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Getting STARTED
SolidCAM & iMachining

SolidCAM + SOLIDWORKS
The Complete Integrated Manufacturing Solution
Contents

Introduction iv
About this document iv
SolidCAM
The facts about SolidCAM 1
Getting Started with SolidCAM 3
Simple Cover Machining 7
iMachining
The facts about iMachining 13
Getting Started with iMachining 15
iMachining Walkthrough 17
iMachining of an Enclosure 35
iMachining of a Bracket 39

Document number: SCiMGSENG1-2020

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 Introduction

About this document

This Getting Started document is an interactive guide consisting of two main parts.
The goal of the first part is to jump-start your basic knowledge of SolidCAM by
using several of its 2.5D Milling technologies. The second part is geared to get you
started using SolidCAM's revolutionary iMachining technology.

Document design
This document is primarily designed around a task-based approach to learning.
Being interactive, it uses virtual guided exercises to quickly and easily help you get
started with SolidCAM and iMachining.

Using this document

This document is intended for new users to be used as self-study material. It is
recommended to complete the exercises in order, from beginning to end. The
various parts can be automatically opened by clicking the file names. The videos
demonstrating the steps to complete the exercises can be viewed by simply clicking
the play buttons.

Software versions used for this document

Screenshots for this document were created using previous and current versions
of SolidCAM integrated with SOLIDWORKS, running on Windows 10. The videos
were made using previous SOLIDWORKS/SolidCAM versions. Any major feature
differences will be described ahead of time so you can easily follow along. If you
are running a different version of Windows, you may also notice differences in the
appearance of menus and dialog box windows. These differences do not affect the
performance of the software.

About the *.zip file

The *.zip file contains this document as well as copies of the various part files that
are required for the exercises/examples, which are located in the SC_GS_Examples
subfolder. When extracting the *.zip file, it is important to extract the whole folder
and not just its contents – this document links to the locations of the part files
contained in the folders. In the Completed_CAM-Parts subfolder, the SolidCAM final
manufacturing projects are provided for checking the integrity of your completed
CAM-Parts. The various part files used throughout this course were prepared with
SOLIDWORKS 2020 and SolidCAM 2020.
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 The Leaders in Integrated CAM

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By default, Adobe Reader allows the launching of external files and connecting
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allows the executing of external commands.

Conventions used in this document

This document uses the following typographic conventions:

This style emphasizes SOLIDWORKS/

Bold SolidCAM options and commands. For
example, click the New button...

The mouse icon and numbered bold

3. Define the CAM-Part text indicate the steps required to
complete an exercise.

The stairs icon indicates the start of

Create and define... the written steps that accompany the
iMachining Walkthrough videos.
This style combined with the lamp icon
Explanation is used for explanations and notes.

The following buttons are used in this document as the interactive features for
opening part files and connecting to URLs:

Similar to a hyperlink function, this style

signifies a button that can be clicked to
SC_Simple_Cover.SLDPRT automatically open the corresponding
part file.
Click this play button to start playing
the video. Your internet browser will
automatically launch and connect to

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 The facts about SolidCAM

SolidCAM + SOLIDWORKS is the most complete and powerful, easy-to-use

integrated CAD/CAM solution for design and manufacturing. SolidCAM is the
leading, best-in-class CAM suite for profitable CNC programming in SolidWorks.
SolidCAM, including the revolutionary iMachining, is seamlessly integrated in
SolidWorks with full tool path associativity to the SolidWorks model.

With the single-window integration, all machining operations can be defined,

calculated and verified without leaving the parametric SolidWorks assembly
environment. All 2D and 3D geometries used for machining are fully associative
to the SolidWorks model. If you make any changes to your CAD model, all of your
CAM operations are updated automatically.

SolidCAM supports the complete range of major manufacturing applications

including iMachining 2D, iMachining 3D, 2.5D Milling, High Speed Surface Machining
(HSS), 3D Mill High Speed Machining (HSR/HSM), Indexial Multiaxis Machining,
Simultaneous 5-Axis Machining, Turning, Mill-Turn and even Solid Probe.

