The “MacGyver” Tool for Your Turn/Mill-Turn Is “Continuous B Axis Turning” in CAMWorks 2021

April 19, 2021 by Don Glaske

CAMWorks 2021 provides a new “Continuous B Axis Functionality” for Turn/Mill-Turn part models and assemblies which allow the toolpath generation by continuously tilting the B axis tool head capability which is best suited for complex geometry parts. Using traditional methods, requires multiple tools and setups to accomplish the machining these types of complex parts. But now in CAMWorks 2021, these types of complex profiles on Turn/Mill-Turn part models can be machined using a single tool and only one operation. The […]

Share Same Technology Database For SOLIDWORKS CAM and CAMWorks

January 24, 2021 by Don Glaske

I recently had a customer who asked me a few questions about the Technology Database when using SOLIDWORKS CAM and CAMWorks. Customer Question #1: Can they could use, or share, the same TechDB when they were either using SOLIDWORKS CAM or CAMWorks? Customer Question #2: If question #1 is yes, then how can this be accomplished? Customer Question #3: Can the TechDB be located on their network? My answers to all 3 of their questions… Answer #1: Yes Answer #2: […]

SOLIDWORKS CAM – Waterjet, Plasma and Laser Cutting

January 23, 2021 by Jordan Puentes

With SOLIDWORKS CAM, all active subscription users get access to 2.5 axis part machining directly inside of SOLIDWORKS. This includes the ability to customize your SOLIDWORKS CAM to work with your Waterjet, Plasma and Laser Cutters. Some things to consider when using SOLIDWORKS CAM for Waterjet/Plasma/Laser Cutting: Tool Setup Stock Material Machining Features Operation Plans Toolpaths Post Processor Tech Tip: Consider this a quick setup guide and not a replacement for training and/or support. If you need help or get […]

How to Copy/Paste Toolpaths with the Use of Library Files

January 15, 2021 by Dan Sok

When it comes to OEM manufacturers that make a lot of the same parts, keeping features catalogued in SOLIDWORKS for quick application is a very handy tool. You can do the same for toolpaths in SOLIDWORKS CAM too, with the use of Library files. Saving toolpaths allows the user to implement a CNC operation without having to use a SOLIDWORKS feature, sketch, or model entity to calculate from. You can easily recreate any series of toolpaths by inserting a library […]

CAMWorks Licensing Setup – Standalone and Network Licensing

December 2, 2020 by Jordan Puentes

CAMWorks Licensing Setup – Standalone and Network Licensing The two main types of CAMWorks licenses are Standalone and Network, and both require a Flex LM license file be requested when setting up the CAMWorks License Manager. Tech Tip: A hardware dongle (USB) can be used in place of a standalone license file for additional security, however keep in mind that the USB dongle is effectively your license and a new license will need to be purchased if lost or stolen. […]

SOLIDWORKS 2021 Installation Guide – Part 8 SOLIDWORKS CAM

November 23, 2020 by John Van Engen

SOLIDWORKS CAM installation can be broken down into 2 sections (CAM Standard, CAM Standard TBM) and (CAM Professional). CAM Standard – CAM Standard TBM The installation process is simple with CAM, just run the 2021 SOLIDWORKS installation process CAM will be automatically loaded without searching for check marks to add into the software download. After the installation is complete, open SOLIDWORKS and right click on COMMAND MANAGER Tabs and add a check mark for SOLIDWORKS CAM and SOLIDWORKS CAM TBM. Current user of […]

SOLIDWORKS 2021 Installation Guide Part 4 –Composer, Plastics, Inspection, MBD and Simulation Installation

November 19, 2020 by John Van Engen

What do I need to know to install my Composer, Plastics, Inspection, MBD, or Simulation package? First, all these products are installed thru the SOLIDWORKS installation manager. To download the installation manager, you will need to click the SOLIDWORKS download link. Run the installation manager and enter the serial number for your products. If you have all your licenses set up to be renewed at the same time you may have only one SOLIDWORKS serial number for all your assets. […]

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SOLIDWORKS 2021 What’s New – SOLIDWORKS CAM “New” Feeds and Speeds Editor w/ TechDB Extras

November 4, 2020 by Don Glaske

Let’s take a look into some of what’s new with SOLIDWORKS CAM 2021. Material Library In SOLIDWORKS CAM 2021 The Material Library has a new User Interface (UI) in SOLIDWORKS CAM 2021. The Library is organized by material categories, material names, and then any stock items you have created. NOTE: Material categories are not editable in the Feeds and Speeds Editor in SOLIDWORKS CAM 2021. How to add new Material Library which also has a new User […]

SOLIDWORKS 2021 What’s New – Inspection

October 22, 2020 by Nick Pusateri

SOLIDWORKS Inspection is great application to use for your quality control teams inspection documentation needs. With the release of SOLIDWORKS 2021 you now have better ways to leverage your inspection template file default locations, more customizable grids, the ability to open SOLIDWORKS parts with 3D annotations, and lastly you have better VDA balloon control in your ballooned drawings. SOLIDWORKS Inspection Add-In: In SOLIDWORKS 2021 you can now go into your System Options and map your Inspection Project and Report templates […]

SOLIDWORKS 2021 What’s New – MBD Enhancements

October 14, 2020 by Jordan Puentes

SOLIDWORKS 2021 What’s New – MBD Enhancements – #SW2021 With the release of SOLIDWORKS 2021, we see some great added functionality to Model Based Definition. The first involves Datum Targets. You can now add Datum Target Symbols to your DimXpert Dimension Scheme. Why is this so important? Datum Target Symbols are used to define a point, line or zone which can be used to measure to/from during your inspection process. Tech Tip: You can customize the leader type, symbol orientation, […]

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