CAMWorks 2001PLUS

TUTORIAL

www.teksoft.com
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 LEARNING 2 AXIS MILL BASICS 1-1
2 Axis Mill 1................................................................................................. 1-2
What You'll Learn................................................................................... 1-2
Steps to Generate Mill Toolpaths and NC Code in Part Mode ......... 1-2
Step 1: Model Part in SolidWorks or Import Part ............................ 1-3
Step 2: Change to CAMWorks Feature Tree ................................... 1-3
Step 3: Define the Machine .............................................................. 1-5
Step 4: Define the Workpiece........................................................... 1-8
Step 5: Define Machinable Features................................................. 1-9
Step 6: Generate Operation Plan .................................................... 1-13
Step 7: Adjust Machining Parameters ............................................ 1-14
Step 8: Generate Toolpaths ............................................................ 1-15
Step 9: Post Process Toolpaths....................................................... 1-17
2 Axis Mill 2............................................................................................... 1-20
What You'll Learn................................................................................. 1-20
Extracting and Working With Machinable Features ....................... 1-20
2 Axis Mill 3............................................................................................... 1-29
What You'll Learn................................................................................. 1-29
Defining the Workpiece From a Bounding Box.............................. 1-29
Extracting Machinable Features ...................................................... 1-30
Inserting Additional Part Setups...................................................... 1-31
Reorganizing Machinable Features ................................................. 1-32
Suppressing Machinable Features ................................................... 1-32
Inserting 2.5 Axis Features.............................................................. 1-33
Combining Machinable Features..................................................... 1-35
2 Axis Mill 4............................................................................................... 1-38
What You'll Learn................................................................................. 1-38
Defining the Workpiece from a Sketch ........................................... 1-39
Extracting Machinable Features ...................................................... 1-39
Defining Additional Features .......................................................... 1-40
Generating Operations..................................................................... 1-42
Adjusting Machining Parameters .................................................... 1-43
Deleting an Operation...................................................................... 1-43
Inserting an Operation ..................................................................... 1-44
Defining Program Zero.................................................................... 1-45
Sorting Operations........................................................................... 1-47

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 2 LEARNING MORE 2 AXIS MILL 2-1

2 Axis Mill 5................................................................................................. 2-2
What You'll Learn................................................................................... 2-2
Setting Attributes and Generating Operations................................... 2-3
Sorting and Sequencing Operations .................................................. 2-3
Machining Island Tops ...................................................................... 2-4
Changing the Part Setup Origin......................................................... 2-5
Combining Operations....................................................................... 2-6
2 Axis Mill 6................................................................................................. 2-8
What You'll Learn................................................................................... 2-8
Inserting 2.5 Axis Features................................................................ 2-9
Inserting Operations ........................................................................ 2-11
Defining Avoid Areas for Clamps................................................... 2-12
Changing Machining Parameters and Generating Toolpaths.......... 2-12
Inserting a Part Setup and Adding a Facing Cut ............................. 2-14
Customizing Toolpaths.................................................................... 2-16
2 Axis Mill 7............................................................................................... 2-17
What You'll Learn................................................................................. 2-17
Defining Features Interactively ....................................................... 2-17
Inserting Engrave Features .............................................................. 2-19
Generating an Operation Plan/Adjusting Machining Parameters ... 2-19
Associating Machining Information After Design Changes ........... 2-20
2 Axis Mill 8............................................................................................... 2-23
What You'll Learn................................................................................. 2-23
Extracting Machinable Features and Generating Operations.......... 2-23
Creating an Entry Drill Operation and Generating Toolpaths......... 2-23
Specifying a Tool Overlap on Open Air Segments ......................... 2-24
Using an Avoid Area ....................................................................... 2-25
Defining Rapid and Clearance Planes ............................................. 2-26
For More Practice ....................................................................................... 2-27
Part1 ...................................................................................................... 2-27
Part2 ...................................................................................................... 2-28
CHAPTER 3 LEARNING 3 AXIS MILL 3-1
3 Axis Mill 1................................................................................................. 3-2
What You'll Learn................................................................................... 3-2
Defining the Machine, Workpiece and Machining Direction ........... 3-2
Creating a 3 Axis Feature .................................................................. 3-3
Generating an Operation Plan ........................................................... 3-4
Generating Toolpaths and Post Processing ....................................... 3-6

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3 Axis Mill 2................................................................................................. 3-7

What You'll Learn................................................................................... 3-7
Inserting a Part Setup and Creating a 3 Axis Feature........................ 3-7
Generating Z-level Rough and Finish toolpaths................................ 3-8
Changing Machining Depths for 3 Axis Rough Toolpaths ............... 3-9
Generating Core Toolpaths for Finish and Rough Operations........ 3-10
3 Axis Mill 3............................................................................................... 3-12
What You'll Learn................................................................................. 3-12
Using AFR to Identify 2.5 Axis Features........................................ 3-12
Creating 3 Axis Features ................................................................. 3-13
Changing 3 Axis Roughing and Finishing Strategies...................... 3-16
3 Axis Mill 4............................................................................................... 3-19
What You'll Learn................................................................................. 3-19
Defining the Machine and Machining Direction............................. 3-19
Creating a 3 Axis Feature ................................................................ 3-20
Defining Program Zero.................................................................... 3-21
Adjusting Machining Parameters and Generating Toolpaths.......... 3-21
Simulating Toolpaths....................................................................... 3-22
Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the Lace Pattern...................... 3-22
Inserting a Pencil Mill Operation .................................................... 3-24
3 Axis Mill 5............................................................................................... 3-26
What You'll Learn................................................................................. 3-26
Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the Flowline Pattern ............... 3-27
Defining Contain and Avoid Areas to Modify Toolpaths ............... 3-28
3 Axis Mill 6............................................................................................... 3-30
What You'll Learn................................................................................. 3-30
Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the UV Pattern........................ 3-31
Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the Radial Pattern ................... 3-32
Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the Spiral Pattern .................... 3-33
Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the Offset Pattern.................... 3-34
CHAPTER 4 LEARNING 2 AXIS TURN 4-1
Turn 1 ........................................................................................................... 4-2
What You'll Learn................................................................................... 4-2
Steps to Generate Turn Toolpaths and NC Code .............................. 4-2
Step 1: Model Part in SolidWorks or Import Part ............................ 4-3
Step 2: Change to CAMWorks Feature Tree ................................... 4-3
Step 3: Define the Machine .............................................................. 4-5
Step 4: Edit the Workpiece Definition ............................................. 4-7
Step 5: Define Machinable Features................................................. 4-8
Step 6: Generate Operation Plan/Adjust Machining Parameters ... 4-12
Step 7: Generate Toolpaths ............................................................ 4-14
Step 8: Post Process Toolpaths....................................................... 4-16

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Chapter 1 Learning 2 Axis Mill Basics

This chapter provides an opportunity to learn CAMWorks 2 Axis Mill through a step by step
hands-on tour of the features and functions.
The exercises in this chapter are intended to show you how to use CAMWorks and may not
correspond to actual machining practices.

IMPORTANT! CAMWorks uses a set of knowledge-based rules to assign machining

operations to features. The Technology Database contains the data for the machining
process plans and can be customized for your facility's machining methodology. When you
do these exercises, your results may not be the same as described in the steps and illustrated
in the figures. This is because the machining sequences and operations data in your
Technology Database may be different from the database used to produce the
documentation.

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2 Axis Mill 1
What You'll Learn
Steps to Generate Mill Toolpaths and NC Code in Part Mode
The following steps are used to generate Mill toolpaths and NC code:
1. Model the part or open the part file in SolidWorks.
2. Change to the CAMWorks Feature tree.
3. Define the Machine and modify the controller
parameters.
4. Define the Workpiece.
5. Define machinable features.
6. Generate the operation plan.
7. Adjust machining parameters.
8. Generate toolpaths.
9. Post process the toolpaths.

START

Adjust machining
Model part in parameters as Generate toolpaths
SolidWorks or needed
import part

Post process
Generate
Change to operation plan
CAMWorks
Feature tree Transmit file into
Define machinable CNC
features
Define machine
& change controller
parameters Define Workpiece END

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The next series of exercises show you how to generate finish toolpaths on a SolidWorks part
model. In order to give you a general understanding of how to use CAMWorks, you work
with a part that was previously modeled in SolidWorks. When you define the operations and
toolpaths, you will follow steps that are not explained in depth. This is done to show you the
basics of generating toolpaths from start to finish without getting into the details at this time.
Sample parts are provided for the exercises in this manual. When you install CAMWorks,
these files are installed automatically.
Step 1: Model Part in SolidWorks or Import Part
A part is a solid that is created with SolidWorks or imported into SolidWorks from another
CAD system via an IGES, Parasolid, SAT file, etc. This exercise uses an existing
SolidWorks part.
1. Open the part file MILL2AX_1.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
The FeatureManager design tree lists the features, sketches, planes
and axes in the part.
The tabs at the bottom of the tree are for moving between the
SolidWorks trees and the CAMWorks trees.
If the CAMWorks tabs are not visible, you can expand the size of
the tree. Position the cursor on the line that divides the tree from the
graphics area. When the cursor changes to a bar, drag the bar to the
right until the tabs display.

CAMWorks Feature Tree tab

Step 2: Change to CAMWorks Feature Tree

1. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
The CAMWorks Feature tree displays. Initially, the tree lists the NC Manager,
Workpiece, Machine and Recycle Bin items.

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CAMWorks
toolbar
CAMWorks menu
Graphics area

CAMWorks
Feature tree

Feature Tree tab Operation

Tree tab Part model

CAMWorks Machining Trees

The CAMWorks machining trees provide an outline view of the machining information for
the model. Initially, the CAMWorks Feature tree shows only the NC Manager, Workpiece,
Machine and Recycle Bin items. As you follow the steps to generate an NC program, this
tree expands to include Part Setups and machinable features. The tabs at the bottom are for
moving between the SolidWorks trees and the CAMWorks trees.
Workpiece
The workpiece is the stock from which the part will be machined. You can define the
workpiece as a rectangular shape or as a rectangular or circular extruded sketch. You can
also specify the type of material.
Machine
The Machine item defines the machine tool that the part will be machined on. The
machine definition includes the type of machine (i.e., mill or turn), tool definitions and
the machine controller (post processor). The machines are set up in the Technology
Database.
Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin in the CAMWorks Feature tree is used to store machinable features that
you do not intend to machine.

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CAMWorks Menu
The CAMWorks menu lists the CAMWorks commands. The commands are explained in the
CAMWorks online Help. In addition to the CAMWorks menu, right-mouse shortcut menus
provide quick access to a variety of frequently used commands.
CAMWorks Toolbar
The CAMWorks toolbar provides access to the main CAMWorks commands found on the
CAMWorks menu. Clicking a toolbar button is the same as selecting a command from the
NC Manager level, regardless of the active item in the tree. The Options dialog box contains
a tab that allows you to select the buttons that display on the toolbar.
Step 3: Define the Machine
The machine includes information that identifies what to machine, how to machine it, and
the format of the NC output. Important parameters of the machine definition include:
Machine type mill or turn: The machine type defines the machinable feature set that
can be recognized automatically and defined interactively.
The icons that display in the tree identify the current machine as either mill or turn:
Mill Machine Turn Machine
An alternative machine can be selected at any time to output different G-code programs
for alternative machine tools. If the machine type changes, then all features and
operations will be deleted.
Tool crib: A subset of tools from the tool library that are commonly loaded into or used
with the current machine.
Controller: Also called a post processor. This post processor identifies the format of the
NC G-code output.
Define the machine:
1. Right click Mill machine - mm in the CAMWorks
Feature tree.
The shortcut menu displays. Right-mouse shortcut menus
provide quick access to commands that are appropriate for
whatever is highlighted in the tree.
2. Select Parameters on the shortcut menu.

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The Machine dialog box displays the

Machine tab. The default selected machine
is specified in the Technology Database.
Mill machine mm is the default machine
used for the metric parts in this manual.
When you use CAMWorks to machine your
own parts, select the machine tool you want
to use to machine the part.
Machine tools are set up in the Technology
Database. Before using CAMWorks to
machine your parts, make sure you define
the machine tools available in your facility.
For more information, see Chapter 7.
3. In the Available machines list, highlight
Mill machine mm and click the Select
button.

4. Click the Tool crib tab and make sure

Tool Crib 1 (metric) is selected.
The Tool crib page allows you to
choose a Tool Crib or set of tools or
tool assemblies that are used with the
machine you have chosen. These are
not all the tools that are available, but a
subset that you can modify to represent
the actual set of tools that the machine
has loaded.
Tool Crib 1 (metric) is a default tool
crib that has been set up for the sample
Mill machine. When you define your
machine tools in the Technology
Database, you can set up your own tool
cribs.

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5. Click the Controller tab.

The Controller tab allows you to select the post processor from a list of available
controllers. The list that displays depends on the post processors that are installed on your
system. By default, CAMWorks is supplied with several default post processors that may
or may not be suitable for your needs. Contact your CAMWorks reseller for information
on making changes to these post processors or for other post processors.
If the controllers do not display, use the
Browse button to locate the folder
containing the controller files (*.ctl).
If FANTUTM (the tutorial post processor) is
not highlighted, highlight it in the list and
click the Select button. FANTUTM is the
controller used for the exercises in this
manual. When you use CAMWorks to
machine your own parts, select your
machine tool controller or post processor.
The Current information area displays
information about the FANTUTM
controller.
A short description displays in the window
below the Current information. This window
contains information only if an optional file
has been created for the post processor.
6. Click the More button.
A longer description displays. The More
button is activated only if a second optional
file has been created. This information is
intended for use in training or as a detailed
description of post processor attributes that can be created.
Information files are provided for the sample FANTUTM post processor that is used for
the exercises in this manual. Your TekSoft dealer or your company manager may be able
to supply these files if they are available for your post processor. If files are not available,
you can create post information files as explained in the online Help.
7. Click the Parameters tab.
The parameters on this page are used for the following:
To provide information required to generate the NC program. The parameters are
machine-dependent and different parameters may display for your controller. The
value for a parameter is output in the NC code if the machine requires it.
To provide information for the Setup Sheet, a file that is created when the NC
program file is generated. All of the controller parameters are included in the Setup
Sheet.

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8. Type 1001 for the Program Number and press the down
arrow on the keyboard.
9. Type Stainless for the Material and press the down
arrow.
10. Type 40mm for the Part Thickness and click OK.
Step 4: Define the Workpiece
The workpiece is the stock from which the part will be machined. The default workpiece is
the smallest cube (bounding box) that the part will fit into. Typically, this is not the size of
the stock you will be using. You can change the workpiece definition either by offsetting the
bounding box from the part or by defining the workpiece from a sketch and a height.
Currently, the sketch can be a rectangle or a circle.
In this exercise, you define the workpiece as a box offset from the part.
1. Right click Workpiece in the CAMWorks Feature tree and
select Edit Definition on the shortcut menu.
The Define Workpiece dialog box displays.

2. Change the Bounding box

Offset to 1.00mm and press
the Enter key on the
keyboard.
3. Click the Material button.
The Workpiece Material
dialog box displays.

4. Click the Common Name down

arrow and select 304L.
You can omit this step if the
material list is empty. An empty
list indicates that the Feed and
Speed Library has not been
installed. If you do not install the
Feed and Speed Library, you have to input feeds and speeds manually.

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5. Click OK to exit the Workpiece

Material dialog box.
6. Click OK to exit the Define Workpiece
dialog box.
The workpiece is updated in the
graphics area.

Step 5: Define Machinable Features

In CAMWorks, machining can be done only on machinable features. You use the following
two methods to define machinable features:
Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)
Automatic Feature Recognition analyzes the part shape and attempts to define most
common machinable features such as pockets, holes, slots and bosses. Depending on the
complexity of the part, AFR can save considerable time in defining two-dimensional
prismatic features.
Interactively created features
If AFR does not recognize a feature you want to machine, you need to define the feature
using the Insert 2.5 Axis Feature command. If you have 3 Axis Milling, multi-surface
features can be defined using the Insert 3 Axis Feature command.
Automatic Feature Recognition is one of CAMWorks' most powerful features. The idea of
AFR is to analyze the part for features that can be machined. This process is much the same
as what you would do if you were to pick up a part that you had to machine. You would look
it over, take measurements, and begin deciding how to define areas or features to machine
and what machining processes you would need.
CAMWorks is not machining the SolidWorks features
directly. It creates a separate list of Machinable
Features instead. This is because a single SolidWorks
feature may have several areas that need to be
machined in different ways with different tools.
For example, SolidWorks would see the part on the
right as having an extruded cut for the whole pocket
and an extruded boss for the ribs. That works well for
modeling parts in SolidWorks, but not for machining
purposes. There are actually 5 pockets of 3 different
types to machine here.
Look at the CAMWorks Feature tree. There are 3 Machinable
Features in the list: one for the large pocket on top, and 2 for the
two different types of pockets around the ribs. This gives you the
most flexibility for machining.

