Cover Page

TechDB Settings
Guide

i
Copyright
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Product Name: SOLIDWORKS CAM 2019

Technology Database Setting Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Technology Database Basics ................................................................ 5
What is Technology Database (TechDB)? .........................................................5
Why are TechDB Settings important? ................................................................5
Launching the Technology Database .................................................................6
Nature of the Technology Database...................................................................6
Supported Languages for TechDB user interface ................................................... 6
Database type on which TechDB is supported ....................................................... 6
Default Folder Location of TechDB.cwdb file at the time of installation .................. 7
Default Language in which TechDB User Interface will be displayed ..................... 7
Viewing TechDB user interface in a language other than default language setting 7
Importing Customized TechDB Data on Upgrading SOLIDWORKS CAM.........9
Importing Customized Data from MS Access based TechDB ................................. 9
Customizing information within the TechDB ......................................................9
Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings when for first-time SOLIDWORKS CAM
installation ....................................................................................................... 11
Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings on upgrading existing SOLIDWORKS
CAM Installation .............................................................................................. 12
2. TechDB Settings For a Single User License ...................................... 13
Default location of TechDB when single user license of SOLIDWORKS CAM is
installed ........................................................................................................... 13
Functioning of TechDB for a single user license of SOLIDWORKS CAM ...... 13
Relocating the TechDB Repository to another location (Single User
Installation) ...................................................................................................... 14
Steps to relocate the TechDB Repository to another location .............................. 14
Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading SOLIDWORKS CAM (Single
User License) .................................................................................................. 15
Steps to Import customized TechDB data on upgrading SOLIDWORKS CAM
installation for a single-user license: ..................................................................... 15

3. TechDB Settings for a SOLIDWORKS Network License ................... 19

Default nature of the TechDB installation when multi-user license
of SOLIDWORKS CAM is active ..................................................................... 19
Need for creating a common TechDB repository for a SOLIDWORKS Network20
Pre-requisite for creating a centralized TechDB repository for a SOLIDWORKS
Network ................................................................................................................ 20

Table of Contents i
 Technology Database Setting Guide

When should one ideally create a centralized TechDB repository on a network

drive? .................................................................................................................... 20
Creating a centralized TechDB Repository for a SOLIDWORKS Network ..... 20
Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading SOLIDWORKS CAM
(Network license)............................................................................................. 21
Steps to Import customized TechDB data on upgrading SOLIDWORKS CAM
installations on a SOLIDWORKS Network ............................................................ 22

Appendix A: Importing Data from MS Access based TechDB into SQLite

Based TechDB ............................................................................................. 26
Pre-requisites for importing customized data from MS Access based TechDB .... 26
Steps to import customized data from MS Access based TechDB into SQLite
based TechDB ...................................................................................................... 26

Appendix B: Nomenclature of Backed up TechDB Source Files ............ 28

Example illustrating when to use automatically or manually created Backed Up
copies of TechDB ................................................................................................. 28

Legal Notices ............................................................................................... 31

ii Table of Contents
Technology Database Setting Guide

1. TECHNOLOGY DATABASE BASICS

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

Why are TechDB Settings important?

To make the best use of the TechDB, you will have to change from default
settings of TechDB to suit your requirements such as:
 Creating centralized TechDB repository for a SOLIDWORKS Network (Multi-
user license)
 Importing customized TechDB data after upgrading your existing
SOLIDWORKS CAM installation
 Customizing the information stored within the TechDB

Technology Database Basics 5

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Launching the Technology Database

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

 Click on the Technology Database command button on the

SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager.
 Click on the Tools menu of SOLIDWORKS and select SOLIDWORKS
CAM>>Technology Database from the cascading menu.
Executing any of the above-mentioned commands will launch the user interface
of the Technology Database.

Nature of the Technology Database

Supported Languages for TechDB user interface
The user interfaces of SOLIDWORKS CAM and its associated Technology
Database are available in the following languages:
 Chinese Simplified • Japanese
 Chinese Traditional • Korean
 Czech • Polish
 English • Portuguese-Brazilian
 French • Russian
 German • Spanish
 Italian • Turkish

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

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

Database type on which TechDB is supported

The Technology Database associated with SOLIDWORKS CAM is supported only
on SQLite. The name of the associated Technology Database data file name is
TechDB.cwdb. This common TechDB repository (TechDB.cwdb) exists for all the
languages in which the TechDB is supported. Such a common TechDB
repository shared by all supported languages ensures that any changes saved
to the TechDB will be applicable even when the TechDB user interface is
launched in another supported language.