SolidCAM is widely used in the mechanical manufacturing, electronics, medical,

consumer products, machine design, automotive and aerospace industries, as well
as in mold and die and rapid prototyping shops.

The successful manufacturing companies of today are using integrated CAD/CAM

systems to get their products to market faster and reduce costs. With SolidCAM's
gold-certified status and seamless single-window integration in SolidWorks,
organizations of all sizes are realizing the benefits of SolidCAM + SOLIDWORKS.

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 Getting Started with SolidCAM

SolidCAM uses initial default settings to simplify certain tasks. For example, the
CAM-Part is created and defined automatically. As a new user however, it is
important to understand the full process of defining the CAM-Part and how the
CAM-Part features are built. For this purpose, some of the default SolidCAM
Settings should be changed before you begin.

Start by opening SOLIDWORKS.

In the SOLIDWORKS Menu Bar, click Tools to access the SolidCAM main menu and
then choose SolidCAM Settings.

SolidCAM is started and the SolidCAM Settings dialog box is displayed.

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On the CAM-Part page, the option Auto select project location and name should be
disabled; the CAM-Part creation will not be automated.

On the Automatic CAM-Part Definition subpage > Milling tab, disable any options
relevant to Definition of CNC-Controller, Definition of CoordSys, Definition of Stock
and Definition of Target.

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 On the Tool path simulation page > Simulation modes tab, all the options in the
Preview tool path after calculation for section can be disabled; SolidCAM Simulation
will be used extensively to view and check the generated tool path.

On the Defaults > Template subpage, Operation default templates for 2.5D Milling
will not be used.

Changes to some of these settings are duplicated and reviewed in the upcoming
Simple Cover Machining exercise.

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On the Miscellaneous page > Settings2 tab, you can also disable the option to
Show geometry on operation editing.

Most beneficial when using the Modify Geometry feature of SolidCAM, this setting
is not needed in any of the Getting Started exercises.

These settings can be reverted or changed again at any time.

Click OK to confirm your changes.

Important Note: The Jumpstart video series was recorded with previous versions of
SolidCAM. In SolidCAM 2020, use Part based boundary for the Geometry definition
in your Face Milling operation.

There are no other notable differences.

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 Simple Cover Machining

This exercise is based on the SolidCAM Professor video series called Jumpstart –
the easy way to learn SolidCAM. The machining of a simple cover is defined using
several SolidCAM 2.5D Milling technologies.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Load the SOLIDWORKS model

Click SC_Simple_Cover.SLDPRT to load the CAD model.

2. Create a New Milling CAM Project

After the part file is loaded on your computer, the following video
demonstrates how to start SolidCAM and create a New Milling CAM
Project. Prior to creating the Project, the CAM Settings are customized
to prepare for the upcoming tutorial videos. These include setting the
defaults for the CAM-Part creation as well as disabling the Automatic
CAM-Part definition options. Click the play button below...

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3. Define the CAM-Part

In the following video, the CAM-Part is defined using the Milling Part
Data dialog box. The CAM-Part Definition includes selecting the CNC-
Machine Controller, defining the Coordinate System for all machining
operations of the CAM-Part, and finally defining the Stock and Target
models. Click the play button below...

4. Complete the part programming

The part programming is completed in just four operations, which begin
on the following page. As shown in the illustration below, the workflow
in SolidCAM is displayed in each of the Operation dialog boxes. The
Geometry is defined first, followed by creating and choosing a Tool,
picking the Milling levels, defining the type of Technology to use, and
finally choosing the Lead in and Lead out tool Link movements.

Each operation is saved and the calculated tool path is quickly shown in
the SolidCAM Simulation.
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 4.1 Add a Face Milling operation
In this video, a Face Milling operation is added to the CAM-Part.
The target geometry is selected, which automatically creates a
chain used for the machining boundary. A Ø100 mm (4 in) face mill
is defined for the operation. The tool is set to machine the 0.5 mm
(0.02 in) of stock material off the top of the part using the One Pass
technology. Click the play button below...

4.2 Add a Profile operation

In this video, a Profile operation is added to the CAM-Part. The
geometry is selected as a chain that runs along the outside contour
of the Target model. A Ø6 mm (0.25 in) end mill is defined for the
operation. The tool is set to perform an Arc Lead in/out and climb
cut at a Constant depth. After the full profile depth is reached, the
tool will remove the 0.24 mm (0.01 in) allowance with a single finish
pass. Click the play button below...