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Using Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)

Define machinable features automatically:
1. Select one of the following methods to extract features:
Right click NC Manager and select Extract Machinable
Features on the shortcut menu.
or
Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the
CAMWorks toolbar.
The CAMWorks Message Window displays.
This window displays automatically to
report the progress and status of the current
process. Generating Part Setups is always
the last item. When you see it, you know the
process is almost complete.
You can control whether this window
displays temporarily or permanently by
selecting the Options command on the CAMWorks menu and checking the Message
Window option on the General tab.
CAMWorks generates the Part Setup and machinable features. The items display in the
CAMWorks Feature tree.
The Part Setup is the 2 axis plane that the tool movement will be based on. It has an
origin location, and X, Y, and Z direction vectors. The Part Setup is created
automatically; however, you can move the origin, and change the direction and angles of
the X and Y axes.
A Part Setup is created for each different tool orientation. There is only one Part Setup
for this part because all features can be machined using a single tool orientation. For each
Part Setup, the machinable features are listed in the order in which they were recognized.
The Feature tree allows you to:
Copy, rename, suppress, delete and combine
machinable features
Change machinable feature parameters
Change the order in which the features are
machined
Insert 2.5 Axis and 3 Axis features
Search for a feature based on item name
Hide or show feature display in graphics area
Generate an Operation Plan and find first operation for feature

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Most feature parameters are fixed; however, some parameters can be changed using the
Parameters command on the feature shortcut menu.
2. Right click Hole Pattern1 in the tree and select Parameters on the shortcut menu.
The Hole Parameters dialog box displays the number of components and the hole
parameters. Since there is no physical information about the type of hole, CAMWorks
allows you to define an attribute for the hole (Drill, Bore, Ream, Thread or a user-defined
attribute).
3. Click the down arrow next to Drill to see the choices.
4. Click Thread in the list.
The figure changes to reflect your choice and the Thread parameters are enabled.
5. Click the down arrow next to Thread and select Drill again, then click OK to exit the
dialog box.
6. Click the + next to Hole Pattern1 in the CAMWorks Feature tree.
The tree expands to display each individual hole.
7. Click the - next to Hole Pattern1.
Save the part with the machinable feature data:
8. Click the Options button the CAMWorks toolbar.
Note that you can also click CAMWorks on the menu bar or right click NC Manager in
the tree and select the Options command.
9. Make sure the Save/Restore part option on the General tab is checked, then click OK.
If this option is checked, when you save and close a part document, the machining data is
saved. When the part document is opened again, the machining data is restored along
with the part design information.
If this option is not checked, when you save and close a part document that contains at
least one CAMWorks Setup, a message indicates that Save/Restore is disabled. If you
click Yes, CAMWorks saves all CAMWorks data before closing the file. If you click No,
CAMWorks closes the part and discards any new CAMWorks data since the last save.
10. Click Save As on the File menu.
11. In the Save As dialog box, type cwex1 and click the Save button.
SAVE FREQUENTLY!
When you open a file, you are actually working on a copy of the file. The original is
still stored on disk. Periodically saving your file ensures that your latest work is
retained.
CAMWorks provides an Auto save option on the General tab in the Options dialog
box for automatically saving your CAMWorks data.
Frequent saves prevent having to redo a time-consuming model or CAM operation. If
a power failure occurs, you will lose whatever you have been working on.

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Defining Features Interactively

Automatic Feature Recognition can save a significant amount of time; however, AFR does
have limitations. AFR cannot recognize every feature on complex parts and does not
recognize some types of features. To machine these areas, you need to define machinable
features interactively using the Insert 2.5 Axis Feature command.
In this exercise, you insert a Face Feature so that you can face the top of the part. In order to
define a Face Feature, you select a face on the SolidWorks part that is at the depth you want
to face the part to. In this example, the entire top of the part is the same height, so you can
select any of the topmost faces.
1. Right click Part Setup1 in the CAMWorks Feature tree and select Insert 2.5 Axis Feature
on the shortcut menu.
The 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: Feature & Cross Section Definition dialog box displays.
2. Click the down arrow next to the Type list box and select Face Feature.
3. Click the main face.
The outline of the face is
highlighted on the part and Face <1>
displays in the Entities selected list.
4. If the Check for taper & fillets option
is checked, remove the checkmark.
If the feature you are defining does
not contain any fillets at the base of
the feature, you can disable Check for
taper & fillets to improve the
performance of the wizard.
5. Click the Next button.
The 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: End
Conditions dialog box displays. This
dialog box allows you to determine
how CAMWorks calculates the depth
of the feature and select an attribute
that defines a unique machining
sequence.

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6. Leave the End condition Type set to

Upto Workpiece.
7. Leave the Attribute set to Coarse.
8. If the Edit feature profiles option is
checked, remove the checkmark.
When this option is checked and you
click the Next button, a dialog box
displays that allows you to pick the
open air edges. An open air edge
specifies that the tool can machine
past the edge by a user specified
percentage of the tool diameter. For
edges that are not open, the toolpath
will remain contained inside the edge.
For this Face Feature, there are no
open edges.
9. Click Finish.
10. Click Close to close the 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard:
Feature & Cross Section Definition dialog box.
Face Feature1 displays in the CAMWorks Feature
tree.
You have now defined all the machinable features in
this part and you are ready to generate the Operation
Plan.

Step 6: Generate Operation Plan

An Operation Plan contains information on how each machinable feature is to be machined
and how the NC code will be output. When Generate Operation Plan is run, operations for
each machinable feature are created automatically based on information in the Technology
Database. In some situations, the operations defined for a feature in the Technology
Database may not be sufficient and additional operations may be required. You can insert
operations manually using the Insert Operation or Insert Hole Operation commands. These
commands are explained in the CAMWorks online Help.
1. Select one of the following methods to generate an operation plan:
Right click Part Setup1 in the CAMWorks Feature tree and click Generate Operation
Plan on the shortcut menu.
or
Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks
toolbar. Clicking this toolbar button is the same as selecting
the command from the NC Manager level, regardless of the active item in the tree.

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CAMWorks generates the operation plan for all the machinable features in Part Setup1.
The operations are listed in the CAMWorks Operation tree, which is accessed by clicking
the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab.
2. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the
tree.
The CAMWorks Operation tree displays. The CAMWorks Operation tree provides an
outline view of the operations for the machinable features. Operations are listed under the
Part Setup in the same order as the machinable features. At the top of the tree is the NC
Manager. The Workpiece and Machine items function the same as in the CAMWorks
Feature tree. You can change the workpiece size and shape and the controller definition
used by CAMWorks to produce G-Code.
The CAMWorks Operation tree allows you to:
Insert, rename, suppress, and delete operations
Change operation parameters
Combine operations
Sort operations
Change the machining order
Generate toolpaths
Simulate toolpaths
Post process the toolpaths
Hide or show toolpath display
Search based on item name
To the left of each toolpath operation is a plus sign (+).
Clicking a plus sign displays the name of the
Machinable Feature that this operation is going to
machine. These Machinable Feature items can be used to view geometric information and
to modify the machining depth of the feature.
Step 7: Adjust Machining Parameters
The operations that are generated by CAMWorks are based on information stored in the
Technology Database. These operations are intended to be used as a starting point. Each
operation contains machining parameters that affect how the toolpath is created and specific
parameters that will be output to the NC program. These parameters can be edited before
generating the toolpaths and post processing the part.
Edit operation parameters using the Parameters command on the shortcut menu:
1. Right click on Rough Mill5 (the operation generated for Irregular Pocket2) in the
CAMWorks Operation tree.
2. Select the Parameters command on the shortcut menu.
The Machining Parameters dialog box displays. This dialog box gives you access to all
the parameters used to define the toolpath.

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General parameters for the type of toolpath include the method of machining, depth of
cut, step over, stock allowance, retract height, speeds and feeds. This dialog box also
gives you access to all the parameters for the tool you are using and allows you to select a
different tool.
3. Click the Roughing tab and change the Pocketing Pattern to Zigzag.
4. Click the Feature Options tab and change the Entry type to Entry Drill.
5. Click OK to exit.
Step 8: Generate Toolpaths
CAMWorks calculates toolpaths using the operation parameters and the feature's size and
shape.
1. Select one of the following options to generate toolpaths:
Right click Part Setup1 in the CAMWorks Operation tree and click Generate Toolpath on
the shortcut menu.
or
Click the Generate Toolpath button on the CAMWorks
toolbar. Clicking this toolbar button is the same as selecting
the command from the NC Manager level, regardless of the
active item in the tree.
CAMWorks calculates the toolpaths for each operation in the Part Setup.
You can also generate toolpaths for each operation individually by right clicking on an
operation and clicking Generate Toolpath on the shortcut menu.
2. Highlight the first operation in the tree, hold down the Shift key, then highlight the last
operation.
The toolpaths for all the operations display on the part showing the centerline of the
toolpath.
3. Click an operation in the CAMWorks Operation tree.
The toolpath for that operation displays.
As you click each operation, the toolpaths for that operation are displayed.

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4. Click the Entry Drill operation.

An Entry Drill operation was created automatically
for Rough Mill5 because you set the Entry Method
to Entry Drill.
The Entry Drill displays as a black circle on the
toolpath. The circle represents the diameter of the
drill. By default, the diameter of the drill used in the
Entry Drill is the same as the diameter of the mill
used in the roughing cycle. If a tool of the same size
is not available, a tool diameter of the next smallest
size is used.
The depth of the drill cycle for blind features is .02in
or .5mm off the bottom of the feature. For through
features, the depth of the drill is the same as the
feature.
Entry Drill operation parameters can be edited and
the operation can be renamed, moved, suppressed, deleted, etc.
CAMWorks provides the ability to simulate the toolpath showing the tool movement and the
resulting shape of the part.
5. Right click on Part Setup1 and select
Simulate Toolpath.
The Simulate Toolpath toolbar displays.
The toolbar controls allow you to:
Run the simulation in Tool or Turbo mode.
Display the simulated part, the design part and a comparison of the two.
In Tool mode, customize the display of the stock, tool and tool holder (wireframe,
translucent, shaded, or no display).
Run the simulation for all or selected operations.
When simulating an operation, the simulation can be for the current operation or for
all previous operations up to the selected operation.
Pause the simulation in either Tool or Turbo mode and dynamically change the
orientation of the part using zoom, pan, rotate, etc.
Control the simulation speed by dragging the Simulation Speed Control slider up or
down.
If you want to simulate only the toolpath for a given operation, you can right click that
operation, then select Simulate Toolpath.

6. Click the Run button.

The simulation runs in Tool mode with the tool displayed during simulation.
7. Click the X button in the upper right corner to cancel the simulation and return to the
SolidWorks display.

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CAMWorks also provides the ability to step through the toolpath using the Step Thru
Toolpath command.
8. Right click an operation in the tree and select Step Thru Toolpath.
The Step Thru Toolpath toolbar displays. Step increment

Forward one record Forward multiple records

9. Click the Forward one record button (single arrow) several times.
The active toolpath node is highlighted.
10. Set the multiple step increment to 5 and click the Forward Multiple Records button
(double arrow) several times.
11. Click the Goto End button.
The toolpath is completed.
12. Click the X button in the upper right corner to remove the dialog box.
Did You Know ...
CAMWorks provides an option to display the XYZ position of the tool in the
Message Window during Simulation and Step Thru Toolpath. To activate this
option, select the Options command on the CAMWorks menu or the NC Manager
shortcut menu. On the General tab, select the Message Window option. On the
Simulation tab, select the Display Coordinates option.
Step 9: Post Process Toolpaths
Post processing is the final step in generating the NC program file. This step translates
generalized toolpath and operation information into NC code for a specific machine tool
controller. CAMWorks creates NC code for each toolpath in the order the operation appears
in the CAMWorks Operation tree. When you post process a part, CAMWorks creates two
files: the NC program and the Setup Sheet. These are text files that you can read, edit and
print using a word processor or text editor.
In this exercise, you post process all the operations and generate the NC program:
1. Click the Post Process button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
or
Right click NC Manager in the Operation tree and click Post
Process on the shortcut menu.

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2 Axis Mill 1

The Post Output File dialog box displays so you can name the NC program file.
Typically, the NC program and
Setup Sheet files are stored in the
folder that contained the last part
that was opened. If you want these
files in another location, you can
change the folder.
If you are running CAMWorks in
Demo mode, the Post Output File
dialog box does not display because
you cannot save NC code in Demo
mode.
If the Post Process command is
grayed out on the CAMWorks menu or on a shortcut menu, make sure that you have
selected a post processor and generated the toolpaths.
2. Click the down arrow to the right of the Save as type box.
CAMWorks provides a list of commonly used extensions that you can select. For this
exercise, use the txt extension.
Did You Know ...
If you want change the default extension from txt to one of the ones in the list or if
you want a different file name extension for NC program files, you can edit or create
a .pinf file and specify the new extension. For more information on making these
changes, see the online Help.

3. If cwex1 is not in the File name text box, type cwex1, then click Save.
You do not have to type the extension if you are using the default .txt. Naming the post
output file the same as the part file is the most common way of saving parts and NC
programs. Both files can have the same name because they have different extensions.

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The Post Process Output dialog box

displays.
4. Click the Step button on the control bar at
the top.
CAMWorks starts to generate the NC Run
program and the first line of NC code Step
displays in the NC code output view box.
The post processing mode is set to post
process one line of code at a time (Step
mode).
5. Click the Step button.
The next line of NC code displays.
6. Click the Run button.
Post processing continues until it is
completed.
When the post processing is finished, you
can view the code using the vertical scroll bar.
7. Click OK to exit the Post Process Output dialog box.
More About Setup Sheets
The Setup Sheet is a printable file that contains information the machine tool operator can
use to set up the part and the tools required to produce a part. The information includes
the machine, the controller, estimated machine time, the part material, and the tooling
used to machine the part.
CAMWorks provides two methods for creating Setup Sheets:
During post processing, CAMWorks automatically creates a simple text file with a
.set extension.
The Setup Sheet command on the NC Manager shortcut menu allows you to generate
a Setup Sheet that is based on an Access database report template and store the
information in the Report Database to view at any time. CAMWorks supplies several
report templates that can be used as is. You can also open the Report Database in
Access and create customized reports based on these templates or design your own
original reports.

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2 Axis Mill 2

2 Axis Mill 2
What You'll Learn
Extracting and Working With Machinable Features
CAMWorks is a feature-based machining system. Feature-based machining provides
numerous benefits because the definition of the feature enables a higher level of automation
when creating machining operations and associated toolpaths. Adding to this benefit,
CAMWorks provides both an automatic method of extracting features called Automatic
Feature Recognition (AFR), and an interactive method using the Insert 2.5 Axis Feature
function. A CAMWorks file can contain both types of features.
This exercise demonstrates some of the features that are identified automatically by the
Extract Machinable Features command.
1. Open the part file MILL2AX_2.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
2. Examine the part.
You can recognize various sizes and shapes of holes, bosses, pockets and slots.
It would appear that
CAMWorks extracts
features based on
SolidWorks features used
to create the part. As you
will see, this is not
necessarily so. Notice that
the design tree contains no
design features. This part
was imported into
SolidWorks. In this
exercise, you will see how
CAMWorks determines
machinable features.
3. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.

4. Right click Mill machine Inch in the CAMWorks Feature tree and select the
Parameters command on the shortcut menu.
The Machine dialog box displays the Machine tab. This dialog box allows you to select a
machine definition, tool crib and controller.
On the Machine tab, Mill machine Inch is the Active machine. This machine definition
has been created for the CAMWorks exercises. When you use CAMWorks to machine
your own parts, select the machine tool you want to use to machine the part.
5. Click the Tool crib tab.

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The Tool crib page allows you to

choose a tool crib or set of tools that
are used with the machine you have
chosen. These are not all the tools that
are available, but a subset that you can
modify to represent the actual set of
tools that the machine has loaded.
If you select the Tool crib priority
option, tool selection rules are
modified to place a higher priority on
selecting tools from the tool crib. This
results in fewer tools being added to
the tool list from the tool library. The
online help explains the rules that are
observed when this option is used.
6. Click the Select button to make sure
Crib 1 is the Active tool set.
From this page, you can add, remove
and edit tools in the Tool Crib.
7. Select a tool from the Active tool
set list and click Edit.
The Edit Tool Parameters
dialog box displays.
This dialog box allows you to
change the parameters for the
selected tool. The changes you
make in this dialog box affect
only the tool crib for the current
part. To change the tool
definition for all future jobs,
edit the tool crib definition in
the Technology Database.
8. Click OK or Cancel to close the
Edit Tool Parameters dialog
box.

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9. Click the Add button at the bottom of the

Tool crib tab in the Machine dialog box.
The Tool Select Filter dialog box
displays. This dialog box allows you to
set filters for displaying and selecting
tools.

10. Click OK.

The Tools Database form
displays. This form allows
you to add an existing tool
in the Technology
Database to the Tool Crib
for the current part. The
list contains all the tools
that have been entered
into the Technology
Database. Note that you
cannot use the form to add
new tools to the
Technology Database.
11. Click OK to exit the Tools
Database without adding a
tool to the active tool set.
12. Click the Controller tab in
the Machine dialog box and make sure FANTUTM (the tutorial post processor) is
selected.
FANTUTM is the controller used for the exercises in this manual. When you use
CAMWorks to machine your own parts, select your machine tool controller or post
processor.
13. Click the Parameters tab.
These parameters provide information required to generate the NC program. When you
use CAMWorks to machine your own parts, change these parameters as required.
14. Click OK.
15. Right click the Workpiece in the Feature tree and select Edit Definition on the
shortcut menu.
16. Change the Bounding box Offset to .1in and click OK.

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Extract machinable features:

1. Click the Extract Machinable Features button
on the CAMWorks toolbar or right click NC
Manager in the tree and select Extract Machinable
Features on the shortcut menu.
The CAMWorks Message Window displays. This
window reports the process status and shows the
progress of the process.
When AFR is finished, the CAMWorks Feature
tree displays the machinable features.
The CAMWorks Feature tree is designed to work
similar to the SolidWorks FeatureManager design
tree. From the tree, you can reorder features using
drag and drop, change feature names and suppress
features.

2. Click each machinable feature in the CAMWorks

Feature tree.
As you pick each machinable feature, the geometry
for that feature highlights on the part.

Rectangular Slot
Rectangular Pocket
Obround Boss
Rectangular Boss
2.5 Axis Pocket
Irregular Slot
Counterbore
Hole
Multi-stepped
Hole Countersunk
Hole
Rectangular
Corner Slot Hole

Circular Boss Irregular Corner Slot

Obround Pocket Irregular Pocket

Irregular Boss

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2 Axis Mill 2

3. Notice that an Open Pocket feature was

created.
When CAMWorks creates a Part Setup, an
Open Pocket feature is created
automatically if AFR finds a boss feature
and the Setup is parallel to one of the sides
of the workpiece. The bottom of the Open
Pocket is the bottom of the Boss feature
and the boss becomes an island in the Open
Pocket.

CAMWorks allows you to control the types of 2.5 and 3 axis features that are created by
AFR.
1. Click the Options button on the CAMWorks toolbar or select Options on the
CAMWorks menu.
2. Click the Features tab in the Options dialog box.
3. Notice that the defaults are set for CAMWorks to create hole, non-hole and boss features.
4. In the Feature types section, check the Face option.
If the Face option is checked, when CAMWorks creates a Part Setup, a face feature is
created automatically if the top most face is parallel to the Setup and the Setup is parallel
to one of the sides of the workpiece.
5. Check the Tapered & filleted option.
When CAMWorks extracted features, the 2.5 Axis pocket was not found. If you check
this option, CAMWorks can automatically create features that meet the definition of
filleted and tapered features as created interactively using the Insert 2.5 Axis Feature
command:
The top and bottom of the feature are flat and parallel to the Part Setup direction.
The side wall can be vertical or a constant taper with a top or bottom fillet and/or a
top of bottom chamfer.
Corner fillets must be conical as defined by the taper angle of the feature.
6. Remove the check mark from the Boss option and check the Remove on Rebuild option,
then click OK.
If you were machining this part, you would not want to generate operations for the Boss
features that were found by AFR. You can delete the features or you can Rebuild the
features without the bosses as shown in this exercise.