6 Technology Database Basics

Technology Database Setting Guide

Default Folder Location of TechDB.cwdb file at the time of installation

C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS CAM 2019\TechDB\TechDB.cwdb

Note: The SQLite based TechDB.cwdb is not dependent on any third-party

application.

TechDB files located in the Program Data\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS CAM 2019\TechDB

Default Language in which TechDB User Interface will be displayed

When the TechDB user interface is launched, by default, it will always be by
displayed in the same language in which the SOLIDWORKS user interface is
currently displayed.

Viewing TechDB user interface in a language other than default

language setting
After the TechDB is launched, if you wish to view the TechDB user interface in
any one of the supported languages other than the default language setting,
then following are the steps:
1. Launch the Technology Database.
2. In the Technology Database window, click on the Settings menu option

on the left hand side.

3. Ensure that the second group box from the top viz. the Language group box
is in an expanded state.

Technology Database Basics 7

 Technology Database Setting Guide

4. Uncheck the checkbox labeled Automatic. (This is the setting that maps the
language of the TechDB user interface to the language of the SOLIDWORKS
CAM user interface.)
5. Unchecking the checkbox labeled Automatic activates the Language
dropdown list. Click on the Language dropdown list.
6. From the displayed list of languages, select the language in which you wish
to view the TechDB user interface.

Note: The language options displayed in the Language dropdown list depends
on the languages selected at the time of installation of SOLIDWORKS
CAM.

7. Once the desired language is selected, the TechDB user interface will
immediately reload and be displayed in the selected language.

Language Settings in ‘Settings’ menu of TechDB User Interface

Note: If you wish to revert to linking the language of the TechDB user
interface to that of the SOLIDWORKS CAM user interface, then place a
check in the checkbox labeled Automatic option under the Language
group box of Settings menu.

8 Technology Database Basics

Technology Database Setting Guide

Importing Customized TechDB Data on Upgrading

SOLIDWORKS CAM
Every time the SOLIDWORKS CAM installation is upgraded to a newer version,
the data structures and data associated with its Technology Database too
undergo upgrades. If you have customized data within the Technology
Database associated with your existing SOLIDWORKS CAM installation, it is
imperative that you create its back up copy and then import the customized
TechDB data from the backed up copy into the newly installed Technology
Database.
 If you have a single user license, then refer: Importing customized TechDB
data on upgrading SOLIDWORKS CAM (Single user license) in Chapter 2 of
this document.
 If you have a multi-user license, then refer: Importing customized TechDB
data on upgrading SOLIDWORKS CAM (Network License) in Chapter 3 of
this document.

Importing Customized Data from MS Access based TechDB

The TechDB shipped with SOLIDWORKS CAM (viz. TechDB.cwdb)is based on the
SQLite database format.
The TechDB available on certain other software platforms is additionally
available in the MS Access database format. If you are in possession of such an
MS Access based TechDB containing customized data and wish to import
customized data into your SQLite based TechDB, you can do so at any point of
time by using the Import Database functionality available within the TechDB.

Note: The importing of customized data from an MS Access based TechDB source
file into the SQLite based TechDB repository (TechDB.cwdb) is supported.

For detailed steps on how to import customized data from the MS Access based
TechDB into your current SQLite based TechDB source file, refer the Appendix
section of this document: Appendix A: Importing Data from MS Access based
TechDB into SQLite based TechDB.

Customizing information within the TechDB

After opening TechDB, you can view/edit/customize it to suit your facility’s
requirements. To learn how to customize the Technology Database to suit your
facility’s requirements, we recommend that you read the Manual Technology

Technology Database Basics 9

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Database Tutorial. After launching SOLIDWORKS, this manual can be accessed

from the Help menu by selecting SOLIDWORKS CAM>>Tutorials.

Command to launch the Tutorial documents from SOLIDWORKS CAM

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

10 Technology Database Basics

Technology Database Setting Guide

Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings when for first-

time SOLIDWORKS CAM installation
Procure
Install Activate
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS CAM SOLIDWORKS CAM
CAM License
License

Is your
License
Create a centralized Single User or
SOLIDWORKS Network License
TechDB repository on multi-user (SOLIDWORKS
(Multi-user license)
the SOLIDWORKS Network License) in
Network nature?