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4.3 Add a Pocket operation

In this video, a Pocket operation is added to the CAM-Part. Like
the previous Profile operation, a single edge is picked during the
geometry selection. The chain is closed automatically. The Ø6 mm
(0.25 in) end mill is chosen for the operation from the Part Tool
Table. The tool is set to perform a Helical entry into the pocket and a
Contour strategy is used for cutting. After the roughing, the tool will
take a finish pass on both the Wall and Floor to remove the excess
offset material. Click the play button below...

4.4 Add a Drilling operation

In this video, a Drilling operation is added to the CAM-Part to
complete the part programming. SolidCAM finds the centers of
all circle entities and defines their positions for the drill geometry.
A drilling tool is defined and choosing a holder is also shown.
The Levels are picked directly off the model, like in the previous
operations. The standard drilling method of G81 is defined for the
Drill cycle type. Click the play button below...

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 5. Simulate the tool path and generate GCode
In the following video, the tool path for the entire CAM Project is
simulated. Included is an in-depth look at SolidCAM's Host CAD
simulation options as well as using the SolidVerify simulation mode.
Afterwards, the GCode commands are used to generate GCode for
the entire CAM Project as well as for a single selected operation. The
GCode files output per the specified CNC-Machine Controller. Click the
play button below...

You have completed the SolidCAM Getting Started exercise.

If you would like to review SolidCAM's completed CAM-Part and

compare it with yours, click SC_SIMPLE_COVER.prz.

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 The facts about iMachining

SolidCAM's iMachining™ is an intelligent high speed milling technology that is

designed to produce fast and safe CNC programs to machine mechanical parts with
first part success performance. The word fast meaning significantly faster than
traditional machining at its best and the word safe meaning without the risk of
breaking tools or subjecting the machine to excessive wear, all while maximizing
tool life.

To achieve these goals, the iMachining technology uses advanced, patented

algorithms to generate smooth tangent tool paths, coupled with matching
conditions, that together keep the mechanical and thermal load on the tool
constant, while cutting thin chips at high cutting speeds and deeper than standard
cuts (up to 4 times diameter).

iMachining tool paths

iMachining generates morphing spiral
tool paths that spiral either outwardly
from some central point of a walled
area, gradually adopting the form
of and nearing the contour of the
outside walls, or inwardly from an
outside contour of an open area to
some central point or inner contour
of an island. As a result, iMachining
manages to cut irregularly shaped
areas with a single continuous spiral.

To machine narrow passages, separating channels and tight corners, iMachining

uses proprietary constant load one-way tool paths.

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In some open areas, where the shape is

too irregular to completely remove with a
single spiral, proprietary topology analysis
algorithms and channels are used to
subdivide the area into a few large
irregularly shaped sub-areas and then
machines each of them by a suitable
morphing spiral, achieving over 80% of the
volume being machined by spiral tool
paths. Since spiral tool paths have between
50% and 100% higher Material Removal Rate (MRR) than one-way tool paths, and
since iMachining has the only tool path in the industry that maintains a constant
load on the tool, it achieves the highest MRR in the industry.

iMachining also performs an automatically optimized tool path when finishing

2.5D features. The finish tool path is executed in several consecutive steps with
intelligent tool movements, all of which would be programming intensive and
difficult to achieve using traditional machining methods. Because of its highly
systematic approach to finishing and dedication to eliminate over engagement, the
iMachining technology is able to further maximize tool life.

iMachining Technology Wizard

A significant part of the iMachining system
is devoted to calculating synchronized
values of feed rate, spindle speed,
axial depth of cut, cutting angles and
(undeformed) chip thickness based on the
mechanical properties of the workpiece
and cutting tool, while also keeping within
the boundaries of the machine capabilities
(maximum feeds and spindle speed, power
and rigidity). The iMachining Technology
Wizard, which is responsible for these
calculations, provides the user with the means of selecting the level of machining
aggressiveness most suitable to the specific machine and setup conditions and to
their production requirements (quantity, schedule and tooling costs).