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Rebuild the features:

7. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
CAMWorks rebuilds the feature list and removes the boss features.
Notice that AFR created a Face feature and a Rectangular Pocket feature for the tapered
pocket.

Machinable features are recognized based on the part's geometry (the shape of a feature) and
topology (how the features are related to one another). However, not all attributes of a
feature can be determined from
the geometry and topology.
For example, AFR cannot
determine that a hole has been
threaded, reamed or bored.
CAMWorks allows you to
specify additional attributes to a
feature so that more appropriate
operations can be can be created.
1. Right click Hole1 in the tree
and select Parameters.
The Parameters dialog box
provides a geometric and
dimensional report on the
feature and allows you to
assign additional information
to the feature. In the case of
holes, you can identify that
the hole is to be drilled,
bored, reamed or threaded,
etc.

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2 Axis Mill 2

Depending on the attribute, a different machining process can be assigned. You can
change how each feature is processed by defining the sequence in the Technology
Database.
2. Click OK or Cancel to exit the dialog box.
3. Review the parameters of other machinable features to understand more about the
features.
Notice that AFR also created Part Setup1. The Part Setup defines the tool direction necessary
to machine these features.
1. Click Part Setup1 in the tree.
A triad displays on the part. The large arrow indicates
the machining direction. The other two arrows represent
the machining X and Y axes. The X machining direction
can be changed if necessary. For more information, see
the CAMWorks online Help.
The origin of the Part Setup is program zero for the Part
Setup. By default, the origin is set to a vertex or middle
of the top most feature. In most situations, you will want
to change this. You learn how to change the Part Setup
origin in Chapter 3.
If the triad does not display, click Redraw and select the Part Setup again.
When you select Generate Operation Plan, operations are created for every selected feature
based on the rules defined in the Technology database (TechDB). Operations are not
generated for suppressed features and features in the Recycle Bin.
In this exercise, you create an operation plan for an individual machinable feature and then
for all machinable features in the Part Setup.
1. Right click Rectangular Pocket1 and select Parameters on the shortcut menu.
2. Click the down arrow to display the Attributes list and select Coarse.
This is a system attribute that has been defined in the TechDB to generate a Rough Mill
operation for a Rectangular Pocket feature. After you have learned how to use
CAMWorks, you can modify system attributes to correspond to your requirements.
3. Click OK to exit the dialog box.
4. Right click Rectangular Pocket1 in the tree, select
Generate Operation Plan, then click the CAMWorks
Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
The Operation tree lists a Rough Mill operation for the
rectangular pocket.
5. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab to return to the Feature tree.
6. Right click Rectangular Pocket1 and select Parameters on the shortcut menu.

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7. Change the Attribute to Rough Finish in the Rectangular Pocket Parameters dialog box,
then click OK.
This attribute is a user-defined attribute that has been set up in the TechDB to generate
Rough Mill and Finish Mill operations for a Rectangular Pocket feature. You can modify
or delete the user-defined attributes and you can define additional attributes to customize
the TechDB.
8. Right click Rectangular Pocket1 in the tree, select Generate Operation Plan.
If Generate Operation Plan has been run
once and you select the command again,
CAMWorks displays a dialog box with
the following choices:
Update: Select this option to generate
operations for new features or for
features that you deleted all previously
generated operations. The operation list
will not be updated for features that have previously generated operations.
Regenerate: If you select this option, all previously generated operations are deleted and
new a new operation list is created. If you have modified any operations, these
modifications will be lost.
9. Click Regenerate to delete the previous Rough Mill operation and generate a new
operation list.
10. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the
bottom of the tree.
The Operation tree lists Rough Mill and Finish Mill
operations for the rectangular pocket.
11. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab to return to the Feature tree.
12. Right click Part Setup1 in the Feature tree and select Generate Operation Plan on the
shortcut menu.
13. Click either Update or Regenerate in the Generate Operation Plan dialog box.
Since you have not changed any machining parameters for the Rough Mill and Finish
Mill operations that have already been generated, you could select either Regenerate or
Update. If you had modified these operations, you would want to select Update to
generate an operation list only for the features that do not have operations.
14. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
The CAMWorks Operation tree now contains operations for all machinable features in
the selected Part Setup.
15. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.

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2 Axis Mill 2

16.Right click on MS Hole1 [MSH1(inch)] in the tree and select Go To First Operation on
the shortcut menu.
This command allows you to quickly locate the first operation that was generated for a
selected feature.
The Drill3 operation is highlighted in the Operation tree. In the TechDB, the attribute
[MSH1(inch)] has been defined to generate a single drill cycle for multi-stepped hole
features. Since multi-stepped holes can be any shape, you can define machining
sequences in the TechDB that are common for machining multi-stepped holes in your
facility.
To generate the NC code for this part, you would adjust the machining parameters as
required for the operations, insert a series of operations for the multi-stepped hole, generate
toolpaths, and post process the part.

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2 Axis Mill 3
What You'll Learn
Defining the Workpiece from a Bounding Box
Inserting Additional Part Setups
Creating a Face Feature
Reorganizing Machinable Features
Suppressing Machinable Features
Inserting 2.5 Axis Features
Combining Machinable Features

In this exercise, assume that the part starts out as a casting and machining is required only for
the holes and certain faces.
In the first clamping position or Part Setup, you
will face the bottom of the part and drill the large
center hole and the three outside holes. In the
second clamping position or Part Setup, you will
machine off the top center face, and the three
yellow ears.
1. Open part file MILL2AX_3.SLDPRT in the
\examples folder inside the CAMWorks folder
(e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
2. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab
at the bottom of the FeatureManager design
tree.
3. Right click Mill machine Inch in the
Feature tree and select the Parameters command on the shortcut menu.
On the Machine tab, Mill machine Inch is the Active machine.
Click the Tool Crib tab and make sure Crib 1 is the Active tool set.
Click the Controller tab and make sure FANTUTM is selected, then click OK to exit
the Machine dialog box.
Defining the Workpiece From a Bounding Box
The workpiece size, shape and material type is defined next.
The workpiece definition serves several purposes:
Defines the stock size and shape for simulation.
Specifies the material type, which is used by the TechDB for feed/speed calculations.

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2 Axis Mill 3

By default, the workpiece shape is a cube whose dimensions enclose the part. For this
example, the part is machined from a casting that has .1in material to be removed from the
top and bottom surfaces. Since CAMWorks currently defines the workpiece as either a
rectangle or a round bar stock, you will use the default rectangle shape and offset the
minimum workpiece size by .10in.
1. Right click the Workpiece in the CAMWorks Feature tree and select Edit Definition
on the shortcut menu.
2. Change the Offset to .1in and press Enter.
3. Click OK.
Extracting Machinable Features
Before CAMWorks extracts machinable features, you can customize AFR to eliminate Boss
features:
1. Click the Options button on the CAMWorks
toolbar or select Options on the CAMWorks menu.
2. Click the Features tab in the Options dialog box.
3. Remove the check mark from the Extract Boss
features option.
4. Make sure the Face option is not checked.
CAMWorks can recognize some Face features
automatically when you select the Face option.
However, for some parts you may need to define a
Face Feature interactively as explained in this
exercise.
5. Click OK.
6. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right
click NC Manager in the tree and select Extract Machinable Features on the shortcut
menu.
CAMWorks creates the Part Setups necessary to machine all of the machinable features
that are recognized.
Other than drilling, the only additional operations needed to machine this part are facing
cycles. CAMWorks may not be able to find all features on a part. On complex parts, AFR
may not recognize all possible features that you want to machine or AFR may recognize
a feature that might not be suitable for the intended machining process. When this occurs,
you can define these features interactively.
For learning purposes, in this exercise you delete the Irregular Corner Slot features and
insert them interactively.
7. Hold down the Shift key on the keyboard and click each Irregular Corner Slot in the tree
to highlight the items, then select Delete on the shortcut menu.
8. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.

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The features are moved to the Recycle Bin. When a feature is deleted, it is automatically
placed in the Recycle Bin, which is used to store machinable features that you do not
intend to machine.
9. Click the minus sign to the left of the Recycle Bin to collapse it.
10. Click Part Setup1 in the tree and notice the machining direction indicated by the triad that
displays in the graphics area.
Inserting Additional Part Setups
Part Setup1 defines a tool direction pointing down from the top of the part. For this exercise,
you want to face the underside of the part first. Before you can machine the underside, you
must define a Part Setup for that tool direction. New Part Setups are inserted into the
CAMWorks Feature tree by selecting a part face that is normal to the tool axis of the Part
Setup.
1. Rotate the part so that the underside surface is visible.
2. Right click Part Setup1 in the CAMWorks Feature tree and select Insert Part Setup.
The Part Setup dialog box displays.
3. In the graphics area, pick the underside face.

4. Make sure the Face option is checked.

If this option is checked, when CAMWorks creates a Part Setup, a face feature is created
automatically if the top most face is parallel to the Setup and the Setup is parallel to one
of the sides of the workpiece.
5. Click OK.
Part Setup2 is created with the tool direction as shown in the figure above. The Face
Feature is created automatically and listed under the Part Setup.
The names for Part Setup1 and Part Setup2 can be changed to Top and Bottom or some
other recognized convention.

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6. Right click Part Setup1 and select Rename on the

shortcut menu.
7. Change the name to Top Part Setup, then press Enter.
Notice that when you click a Part Setup in the tree, an
axis displays on the part to indicate the tool direction.
8. Right click Part Setup2 and select Rename.
9. Change the name to Bottom Part Setup, then press
Enter.

Reorganizing Machinable Features

You also want to drill the holes in the Bottom Part Setup. However, the hole features were
recognized in the Top Part Setup. With the mouse, you can drag the features in the
CAMWorks Feature tree from the Top Part Setup to the Bottom Part Setup.
1. Hold down the left mouse button and drag Hole1 over
Bottom Part Setup, then release the button.
Notice that as you drag the item, an arrow displays to
indicate where the item will be positioned.
Hole1 is listed after Bottom Part Setup.
2. Hold down the left mouse button and drag Hole Pattern1
over Hole1, then release the button.
Hole Pattern1 is listed after Hole1.

Suppressing Machinable Features

You will now define features to machine the top of the part. The only machinable features
left in the Top Part Setup are the Open Pocket and the three irregular pockets. Since these
features will not be machined in this exercise, you can either delete or suppress them. The
steps below show you how to suppress these features.
1. Hold down the CTRL key and select Open Pocket1,
Irregular Pocket1, Irregular Pocket2, and Irregular
Pocket3.
Make sure you select all 4 features.
2. Right click and select Suppress from the shortcut
menu.
The icons for the features display in gray instead of
yellow to indicate these features are suppressed.
3. Click Save As on the File menu.
4. Type cwex3 and click the Save button.

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Inserting 2.5 Axis Features

The top of the circular boss and the three ears
need to be machined. You use the Insert 2.5 Axis
Feature command to define them.
1. Rotate the part so the top face is visible.
2. Right click Top Part Setup in the CAMWorks
Feature tree and select Insert 2.5 Axis Feature.

First, you will define a Face Feature for the top of the boss.
3. Click the down arrow to display the Feature Type list and select Face Feature.
4. Pick the top center face (magenta) for the top of the boss as shown in the figure.
Face <1> displays in the Entities selected list.
5. Click the Next button.
6. In the 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: End Conditions dialog box, make sure the Edit feature
profiles option is not selected, then click Finish.
The 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: Feature & Cross Section Definition dialog box displays
again and you can continue to define 2.5 Axis features for the three ears.
7. Click the down arrow to display the Feature Type list and select Corner Slot.
The ears are defined as Corner Slots
because more than one edge is open.
By defining it as a corner slot, the
tool will machine outside the ear on
the open air edges.
Make sure the Multiple option is
selected. This option allows you to
define multiple similar features by
selecting multiple faces, sketches
and edges.
A sketch with geometry representing
multiple features can also be
selected. This option can be selected
for Pocket, Slot, Corner Slot, Boss,
Hole, and Open Profile feature
types.

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2 Axis Mill 3

8. Pick each of the three ears on the part.

The Entities selected list shows Face <1>,
Face <2> and Face <3>.
9. Click Next.
The 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: End Conditions
dialog box displays.

The depth of material to leave

for this feature will be from the
face of the ear to the cyan face
immediately above the ear.
Like SolidWorks, the depth can
be specified based on faces or
vertex points on the part. You
can either pick an end condition
from the End Condition
pulldown or select a face or
vertex and have CAMWorks
set the depth automatically.
10. Leave the End condition set to
Blind and pick the cyan colored
face above the ear.
The End condition is
automatically set to Upto Face
and the Depth parameter
displays the distance as 0.140in.
11. Make sure the Edit feature profiles option is checked.
12. Click Next.
The Edit Feature Profiles dialog box displays. When a
Corner Slot is defined from a part face, CAMWorks
determines the open air edges automatically. If necessary, you can change the open air
edges.
13. Select a segment in the Profile Segments list.
The corresponding edge is highlighted on Irregular Corner Slot(1). If CAMWorks
determined that the edge is an open air edge, the Open air edge option is checked.
14. Select several segments in the Profile segments list.
You do not need to change any segments.

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15. Click Next.

The 2.5 Axis Wizard: Island End Conditions dialog box displays. This dialog box
displays when you define a Pocket, Slot, Corner Slot, or Face Feature.
16. Make sure the Detect for all option is checked.
When you define multiple features and select this option, CAMWorks attempts to find
islands for all features. If this option is not checked, CAMWorks attempts to find islands
only for the current feature.
17. Click Autodetect.
CAMWorks does not find any islands for the corner
slots. If necessary, you could click the Add button and
interactively insert islands.
18. Click Finish.
The Irregular Corner Slot features are listed in the tree.
All machinable features are now defined.
19. Click Close to exit the wizard.
Combining Machinable Features
Three Irregular Corner Slots were defined for the ears. If you were to generate an operation
plan now, separate operations would be created for each feature. For example, if the
Technology Database defines that an Irregular Corner Slot feature will be machined with a
rough and finish cycle, Generate Operation Plan would create three Rough Mill operations
and three Finish Mill operations for these features.
To make it easier to manage the machining parameters for these features, you can make a
single Pattern feature that contains all three features. As a Pattern feature, the three Irregular
Corner Slot features will be machined with one set of operations.
1. Right click the first Irregular Corner Slot in the
CAMWorks Feature tree and select Insert Pattern.
The Edit Pattern dialog box displays.

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2 Axis Mill 3

The Feature List on the right

displays the selected feature. The
Available Features list on the left
shows other features of the same
type and depth that can be added to
make the Pattern feature.
2. Pick Irregular Corner Slot5, then
hold down the CTRL key and pick
Irregular Corner Slot6.
3. Click Add.
The two features are added to the
Feature List on the right.
4. Click OK.
The three pockets are combined into a single
feature labeled Irregular Corner Slot Pattern2 in
the CAMWorks Feature tree.

Generate an operation plan for each Part Setup:

1. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right click
NC Manager in the CAMWorks Feature tree, select Generate Operation Plan.
Operations are created for the machinable features in the Bottom and Top Part Setup.
2. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the
bottom of the tree.
The operations are in listed in the Operation tree.
3. Right click each operation, select Parameters, and
review the cutting parameters.
Generate toolpaths and post process the part:
4. After you have verified that the parameters for each
operation are set the way you want them, right click
Bottom Part Setup in the CAMWorks Operation tree
and select Generate Toolpath.
5. Repeat step 1 for the operations in Top Part Setup.
6. Check the CAMWorks Message Window.
The Message Window provides information you may find helpful. For example,
based on the information in this window, you may want to change a tool or insert a
finish operation in order to cut a machinable feature completely.
If the Message Window is not displayed, select Options on the CAMWorks menu and
check the Message Window check box on the General tab.

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 2 Axis Mill 3

You can move the window and adjust the size. To change the size, point to a border or
corner of the window (the pointer changes to a two-headed arrow). Drag the corner or
border until the window is the size you want, then release the mouse button.
7. Experiment by changing parameters for the operations and regenerating the toolpaths.
CAMWorks provides the ability to simulate toolpaths showing the tool movement and the
resulting shape of the part.
8. Click the Simulate Toolpath button on the CAMWorks toolbar.

9. Click the Run button.

10. Click the X button in the upper right corner of the Simulation toolbar to exit
Simulation mode.
11. Right click Bottom Part Setup in the CAMWorks Operation tree and select Post Process.
12. In the Save Post File dialog box, click Save to accept the default file name (cwex3.txt).
Note that if you are running CAMWorks in Demo mode, this dialog box does not display.
13. In the Post Process Output dialog box, check the Display Centerline option so that the
toolpath will be highlighted as each line of code is produced.
14. Click the Run button (the double arrow).
NC code is created for the Bottom Part Setup.
15. After viewing the code, click Cancel.
16. Right click Top Part Setup in the CAMWorks Operation tree and select Post Process.
17. In the Save Post File dialog box, type cwex3top.
18. In the Post Process Output dialog box, click the Run button (the double arrow).

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2 Axis Mill 4

2 Axis Mill 4
What You'll Learn
Defining the Workpiece from a Sketch
Defining Additional Machinable Features
Adjusting Machining Parameters
Deleting an Operation
Inserting an Operation
Defining Program Zero
Sorting Operations
This lesson guides you through the steps to machine the part shown below. The bottom
depressions of the part will not be machined in this exercise.
Sequence of machining:
Drill two holes on each
end of part. Top Face
Face top of part.
Face depression on left
side of part.
Finish profile the hole on
the left.
Rough and finish
Left Depression
rectangular pocket.
Finish machine three
obround holes.
Rough and finish outside part shape from stock
1. Open the part file MILL2AX_4.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
2. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
3. Right click Mill machine Inch in the Feature tree and select Parameters.
On the Machine tab, Mill machine Inch is the Active machine.
Click the Tool crib tab and make sure Crib 1 is the Active tool set.
Click the Controller tab and make sure FANTUTM is selected, then click OK to exit
the Machine dialog box.