Single User
License
Link SOLIDWORKS
CAM installation on
each machine on the
network to the
centralized TechDB
Do you
want share the
TechDB on the
Network?
(ideal in situation where
multiple single user
licenses are
present) No

TechDB ready for use.

Relocate the TechDB on a
Customize info within the
network drive
TechDB to suit your Yes
requirements

Technology Database Basics 11

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Flowchart illustrating TechDB Settings on upgrading

existing SOLIDWORKS CAM Installation
Procure latest
SOLIDWORKS
CAM version
Do you
have a
Standalone Single user
SOLIDWORKS Network License
License or
(Multi-user License SOLIDWORKS
Network
License? Upgrade existing
Upgrade SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS CAM
CAM installation on all installation
systems on the
SOLIDWORKS network

Import customized data

Create a centralized TechDB from previous TechDB
repository on the version into new TechDB
SOLIDWORKS Network

Link SOLIDWORKS CAM Do

installation on each machine you wish to
on the SOLIDWORKS relocate the
network to the centralized No TechDB
TechDB location?

Import customized data from Yes

existing TechDB repository
into new TechDB Relocate updated TechDB
to another location and link
to SOLIDWORKS CAM?

TechDB is ready for use

with upgraded version of
SOLIDWORKS CAM

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Technology Database Setting Guide

2. TECHDB SETTINGS FOR A SINGLE USER

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

Default location of TechDB when single user license

of SOLIDWORKS CAM is installed
On every Windows system on which the SOLIDWORKS CAM application is
installed, the default Technology Database shipped along with SOLIDWORKS
CAM too will be installed on the same machine at the following location:
C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS CAM 2019\TechDB\TechDB.cwdb

For more details, refer: Default location of TechDB source file

Functioning of TechDB for a single user license

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

TechDB Settings For a Single User License 13

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Relocating the TechDB Repository to another location

(Single User Installation)
If you customize the data within the Technology database repository and wish
to safeguard your customized TechDB repository by moving it from it default
location to a secure location on the network, you can choose to do so.
The steps to relocate the TechDB repository depend on whether you have a
standalone (single-user) license or SOLIDWORKS network license (multi-user
license) of SOLIDWORKS CAM application.
 If you have a SOLIDWORKS network license (i.e. a multi-user license),
then refer: Creating a centralized TechDB repository for a SOLIDWORKS
Network.
 If you have a standalone (single-user) license of SOLIDWORKS CAM,
then the steps for the relocation process are given below.

Steps to relocate the TechDB Repository to another location

1. On the Windows system on which SOLIDWORKS CAM has been installed,
browse to the default location where the TechDB file (TechDB.cwdb) is
installed within the SOLIDWORKS CAM data folder. A typical path would be:
C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS CAM 2019\TechDB\TechDB.cwdb
2. From this default folder location, move the TechDB data source file
(TechDB.cwdb) to a shared folder location on the network or any other
desired location. (Ensure that the folder in which the file is relocated has
read-write permissions.)
3. Launch SOLIDWORKS.
4. On the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager, click on the Technology Database

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

on the left hand side.

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

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Technology Database Setting Guide

10. Launch SOLIDWORKS again. On the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager,

click on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Options button . The Options dialog box
will be displayed.
11. The File Locations tab of this dialog box indicates the new location of the
TechDB. Verify that this path is correct and close the dialog box.

Verifying location of TechDB Source file linked to SOLIDWORKS CAM in File Locations tab

If the folder path displayed to the shared folder is correct, then it indicates
successful relocation of the centralized Technology Database source file to a
shared folder on the network.

Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading

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

Steps to Import customized TechDB data on upgrading SOLIDWORKS

CAM installation for a single-user license:
1. Before you upgrade your existing SOLIDWORKS CAM installation on your
Windows system, browse to the folder location where the Technology

TechDB Settings For a Single User License 15

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Database data source file (TechDB.cwdb) containing customized data is

located. If you had relocated the TechDB data source file from its default
location to another location, then browse to that folder location.
2. Create a backup copy in the same folder or another folder.
3. Upgrade your existing SOLIDWORKS CAM installation to a newer version.
4. Launch SOLIDWORKS.
5. On the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager, click on the Technology Database

button .
6. The user interface for the Technology Database will be displayed in a separate
window. Close the SOLIDWORKS application.
7. In the Technology Database window, click on the Settings menu option

on the left hand side.