Another critical task performed by the Technology Wizard is dynamically adjusting

the feed to compensate for the dynamically varying cutting angle – a by-product
of the morphing spiral, thus achieving a constant load on the tool, which again
maximizes tool life.

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 Getting Started with iMachining

Before you begin the upcoming exercises, additional changes should be made to
the default SolidCAM Settings.

Open the SolidCAM Settings dialog box and on the Default CNC-Controller page,
select gMilling_Haas_SS_3x from the Milling CNC-Controller drop-down list.

On the Automatic CAM-Part Definition subpage > Milling tab, enable the option
Use default CNC-Controller.

These settings will later simplify your selections since the remaining CAM-Parts use
the gMilling_Haas_SS_3x controller.

On the iMachining page, disable the Dashboard option.

Featured in the iMachining Operation dialog box when enabled, the Dashboard is
primarily for experienced users.
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In the Feature Recognition & Geometry section, select Chains without Recognition
for the default mode. This is equivalent to SolidCAM's standard chaining method,
which is widely used for 2.5D operations in SolidCAM.

The iMachining Geometry Preview can also be turned Off.

These settings can be reverted or changed again at any time.

Click OK to confirm your changes.

Important Note: The remaining videos were recorded with previous versions of
SolidCAM. In SolidCAM 2020, use Chains without Feature Recognition for the
Geometry definition in your iMachining operations.

There are no other notable differences.

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 iMachining Walkthrough

This exercise is based on a SolidCAM Professor video series, which provides a step-
by-step guide on the definition process of the iMachining technology to machine
the part shown above. The videos demonstrating the steps are duplicated and
accompanied by a written walkthrough. The roughing and finishing of the outside
contour, center pocket and pocket ledge are defined.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Load the SOLIDWORKS model

Click SC_iM_Walkthrough.SLDPRT to load the CAD model.

2. Create and define the CAM-Part

In this step, a New Milling CAM Project is created and the CAM-Part
is defined. In addition, the machine and work material parameters are
defined for iMachining. Click the play button below to watch the video.
Following the video is also a written walkthrough to complete this step.

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Create and define the CAM-Part.

Using the Milling Part Data dialog box, define the CNC-Machine Controller
(gMilling_Haas_SS_3x), the Machine Coordinate System, the Stock model
and the Target model.

The Stock model and the Target model should be defined as shown.

3D Model Stock Target

The iMachining Database selections (machine and work material) must

also be defined for the CAM-Part. The corresponding properties are
used by the Technology Wizard in iMachining calculations.

For this exercise, choose Haas_SS from the Machine Database list and
choose Aluminum_100BHN-60HRB from the Material Database list.

iMachining Database
The iMachining Database contains all the machines and work
materials available for selection in the CAM-Part Definition.

Clicking the Edit iMachining Database button will display the

iMachining Database dialog box.

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 This dialog box is the interface that enables you to add new/
edit existing machines and work materials contained in the
iMachining Database.

On the left is the Databases tree with Machines and Materials

lists. On the right is displayed the properties by which the
selected machine or material is defined.

The iMachining Database managing commands are displayed

in the right-click menu of the Databases tree.

The following commands enable you to:

• New Machine – add a new machine.
• New Material – add a new material.
• Delete – delete the selected machine/material.
• Copy – copy the selected machine/material.
• Rename – rename the selected machine/material.
• Export – export the selected machine/material to a
specified location on your computer.
• Import Material – import saved material(s) from a
specified location on your computer.

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3. Define the machining of the outside contour

In this step, the machining of the outside contour is defined. For this
example, the geometry is defined as an open pocket with island. The
Geometry, Tool and Levels are defined and the Offsets are specified;
the iMachining Technology Wizard automatically produces the optimal
Cutting conditions. The roughing operation is then copied and the
iFinish Technology type is used to define the finishing. Click the play
button below to watch the video. Following the video is also a written
walkthrough to complete this step.

To add an iMachining operation to the CAM-Part, right-click the

Operations header in the SolidCAM Manager and from the Add Milling
Operation submenu, choose 2D iMachining.