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Defining the Workpiece from a Sketch

In this example, the workpiece is a block of material that does not have the same amount of
material on all sides. Therefore, you will define it using a rectangular sketch and a height. A
sketch named 'Stock Profile' has already been created in this part. The sketch plane is
positioned .05in above the top of the part.
1. Right click Workpiece in the CAMWorks Feature tree and select Edit Definition.
CAMWorks automatically calculates the workpiece size and shape based on the smallest
block possible. You can change this definition by specifying a sketch and depth.
2. Select Sketch.
3. In the Sketch dropdown list,
select Stock Profile.
The rectangular sketch
representing the shape of the
stock is highlighted.
4. Set the Height to 1.00in and
press Enter.
5. Click OK.
An outline of the stock
displays in the graphics area.
Extracting Machinable Features
Define machinable features automatically:
1. Click the Options button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
2. Click the Features tab in the Options dialog box.
3. Check the Face option in the Feature types section and click OK.
4. Click the Extract Machinable Features button
on the CAMWorks toolbar.
The recognized features include the face feature,
two holes, the rectangular pocket and the three
obround pockets, which are included in Obround
Pocket Pattern1.
5. Click Part Setup1 in the Feature tree and check the
machining direction that displays on the part.
Because all the features go through the part, AFR may determine
the machining direction is from the bottom.
If the direction is from the bottom instead of from the top as
shown on the right, right click Part Setup1 and select Parameters.
Click the Reverse Direction button, then click OK.
Correct direction

Learning 2 Axis Mill Basics 1-39

2 Axis Mill 4

Defining Additional Features

For this example, you interactively define two machinable features.
Irregular Corner Slot (to machine the depression on the left side of the part)
Open Pocket (defines the outside profile of the part so it can be machined from the
stock)
One of the features is created from part faces and the second from sketches.
First, you create a 2.5 Axis feature for the depression on the left side of the part. To
completely remove the material along the open edges, you need to define the feature as an
Irregular Corner Slot. By definition, an Irregular Corner Slot has two or more adjacent edges
that have open air edges.
1. Right click Part Setup1 and select Insert 2.5 Axis Feature on the shortcut menu.
The 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: Feature & Cross
Section Definition dialog box displays.
2. Select Corner Slot for the Feature Type and pick the
top face of the depression on the left side of the
part.
3. Click Next.
The 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: End Conditions
dialog box displays.
4. Pick the topmost face on the right.

CAMWorks automatically sets

the End condition to Upto Face
and the Depth to 0.0600in.
5. Make sure the Edit feature
profiles option is checked, then
click Next.

The 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: Edit Feature Profiles dialog box displays. When a Corner
Slot or Slot feature is defined from a part face, CAMWorks automatically determines the
open air edges. If necessary, you can change the open air edges.

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 2 Axis Mill 4

6. Click the segments in the Profile Segments list to view the open air edges selected by
CAMWorks. You do not need to change any segments.
7. Click Finish.
Irregular Corner Slot1 is created and added to the CAMWorks Feature tree.
The second 2.5 Axis feature will be used to machine the perimeter of the part. For this
example, you will rough the part from the workpiece, then finish machine the perimeter of
the part. In order to do this, you define the workpiece perimeter as an Open Pocket and the
part as an island in this pocket.
By defining this 2.5 Axis feature as an
Open Pocket, the toolpath will extend
beyond the workpiece perimeter so that
all of the material will be removed. In
comparison, if the workpiece perimeter
were defined as a simple Pocket, the
roughing toolpath would be constrained
within the perimeter of the workpiece
leaving unmachined areas in the
corners.
1. In the 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard:
Feature & Cross Section Definition
dialog box, select Open Pocket for
the Type.
2. In the Available sketches list, select
the sketch labeled Stock Profile and
click Next.
3. In the 2.5 Axis Feature
Wizard: End Conditions
dialog box, set the End
condition Type to Upto
Workpiece.
4. Select the Through option.
With this option checked, the
feature will be machined
slightly deeper than the
workpiece to remove all
material.
5. Click Next.
The 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard:
Island End Conditions dialog
box displays.

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2 Axis Mill 4

6. Click the Autodetect button.

CAMWorks considers a flat face
that is normal to the Part Setup as
an island. In this part, the top face
of the part and the left depression
face are both flat and normal to the
current Part Setup and will be
identified as islands automatically.
If necessary, you can define
islands interactively by clicking
the Add button and selecting faces,
edges, loops and sketches.
7. Click Finish.
The last 2.5 Axis feature is now
complete and all machinable
features are listed in the CAMWorks Feature tree.
8. Click Close to exit the Wizard.

Generating Operations
Before the operation plan is generated, attributes can be assigned to features to affect the
operations that are created for each feature.
1. Right click Rectangular Pocket1 and select Parameters.
2. In the Rectangular Pocket Parameters dialog box, set the Attribute to Coarse, then click
OK.
This system attribute has been set up in the TechDB to
generate a Rough Mill operation for a Rectangular
Pocket feature.
3. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the
CAMWorks toolbar or right click Part Setup1 in the
tree and select Generate Operation Plan.
4. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the
bottom of the tree.
The operations are listed in the Operation tree.

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Adjusting Machining Parameters

The operations that are generated by CAMWorks are based on information stored in the
Technology Database. Each operation contains machining parameters that affect how the
toolpath is created and specific parameters that will be output to the NC program. These
parameters can be edited before generating the toolpaths and post processing the part.
1. Click the + next to Finish Mill4 in the CAMWorks Operation tree.
The tree expands to identify the Obround Pocket Pattern feature the operation was
generated for.
2. Right click Finish Mill4 and select Collapse Items on the shortcut menu.
You can use either the + and symbols or the Expand and Collapse Items commands on
the shortcut menus to view items in the trees.
3. Right click Finish Mill4 again and select Parameters.
4. In the Machining Parameters
dialog box, click the Turret
tab.
5. Select a .1875in diameter
flat end mill.
If Flat End tools are not
listed, clear the check mark
to the left of the Filter button.
6. Click the <-- Replace button,
then click Yes to replace the
corresponding holder.
7. Click the Finish tab.
8. In the Side parameters
section, make sure the Allowance is set to 0.0in.
This will cut the pockets to size.
9. Click OK to exit the Machining Parameters dialog box.

Deleting an Operation
In some cases, it may be desirable to delete operations that are created automatically. In this
example, Rough Mill and Finish Mill operations were created for the Obround Pocket
Pattern1 machinable feature. Based on the tool that is going to be used for the obround hole,
a Finish Mill operation is all that is needed. You can delete the Rough Mill operation.
1. In the CAMWorks Operation tree, right click Rough Mill5 (the roughing operation for
the obround slots) and select Delete on the shortcut menu.
2. Click Yes to confirm you want to delete the operation. The operation is removed from the
tree.

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2 Axis Mill 4

Inserting an Operation
The larger hole on the right has been drilled. In this example, you also want to finish mill
around the inside of the hole. To do this, you need to add a Finish Mill operation.
1. Right click Drill1 in the CAMWorks Operation tree
and select Insert Hole Operation.
The Insert hole operation dialog box displays.

2. Set the Type of operation to

Finish Mill.
3. Select Hole1 in the Features list
on the left and click Define.

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The Hole Feature

Definition dialog box
displays. This dialog box
allows you to define the
top and bottom of the hole
and the hole diameter.
Since this hole contains
only a single diameter, the
start and end location of
the hole diameter are set
automatically to the
correct values.
4. Click OK.
The Insert Hole Operation
dialog box displays again.
5. Click Next.
The Mill Tool dialog box
displays.
6. If a .500in flat end mill is
not selected, click the
Turret tab and select it
from the Tool Crib, then click the <-- Replace button.
7. Click Finish.
The Insert Hole Operation dialog box displays again.
8. Click Close.
A finish operation is added after the Drill1 operation in the CAMWorks Operation tree.
Defining Program Zero
The Part Setup defines the tool direction as well as program zero. Program zero can be
changed in the Part Setup by selecting a vertex or arc edge, typing in the origin relative to
SolidWorks zero, identifying a sketch that contains a single circle, or by picking a workpiece
corner. When selecting a sketch, the center of the circle in the sketch will be the origin of the
Part Setup and program zero. Each Part Setup can have a different origin.
1. Right click Part Setup1 and select Parameters.
The Part Setup Parameters dialog box displays.

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2 Axis Mill 4

2. On the Origin tab, select the Sketch

option and select Setup Origin for
the sketch.

The circle in the lower left corner of the

workpiece should be highlighted. This
indicates that the center of the circle is now
the Part Setup origin.
3. Click OK.

Did You Know ...

If you change the Part Setup origin after generating toolpaths, always regenerate all
toolpaths. Otherwise, the post processed output will not be relative to the origin.

Generate toolpaths:
1. Click the Generate Toolpath
button on the CAMWorks toolbar or
right click Part Setup1 in the
CAMWorks Operation tree and select
Generate Toolpath.
2. Click the first operation in the tree,
hold down the Shift key and click the
last operation in the tree.
The toolpaths that were generated for
all operations display.

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3. Right click Part Setup1 and select Simulate

Toolpath.

4. Click the Run button to simulate the

toolpaths.
5. Click the Cancel button to exit the
simulation.

Sorting Operations
When the Generate Operation Plan command is run, operations are created for each feature
in the Feature tree in the order listed. As shown above, operations can also be inserted
manually and deleted. After making these changes, it is possible that the machining order is
not in the most efficient sequence. Using drag and drop, operations can be reordered into an
optimized sequence; however, this could become time consuming for a part that includes
dozens of operations. To make the ordering task easier, CAMWorks provides a Sort
command that sorts operations based on their type, depth and tool.
1. Right click Part Setup1 and select Sort Operations.
The Sort Operations dialog box displays.
2. On the Process tab, remove the check mark from the Process complete feature option.
When this option is checked, all operations for a given feature will be sorted and grouped
together so that the entire feature is completed before processing other feature operations.
After all feature operations are grouped, the order the operations are processed will be
from highest Z face to lowest Z face.
3. Select the Sort tab.
This page shows the order in which the operations will be sorted. More information on
sorting operations can be found in the CAMWorks online help.
4. Click the Apply button.
Note that the operations have been sorted according the specified operation sequence.
Within each type of operation, the operations with the highest Z face will be processed
first. If you do not like the order, you can click the Undo button and change the order or
any of the options, then click Apply again to see the results.
5. Click the OK button.
If required, the operations can still be reordered manually using drag and drop.
6. Right click Part Setup1 and select Simulate Toolpath.
7. Run the simulation and note the changes.
8. Save the part.

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2 Axis Mill 4

9. Right click Part Setup1 and select Post Process.

The Post Output File dialog box displays.
If you are running CAMWorks in Demo mode, this dialog box does not display.
10. Click Save to use the default name for the NC program file.
The Post Process Output dialog box displays.
11. Click the Run button.
CAMWorks generates the NC program.
12. Use the vertical scroll bar to view the code.
13. Click Cancel to exit the Post Process Output dialog box.

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Chapter 2 Learning More 2 Axis Mill

This chapter provides an opportunity to learn more about CAMWorks 2 Axis Mill.
The exercises in this chapter are intended to show you how to use CAMWorks and may not
correspond to actual machining practices.

IMPORTANT! CAMWorks uses a set of knowledge-based rules to assign machining

operations to features. The Technology Database contains the data for the machining
process plans and can be customized for your facility's machining methodology. When you
do these exercises, your results may not be the same as described in the steps and
illustrated in the figures. This is because the machining sequences and operations data in
your Technology Database may be different from the database used to produce the
documentation.

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2 Axis Mill 5

2 Axis Mill 5
What You'll Learn
Setting Attributes and Generating Operations
Sorting and Sequencing Operations
Machining Island Tops
Changing the Part Setup Origin
Combining Operations

1. Open the part file MILL2AX_5.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
Since this part is rectangular, you do not have
to machine the outside of the part. AFR will
find the holes, bosses, slot, corner slots and
open pocket features.
2. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at
the bottom of the SolidWorks Feature tree.
3. Right click Mill machine mm in the
Feature tree and select Parameters.
On the Machine tab, Mill machine mm is
the Active machine.
Click the Tool Crib tab and make sure Tool
Crib 1 (metric) is the Active tool set.
Click the Controller tab and make sure
FANTUTM is selected, then click OK to exit the dialog box.
4. Right click on the Workpiece in the CAMWorks Feature tree and select Edit
Definition on the shortcut menu. The Define Workpiece dialog box displays.
5. Change the Offset to 1.00mm and press Enter.
6. Click the Material button in the top right corner of the dialog box. The Workpiece
Material dialog box displays.
7. Select a material in the pulldown list, then click OK.
8. Click OK to close the Define Workpiece dialog box.
9. Click the Options button on the CAMWorks toolbar or select Options on the
CAMWorks menu.
10. Click the Features tab in the Options dialog box.
11. In the Feature types section, make sure the Face option is not checked and click OK.

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12. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right
click on the NC Manager in the tree and select Extract Machinable Features.
Automatic Feature Recognition analyzes the model
and extracts the features to machine. The tree
displays the list of features that were found.
An Open Pocket feature was created with the
Obround Boss and the two Rectangular Bosses
as islands.
The two rectangular bosses were extracted as a
Rectangular Boss Pattern.
The Rectangular Corner Slots were not extracted as a Pattern Feature because they are
different sizes.
Did You Know ...
The default machining sequence is based on the order that the machinable features
appear in the list. Using drag and drop, you could rearrange the features so that they are
in the order that you would like them to be machined. However, the CAMWorks
Operation tree allows operations to be automatically sorted and interactively sequenced
(as explained below) so it is unnecessary to reorder features.

Setting Attributes and Generating Operations

1. Right click on the Hole Pattern in the CAMWorks Feature tree and select Parameters.
2. In the Hole Parameters dialog box, change the Attribute to Ream, then click OK.
3. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right click
Part Setup1 in the Feature tree and select Generate Operation Plan.
CAMWorks creates the list of operations to machine the part.
4. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
All the operations for a given Feature are listed in order.
Sorting and Sequencing Operations
The machining sequence is based on the order of the operations in the tree. The Rough Mill
and Finish Mill operations for the Rectangular Corner Slot are listed at the bottom. You may
not want this order. For example, you may want all of the roughing done before the
finishing, and the hole making operations to be done last. CAMWorks allows automatic and
interactive control over changing the machining sequence. Using drag and drop is suitable
when only several changes need to be made. However, when making numerous changes to
the order of the tree, the Sort Operations command provides an automatic approach.
1. Right click Part Setup1 and select Sort Operations.
The Sort Operations dialog box displays.

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2 Axis Mill 5

2. Remove the check mark in the Process complete feature checkbox.

When checked, the operation sequence will be based on machining each feature
completely before machining the next feature. The features will be sorted from highest Z
to lowest Z.
3. Change to the Sort tab.
The Sort page allows operations to be sorted based on either one or two criteria. The Sort
by list shows the current order for sorting operations. The default order is defined in the
Technology Database and can be modified as required.
4. Click the Apply button to see the result of the current sorting rules.
The operations in the tree are sorted according to the order in the list.
5. Click the Undo button to return to the original order.
In this example, you want to sort by operation type with
Rough Mill cycles first, Finish Mill cycles second, then hole
making cycles. To do this, you can use drag and drop to
reorder the operation list.
6. Select Rough Mill in the list and drag it to the top. Note that
the operation will be inserted before the operation it is
dropped on.
7. Select Finish Mill and drag and drop it on Center Drill.
8. Click the Apply button.
The order in the tree changes to reflect the current operation
list.
9. Click OK.
The operation order in the tree can be further modified using
drag and drop if necessary.
CAUTION! Be careful when dragging and dropping the operations. Make sure you do
not change the order so that the tools will cause a crash. For example, you could drag the
ream operation in front of the drill operation. CAMWorks assumes that you know what
you are doing and will process the toolpaths exactly the way you have them ordered.
Machining Island Tops
As in the previous exercises, the Machining Parameters dialog allows you access to all the
parameters that will be used to machine a Feature. You can change parameters to customize
the toolpath that CAMWorks generates to suit your machining requirements.
Did You Know ...
The parameters that you change in the Machining Parameters dialog box are used only
for the current operation. Other operations and other parts will revert to the default
parameters that are defined in the Technology Database.
1. Right click the Rough Mill1 in the Operation tree and select Parameters.
2. Click the Roughing tab in the Machining Parameters dialog box.

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3. Check the Machine island top option so that the islands on the top of the part are faced
off.
4. Change the Pocketing Pattern to Zigzag.
This option creates parallel lace cuts with the cuts alternating direction. Between each
lace cut, the tool stays down in the material.
5. Click OK.
Changing the Part Setup Origin
CAMWorks creates Part Setups automatically with the Part Setup depth set to the highest
face on the recognized features and the Part Setup origin on the edge of the first recognized
feature on the top of the part. The Part Setup origin defines the G-code program zero location
using the machine tool's fixture location, Work Coordinates and/or Sub Coordinate offsets.
The Part Setup origin position is based on the SolidWorks origin. You can move the Part
Setup origin to a more useful location for
machining.
1. Left mouse click on Part Setup1 in the tree.
Notice where the origin is located on the part.
2. Right click on Part Setup1 and select
Parameters.
The Part Setup Parameters dialog box displays.

3. For the Origin, select the

Workpiece vertex option.
4. Pick the corner shown in the
figure, then click OK.
The origin location is moved on
the part to the corner you selected.

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2 Axis Mill 5

Based on the orientation of the part, New location

selecting a corner in the dialog box may
not appear to be the same corner on the
part. This is because the model can be
rotated to any position in space.

Combining Operations
Notice that several roughing and finishing operations use the same tool. Similar operation
types that use the same tool can be combined into one operation.
1. Right click on Part Setup1 in the tree and select Combine Operations.
2. Select Finish Mill, then click OK.
CAMWorks combines similar Finish Mill operations that use the same tool.
3. Click the + next to the Finish Mill operations in the tree to expand the items.
Several of the operations were combined because they use the same size tool. Notice that
the order of the operations was maintained. The rough operations are first, followed by
the finish operations, and finally the hole operations.
Before Combining After Combining

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Did You Know ...