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

16 TechDB Settings For a Single User License

Technology Database Setting Guide

customized TechDB data after upgrading your SOLIDWORKS CAM

installation.

Note: If you add additional customized data to your Technology Database after
the backup copy has been created, you will need to create and use a
separate backup copy of your TechDB for importing customized data
when you upgrade your SOLIDWORKS CAM installation the next time to
a newer version. For details, refer the topic Example illustrating when to
use automatically or manually created Backed Up copies of TechDB in
Appendix B of this document.

Importing customized TechDB Data into latest TechDB using Import Database Settings

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

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

TechDB Settings For a Single User License 17

 Technology Database Setting Guide

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

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

18 TechDB Settings For a Single User License

Technology Database Setting Guide

3. TECHDB SETTINGS FOR A SOLIDWORKS

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

Default nature of the TechDB installation when multi-

user license of SOLIDWORKS CAM is active
On every Windows system on which the SOLIDWORKS CAM application is
installed, the default SQLite based Technology Database shipped along
with SOLIDWORKS CAM too will be installed on the same machine at the
following location:
C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS CAM 2019\TechDB\TechDB.cwdb

If you have a SOLIDWORKS Network License (i.e. multi-user license), then by

default, a copy of the Technology Database repository (i.e. the SQLite based
TechDB.cwdb) will reside on the every Windows machine on which
the SOLIDWORKS CAM application is installed. Post installation and license
activation, every user will have access to the TechDB repository installed on
their individual machines. Any customization saved into one instance the
TechDB residing on a particular Windows machine will therefore not be saved
in the copies of the TechDB residing on other machines.

TechDB Settings for a SOLIDWORKS Network License 19

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Need for creating a common TechDB repository for a

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

Pre-requisite for creating a centralized TechDB repository for a

SOLIDWORKS Network
Ensure that every Windows system on which the SOLIDWORKS CAM
application is installed has read-write access to the shared folder on the
network drive where the centralized Technology Database repository will be
relocated.

When should one ideally create a centralized TechDB repository on a

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

Creating a centralized TechDB Repository for a

SOLIDWORKS Network
Following are the steps:
1. Ensure that the pre-requisites for creating a centralized TechDB repository
are met.
2. Identify the Windows system that has the TechDB source file containing
customized TechDB data. In case no customized TechDB data has yet been
generated, then select any Windows machine on which the SOLIDWORKS
CAM application has been installed.
3. On the selected Windows machine, use the Windows explorer to browse to
the default location where the TechDB source file (TechDB.cwdb) is located.

20 TechDB Settings for a SOLIDWORKS Network License

Technology Database Setting Guide

4. From this folder location, move the file TechDB.cwdb to a shared folder
location on the network.
5. After completing the above step, the following steps need to be performed
on every individual Windows machine on which SOLIDWORKS CAM in
installed so that it can successfully access the centralized and shared
Technology Database repository on the network:
i. Launch SOLIDWORKS.
ii. On the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manager, click on the Technology
Database button .
iii. The user interface for accessing the Technology Database will be
displayed in a separate window. Close the SOLIDWORKS application.
iv. In the Technology Database window, click on the Settings menu

option on the left hand side.

v. Ensure that the Link Database tab is active. Click on the Browse button.
vi. The File Open dialog box will be displayed. Use this dialog box to
browse to the shared folder on the network where the TechDB.cwdb
file resides. Select this file and click the Open button.
Your SOLIDWORKS CAM application will now be linked to the TechDB
repository shared on the network.
vii. Close the TechDB window.
viii. Launch SOLIDWORKS again. On the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command
Manager, click on the SOLIDWORKS CAM Options button . The
Options dialog box will be displayed.
ix. The File Locations tab of this dialog box indicates the new location of
the TechDB. Verify that this path is correct.
If the folder path displayed to the shared folder is correct, then it
indicates successful relocation of the centralized Technology Database
repository to a shared folder on the network.