The iMachining Operation dialog box is displayed.

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 For the Technology type, use iRough to define the rough machining of
the outside contour feature.

For the Geometry definition, Chains without Feature Recognition is used.

The relevant options appear in the Geometry section. Click to start

the Geometry definition.

iMachining Geometry definitions

The geometry in iMachining is represented by a pocket that
can be closed, open or semi-open (containing open edges).

The videos on the following page demonstrate defining the

different geometry types using SolidCAM's standard chaining
method and the resulting iMachining tool path.

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Closed pocket geometries in iMachining

Open pocket geometries in iMachining

Semi-open pocket geometries in iMachining

The completed CAM-Part is provided if you want to view the

Geometry definitions and the iMachining tool path techniques
in SolidCAM.

Click SC_IM_GEOMETRIES.prz to load the SolidCAM part.

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 For this operation, the machining geometry is defined as an open pocket
with island.

Select the two chains as shown.

Mark the outer chain (1-Chain) as open to enable the tool to approach
from the outside.

Switch to the Tool page and add an end mill of Ø9 mm (0.3438 in).

Define the remaining tool parameters as follows:

• Keep the Total length of 80 mm (3.125 in);

• Keep the Outside holder length of 60 mm (2.375 in);
• Keep the Shoulder length of 30 mm (1.25 in);
• Keep the Cutting length of 24 mm (1 in);
• Set the Number of flutes to 4.
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On the iData tab, the default 45 (Medium) value is Helical

used for the Helical Angle parameter. This parameter Angle
affects the Cutting conditions and Step down values
generated by the iMachining Technology Wizard.

Click to confirm the Tool definition.

Switch to the Levels page to define the Milling levels for the operation.

Click the Upper level button and pick on the top face of the Stock model
to define at what Z-level to start the machining.

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 Click the Pocket depth button
and pick on the bottom edge
of the Target model to define
the machining depth.

Note that the Milling levels fields are highlighted ‒ this is because
the values are associative to the picked entities and if the model
changes, the corresponding values will update automatically.

In addition to the picked depths, define a Delta depth to perform

machining deeper than the part bottom edge. Set the value to
-0.76 mm (-0.03 in).

Switch to the Technology page and specify a Wall/island offset of

0.24 mm (0.01 in) and a Floor offset of 0.

Switch to the Technology Wizard page of the iMachining Operation

dialog box.

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This Wizard automatically calculates the optimal Cutting conditions

specific to the current operation according to the Geometry, Tool and
Levels definitions in addition to the machine and work material defined
for the CAM-Part.

Step down
There are two modes for selecting the way in which
the Wizard calculates Step down:

Automatic mode automatically provides you with

optimal step downs, taking into account the Tool and
Levels definitions as well as the Floor offset (if any)
specified for the operation.

User-defined mode enables you to manually choose

the method used for calculating step downs, either by
No. steps or by a specified value.

The output grid displays the No. steps, the Step down
value and the number of Axial Contact Points (ACPs)
automatically calculated by the Wizard.

Rows are created for each Step down value that is not
the same.
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 Output Cutting Data
Displayed are two sets of data relative to the current
Cutting conditions (max feed rate and spindle speed,
step over range, cutting speed, chip thickness, and
cutting angle range).

Machining level
The Machining level slider enables you to select from
calculated sets of Cutting conditions. Moving the slider
up in machining levels provides you with a convenient
and intuitive way to control the Material Removal Rate
(MRR). Increasing the position of the slider increases
MRR and machining aggressiveness.

For this operation, use the Cutting conditions generated by the Wizard
based on the default position of the Machining level slider (3).

Click to Save & Calculate the operation.

Then click to Simulate. Run the operation simulation using the

default Host CAD mode to view the wireframe tool path. The simulated
tool path is performed as follows: the entire contour is machined with a
morphing spiral.

Define the finish machining of the outside contour.

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Click to Save & Copy the current operation

data and to create a new operation with the
same parameters.

After the new operation opens for editing,

choose iFinish for the Technology type.

The copied Geometry, Tool and Levels

definitions are used for finishing. The default
Cutting conditions generated by the Wizard
are also used.