After toolpaths have been generated, if you combine operations and disable the option to
Regenerate toolpaths option in the Combine Operations dialog box, you must generate
toolpaths again.

4. Click the Generate Toolpath button on the

CAMWorks toolbar or right click the Part
Setup in the tree and select Generate Toolpath.
5. Highlight the first operation in the tree, hold
down the Shift key, then highlight the last
operation.
Your model should look similar to the figure
on the right.

6. Click on the Simulate Toolpath button on the CAMWorks toolbar.

7. Click the Run button on the toolbar to start the simulation.

When finished, your simulation should look like the example.

8. Click the Return to start button.

9. Click the Turbo mode button, then click

Run.
The simulation does not update the workpiece
until the simulation is completed. This is the
fastest method for simulation.
10. Click the X button in the upper right corner
of the Simulate Toolpath toolbar to exit
simulation mode.
11. Right click on the Part Setup and select Post
Process.
The Post Output File dialog box displays so
you can name the NC program file.
12. Use either the default file name or type a
different name and save the file.
13. Click the Run button in the Post Process Output dialog box to output the G-code file.
14. Click OK to close the dialog box.

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2 Axis Mill 6

2 Axis Mill 6
What You'll Learn
Interactively Inserting 2.5 Axis Features
Inserting Operations
Avoiding Clamps
Changing Machining Parameters and Tools
Inserting a Part Setup and Face Feature to Cut the Bottom of the Part
Customizing Toolpaths
This exercise involves a non-rectangular part that requires a number of interactive toolpaths.
1. Open the part file MILL2AX_6.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
Since this part is non-rectangular, the
toolpaths to machine the outside of the
part will have to be added. In addition,
two face cuts will be added. All
machining will be from the top of the
part.
2. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree
tab at the bottom of the SolidWorks
Feature tree.
3. Right click Mill Machine mm in
the Feature tree and select Parameters on
the shortcut menu.
On the Machine tab, Mill machine mm is the Active machine.
Click the Tool Crib tab and make sure Tool Crib 1 (metric) is the Active tool set.
Click the Controller and make sure FANTUTM is selected, then click OK.
4. Right click on the Workpiece and
select Edit Definition.
5. Click the Sketch option button.
6. Select Stock from the Sketch pulldown
list.
7. Set the Height to 45.00mm and press
Enter.
8. Click OK to close the Define Workpiece
dialog box.

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9. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right
click the NC Manager in the tree and select Extract Machinable Features.
Automatic Feature Recognition analyzes the model for
features to machine and the tree displays the list of
Machinable Features that CAMWorks has found. Only
the large hole and the two internal pockets have been
found. Additional features will be defined interactively to completely machine the part.
Inserting 2.5 Axis Features
You need to insert 2.5 Axis Features to cut the outside of the part and the two faces.
Insert the first 2.5 Axis Feature to define the area to machine around the outside of the part.
1. Right click on Part Setup1 and select Insert 2.5 Axis Feature. The 2.5 Axis Feature
Wizard starts and the Feature & Cross Section Definition dialog box displays.
2. Select Face Feature for the Feature
Type.
3. Pick the top face of the part at the
top of the hole.
The Entities selected list shows
Face<1>.
4. Uncheck the Check for taper &
fillets option.
5. Click Next.
The 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: End
Conditions dialog box displays.
6. Make sure Use workpiece extents
is checked so that the entire top of
the material is faced off.
7. If Edit feature profiles is checked,
remove the check mark.
8. Click Finish to complete the
feature.
The Feature & Cross Section
Definition dialog box displays
again so you can continue inserting
features.

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2 Axis Mill 6

Insert the 2.5 Axis Feature for the second face cut:
1. Make sure the Feature Type is set to Face Feature, then
pick the face at the top of the pockets as shown in the
figure.
2. Click Next.
3. In the End Conditions dialog box, you can use the
defaults.
4. Click Finish to complete the feature.

The third 2.5 Axis Feature will be the area around the outside of the part. The workpiece was
defined so that the bottom of the part is 5mm off the bottom of the workpiece. If the feature
is defined as having a bottom depth equal to the bottom of the part, then a 5mm skin will
remain to hold the part to the clamp.
1. Rotate the part so that you can see the bottom face.
2. Make sure the Feature Type is set to Face Feature, then pick
the bottom face as the entity to be machined.
3. Click Next.
4. Rotate the part back to view the top.

5. Pick the top face of the part at the top of the

hole.
In the End Conditions dialog box, the End
condition Type changes to Upto Face and the
Depth is calculated automatically.
6. Make sure that the Use workpiece extents
option is checked, then click Finish.
7. Click Close to exit the Feature Wizard.
The Features are listed in the CAMWorks Feature tree in
the order you added them with the last one first.
8. Drag and drop the features so that they are in the order
shown on the right.

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 2 Axis Mill 6

Inserting Operations
1. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right click
on Part Setup1 and select Generate Operation Plan, then click the CAMWorks Operation
Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
The Operations list should look similar to the example
on the right. Note that the three Face Features are
machined only by a Rough Mill operation. This was
defined in the Technology Database. In the case of the
second and third face features, you also want finish
operations. In the next series of steps, you add
Operations to existing Operations.
2. Right click on Rough Mill2 and select Insert Operation.
The Insert Operation dialog displays.
3. Change the Type of operation to Finish Mill.
4. Change the Select features from
option to Operations List.
5. Choose Rough Mill2 from the list,
then click the
Add -> button.
The feature (Face Feature2) that is
associated to this operation is listed
in the Feature list.
6. Click OK.

The Finish Mill Operation is added

to the CAMWorks Operation tree.
7. Repeat the steps for Rough Mill3 in the list. When
complete, the tree should look similar to the example
on the right.

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2 Axis Mill 6

Defining Avoid Areas for Clamps

Rough and Finish operations for 2 and 2.5 Axis features can be modified by specifying
Avoid Areas. Avoid areas can be used as a definition for clamps and large holes in the
feature where machining is to be avoided. Avoid areas can be defined from planar or non-
planar model edges and faces, as well as from sketches. Avoid Areas are considered to be
islands within the perimeter and will be machined around leaving material equal to the sum
of the Side allowance and Avoid allowance parameters.
In this exercise, you define avoid areas for the three face features to avoid machining the
clamps.
1. Right click RoughMill1 in the Operation tree and select Insert Avoid Area on the shortcut
menu.
The 2 Axis Wizard
dialog box displays.
2. Select Clamp 1 in the
Available sketches list
and click Finish.
3. Click the plus sign next
to RoughMill1 in the
Operation tree.
The Avoid Area is listed
under the operation.

4. Right click RoughMill1 and select Insert Avoid Area on the shortcut menu.
5. In the 2 Axis Wizard dialog box, pick Clamp 2 and click Finish.
6. Repeat these steps to define avoid areas for RoughMill2 and RoughMill3.
Changing Machining Parameters and Generating Toolpaths
Before generating toolpaths, we will modify some of the operation parameters. Typically,
choosing parameters for machining is based on personal preference. The following is an
example for the purposes of making you more comfortable in making these changes.
1. Right click Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
2. On the Roughing tab, make sure the Cleanup pass option is not checked, then click OK.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for every Rough Mill operation in the list.
If the general rule is to not generate a cleanup pass, the default could be set to off in the
Technology Database.
4. Right click Finish Mill4 and select Parameters.

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 2 Axis Mill 6

5. Click the Finish tab in the Machining Parameters dialog box.

By default, the depths of cut will produce multiple finish cuts.
6. Change the value for First cut amt. to 50mm.
7. For Depth processing, select the To Depth by region option, then click OK.
8. Repeat steps 4 - 6 for Finish Mill5.
The default values for milling the counterbore are small and will produce more cuts than are
needed. You can edit the operation and change these values.
9. Right click Finish Mill1 and select Parameters.
10. Click the Finish tab and change the following parameters:
Side Parameters: Cut amt. = 10mm.
Depth Parameters: First cut amt. = 10mm and Max cut amt. = 10mm
11. Click the Tool tab, then
click the Turret tab.
12. In the Tool Crib, scroll
through the tools to find
a 20mm flat end mill.
If Flat End tools are not
listed, clear the check
mark to the left of the
Filter button.
13. Click in a cell on the
20mm tool line to select
the tool, then click the
<- Replace button.
14. Click Yes to replace the
corresponding holder.
15. Click OK to exit the Machining Parameters
dialog box.
16. Click the Generate Toolpath button on
the CAMWorks toolbar or right click the
Part Setup and select Generate Toolpath.
CAMWorks generates the toolpaths for all
operations. The result should look like the
example. Notice in this view how the
toolpath has avoided the clamp areas.

Learning More 2 Axis Mill 2-13

2 Axis Mill 6

Notice in the side view that the toolpath

has not gone to the bottom of the
material.

17. Right click on the Part Setup and

select Simulate Toolpath.

18. Run the tool path simulation.

The result should be similar to the
example.
19. Close the Simulation to return
to the model.

Inserting a Part Setup and Adding a Facing Cut

This series of steps shows you how to add a facing cut for the bottom side of the part. For
setup purposes, you are going to flip the part over, hold it by the machined rectangular
section, and machine the remainder of the material off with a facing cut.
You begin by creating a Part Setup that is opposite from the existing Part Setup. From this
Part Setup, you will then create a face feature.
1. Rotate the part so that you can see the bottom face.

2. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree

tab at the bottom of the tree.
3. Right click on Part Setup1 and select Insert
Part Setup.
4. Pick the bottom face of the part in the
graphics area.
CW Face5 is shown as the Selected entity.
When you insert a Part Setup, you can
select either a face or one of the planes
listed in the Part Setup dialog box.
5. Make sure the Face option is checked.

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 2 Axis Mill 6

If this option is checked, CAMWorks automatically

creates a Face feature when the Part Setup is created if
the topmost face is parallel to the Part Setup and the Part
Setup is parallel to one of the sides of the workpiece.
6. Click OK.
A new Part Setup is inserted on the bottom of the part.
Part Setup2 and Face Feature4 are listed in the tree.

7. Right click Part Setup2 and select

Generate Operation Plan.
8. Click the CAMWorks
Operation Tree tab at the bottom of
the tree.
9. Right click Part Setup2 and select
Generate Toolpath.
The resulting tool path should look
similar to the figure on the right.
10. Rotate the part back to view the top.

11. Right click on the NC Manager in the

CAMWorks Operation tree and select
Simulate Toolpath.

12. Click the Run button.

The resulting simulation should appear as
shown. The remainder of the material has
been removed, and the part has been
machined completely.
13. Click the exit button.

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2 Axis Mill 6

Customizing Toolpaths
In the final part of this exercise, you change some of the Part Setup and operation parameters
to customize the toolpaths.
1. Change the orientation to Back view and zoom up on the toolpath.
2. Right click on Finish Mill3 in the tree and select Parameters.
3. On the Mill Tool tab, set the Cut diameter to 10mm.
4. Click the Leadin tab and change the Leadin Type to Perpendicular.
5. Set the Leadin Amt. to 5mm.
6. Pick the lower edge of the feature to change the
toolpath start location and click OK.
The pierce point displays as a square marker in
the middle of the edge because the Mid-point
option is selected.
7. Right click on the same Finish Mill operation and select Generate Toolpath.
8. Rotate the part and notice the leadin line at the
start of the Finish Mill tool path. The angle is
perpendicular to the start angle at the beginning
of the arc.
You can see the SolidWorks origin. Next, you
will use that as the start of the leadin.
9. Right click on the Finish Mill3 operation and select Parameters again.
10. Click the Leadin tab and set the Leadin Type to None.
11. Click the Feature Options tab.
12. For the Entry Type, use the default None.
With this option, the end mill feeds down in Z at the specified entry point.
13. Rotate the part, if necessary, and pick the SolidWorks origin with your mouse.
The entity displays in the Entities selected list.
14. Click OK.
15. Right click on the same Finish Mill operation
and select Generate Toolpath.
The start of the leadin changes to the origin
point that was selected. This acts as a leadin
even though the Leadin Type was set to None.
16. Right click Part Setup1 in the tree and select Post Process.
The Post Output File dialog box displays.
17. Use either the default file name or type a different name and save the file.
18. Click the Run button in the Post Process Output dialog box to output the G-code file.
19. After reviewing the code, click OK to close the dialog box.

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 2 Axis Mill 7

2 Axis Mill 7
What You'll Learn
Interactively Inserting 2.5 Axis Features
Inserting Engrave Features
Generating an Operation Plan and Adjusting Machining Parameters
Updating Toolpaths for Design Changes
1. Open the part file MILL2AX_7.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
2. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
3. Use the default Mill machine Inch, controller and active tool crib (as defined in the
Machine dialog box).
4. Right click on the Workpiece and select Edit Definition.
The default bounding box displays on the part.
5. Click OK to use this workpiece.
6. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
AFR extracts features to machine and generates the Part Setups needed to machine these
features.
Defining Features Interactively
In the following exercises, you edit the Open Pocket feature to machine the top of the flange
and insert features to machine the perimeter of the part and the four corner pockets.
Edit the Open Pocket feature to machine only the top of the
flange.
1. Right click Open Pocket1 in the Feature tree and select Edit
Definition on the shortcut menu.
2. In the 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: End Conditions dialog box,
remove the check mark from the Use Workpiece extents
option.
By default, CAMWorks uses the extents of the workpiece
volume to define open pocket features from. In this feature,
you want to machine only the top of the flange.
3. Click Finish.

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2 Axis Mill 7

Insert a Boss feature to machine the perimeter of the part.

1. Right click Open Pocket1 and select Insert 2.5 Axis Feature.
2. Change the Feature Type to Boss.
3. Make sure the Edge selection is set to Convert to loop.
With this option selected, when you pick a part edge,
CAMWorks automatically chain selects all other edges
connected to that edge at the depth. This allows you to pick
one edge on the inside of a face and identify the entire inside
loop.
4. Pick the bottom edge of the part.
The entire face of the part is highlighted and loop<1> is
added to the Entities selected list.
5. Click Next.
6. Pick the top of the flange for the end condition.
CAMWorks automatically changes the End condition
Type to Upto Face and calculates the Depth.
7. Click Finish.

Insert Pocket features to machine the bottom faces of the four corner pockets.
1. Change the Feature Type to Pocket.
2. Make sure the Multiple option is selected.
This option allows you to define multiple
similar features by selecting multiple faces,
sketches and edges.
3. Pick the faces on the bottom of the 4 corner
pockets and click Next.
4. Pick the face on the top of the flange for the
end condition.
5. Click Finish, then click Close to exit the wizard.
The features are listed in the tree in the order
you inserted them. This is the order they will be
machined when you generate an operation plan.
6. Use drag and drop to reorder the features in Part Setup2 so that Open Pocket1 is first and
Irregular Boss1 is last.

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 2 Axis Mill 7

Inserting Engrave Features

Add two Engrave features to machine the text on the part.
1. Right click Part Setup5 (or the Part Setup on the same face as the
TekSoft logo) in the tree and select Insert 2.5 Axis Feature.
2. In the 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: Feature & Cross Section
Definition dialog box, select Engrave Feature for the Feature
Type.
3. In the Available Sketches list, select Teksoft logo.
4. When Teksoft logo displays in the Entities selected list, click Next.
5. In the 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: End Conditions dialog box, change the Depth to .015,
then click Finish.
6. Click Close to exit the wizard.
Engrave Feature1 is listed in the tree.
7. Right click Part Setup6 (or the Part Setup on the same face as the
CAMWorks logo) and select Insert 2.5 Axis Feature.
8. In the 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: Feature & Cross Section Definition
dialog box, select Engrave Feature for the Feature Type.
9. In the Available Sketches list, select CWlogo.
10. When CWlogo displays in the Entities selected list, click Next.
11. In the 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard: End Conditions dialog box, change the Depth to .015,
then click Finish.
12. Click Close to exit the wizard.
You have defined all the features and are now ready to generate an operation plan.
Generating an Operation Plan and Adjusting Machining Parameters
1. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right click
NC Manager in the tree and select Generation Operation Plan.
2. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
The tree lists the operations that CAMWorks generated for the features in all the Part
Setups.
Adjust tools before generating the toolpaths:
3. Right click Finish Mill2 (the operation for Irregular Pocket1) in the tree and select
Combine Operations.
This command allows you to combine and remove duplicate operations.
4. In the Combine Operations dialog box, select the Combine operations option.
When this option is checked, the features machined by operations in the Features or
operations list are machined by the current operation and the original individual
operations for those features are deleted.

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2 Axis Mill 7

5. Make sure the Operations list displays in the left list box, then hold down the Shift key
and select the three operations in the list box.
6. Click the Add button.
The operations are added to the Features or operations list on the right.
7. Click OK.
Finish Mill3, Finish Mill4 and Finish Mill5 are removed from the tree and the Irregular
Pocket features are listed under Finish Mill1.
8. Right click Finish Mill2 in the tree and select Parameters.
By combining operations for the Irregular Pockets, you have to change the parameters
only once instead of for each operation.
9. On the Tool tab, make sure the current tool is a .38in flat end mill.
If a different tool is selected, click the Turret tab and select a .38in flat end mill, click the
<- Replace button, then click Yes to replace the corresponding holder.
10. Click OK to exit the Machining Parameters dialog box.
11. Look at each Center Drill operation in the tree and check the size of the tool selected by
the TechDB.
The tool for each Center Drill operation should be a #3 60 degree center drill with a .11in
diameter. If a different tool is listed in the tree, right click the operation and select
Parameters. Then, click the Turret tab and select the correct tool in the Tool Crib.
12. Right click on Finish Mill8 in the tree (the Finish Mill operation for the Irregular Boss)
and select Parameters.
13. On the Mill Tool tab, make sure the current tool is a .5in flat end mill.
If it is not, click the Turret tab, select a .5in flat end mill in the Tool Crib, click the
<- Replace button, then click Yes to replace the corresponding holder.
14. Click OK.
15. Click the Generate Toolpath button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right click NC
Manager in the tree and select Generate Toolpath.
CAMWorks generates toolpaths based on the information in the Technology Database.
Associating Machining Information After Design Changes
One of the unique features of CAMWorks is the ability to re-apply, or associate, machining
information to a part after the size or shape of the part has been modified. This associative
action is done through the CAMWorks Rebuild process. Maintaining this associativity is a
complex process and may require user interaction to help reconcile unresolved associations.