Importing customized TechDB data on upgrading

SOLIDWORKS CAM (Network license)
Every time the SOLIDWORKS CAM application installed on a Windows machine
is upgraded to a newer version, the data structures and data associated with
its Technology Database too will be upgraded. If you have a SOLIDWORKS
network installation (i.e. multi-user license of SOLIDWORKS CAM) with a
centralized TechDB repository containing customized data shared over a
network, then it is imperative that you create its back up copy and then import

TechDB Settings for a SOLIDWORKS Network License 21

 Technology Database Setting Guide

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

Steps to Import customized TechDB data on upgrading SOLIDWORKS

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

Database button .
7. The user interface for the Technology Database will be displayed in a
separate window. Close the SOLIDWORKS application.
8. In the Technology Database window, click on the Settings menu option

on the left hand side.

9. Ensure that the Link Database tab is active.
10. The default path to the TechDB repository associated with the newly
installed/upgraded SOLIDWORKS CAM will be displayed next to the Browse
button. Make a note of this folder location.

22 TechDB Settings for a SOLIDWORKS Network License

Technology Database Setting Guide

Default path of TechDB source file indicated next to Browse button under Link Database tab

11. Click on the Import Database tab.

12. Click on the Browse button within this tab.
13. The File Open dialog box will be displayed. Use this dialog box to browse to
the folder location containing the backup copy of the TechDB source file (as
was indicated in step number 2). Select the source file and click the Open
button. The File Open dialog box will close and the user interface will revert
to the Import Database tab.
14. In the Import Database tab, the folder path to the backed up TechDB
repository file containing customized data will be displayed adjacent to the
Browse button.
15. Select the data to be imported. By default, the checkboxes for all the data
import options will be checked. In case, your customized data pertains to
only to specific data sets, you can uncheck the other data import options.
16. The Create Backup Copy checkbox option in the Import Database tab will be
checked by default. It is recommended that you retain the tick in this
checkbox option before importing. This ensures that a backup copy of the
newly installed TechDB containing the imported customized data is created
in the same folder. (The name of the backed up copy will be "Backup of
TechDB". For details, refer: Nomenclature of backed up TechDB Source Files.)
This backed up copy can be used the next time you need to import
customized TechDB data after upgrading your SOLIDWORKS CAM
installation.

TechDB Settings for a SOLIDWORKS Network License 23

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Importing customized TechDB Data into latest TechDB using Import Database Settings

Note: If you add additional customized data to your Technology Database after
the backup copy has been created, you will need to create and use a
separate backup copy of your TechDB for importing customized data when
you upgrade your SOLIDWORKS CAM installation the next time to a newer
version. For details, refer the topic Example illustrating when to use
automatically or manually created Backed Up copies of TechDB in
Appendix B of this document.

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

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

24 TechDB Settings for a SOLIDWORKS Network License

Technology Database Setting Guide

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

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

TechDB Settings for a SOLIDWORKS Network License 25

 Technology Database Setting Guide

APPENDIX A: IMPORTING DATA FROM MS ACCESS

BASED TECHDB INTO SQLITE BASED TECHDB
The TechDB shipped with SOLIDWORKS CAM (viz. TechDB.cwdb) is based on the
SQLite database format.
The TechDB available on certain other software platforms is additionally
available in the MS Access database format.
If you are in possession of such an MS Access based TechDB containing
customized data and wish to import customized data into your SQLite based
TechDB, you can do so at any point of time by using the Import Database
function available within the TechDB.
Given in this appendix are the pre-requisites and detailed steps for importing
customized data from the MS Access based TechDB (TechDB.mdb) into the
SQLite based TechDB source file (TechDB.cwdb).

Pre-requisites for importing customized data from MS Access based

TechDB
On the Windows system PC on which the SQLite Technology Database is
located, ensure that you have one of the following supported MS Access (Full
or Runtime) version installed:
 MS Access 2010 SP2 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
 MS Access 2013 SP1 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
 MS Office 365 with Office 2013 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
 MS Access 2016 SP1 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
 MS Office 365 with Office 2016 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
If the supported version of MS Access is not found installed, then an error
message will be displayed if a supported version of MS Access in not found
installed when you attempt to import the customized data from the MS Access
based TechDB into the SQLite based TechDB.

Steps to import customized data from MS Access based TechDB into

SQLite based TechDB
1. Run SOLIDWORKS with Administrator rights and then launch the
Technology Database.
2. The main window of the Technology Database will be displayed. Close the
SOLIDWORKS application.

26 Appendix A: Importing Customized Data from MS Access based TechDB

Technology Database Setting Guide

3. In the Technology Database window, click on the Settings menu option

on the left hand side.