On the iRest Data tab of the Technology page, note that the previous
iRough_OutsideContour operation is selected as the Parent operation by
default and the data needed for calculating rest material is populated to
the parameters fields automatically.

Save & Calculate the operation and then click Simulate. Run the operation
simulation using the default Host CAD mode. The finishing tool path is
performed in a single cutting pass.

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 4. Define the machining of the center pocket
In this step, the machining of the center pocket is defined. For this
example, the geometry is defined as a closed pocket. The Geometry,
Tool and Levels are defined and the Offsets are specified; the
iMachining Technology Wizard automatically produces the optimal
Cutting conditions. The roughing operation is then copied and the
iFinish Technology type is used to define the finishing. Click the play
button below to watch the video. Following the video is also a written
walkthrough to complete this step.

Add a new iMachining 2D operation. Use the iRough Technology type to

define the rough machining of the center pocket feature. Select the
lower contour of the pocket for the Geometry definition.

Use the Ø9 mm (0.3438 in) end mill defined in the previous operation.
Pick the top face of the Stock model for the Upper level definition and
the lower face of the center pocket for the Pocket depth definition.
Specify a Wall/island offset and a Floor offset of 0.24 mm (0.01 in).

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The default Cutting conditions generated by the Wizard are used.

The Link page displays the Helical Entry parameters for the operation.
The Ramping angle is calculated automatically according to the material
hardness and the Machining level aggressiveness. An override check box
is provided in the instance you want to manually enter a preferred value.

Save & Calculate and then Simulate the operation using the Host CAD
mode. The tool performs a helical entry into the pocket followed by a
morphing spiral to the outer walls.

Define the finish machining of the center pocket.

Save & Copy the operation and then choose iFinish for the Technology
type. The previous iRough_CenterPocket operation is automatically
selected as the Parent operation.

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 Save & Calculate and then Simulate the operation using the Host CAD
mode. The pocket corners are cleared before a final pass is taken along
the walls.

5. Define the machining of the pocket ledge

In this step, the machining of the pocket ledge is defined. For this
example, the geometry is defined as a semi-open pocket. The
Geometry, Tool and Levels are defined and the Offsets are specified;
the iMachining Technology Wizard automatically produces the optimal
Cutting conditions. The roughing operation is then copied and the
iFinish Technology type is used to define the finishing. Click the play
button below to watch the video. Following the video is also a written
walkthrough to complete this step.

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Add a new iMachining 2D operation. Use the iRough Technology type to

define the rough machining of the pocket ledge feature. Select the lower
contour of the pocket ledge and then mark the front edge as open using
Mark open edges.

Use the Ø9 mm (0.3438 in) end mill. Pick the top face of the Stock model
for the Upper level definition and the lower face of the pocket ledge
for the Pocket depth definition. Specify a Wall/island offset and a Floor
offset of 0.24 mm (0.01 in).

The default Cutting conditions generated by the Wizard are used.

Save & Calculate and then Simulate the operation using the Host CAD
mode. The tool approaches from the open edge and then performs the
roughing tool path, first removing material from the middle of the ledge
and then clearing its corners.

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 Define the finish machining of the pocket ledge.

Save & Calculate and then Simulate the operation using the Host CAD
mode. After the corners are cleared, the tool finishes the walls of the
pocket ledge in a single cutting pass.

6. Verify the tool path and generate GCode

In this step, the iMachining tool path is verified. Included is an in-depth
look at SolidCAM's Host CAD simulation options as well as using the
SolidVerify simulation mode. A GCode file is also generated and the
iMachining technology is shown managing the Feed rates with each
cutting move. Click the play button below to watch the video. Following
the video is also a written walkthrough to complete this step.

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To verify the iMachining tool path for all operations at once, right-
click the Operations header in the SolidCAM Manager and choose the
Simulate command. Run the operation simulation using both Host CAD
and SolidVerify modes.

Host CAD SolidVerify

Now generate the GCode.

Right-click the Operations header in the SolidCAM Manager and choose

the Generate command from the GCode All submenu.

You have completed the iMachining Getting Started exercise.

If you would like to review SolidCAM's completed CAM-Part and

compare it with yours, click SC_IM_WALKTHROUGH.prz.