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 2 Axis Mill 7

In this exercise, you change the size of the four 1.00in diameter holes in the center of the
part.
1. Click the FeatureManager Design tab at the bottom of
the tree.
2. Right click on one of the 1.00in diameter holes and
select Edit Sketch.
3. Change the 1.00in dimension to 1.25in.

4. Rebuild the model to accept the change.

5. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab
at the bottom of the tree.
CAMWorks displays the message: Part has
changed. Do you want to rebuild CAMWorks
data?
6. Click Yes.

If the machinable
features from the
original
part shape cannot be
associated
automatically to
machinable features
created after a model
change, both the
current and new
features display in
the Associate
Features dialog box
and you can interactively resolve which new features are associated to current features.
7. Click Hole Pattern1 in the Current features list.
When a Current feature is selected, operations used to machine the feature are listed
under the Operation List for Current Feature. For visual confirmation, when a Current
feature is selected in the list, an red outline of the feature displays on the part.
8. Click on Hole Pattern8 in the New features list.
The Associate button is enabled.
9. Click the Associate button.
When you click the Associate button, CAMWorks replaces the selected Current feature
with the selected New feature in every operation that contains the Current feature. The
New feature is removed from the list and the Current feature icon changes from a red
exclamation mark to a green resolved marker.

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2 Axis Mill 7

10. Click OK.

When the dialog box is closed, all Current features that are resolved are removed from
the CAMWorks Feature tree.
11. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
12. In the Feature tree, right click Hole Pattern8 and select Generate Operation Plan.
13. Click the Regenerate button to generate new operations for the feature.
14. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
Based on information in the TechDB for the 1.25in diameter hole, a Finish Mill operation
is applied to the feature in addition to a Drill operation.
15. Right click Part Setup2 and select Generate Toolpath.
16. Right click Part Setup2 and select Simulate Toolpath.

17. On the Simulate Toolbar, make sure the Tool Mode button and the Show
Animation buttons are selected, then set the following display options:
Tool and Holder Display = Shaded, Translucent, or Wireframe

Target Display = No Display

18. Click the Show Holder Collision button to turn it on.

19. Click the Run button to start the simulation.

Notice that the simulation shows that the Center Drill holder collides with the part.
20. Exit the simulation.
21. Right click the Center Drill operation in the tree and select Parameters.
22. On the Center Drill Tool tab, change the Protrusion to 1.8 and click OK.
This parameter defines the distance from the tip of the tool to the bottom of the holder.
This value is used to determine how much of the tool protrudes from the mill holder
during simulation. The protrusion length must be greater than the Effective Cut Length
and less than the Overall Length.
23. Right click Part Setup2 and select Simulate Toolpath.

24. Run the simulation again.

This time the holder clears the part.

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 2 Axis Mill 8

2 Axis Mill 8
What You'll Learn
Extracting Machinable Features and Generating Operations
Creating an Entry Drill Operation and Generating Toolpaths
Specifying a Tool Overlap on Open Air Segments
Using an Avoid Area
Defining Rapid and Clearance Planes

1. Open the part file MILL2AX_8.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
2. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
3. Use the default Mill machine Inch.
Extracting Machinable Features and Generating Operations
1. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right
click NC Manager and select Extract Machinable Features.
Automatic Feature Recognition creates the Part Setups necessary to machine all of the
machinable features that are recognized. In order to machine the open profile on the right
side of the part with a keyway cutter, you would interactively insert the features as
explained in exercise TechDB9 in Chapter 7.
2. Right click Part Setup1 in the tree and select Generate Operation Plan.
Note that if you click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar,
operations will be generated for all Part Setups. For this exercise, you only need the
operations in Part Setup1.
3. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
The operations are listed in the CAMWorks Operation tree.
Creating an Entry Drill Operation and Generating Toolpaths
1. Right click Rough Mill2 in the CAMWorks Operation tree and select Parameters.
If RoughMill2 is not the operation generated for Irregular Pocket1, the large pocket on
top of the part, then select the applicable rough operation.
2. Click the Roughing tab in the Machining Parameters dialog box and make sure the
Pattern is set to Pocket Out.
3. Click the Feature Options tab.
This page contains parameters that allow you to set the entry type, start location, retract
point and the machining depth for the machinable features associated to the Rough Mill
operation.

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2 Axis Mill 8

4. Click the down arrow next to the Entry type Method and select Entry Drill.
The Generate Operation Plan command does not create Entry Drill operations. If this
option is selected, an Entry Drill operation is created
automatically each time toolpaths are generated for the finish
operation. The XY location for the entry drill is at the same
position as the specified Entry Point.
5. Click in the salmon colored Entities selected box in the Entry
point section and pick the edge of the upper hole indicated by
the arrow.
6. Click in the Entities selected box in the Retract point section
and pick the edge of the lower hole indicated by the arrow.
7. Click OK to exit the
Machining Parameters dialog
box.
8. Right click Part Setup1 in the
CAMWorks Operation tree
and select Generate
Toolpath.
Toolpaths are created for all
operations in this Part Setup.
9. Left click the Entry Drill
operation in the tree.
The drill toolpath displays at
the hole you selected as the
entry point.
10. Left click Rough Mill2 or the
applicable operation for the large pocket.
11. Rotate the part and notice that the toolpath starts at the specified hole for the entry drill
and ends at the hole specified as the retract point.
Specifying a Tool Overlap on Open Air Segments
When machining an Open Pocket, Slot, Corner Slot or Face Feature, the Feature Options tab
in the Machining Parameters dialog box allows you to specify how much to overlap the air
segment edges for 2 Axis rough and finish operations. The amount is specified as a percent
of the tool diameter up to 150%.
1. Left click Rough Mill1 in the tree.
This should be the operation for the Rectangular
Slot.
2. Zoom up on the toolpath and rotate the part to view
the open slot toolpaths. The toolpath was generated
with the overlap set at 75% of the tool diameter.

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 2 Axis Mill 8

3. Right click Rough Mill1 and select Parameters.

4. Click the Feature Options tab.
5. In the Air segment offset, change the % Tool
diameter to 100 and click OK.
6. Generate the toolpath.
Notice the overlap on the open side of the slot.
7. Zoom to fit the complete part in the graphics area.

Using an Avoid Area

After rough and finish toolpaths have been generated, you can add avoid areas. Avoid areas
can be used as a definition for clamps and large holes in the feature where machining is to be
avoided.
1. Change the orientation to Front view.
2. Left click Rough Mill2 or the applicable operation
for the large pocket and notice the toolpath.
3. Right click Rough Mill2 and select Insert Avoid
Area.

4. In the 2 Axis Wizard dialog box, select Sketch36

in the Available sketches list. This sketch represents
the perimeter of the drafted pocket.
Optionally, the Offset option allows you to offset the
avoid area.
5. Click Finish.
6. Click the plus sign (+) next to Rough Mill2.
The avoid area is identified as Avoid Area1. If you
wanted to delete an avoid area, you would highlight it
in the tree and press the Delete key on the
keyboard.
7. Right click Rough Mill2 and select Generate
toolpath.
Notice that the toolpath avoids the selected
sketch.

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2 Axis Mill 8

Defining Rapid and Clearance Planes

For 2 Axis mill operations, the definition of Rapid and Clearance planes can be done locally
within each operation or globally from the Part Setup level.
1. Right click Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
2. Click the NC tab and notice that the Use Setup definition options are not checked.
The operations generated for this part all use the default settings that were defined for this
operation in the Technology Database. When the Use Workpiece definition option is not
checked, you can select a different method to define the Rapid and Clearance plane Z
depth.
3. In the Rapid plane section, check the Use Setup definition option.
The method and depth change to the current setting for the Setup and the options are
grayed out.
4. Click OK.
5. Right click Finish Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
6. On the NC tab, check the Use Part Setup definition in the Rapid plane section, then click
OK.
7. Right click Part Setup1 in the tree and select Parameters.
8. Click the NC Planes tab.
The options on this tab provide methods for identifying the Rapid and Clearance plane
locations for all operations generated for 2 and 2.5 Axis features in a Part Setup.
9. Click the arrow in the Rapid plane is above section and select Top of Workpiece in the
list.
10. Set the Distance to 1.00in and click OK.
This value is the distance above the specified location that defines the Z value of the
Rapid plane.
The message displays: The Rapid or Clearance Plane value for an operation is higher than
the value for the Part Setup. Change the Part Setup definition to the highest operation
value?
11. Click Yes.
A Warning message displays indicating that the toolpaths need to be regenerated because
the origin or machining direction has changed.
12. Click Yes.
The toolpaths are regenerated based on the changed setting for the Rapid plane.

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 For More Practice

For More Practice

The following exercises provide a chance for you to practice using CAMWorks. Instead of
the detailed steps in the previous exercises, only a brief description of the procedure is
included.
Part1
Since this part is rectangular, you do not have to machine the outside of the part. AFR will
find the holes and the pocket.
Open the part file MILLP1.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program
files\camworks\examples).
Change to the CAMWorks Feature tree.
Use the default Mill machine mm,
controller and active Tool Crib.
You can use the default bounding box for the
Workpiece.
Click the Extract Machinable Features button
on the CAMWorks toolbar.
Right click on the Rectangular Pocket1
feature and select Parameters. Set the
Attribute to Rough Finish.
Right click on the Hole Pattern1 feature and
select Parameters. Change the Attribute to
Ream.
Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
Switch to the CAMWorks Operation tree.
Click the Generate Toolpath button on the
CAMWorks toolbar.
Right click on the Part Setup and select
Simulate Toolpath. Run the simulation.
Click the Post Process button on the
CAMWorks toolbar and generate the NC
code.

Learning More 2 Axis Mill 2-27

For More Practice

Part2
Since this part is rectangular, you do not have to machine the outside of the part. AFR will
find the holes, bosses, slots, pocket and corner slots.
Open the part file MILLP2.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
Change to the CAMWorks Feature tree.
Use the default Mill machine mm
machine, controller and active Tool Crib.
Right click on the Workpiece and select
Edit Definition. Change the bounding box
Offset to 1mm.
Click the Extract Machinable Features
button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
Right click on the Hole Pattern2 feature
and select Parameters. Change the
Attribute to Ream.
Click the Generate Operation Plan button
on the CAMWorks toolbar.
Switch to the CAMWorks Operation tree.
Using the Sort Operations command, reorder to the operations so that the Rough Mill
operations are first, followed by the Finish
Mill operations and finally the hole
operations.
Right click on the Part Setup and select
Combine Operations to merge operations
that use the same tool.
In the Combine Operations dialog box,
select the Rough Mill, Finish Mill and
Center Drill options.
Right click Rough Mill1 in the tree and
select Parameters. On the Mill Tool tab,
change the Protrusion to 65mm.
Click the Generate Toolpath button on the
CAMWorks toolbar.
Click the Simulate Toolpath button on the CAMWorks toolbar. Run the simulation.
Click the Post Process button on the CAMWorks toolbar and generate the NC code.

2-28 Learning More 2 Axis Mill

Chapter 3 Learning 3 Axis Mill

This chapter provides an opportunity to learn CAMWorks 3 Axis Mill through a step by step
hands-on tour of the features and functions.
We recommend that you go through the exercises in Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 first. In
addition to learning how to generate 2 axis mill toolpaths, these exercises explain basic
functions and procedures that are used to generate both 2 and 3 axis mill toolpaths and NC
code.
The exercises in this chapter are intended to show you how to use CAMWorks and may not
correspond to actual machining practices.

IMPORTANT! CAMWorks uses a set of knowledge-based rules to assign machining

operations to features. The Technology Database contains the data for the machining
process plans and can be customized for your facility's machining methodology. When you
do these exercises, your results may not be the same as described in the steps and
illustrated in the figures. This is because the machining sequences and operations data in
your Technology Database may be different from the database used to produce the
documentation.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-1

3 Axis Mill 1

3 Axis Mill 1
This exercise provides an introduction to generating toolpaths and NC code for 3 axis
machining.

What You'll Learn

Defining the Machine, Workpiece and Machining Direction
1. Open the part file MILL3AX_1.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
2. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at the bottom of the FeatureManager design
tree.
Define the machine:
3. Right click Mill machine
Inch in the Feature tree and select
Parameters.
The Machine dialog box
displays.
On the Machine tab, Mill
machine Inch is the Active
machine.
This machine definition has been
created for the CAMWorks
exercises. When you use CAMWorks to machine your own parts, select the machine tool
you want to use to machine the part.
4. Click the Tool Crib tab and make sure Crib 1 is the Active tool set.
5. Click the Controller tab and make sure FANTUTM is selected.
FANTUTM is the controller used for the exercises in this manual. When you use
CAMWorks to machine your own parts, select your machine tool controller or post
processor.
6. Click OK to exit the Machine dialog box.
Define the workpiece size and shape:
7. Right click the Workpiece and select Edit Definition on the shortcut menu.

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 3 Axis Mill 1

8. Select Sketch.
9. In the Sketch dropdown list,
select Stock OD.
The rectangular sketch
representing the perimeter of
the stock is highlighted.
10. Set the Height to 1.5in and
press Enter.
11. Click OK.

Define the machining direction, which will be normal to the face indicated below:
12. Right click Workpiece in the Feature tree and
select Insert Part Setup on the shortcut menu.
13. Pick the top face.
14. Make sure the Face
option is not checked,
then click OK.
Part Setup1 is added to
the tree.

Creating a 3 Axis Feature

In this exercise, AFR is not used since there are no 2.5 axis features on the part for AFR to
find. You add the 3 axis feature interactively.
Define a 3 axis feature that includes the faces on the part to cut.
1. Right click Part Setup1 and select Insert 3 Axis Feature on the shortcut menu.
The Insert 3 Axis Feature dialog box allows you to create and modify a multi-surface
feature. In this example, you cut all the faces.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-3

3 Axis Mill 1

2. Click the Select All button

under the Faces to Cut area.
The Faces to cut box shows 30
Faces.
3. Set the Attribute to Core. This
attribute is defined in the
Technology Database to
generate rough and finish
operations.
4. Click OK.
The 3 Axis feature is listed in
the Feature tree.

Generating an Operation Plan

Generate machining operations for the 3 Axis feature:
1. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right click
Part Setup1 in the Feature tree and select Generate Operation Plan.
2. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
The Operation tree lists 3 Axis Rough and Finish Mill operations.
Modify machining parameters:
3. Click the Options button on the CAMWorks
toolbar or right click NC Manager in the tree and
select Options.
4. On the Features tab, set the 3 Axis part deviation to
.005in, then click OK.
For 3 axis machining, it is necessary to provide a
part model deviation. For more information, see the
CAMWorks online Help.
5. Right click 3 Axis Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
6. Click the Turret tab.
7. Click the check box to the left of the Filter button, then click the Filter
button.
The Tool Select Filter dialog box displays. This dialog box allows you to set filters for
displaying and selecting tools.
8. Click the check box for the Filter by option to the right of the Type type list box.
9. Select Ball Nose for the Tool type and click OK.

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 3 Axis Mill 1

The tool list on the Turret

tab changes to display only
Ball Nose tools.
When you set a tool filter
for an operation, the setting
is stored and becomes the
default for that type of
operation. You can change
the filter settings as
required or turn off the
filter by clearing the check
box.
10. Select a .25in diameter
ball nose, then click the
< - Replace button.
11. Click Yes to replace the
corresponding holder.
12. Click the Rough tab.
13. Set the Mach. deviation
to .01in.
This parameter defines a
tolerance that is used to
condense or shorten the
3 axis toolpath. The
smaller the value, the
greater the number of
linear cuts and the
smoother the surface
finish.
14. For the Processing
Engine, select
Generation 2.
This engine provides
numerous benefits over
the Generation 1 engine:
For more complex models with smaller machining deviations, the toolpath calculation
time can be significantly less.
More depth control options are available providing various methods for defining
machining depths and how the depths are processed.
Additional options are provided to selectively define areas to machine.
Entry methods have been improved and include a spiral entry method.
Generation 2 is the recommended method. However, if the Generation 2 engine does not
produce the desired toolpath, you can try Generation 1.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-5

3 Axis Mill 1

15. In the Depth parameters section, set the First cut

amount and Sub. cut amount parameters to .125in.
16. Click the Feature Options tab and make sure the XY
extents option is set to Workpiece, then click OK.
When Workpiece containment is selected, the
toolpath center extends to the XY perimeter of the
workpiece/contain volume.
17. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill1 in the tree and select
Parameters.
18. On the Finish tab, select Slice for the Pattern.
This pattern, which generates a series of linear
parallel cuts across the part, is appropriate for semi-
finishing almost any part shape and finishing non-vertical areas.
19. Make sure the Allowance is 0in.
This value represents the amount of material left on the part after generating the toolpath.
20. Set the Mach. deviation to .01in.
21. Use Stepover for the Step control and set the Stepover value to .025in., then click OK.
Generating Toolpaths and Post Processing
Generate toolpaths, simulate material removal and post process:
1. Click the Generate Toolpath button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
2. Right click Part Setup1 and select Simulate Toolpath.

3. Click the Turbo mode button on the Simulate Toolpath toolbar.

Turbo mode provides ultra-fast simulation of toolpaths on a single Part Setup.

4. Click Run.
5. Click the X button to exit the simulation.
6. If you were generating the NC program for the toolpaths, the last step would be to
click the Post Process button on the CAMWorks toolbar and post process the part.