4. Ensure that the Link Database tab is active. The default path to the SQLite
based TechDB repository will be displayed next to the Browse button.
(C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS CAM 2019\TechDB\TechDB.cwdb)

5. Click on the Import Database tab.

6. Click on the Browse button within this tab.
7. The File Open dialog box will be displayed. Use this dialog box to browse to
the folder location where the MS Access based TechDB repository
(TechDB.mdb) containing customized data is located. Select this file and click
on the Open button in the File Open dialog box. The File Open dialog box will
close and the user interface will revert to the Import Database tab.
8. In the Import Database tab, the folder path to the selected TechDB.mdb file
that contains customized data will be displayed adjacent to the Browse
button.
9. Select the data to be imported. By default, the checkboxes for all the data
import options will be checked. In case, your customized data pertains to
only to specific data sets, you can uncheck the data import options that do
not contain customized data.
10. The Create Backup Copy checkbox option in the Import Database tab will be
checked by default. It is recommended that you retain the tick in this
checkbox option before importing. This ensures that a backup copy of the
TechDB.cwdb file containing the imported customized data is created in the
same folder. (The name of the backed up copy will be "Backup of TechDB n".
For details, refer: Nomenclature of backed up TechDB Source Files.) This backed
up copy can be used the next time you need to import customized TechDB
data after upgrading your SOLIDWORKS CAM installation.
11. Click on the Import button. The importing process will begin.

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

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

successful completion of data migration will be displayed.
Your SQLite based TechDB is now successfully updated with the customized
data.

Appendix A: Importing Customized Data from MS Access based TechDB 27

 Technology Database Setting Guide

APPENDIX B: NOMENCLATURE OF BACKED UP

TECHDB SOURCE FILES
Every time the Create Backup Copy option is exercised in the Import Database
tab of Settings user interface while importing customized TechDB data, a
backup copy of the updated TechDB will be created within the same folder
where the TechDB source file resides. The first time a backup copy is created,
it will be assigned the name “Backup of TechDB”. For all successive backup
copies that are created, the names assigned to the backup copies will have the
following syntax:
“Backup of TechDB” + <space> + <n+1>
Where n+1 is the number indicating the number of times the customized TechDB data was
imported into the current TechDB with the Create Backup Copy option exercised.

Multiple Backup copies of the TechDB Source file created every time the ‘Create Backup
Copy’ option is exercised

Example illustrating when to use automatically or manually created

Backed Up copies of TechDB
The following example illustrates whether automatically or manually created
Backup copies of the TechDB source file are to be used for importing
customized TechDB data when the SOLIDWORKS CAM version is upgraded
from SP0 through SP4 version.

Upgrading from SP0 version to SP1 version

Scenario:
After installing the SP0 version of SOLIDWORKS CAM, customized data has
been added to its associated TechDB.cwdb. This SP0 version is now to be
updated to the SP1 version.

28 Appendix A: Importing Customized Data from MS Access based TechDB

Technology Database Setting Guide

How to use Backup copy in this case:

Before upgrading, a backup copy of the original TechDB.cwdb that contains the
customized data needs to be manually created. On upgrading, the original
TechDB.cwdb of SP0 version will get replaced with the new TechDB.cwdb of
SP1 version. Using the Import Database functionality, use the backed up copy
of the SP0 version to import the customized data into the newly installed
TechDB.cwdb. While importing, the Create Backup Copy option must be
exercised. Exercising this option creates a backup copy named "Backup of
TechDB.cwdb" which will be placed in the same folder as the newly updated
TechDB.cwdb.

Upgrading from SP1 version to SP2 version

Scenario:
The SP1 version is now to be updated to the SP2 version. In the interim period
between the upgrade from SP0 to SP1, no customized data was added to the
TechDB.
How to use Backup copy in this case:
On upgrading SOLIDWORKS CAM, the TechDB.cwdb of SP1 version will be
replaced with the new TechDB.cwdb of SP2 version. Using the Import Database
functionality, the back copy named "Backup of TechDB.cwdb" already residing
in the same folder as the TechDB.cwdb should be used to import the
customized data into the new TechDB.cwdb. While importing, the Create
Backup Copy option must be exercised. Exercising this option creates a backup
copy named "Backup of TechDB 1.cwdb" which will be placed in the same
folder as the newly updated TechDB.cwdb.