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 iMachining of an Enclosure

This exercise is based on another SolidCAM Professor video series that uses the
iMachining technology to define the machining of the part shown above. During
the definition process, the most common need-to-know topics about iMachining
are covered in detail.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:

1. Load the SOLIDWORKS model

Click SC_iM_Enclosure.SLDPRT to load the CAD model.

2. Adding a new Machine and Material to the iDatabase

After the part file is loaded on your computer, the following video
demonstrates adding a new Machine and Material to the iMachining
Database as well as defining the important parameters that are required
by the iMachining technology. Click the play button below...

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 The Leaders in Integrated CAM

3. Defining the CAM-Part & Adding an iMachining operation

In the following video, a New CAM Project is started and the CAM-Part
is defined. The iMachining Data is selected when the first iMachining
operation is added to the CAM-Part. Finally, the machining of the
outside contour is defined using the iRough and iFinish Technology types
in iMachining. Click the play button below...

4. Using the iMachining Technology Wizard

In the following video, the iMachining Technology Wizard is discussed in
detail and some of the different settings are used to control the Cutting
conditions calculations. Click the play button below...

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 5. Using the iRest Technology type prior to finishing
With iMachining, it is possible to use iFinish directly after iRough. In
the following video however, there are narrow areas and corners inside
the pocket where the roughing tool cannot fit. In such cases, the iRest
Technology type is then used to remove the rest material prior to
finishing. The importance of the iRest Data is also explained in detail.
Click the play button below...

6. The Tool definition and its effects on iMachining

In the following video, the Tool definition and its important parameters
related to iMachining are covered in detail. Also shown is how the
Wizard calculates the depths and what the importance of ACPs are when
machining. Click the play button below...

You have completed the iMachining Getting Started exercise.

If you would like to review SolidCAM's completed CAM-Part and

compare it with yours, click SC_IM_ENCLOSURE.prz.

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 iMachining of a Bracket

This example illustrates the use of SolidCAM’s iMachining technology to define the
machining of the part shown above. There are standard 2.5D tool paths and 3D
tool paths to aid in the complete CNC program.
Click SC_IM_BRACKET.prz to load the SolidCAM part. If your CAM package does not
contain the required 3D modules, click SC_IM_BRACKET_No3D.prz.

The following operations are defined to perform the machining on a 3-Axis CNC-
Machine in two setups, using two SolidCAM Coordinate Systems:

• Outside shape machining (iRough_Outside; iFinish_Outside)

These iMachining operations define the machining of the outside shape of
the part. Two chains are defined, with the first being the stock boundary
and the second being the profile around the part. The stock chain is
marked as open, which specifies the tool should start machining from
that chain. A Ø12.5 mm (0.5 in) end mill is used. iRough has a 0.25 mm
(0.01 in) allowance on the walls, which is then removed by the iFinish
operation. A Delta depth is specified for both operations, so the tool
machines deeper than the part bottom edge.

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• Through pockets machining

(iRough_ThroughPockets; iFinish_ThroughPockets)
These iMachining operations define the machining of the five circular
through pockets. Five chains are defined, which represent the five through
pockets. A Ø12.5 mm (0.5 in) end mill is used and since the pockets are
closed with no Pre-Drilling data or entry chains defined, the tool performs
helical ramping to enter into the pockets. iRough has a 0.25 mm (0.01 in)
allowance on the walls, which is then removed by the iFinish operation. A
Delta depth is specified for both operations, so the tool machines deeper
than the part bottom edge.

• Rough machining of angled surfaces

(HSR_R_Rough_Chamfer)
This HSR operation defines the rough machining of the four large
chamfers on the ribs of the part. Two boundaries are picked off the edges
the make up the chamfers. A Ø12.5 mm (0.5 in) end mill is used with the
Tool Relation set to Centered. A 1.27 mm (0.05 in) Step down is specified
with a 0.127 mm (0.005 in) allowance to remain on the surfaces.

