the User Name and
Password in the respective fields.
iv. In the Database name dropdown list, select the SQL Server based
TechDB containing the customized data and click on the Get Database
button.
7. Once the database is located, the next step is to select the data to be
imported. By default, the checkboxes for all the data import options will be

36 Appendix B: Migrating from SQL Server based TechDB to SQLite based TechDB
Technology Database Setting Guide

checked. In case, your customized data pertains to only to specific data

sets, you can uncheck the data import options that do not contain
customized data.
8. The Create Backup Copy checkbox option in the Import Database tab will be
checked by default. It is recommended that you retain the tick in this
checkbox option before importing. This ensures that a backup copy of the
TechDB.cwdb file containing the imported customized data is created in the
same folder. (The name of the backed up copy will be "Backup of TechDB".)
This backed up copy can be used the next time you need to import
customized TechDB data after upgrading your CAMWorks installation.
9. Click on the Import button. The importing process will begin.

Note: The process of importing data takes a few minutes to complete. Do not
close the Technology Database main window while the importing
process is in progress.

10. Once the importing process is completed, a pop-up message indicating

successful completion of data migration will be displayed.
11. Your CAMWorks installation is now linked to the SQLite based TechDB. You
can optionally perform the following steps:
i. If you wish to relocate the SQLite based TechDB.cwdb file containing
customized data to a secure location on the network, then refer:
Relocating the TechDB Repository to another location.]
ii. If you have a floating network license and need to share the SQLite
based TechDB.cwdb file on the network to create a centralized TechDB
source, refer: Creating a centralized TechDB Repository for a floating
network installation of CAMWorks.

Appendix B: Migrating from SQL Server based TechDB to SQLite based TechDB 37
 Technology Database Setting Guide

APPENDIX C: LINKING CAMWORKS TO MS ACCESS

BASED TECHDB
When you install CAMWorks for the first time or whenever you upgrade your
existing CAMWorks installation, the default TechDB repository (data source file)
linked to the CAMWorks application will be TechDB.cwdb (SQLite Database
format).
If you wish to use the TechDB supported in the MS Access database format,
then use the Link Database functionality to select this database format and link
it to the CAMWorks application.

Steps to link CAMWorks with MS Access based TechDB

1. Within the CAMWorks application, click on the Technology Database

command button on the CAMWorks Command Manager.

The TechDB App user interface will be displayed.
2. Close the CAMWorks Solids/SOLIDWORKS application.

3. Go To Settings menu on the left hand side of the TechDB App user
interface.
4. Ensure that Link Database tab is active.
5. At the time of installation, the TechDB supported on SQLite database type
will be the default one linked to the CAMWorks application. This is indicated
by the SQLite tab being in active mode within the Link Database tab.
6. To select an MS Access based TechDB, perform the following steps within
the Link Database tab:
i. Click on the MS Access tab within the Link Database tab.
ii. The default folder path the TechDB.mdb file will be displayed next to
the Browse button. The TechDB.mdb file is now linked to the CAMWorks
application.
The default folder path the TechDB.cwdb file will be displayed next to the
Browse button.
7. a. If you have upgraded your CAMWorks installation for a single-user
(Node-Locked) license, then import customized TechDB data from the
previous CAMWorks version.

38 Appendix C: Linking CAMWorks to MS Access based TechDB

Technology Database Setting Guide

b. If you have installed CAMWorks for the first time and have a floating
network license, then create a centralized TechDB repository for a
floating network installation of CAMWorks.
c. If you have upgraded your CAMWorks installation for a floating
network license, then create a centralized TechDB repository and then
import customized TechDB data from your previous CAMWorks
version.

MS-Access tab within the Links Database tab

Appendix C: Linking CAMWorks to MS Access based TechDB 39