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 3 Axis Mill 2

3 Axis Mill 2
What You'll Learn
Inserting a Part Setup
Creating a 3 Axis Feature
Generating Z-level Rough and Finish toolpaths
Adding levels and machining depths for 3 Axis Rough toolpaths
Changing 3 Axis Finish and Rough operation parameters to generate Core toolpaths

1. Open the part file MILL3AX_2.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
2. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at the bottom of the FeatureManager design
tree.
Define the machine:
3. Right click Mill machine - Inch in the Feature tree and select Parameters.
On the Machine tab, Mill machine Inch is the Active machine.
Click the Tool Crib tab and make sure Crib 1 is the Active tool set.
Click the Controller tab and make sure FANTUTM is selected, then click OK to exit
the Machine dialog box.
Define the workpiece:
4. Right click the Workpiece in the tree and select Edit Definition on the shortcut menu.
5. In the Define Workpiece dialog box, select Sketch for the Define workpiece from option
and select Stock Box for the Sketch.
6. Set the Height to 1.3in and press Enter.
7. Click OK.
Inserting a Part Setup and Creating a 3 Axis Feature
Insert the Part Setup and create a 3 Axis Feature:
1. Right click the Workpiece and select Insert Part Setup.
2. Pick the top of the round cone shown in the figure.
3. Make sure the Face option is not checked, then click OK.
4. Right click the Part Setup in the tree and select Insert 3 Axis
Feature.
5. In the Faces to cut section, click the Select All button.
6. For the Attribute, select Zlevel-SemiCav.
7. Click OK.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-7

3 Axis Mill 2

Generating Z-level Rough and Finish toolpaths

Generate operations and toolpaths:
1. Click the Options button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
2. On the Features tab, set the 3 axis part deviation to .005in and click OK.
When a feature is machined with a 3 Axis Mill machining cycle, the faces are
approximated by triangles called facets. The 3 Axis part deviation defines the maximum
deviation between any facet and the actual part face. In this exercise, changing this value
will increase the speed the toolpaths are generated.
3. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
4. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
Three operations have been generated from the data in the TechDB. For this example,
you need only one of the finish operations.
5. Left click 3 Axis Finish Mill1, press the Delete key on the keyboard and click Yes to
confirm the deletion.
6. Right click the 3 Axis Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
7. On the Mill Tool tab, make sure the tool is a .375" Flat End mill.
8. On the Rough tab, make sure these parameters are set to the following values:
Mach. deviation = .005in
XYZ allowance = .025in
Processing Engine = Generation 2. This is the recommended setting (see page 3-5).
First cut and Sub cut = .185in
9. Click OK.
10. Right click 3 Axis Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Generate Toolpath.
11. Change the orientation to Bottom view.
Notice the toolpath levels as they relate to the flats on the part. By default, Engine
Generation 2 creates a Z cut level at an Allowance above the top of the feature (if the
workpiece is above the highest face in the feature) and a cut at an Allowance above the
lowest flat face in the feature.
A cut is made at the Allowance amount above the top of feature.

The .185in
depth of cut
has left a
large amount
of material at
these levels.

A cut is made at the Allowance amount above the lowest flat face.

3-8 Learning 3 Axis Mill

 3 Axis Mill 2

Changing Machining Depths for 3 Axis Rough Toolpaths

CAMWorks provides a Hit flats option to automatically add extra roughing levels for each
flat area on a part, so that you are leaving the proper stock allowance at those levels.
1. Right click 3 Axis Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
2. On the Rough tab, select the Hit Flats option and click OK.
When the Hit flats option is selected, additional cuts are inserted in the toolpath at a Z
location equal to the Allowance above any flat face between the top and bottom of the
feature. These flat faces may define ledges or island tops.
3. Right click 3 Axis Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Generate Toolpath.
Notice the toolpath
levels as they relate to
the flats on the part.

When you use the Generation 2 Engine, additional options are provided for controlling the
start and end depths of the toolpath. For example, if you use another operation to face the top
of the cavities, you can start the toolpath at the top of the cavities.
4. Right click 3 Axis Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
5. Click the Feature Options tab.
6. In the Containment section, change the First cut from option to Top of cavity.
7. Click OK.
8. Right click 3 Axis Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Generate Toolpath.
CAMWorks calculates the toolpath and deletes the cuts above the top of the cavities.
Notice the first
toolpath level.

9. Right click 3 Axis Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
10. On the Feature Options tab, change the First cut from option to Top of feature and set the
Offset to -.15in, then click OK.
11. Right click 3 Axis Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Generate Toolpath.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-9

3 Axis Mill 2

Notice the first toolpath

level.

If you use the Generation 1 processing engine, after the toolpaths have been generated
for a 3 Axis Rough operation, machining depths can be interactively added or subtracted
using the Z Level Edit tab in the Machining Parameters dialog box. The Z Level table shows
the levels and depths that were generated based on the settings for the First cut and
Subsequent cut parameters on the Rough tab. You can use this table to add and delete Z
levels and/or change the depth of each pass. When the toolpath is regenerated, it is updated
based on the Z depths specified in this table.
Generating Core Toolpaths for Finish and Rough Operations
Change the 3 Axis Z-level Finish operation to generate a core toolpath:
1. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill2 in the tree and select Parameters.
2. On the Finish tab, set the Mach. deviation to .005in and click OK.
3. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill2 in the tree and select Generate Toolpath.
4. Left click 3 Axis Finish Mill2 in the tree.
5. Rotate the part and notice that the toolpath does not cut the outer portion of the part. The
toolpath is contained such that the full diameter of the tool is within the silhouette of the
feature as seen from the Part Setup direction.
6. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill2 and select Parameters.
7. Click the Finish tab and change the Z level to Core.
The Z level finishing pattern provides options to specify whether the toolpath is
contained inside the perimeter of the feature (cavity) or is allowed to machine around the
inside and outside of the feature outline (core).
8. Set the Filter to Cut Outer Most Only.
9. On the Leadin tab, change the Leadin
and Leadout type to Perpendicular.
10. Set the Leadin and Leadout amounts
to .25in. and click OK.
11. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill2 in the
tree and select Generate Toolpath.
Changing the Z level to Core allowed
the outside to be cut. Setting the Filter
to Cut Outer Most Only trimmed out
all the toolpaths on the inside of the
part as shown in the figure. Notice the
leadin moves at the beginning and end of each pass.

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 3 Axis Mill 2

12. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill2 again and select Parameters.
13. On the Finish tab, change the Filter to Delete Outer Most, then click OK.
14. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill2 and
select Generate Toolpath.
The toolpath cuts all of the inner
features of the part while the outer
toolpath has been trimmed out.

Change the Rough operation to rough the outside of the part:

1. Right click 3 Axis Rough Mill1 and select Parameters.
2. On the Feature Options tab, change the Containment XY extents to Workpiece, then click
OK.
3. Right click 3 Axis Rough Mill1 and select Generate Toolpath.
CAMWorks roughs the outside of the part.

Rough Toolpath with Cavity Containment Rough Toolpath with Workpiece Containment

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-11

3 Axis Mill 3

3 Axis Mill 3
CAMWorks allows parts to be machined using any combination of 2 and 3 Axis machining
operations. This lesson demonstrates how to create 2 and 3 Axis features for the same part
and explains the options you can use when creating a 3 Axis feature.
What You'll Learn
Creating 2 and 3 axis features and operations for the same part.
Defining a 3 Axis feature.
Changing 3 Axis Roughing and Finishing strategies to see the effects on the machining of
a part.
Using AFR to Identify 2.5 Axis Features
1. Open the part MILL3AX_3.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
2. Click the CAMWorks Feature
Tree tab at the bottom of the
FeatureManager design tree.
This part needs to be machined with a
combination of both 2 axis and 3 axis
machining operations. The 2.5 axis
features include the counterbored holes
and the two pockets on either end of
the main cavity. The cavity itself has
tapered walls as well as a tapered
bottom, which necessitates a 3 axis
machining operation.
3. Right click Mill machine Inch in
the Feature tree and select Parameters.
On the Machine tab, Mill machine Inch is the Active machine.
Click the Tool Crib tab and make sure Crib 1 is the Active tool set.
Click the Controller tab and make sure FANTUTM is selected, then click OK to exit
the Machine dialog box.
4. Right click Workpiece in the tree and select Edit Definition.
The default bounding box displays on the part.
5. Click OK to use the default workpiece for this exercise.
When a part contains 2.5 axis features, normally the next step is to allow CAMWorks to
identify features automatically using Automatic Feature Recognition. Then, if AFR does not
recognize features that you are certain could be machined with 2 axis cutting cycles, you can
define the features interactively with the Insert 2.5 Axis Features command.

3-12 Learning 3 Axis Mill

 3 Axis Mill 3

6. Click the Extract Machinable Features button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right
click NC Manager and select Extract Machinable Features.
CAMWorks finds two features: a Rectangular
Pocket Pattern that includes the two rectangles at
the ends of the cavity and a Counterbore Hole
Pattern that includes the four counterbore holes.
Creating 3 Axis Features
Currently CAMWorks does not recognize 3 Axis features. Therefore, you need to create the
cavity feature for this part using the Insert 3 Axis Feature command.
In this exercise, you create a 3 Axis Feature and try the different methods for selecting faces
to cut and faces to avoid.
1. Right click Part Setup1 and select Insert 3 Axis Feature on the shortcut menu.
The Insert 3 Axis Feature
dialog box displays. A 3 Axis
feature consists of a list of
faces to cut and optionally for
3 Axis Finish operations, a list
of faces to avoid.
2. Click the Select All button
under the Faces to cut.
Notice that all viewable faces
are selected. The Faces to cut
shows 78 Faces. When you
click the Select All button, all
faces on the part are added to the Faces to cut or Faces to avoid list depending on which
button is clicked. The Select All button selects all faces that can be machined from any
machining direction.
3. Use the Rotate command and examine the bottom side of the part.
This face is selected because CAMWorks determined that the face could be machined.
However, you cannot machine this face from this Part Setup and you can remove it from
the Faces to cut list.
4. Pick the face in the graphics area.
The Faces to cut list changes to 77 Faces.
5. Rotate the part to display the top side.

The Select All command picked all faces of the part including those faces that belong to the
2.5 axis features. When defining the 3 axis feature, you do not want to include these
additional faces. Next, you learn how to remove these faces from the Faces to cut list.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-13

3 Axis Mill 3

There are three Select mode options for selecting faces:

Default: As you pick each face, it is added to the Faces to cut or Faces to avoid list
depending on the current focus. If the face is already in the list and it is selected again,
the face is removed from the list.
Window selection: You can define a box around the desired faces. Any face within the
box will be added to the Faces to cut or Faces to avoid list depending on the current
focus. If the faces are already in the list and they are picked again, the faces will be
removed from the list.
Adjacent faces: picking one face automatically selects any adjacent faces that share a
common edge with the selected face. For example, if you picked the bottom face of a
pocket, the side faces connected to the bottom would also be selected.
Hot keys are provided to further aid in selecting the faces. If you hold down the CTRL key
when using the Window selection mode or the Adjacent faces mode, the faces are always
added to the current list, even if the faces are already in the list. If you hold down the SHIFT
key when using either of these two modes, the selected faces are always removed from the
current list, even if the faces are already
in the list.
6. With the Select mode set to Default,
pick the top flat face.
You may want to rotate the part or
change the orientation to the Front
view in order to pick faces more
easily.
This face is removed from the Faces
to cut list. You could continue to pick
the other unwanted faces; however,
that might take numerous picks.
7. Change the Select mode to Adjacent faces.
8. Pick the bottom face in the
rectangular pocket on the left.
The bottom face and the side faces are
removed from the Faces to Cut list
because the side faces are connected
to the bottom face. Using this mode
helps you select a larger number of
faces in less time; however, you still
may not want to do all of the part this
way.
9. Change the Select mode to Window
selection.
10. Put the selection box around one of the counterbore holes.
The faces belonging to the counterbore are removed from the list.

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 3 Axis Mill 3

Using the Select All button and a combination of these modes, you could remove all faces
except those that define the cavity.
However, selecting the cavity faces
would be easier if you used the Window
selection mode instead.
11. Click the Clear All button to remove
all the faces from the Faces to cut list.
12. Put the selection box around the
cavity.

The Faces to cut list should

list 42 Faces.
13. Select Cavity for the
Attribute, then click OK.
A 3 Axis feature is created
and added to the Feature tree.

Did You Know ...

A copy of an existing 3 Axis feature can be created by right clicking the feature in the
Feature tree and selecting the Copy Feature command. You can right click the copied
feature, select Edit Definition and modify the feature. For example, you can include more
faces, remove some faces, or define faces to avoid.

In this example, you rough the 3 Axis feature that was just created. In addition, you define a
second 3 Axis feature that will machine the bottom cavity and the top of the boss. When
machining these two faces, it is critical that the fillets at the bottom of the cavity and the near
vertical walls are not gouged. To do this, you define a 3 Axis feature that includes Faces to
cut and Faces to avoid.
Since the 3 Axis feature contains numerous faces to avoid and only two faces to cut, the
faces to avoid are identified first, then the faces to cut.
1. Right click 3 Axis Feature1 in the Feature tree and select Insert 3 Axis Feature.
The Insert 3 Axis Feature dialog box displays.
2. Click the Faces to avoid box to set the focus to the Faces to avoid list.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-15

3 Axis Mill 3

3. With Select mode set to Window selection, window pick around the faces defining the
entire cavity as done when you defined 3 Axis Feature1.
4. Click the Faces to cut box to set the focus to the Faces to cut list.
5. With the selection mode set to
Default, pick the bottom face and the
top of the boss in the middle of the
cavity.
These two faces are highlighted in
the Faces to cut color. The Faces to
cut list shows 2 Faces and the Faces
to avoid shows 40 Faces.
6. Change the Attribute setting to Fine.
Based on the rules specified in the
Technology Database, 3 Axis
features assigned a Fine
attribute generate only a finish
operation.
7. Click OK.
A 3 Axis feature is created and
3 Axis Feature2 is added to the
Feature tree.

Changing 3 Axis Roughing and Finishing Strategies

Now that all features have been defined, you can generate the operation plan:
1. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right click
Part Setup1 and select Generate Operation Plan.
2. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab.
A default operations sequence is generated for the
features. A 3 Axis Rough and 3 Axis Finish
operation are assigned to 3-Axis Feature1. A 3 Axis
Finish operation is assigned to 3-Axis Feature2.
To see the feature that each operation will machine,
pick the + sign to the left of each operation in the
Operation tree.

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 3 Axis Mill 3

Before generating toolpaths for the 3 Axis features, you can verify and change machining
parameters:
3. Click the Options button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right click NC Manager in
the tree and select Options.
4. On the Features tab, set the 3 Axis part deviation to .001in and click OK.
This parameter allows you to define the deviation for approximating the faces during 3
axis machining.
5. Right click 3 Axis Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
6. On the Rough tab, set the Max deviation to .005in and set the Processing engine to
Generation 2.
7. On the Feature Options tab, make sure the Containment XY extents option is set to
Cavity, then click OK.
8. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
9. Click the Turret tab and select a .25in Ball Nose tool.
If Ball Nose tools are not listed, clear the check mark to the left of the Filter button.
10. Click the <-- Replace button, then click Yes to replace the corresponding holder.
11. On the Finish tab, set the following parameters:
Finish Pattern = Z Level (so that the cavity and boss sides are finished)
Z level = Cavity
Use the defaults for the other parameters
12. Click OK to exit the Machining Parameters dialog box.
13. Change the tool for 3 Axis Finish Mill2 to the same .25in ball nose you selected for 3
Axis Finish Mill1.
14. Right click Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
15. On the Turret tab, select a .1875in Flat End Mill, then click the <- Replace button.
If Flat End tools are not listed, clear the check mark to the left of the Filter button.
16. Click Yes to replace the corresponding holder.
17. Click OK to exit the Machining Parameters dialog box.
18. Click the Generate Toolpath button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
If you want to change the machining parameters for one operation, you can make the
desired changes, then right click the operation in the tree and select the Generate
Toolpath command on the shortcut menu. CAMWorks recalculates only the toolpaths for
that operation and you avoid what could be a time-consuming wait for CAMWorks to
recalculate the toolpaths for the operations that have not changed.
Did You Know ...
If you change the 3 Axis part deviation, all 3 axis toolpaths should be regenerated.

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3 Axis Mill 3

19. Right click Part Setup1 and select Simulate Toolpath.

20. Click the Turbo button, then click Run.

21. Exit the simulation.
22. If you were generating the NC program for this part, the last step would be to Post
Process the part.

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 3 Axis Mill 4

3 Axis Mill 4
What You'll Learn
Inserting a Part Setup
Creating a 3 Axis Feature
Defining program zero
Adjusting machining parameters and generating toolpaths
Simulating material removal
Generating Finish toolpaths using Slice and Lace patterns
Inserting an Operation for a Pencil Mill toolpath to cut around the parting line of the
mouse mold
Defining the Machine and Machining Direction
1. Open the part file MILL3AX_4.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
This part is an imported surface
model. The rectangular shape of
the part creates a bounding box
material block that works well for
machining the part.
Note that a message may display
indicating SolidWorks is unable to
locate a file. This file is not
needed and you can click No to
continue.
2. Click the CAMWorks
Feature Tree tab at the bottom of
the SolidWorks Feature tree.
3. Right click Mill machine
Inch in the tree and select
Parameters.
On the Machine tab, Mill machine Inch is the Active machine.
Click the Tool Crib tab and make sure Crib 1 is the Active tool set.
Click the Controller tab and make sure FANTUTM is selected, then click OK to exit
the Machine dialog box.
4. Right click Workpiece in the tree and select Edit Definition.
The default bounding box displays on the part.
5. Click OK to use the default workpiece for this exercise.

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3 Axis Mill 4

6. Right click the Workpiece and select Insert

Part Setup.
The Part Setup dialog box displays.
7. Select Plane4 from the list of Reference
planes.
8. Select the Reverse direction option to flip
the Z axis up.
9. Make sure the Face option is not checked,
then click OK.
The new Part Setup is listed in the Feature
tree.

Creating a 3 Axis Feature

In this exercise, AFR will not be used since there are no 2.5 axis features on the part for AFR
to find. You add the 3 axis feature interactively.
1. Change the orientation to Right view.
2. Right click Part Setup1 in the tree and select Insert 3 Axis Feature.
The Insert 3 Axis Feature dialog displays.
3. Choose the Window selection
mode.
4. Window select all the faces except
for the sides and bottom as shown.
The selected faces highlight in
green and the dialog box indicates
23 Faces to cut.
5. Leave the Attribute set to
Slice-SemiCor.
This attribute has been defined
in the TechDB to generate
Rough, Semi-Finish and Finish
operations.
6. Click OK.
The new 3 Axis Feature is
listed under the Part Setup in
the Feature tree.
7. Change the orientation to Isometric view.