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 • Pockets machining (iRough_Pockets; iFinish_Pockets)
These iMachining operations define the machining of the three semi-
open pockets and the seven closed pockets. Since all ten pockets have
the same depth, they can all be machined in one operation. A Ø10 mm
(0.4063 in) bull nose mill with a corner radius of 1.6 mm (0.0625 in) is
used entering the semi-open pockets through the open edges. The tool
enters the remaining pockets using helical ramping and the defined entry
geometry. iRough has a 0.25 mm (0.01 in) allowance on the walls, which
is then removed by the iFinish operation.

• Finish machining of angled surfaces (HSS_PC_Lin_faces)

This HSS operation defines the finish machining of the four large chamfers
on the ribs of the part. The Ø10 mm (0.4063 in) bull nose mill is used
and the Linear strategy generates Parallel cuts with a 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
Maximum step over. Customized linking is used to allow short repositions
and smooth transitions when starting each cut.

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 The Leaders in Integrated CAM

• Bottom ledge machining (iRough_Face_BackLedge)

This iMachining operation defines the bottom ledge machining on the
underside of the part. Two chains are defined, with the first being the
stock boundary and the second being the bottom of the floor radius.
Using a Ø12.5 mm (0.5 in) end mill, the tool starts machining from the
stock chain (marked as open) and collapses in towards the radius. The
floor radius is not machined at this time.

• Cutting of excess material from through hole

(iRough_Back_CenterHole)
This iMachining operation is defined to machine away the excess material
from the center through hole of the part. This excess material was used
for clamping in the first setup. A single closed chain is defined and using
a Ø12.5 mm (0.5 in) end mill, the excess material is removed. In this case,
the default allowance can be used since the desired wall was finished
during the top side machining.

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 • Bottom face machining (iRough_Face_Back)
This iMachining operation defines the bottom face machining on the
underside of the part. Two chains are defined, with the first being the
outside boundary of the face and the second being an offset edge created
in SOLIDWORKS. Using a Ø12.5 mm (0.5 in) end mill, a morphing spiral
tool path is performed from the outer open chain, collapsing towards the
inner closed chain.

• Floor radius finishing (F_BackRadius)

This Profile operation defines the 6.35 mm (0.25 in) floor radius finishing
on the underside of the part. The chain is defined as the bottom edge of
the radius. A Ø12.5 mm (0.5 in) ball nose mill is used with the Tool side set
to Center. A 0.13 mm (0.005 in) offset remains on the floor after the first
roughing pass and is then removed with a single finishing pass. A 0.25 mm
(0.01 in) arc is used for the Lead in/out.

Congratulations! The SolidCAM & iMachining Getting Started Guide is now

completed. For additional documentation and many more Professor videos, visit
us on the web at www.solidcam.com.
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SolidCAM + SOLIDWORKS = The Complete Integrated Manufacturing Solution
 Getting STARTED
SolidCAM & iMachining

the MILL-TURN Edge

The Complete Range of Manufacturing Applications

Inside SOLIDWORKS®
SolidCAM is the leading and fastest growing developer of
integrated CAM software solutions for the manufacturing
industry. SolidCAM supports the complete range of major
manufacturing applications in Milling, Turning, Mill-Turn and
WireEDM totally integrated inside SOLIDWORKS.
The Revolutionary iMachining® Module
SolidCAM’s iMachining module is a giant leap forward in CNC
machining technology, reducing cutting times by up to 70%
and increasing tool life dramatically. iMachining achieves
these advantages by using a patented “Controlled Stepover”
technology and managing feed rates throughout the entire tool
path, ensuring constant tool load while allowing much deeper
and more efficient cutting.
iMachining is driven by a knowledge-based Technology Wizard
which considers the machine being used, the material being
cut and the cutting tool data to provide optimal values for the
Cutting conditions. With its Morphing spiral tool paths, controlled
tool load at each point along the tool path, moating of islands to
enable continuous spiral cuts (even with multiple islands), and
its automatic thin wall avoidance, iMachining brings efficiency to
a new level for CAM users.
The Highest Level of SOLIDWORKS Integration
SolidCAM provides the highest level of CAD integration with its
seamless, single-window integration and full associativity to
SOLIDWORKS, ensuring automatic tool path updates for your CAD
revisions.
SolidCAM Turns Your SOLIDWORKS System into the
Best CAD/CAM Solution.

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