Upgrading from SP2 version to SP3 version

Scenario:
The SP2 version was then updated to SP3 version. In the interim period
between the upgrade, no customized data was added to the TechDB.
How to use Backup copy in this case:
On upgrading SOLIDWORKS CAM, the TechDB.cwdb of SP2 version will be
replaced with the new TechDB.cwdb of SP3 version. Using the Import Database
functionality, the back copy named "Backup of TechDB 1.cwdb" already
residing in the same folder as the TechDB.cwdb will be used to import the
customized data into the new TechDB.cwdb. While importing, the Create
Backup Copy option must be exercised. Exercising this option creates a backup
copy named "Backup of TechDB 2.cwdb" which will be placed in the same
folder as the newly updated TechDB.cwdb.

Appendix A: Importing Customized Data from MS Access based TechDB 29

 Technology Database Setting Guide

Upgrading from SP3 version to SP4 version

Scenario:
The SP3 version was then updated to SP4 version. In the interim period
between the upgrade, additional customized data was added to the TechDB.
How to use Backup copy in this case:
Since additional customized data was added, the previous backed up copy (viz.
"Backup of TechDB 2.cwdb") doesn't cover the entire scope of customized
data. Hence, before upgrading, a new backup copy of the TechDB.cwdb must
be manually created. On upgrading SOLIDWORKS CAM, the TechDB.cwdb of
SP3 version will be replaced with the new TechDB.cwdb of SP4 version. Using
the Import Database functionality, the manually created backed copy should
be used to import the customized data into the newly installed TechDB.cwdb.
While importing, the Create Backup Copy option must be exercised. Exercising
this option creates a backup copy named "Backup of TechDB 3.cwdb" which
will be placed in the same folder as the newly updated TechDB.cwdb.

30 Appendix A: Importing Customized Data from MS Access based TechDB

Technology Database Setting Guide

LEGAL NOTICES
Patent Notices
 SOLIDWORKS® 3D mechanical CAD and/or Simulation software is protected by U.S. Patents
6,219,049; 6,219,055; 6,611,725; 6,844,877; 6,898,560; 6,906,712; 7,079,990; 7,477,262; 7,558,705;
7,571,079; 7,590,497; 7,643,027; 7,672,822; 7,688,318; 7,694,238; 7,853,940; 8,305,376; 8,581,902;
8,817,028; 8,910,078; 9,129,083; 9,153,072; 9,262,863; 9,465,894; and foreign patents, (e.g., EP
1,116,190 B1 and JP 3,517,643).
 eDrawings® software is protected by U.S. Patent 7,184,044; U.S. Patent 7,502,027; and Canadian
Patent 2,318,706.
 U.S. and foreign patents pending.

Product Names for SOLIDWORKS Products and Services

SOLIDWORKS 2017, SOLIDWORKS 2018, SOLIDWORKS Standard, SOLIDWORKS Professional,
SOLIDWORKS Premium, SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard,
SOLIDWORKS Workgroup PDM, SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard, SOLIDWORKS Simulation
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The Software is a “commercial item” as that term is defined at 48 C.F.R. 2.101 (OCT 1995), consisting of
“commercial computer software” and “commercial software documentation” as such terms are used in 48
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(JUN 1995) and 227.7202-4 (JUN 1995)

In the event that you receive a request from any agency of the U.S. Government to provide Software with
rights beyond those set forth above, you will notify DS SolidWorks of the scope of the request and DS
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Copyright Notices for SOLIDWORKS Standard, Premium, Professional, and

Education Products
 Portions of this software © 1986-2016 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. All rights
reserved.
 This work contains the following software owned by Siemens Industry Software Limited:
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D-Cubed® 3D DCM © 2016. Siemens Industry Software Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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Legal Notices 31
 Technology Database Setting Guide

 Portions of this software incorporate PhysX™ by NVIDIA 2006-2010.

 Portions of this software © 2001-2016 Luxology, LLC. All rights reserved, patents pending.
 Portions of this software © 2007-2016 DriveWorks Ltd.
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Copyright Notices for SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional Product

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 Portions of this software © 2000-2014 Tech Soft 3D.
 Portions of this software © 1995-1998 Jean-Loup Gailly and Mark Adler.
 Portions of this software © 1998-2001 3Dconnexion.
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32 Legal Notices