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 3 Axis Mill 4

Defining Program Zero

1. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right click
the 3 Axis Feature and select Generate Operation Plan.
2. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the tree to display the
three operations that have been created.
3. Right click on the Part Setup in the Operation tree and select Parameters.
The Part Setup Parameters dialog
box displays. This dialog box
allows you to change the parameters
of the Part Setup you inserted
earlier.
4. Select Workpiece vertex and leave
the corner as shown.
The XYZ zero location is now set at
the theoretical top corner of the
material and the Part Setup
indicator moves to that position in
the graphics area.
This is good practice and will assure
that your default rapid moves will
not contact the part.
5. Click OK.

Adjusting Machining Parameters and Generating Toolpaths

1. Right click on 3 Axis Rough Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
The Machining Parameters dialog box displays.
The Mill tab identifies the tool chosen from the TechDB. For this operation, the tool is a
.750in flat bottom end mill. You can change the cut diameter, change the parameters for
the tool or select a different tool. For this exercise, you can use the current tool.
2. Click the Rough tab.
The Rough parameters control the toolpath cuts. The values that display have been set up
as defaults in the TechDB. These values can be changed to correspond to the part that is
currently being machined. For an explanation of the parameters, click the Help button in
the dialog box.
3. In the Processing section, select Generation 2 for the Engine.
This engine provides numerous benefits over the Generation 1 engine and is the
recommended setting.
4. Click the Feature Options tab.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-21

3 Axis Mill 4

5. Make sure the Entry Method is set to Plunge and the Secondary method is set to Outside
workpiece.
When these options are selected, CAMWorks sets the entry point for all roughing levels
to start off the end of the currently defined workpiece.
6. Click OK.
7. Click the Generate Toolpath button on the CAMWorks toolbar or right click Part
Setup1 in the tree and select Generate Toolpath.
Simulating Toolpaths
The Simulate Toolpath command provides a graphical representation of the material removal
for the verification of machining operations. Running this simulation helps confirm the
toolpaths created and can reduce the need for dry runs on the machine tool.
1. Right click Part Setup1 in the tree and select Simulate Toolpath.

2. Click the Turbo mode button and change the end condition to Next Operation.

3. Click the Run button to simulate each of the toolpaths.

4. When the simulation is finished, click the Show Difference button.

This function shows the difference between the machined model and the SolidWorks
design model. Note the blue area at the parting line showing material left over by the
radius of the ball tool.
5. Click the X button in the upper right corner of the simulation toolbar or press the
Escape key on the keyboard to exit the simulation.
Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the Lace Pattern
CAMWorks provides numerous patterns that can be used to semi-finish or finish a 3 axis
feature. Each pattern has unique characteristics that make it suitable for machining
appropriate part model configurations. For some parts, there may be several patterns that can
be used. In the previous exercise, CAMWorks used the Slice pattern to generate a parallel
plane type toolpath. In this exercise, you use the Lace pattern to see the difference in the
toolpaths.
1. Right click on 3 Axis Finish Mill1 in the tree and select Parameters.
The Machining Parameters dialog displays.
2. Click the Finish tab.

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 3 Axis Mill 4

3. Change the Pattern to

Lace.
The dialog box displays
different parameters.
With the Lace pattern, the
toolpath is similar to a
zigzag rough pattern that
removes material by
making a series of parallel
cuts across the feature.
4. Click the Curve 1 button.
The Lace toolpath is
calculated based on a
user-defined curve. The
resulting toolpath pattern
is similar to generating a
zigzag or zig roughing
toolpath on the curve and
projecting it onto the
feature faces. This curve
must be closed and is
required for the Lace
pattern.
The 3 Axis Wizard: Select Geometry dialog box displays.
5. Set the Offset to
.25in and press Enter.
This value is the radius
of the tool and allows
the tool to machine the
bottom of the part.
6. Move the dialog box so
you can see the part.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-23

3 Axis Mill 4

7. Select the outer edges of the mouse.

The figure on the right shows the outer edges in white.

Note the offset curve that is generated from the

selected edges. The toolpath will be created inside of
this bounding curve.
8. Click the Finish button to close the dialog box.
9. Click OK to exit the Machining Parameters dialog
box.

10. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill1 in

the tree and select Generate
Toolpath.
CAMWorks generates a zigzag type
toolpath.
11. Right click Part Setup1 in the tree
and select Simulate Toolpath.
12. Run the simulation to view the
results.

Inserting a Pencil Mill Operation

For the Slice and Lace toolpaths, the final finish mill leaves a .125in radius at the parting
line. You can add anther operation to clean out that area.
1. Right click 3Axis Finish Mill2 in the tree and select Insert Operation.
2. In the Insert Operation dialog box, change the Type of operation to Pencil Mill.

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 3 Axis Mill 4

3. Select 3 Axis Feature1 and click the Add button.

4. Click OK.
The Pencil Mill1 operation is listed in the tree.
5. Right click Pencil Mill1 and select Parameters.
6. On the Mill Tool tab, change the Cut diameter to .125in.
7. Click the Pencil Mill tab.
8. Set the Pencil mill type to
Parallel Lace.
With Parallel Lace
selected, the tool strokes
are parallel to each other
where the distance
between strokes is equal to
the Stepover amount. The
size of the region being
machined is based on a
user-defined previous tool
diameter and the diameter
of the current tool.
Toolpaths will be created
in corner areas whose radii
are less than the radius of
the Previous operations
Tool diameter.
9. Change the Stepover to
.02in.
10. Change the Mach. deviation to .001in.
The Mach. deviation controls the accuracy of the
tool offset for each tool.
11. In the Previous operations section, change the Tool
diameter to .25in, which was the diameter of the
previous finish tool.
12. Click the Leadin tab and set the Leadin and
Leadout amount to .125in, then click OK.
13. Right click Pencil Mill1 and select Generate
Toolpath.
CAMWorks generates the toolpath.
14. Right click Pencil Mill1 and select Simulate Toolpath.
15. Run the Simulation and view the results.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-25

3 Axis Mill 5

3 Axis Mill 5
For a 3 Axis Finish operation, the Flowline pattern has unique characteristics that make it
appropriate for machining areas that are defined using SolidWorks loft or sweep features.
The Flowline pattern produces toolpaths based on two user-specified curves. The toolpath
can be generated parallel to (Along) or between (Across) the two curves. The curves can be
either open or closed.

What You'll Learn

Generating Flowline machining toolpaths using curves to direct the flow of the toolpath
Using contain and avoid areas to modify toolpaths
Define the Part Setup and insert the 3 Axis Feature:
1. Open the part file MILL3AX_5.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the CAMWorks
folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
2. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at the bottom of the SolidWorks Feature
tree.
3. Right click Mill machine Inch in the tree and select Parameters.
On the Machine tab, Mill machine Inch is the Active machine.
Click the Tool Crib tab and make sure Crib 1 is the Active tool set.
Click the Controller tab and make sure FANTUTM is selected, then click OK to exit
the Machine dialog box.
4. Right click the Workpiece and select Edit Definition.
5. Click OK to use the default Workpiece for this exercise.
6. Right click the Workpiece and select Insert Part Setup.
The Part Setup dialog displays.
7. Select Plane2 from the list of Reference planes.
8. Select the Reverse direction option to flip the Z axis up.
9. Make sure the Face option is not checked, then click OK.
The new Part Setup is listed in the Feature tree.

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 3 Axis Mill 5

10. Right click Part Setup1 in the tree and select

Insert 3 Axis Feature.
11. In the Insert 3 Axis Feature dialog box, click
the Adjacent faces option, then pick top face
on the part.
The Faces to cut lists 5 Faces.
12. Set the Attribute to Fine, then click OK.
This attribute has been set up in the TechDB to
generate one 3 Axis Finish operation.

Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the Flowline Pattern

Generate an Operation Plan, modify machining parameters and generate toolpaths:
1. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
2. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
3. Right click 3 Axis Finish
Mill1 in the tree and select
Parameters.
4. On the Finish tab, set the
Pattern to Flowline.
5. Set the Mach. Deviation
to .001in.
6. In the Curve section, set
the Cut option to Along.
7. Click the Curve 1 button.
The Curve 1 and Curve 2
buttons in this section are
used to choose the sketch
curves to direct the
toolpath. Each of the 2
curves must be a unique
sketch in SolidWorks.
8. In the 3 Axis Wizard:
Select Geometry dialog
box, select Flow 1 in the
Available sketches list.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-27

3 Axis Mill 5

Flow 1 displays in the Entities selected list

and the curve is highlighted on the part.
Optionally, you can add an offset to the
curve if needed. For this exercise, an offset
is not needed.
9. Click Finish.
10. Click the Curve 2 button.
11. In the 3 Axis Wizard: Select Geometry
dialog box, select Flow 2 in the Available
sketches list, then click Finish.
12. Click OK to close the Machining
Parameters dialog box.
13. Click the Generate Toolpath button on
the CAMWorks toolbar.
The toolpath starts in the direction of the first
curve, then translates to the shape of the
second curve as it progresses.

Defining Contain and Avoid Areas to Modify Toolpaths

Finish toolpaths for 3 Axis features can be modified to stay contained within an area or to
avoid a specified area. Contain and avoid areas can be used to selectively machine within
specified areas for re-machining or other purposes.
1. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill1 in the
tree and select Insert Contain Area.
2. In the 3 Axis Wizard: Select Geometry
dialog box, select Contain in the
Available sketches list, then click Finish.
3. Left click the plus sign (+) to the left of 3
Axis Finish Mill1 in the tree.
The Contain Area item displays. If you
needed to delete the contain area later,
you would highlight and delete this item.
4. Click the Generate Toolpath button
on the CAMWorks toolbar.

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 3 Axis Mill 5

The toolpath is contained within the

rectangular sketch that was chosen for the
Contain Area. The toolpath is trimmed to the
contain geometry. The radius of the tool
would pass beyond this boundary. Use the
Offset value when choosing the curve if this is
not desirable.
5. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill1 in the tree and
select Insert Avoid Area.
Notice that the Insert Contain Area command
is not listed on the menu. There can be only
one contain area per operation.
6. In the 3 Axis Wizard: Select Geometry dialog box, select Avoid
in the Available sketches list, then click Finish.
7. Click the plus sign (+) to the left of 3 Axis Finish Mill1 in the
tree.
The Contain Area and Avoid Area items display.

8. Click the Generate Toolpath button on

the CAMWorks toolbar.
The toolpath is generated based on the contain
and avoid areas. You can insert multiple avoid
areas in the same operation.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-29

3 Axis Mill 6

3 Axis Mill 6
CAMWorks provides numerous patterns that can be used to finish or semi-finish a 3 Axis
feature. Each pattern has unique characteristics that make it appropriate for machining
appropriate part model configurations. The following exercises explain how to generate
toolpaths using UV, Spiral, Radial and Offset patterns. While you may not use these for
general machining, occasionally you will machine a part that is appropriate for one of these
styles.

What You'll Learn

Inserting operations
Generating Finish toolpaths using the UV, Spiral, Radial and Offset machining styles
Define the Part Setup and insert the 3 Axis Feature:
1. Open the Open the part file MILL3AX_6.SLDPRT in the \examples folder inside the
CAMWorks folder (e.g., \program files\camworks\examples).
2. Click the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab at the bottom of the SolidWorks Feature
tree.
3. Right click Mill machine Inch in the tree and select Parameters.
On the Machine tab, Mill machine Inch is the Active machine.
Click the Tool Crib tab and make sure Crib 1 is the Active tool set.
Click the Controller tab and make sure FANTUTM is selected, then click OK to exit
the Machine dialog box.
4. Right click the Workpiece and select Edit Definition.
5. Click OK to use the default workpiece for
this exercise.
6. Right click the Workpiece and select Insert
Part Setup.
The Part Setup dialog box displays.
7. Select Plane1 from the list of Reference
planes.
8. Make sure the Face option is not checked,
then click OK.
9. Right click Part Setup1 in the tree and select
Insert 3 Axis Feature.
10. Pick the revolved surface on the top of the
part.
11. In the Insert 3 Axis Feature dialog box, set the Attribute to Fine to generate only a finish
cut, then click OK.

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 3 Axis Mill 6

Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the UV Pattern

Change the Part Setup origin, generate the operation, modify the machining parameters and
generate the toolpath:
1. Click the Generate Operation Plan button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
2. Click the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab at the bottom of the tree.
3. Right click Part Setup1 in the Operation tree and select Parameters.
4. On the Origin tab, change the Origin to
Workpiece vertex and change the corner to the
front bottom.
5. Click OK.
6. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill1 in the tree and
select Parameters.
7. On the Mill Tool tab, change the Cut Diameter to .25in.
8. On the Finish tab, select UV for the Pattern.
9. Set the Max Scallop to .01in.
10. Change the Mach. deviation to .001in.
11. In the UV Options section, make sure the Fillet machine option is NOT checked.
12. Click the Direction button.
13. In the Feature Direction dialog box, select the Reverse direction option to reverse the
direction of the toolpath, then click OK.
14. Click OK to close the Machining Parameters dialog box.
15. Click the Generate Toolpath button on the CAMWorks toolbar.
16. Left click 3 Axis Finish Mill1 in the tree to
display the toolpath.
The toolpath follows the shape of the part.
The UV pattern removes material by
making a series of cuts along the U or V
flow directions of the surface. The UV
pattern produces perhaps the best-machined
finish because it follows the UV flows of
each individual surface. Whether the slope
of the face is shallow or steep, the resulting
finish will be consistent. To achieve this
consistent finish, each face in the feature is
machined completely, one at a time.

Learning 3 Axis Mill 3-31

3 Axis Mill 6

Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the Radial Pattern

Insert an operation, change the Finish pattern to Radial and generate the toolpath:
1. Right click 3 Axis Mill Finish1 in the tree and select Insert Operation.
This command allows you to insert additional operations. In some situations, the
operations defined for a feature in the TechDB may not be sufficient and additional
operations may be required. Inserting operations in this exercise allows you to easily
compare the toolpaths generated by the different patterns.
2. In the Insert Operation dialog box, select 3 Axis Finish Mill for the Type of operation.
3. Select 3-Axis Feature1 in the list box on the left and click the Add button.
4. Click OK.
The new operation is listed in the tree.
5. Right click the new 3 Axis Finish Mill2 item in the tree and select Parameters.
6. On the Mill tab, make sure the tool is a Ball Nose with a Cut Diameter of .25in.
7. On the Finish tab, change the Pattern to Radial.
8. Change the Angular increment to 2 degrees.
Each pass of the radial toolpath is defined by an angular increment.
9. Change the Mach. deviation to .001in.
10. Click the Center Point button at the bottom of the dialog box.
The Define Point dialog box displays. This dialog box allows you to define the center of
the radial toolpath. You can define the applicable point relative and associative to a
vertex, planar arc edge or arc segment defined in a sketch on the part.
11. Make sure the Center Point sketch is
highlighted in the Available sketches list,
then click OK.
12. Leave the Start on option set to Inside.
This option allows you to specify whether
the tool will enter the material at the center
or on the diameter of the radial pattern.
13. Click OK to close the Machining
Parameters dialog box.
14. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill2 in the tree
and select Generate Toolpath.
15. Left click 3 Axis Finish Mill2 in the tree to
view the toolpath.
The toolpath radiates from the center out at 2 degree increments.

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 3 Axis Mill 6

Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the Spiral Pattern

Insert an operation, change the Finish pattern to Spiral and generate the toolpath:
1. Right click 3 Axis Mill Finish2 in the tree and select Insert Operation.
2. In the Insert Operation dialog box, select 3 Axis Finish Mill for the Type of operation.
3. Select 3-Axis Feature1 in the list box on the left and click the Add button.
4. Click OK.
The new operation is listed in the tree.
5. Right click the new 3 Axis Finish Mill3 item in the tree and select Parameters.
6. On the Mill tab, make sure the tool is a Ball Nose with a Cut Diameter of .25in.
7. On the Finish tab, change the Pattern to Spiral.
8. Make sure the Pitch is .05in.
This option specifies the stepover distance between each pass.
9. Change the Mach. deviation to .001in.
10. Click the Center Point button at the bottom of the dialog box.
11. Make sure the Center Point sketch is
highlighted in the Available sketches list,
then click OK.
12. Click OK to close the Machining
Parameters dialog box.
13. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill3 in the tree
and select Generate Toolpath.
CAMWorks generates a spiraling circular
toolpath starting from the center of the part.
You can set the start and end radius in the
Machining Parameters dialog box to limit
the extents of the toolpath.
14. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill3 item in the
tree and select Parameters.
15. Change the End radius to 1.5in and click OK.
16. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill3 in the tree and select Generate Toolpath.
CAMWorks generates the toolpath from the center outward to the 1.5in end radius.

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3 Axis Mill 6

Generating Finish Toolpaths Using the Offset Pattern

Insert an operation, change the Finish pattern to Offset and generate the toolpath:
1. Right click 3 Axis Mill Finish3 in the tree and select Insert Operation.
2. In the Insert Operation dialog box, select 3 Axis Finish Mill for the Type of operation.
3. Select 3Axis Feature1 in the list box on the left and click the Add button.
4. Click OK.
The new operation is listed in the tree.
5. Right click the new 3 Axis Finish Mill4 item in the tree and select Parameters.
6. On the Mill tab, make sure the tool is a Ball Nose with a Cut Diameter of .25in.
7. On the Finish tab, change the Pattern to Offset.
8. Change the Mach. deviation to .001in.
9. In the Limit control section, change the Type to Number of passes and set the Number of
passes to 25.
The Limit control option allows you to specify whether the toolpath will continue until
the entire part is machined in the direction of the offset or will be generated a specific
number of passes. The first pass is always on the defined curve.
10. Click the Curve 1 button.
The Offset toolpath is calculated based on a user-defined curve, which can be open or
closed.
11. In the 3 Axis Wizard: Select Geometry dialog box, make sure the Center
Point sketch is highlighted in the Available sketches list.
12. Set the Offset to .126in (slightly larger than the radius of the tool).
13. Select the Flip direction to cut option so the arrow points to the outside.
14. Click the Reverse option until the curve offsets to the outside of the part.
15. Click the Finish button, then click OK.

16. Right click 3 Axis Finish Mill4 and select

Generate Toolpath.
CAMWorks generates the toolpath in a
pattern of offsets from the user specified
closed curve. The offset is parallel with the
Part Setup. Because the Limit control is set
to 25 passes, the revolved surface is not
machined completely.

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