SOLIDWORKS 2019 What’s New – SOLIDWORKS CAM Updates – #SW2019

SOLIDWORKS 2019 has some great enhancements in SOLIDWORKS CAM. Listed below are seven updates and improvements to CAM functionality within SOLIDWORKS.

1. Taper and Neck options for non-cutting portion of the tools

In the past, our inability to define the detail of the tool shank did not show accurate machining simulation. Now we can properly define the Operations Parameter Dialogue Box in the Tech DB. We now have Taper and Neck options for the Non-cutting portion of the tool. Which allow for greater accuracy for simulating stock removal when using Taper and Neck style of tools.

2. Assign Default Strategies to Machine Types

Now able to define specific default strategies based each machine. Now you can specify strategies for your laser, plasma, water jet or CNC machines. In the past, customers with machines such as, laser, plasma and/or water jet would create a separate technology database for each of these types of machines, since each machine usually required different default machining strategies. For customers that run a mixture of different machines and want different machining strategies for each different machine.

3. Corner Slow Down and Arc Feed Rate

To allow different feed rates for arcs, machining slows down when approaching sharp corners. Arc feed rates are calculated based on the radii. By being able to control and slowdown these rates will help aid in longer cutter tool life. In the past, the only way to control this functionality, was in the post processor.

But now we can control the Arc Feedrates in SOLIDWORKS CAM.

You can control by modifying ‘System Calculated Feedrates’ OR

OR you can simply input your own numbers for the ‘Arc Feedrate Override’.

4. Improved Chamfer Machining

In the Mill Features tab, you can apply chamfers to curve features. The software automatically recognizes chamfers. You can create additional chamfer operations with the Curve [edge break] Feature. Ball end cutters are also supported.

For example, existing 3D Curve features can now be chamfer milled. When you select the Contour Operation of the curve feature.

The Operation Parameters Contour Tab has a check box option for ‘Chamfer Machining’.

This new option can be combined with Cutter Compensation to give ultimate control around edge breaking around a 3D curve.

5. Start/End Z Locations to be modified from holes created by Automatic Feature Recognitions (AFR)

AFR expects the stock above the hole to be machined, prior to rapid positioning in Z. If it isn’t, the drill may crash into the stock. If programmers prefer to machine the holes first and the stock later. In SOLIDWORKS CAM 2019, you can now modify the ‘Start/End Z Locations’ to be modified from holes created by Automatic Feature Recognitions (AFR). Which allows for more control and greater productivity.

6. Edit Toolpath has new and advanced capabilities in SOLIDWORKS CAM 2019. It has an improved interface because it can now also be found in ‘Property Page’.

7. New ZIG ZAG option in VoluMill cut options in SOLIDWORKS CAM Pro

VoluMill cut options now include a ZIG ZAG option which you can combine with Climb and Conventional milling when using VoluMill. This method will reduce the amount of repositioning time between cut which results in reduced cycle times and costs. This will be very beneficial when machining longer parts.

I hope this part of the What’s New series gives you a better understanding of the new features and functions of SOLIDWORKS 2019. Please check back to the CATI Blog as the CATI Application Engineers will continue to break down many of the new items in SOLIDWORKS 2019. All these articles will be stored in the category of “SOLIDWORKS What’s New.”

Don Glaske
Field Technical Services Manager & CAM Team Manager
Computer Aided Technology, LLC

Design Innovation Month – October 2018
What is DI MONTH?

CATI is declaring October Design Innovation MONTH.  We’ve created a month-long series of events and activities around design innovation especially for our customers.  Attend a SOLIDWORKS 2019 event, enter our rendering contest, and learn about some cool tips and tricks at the daily online events. Plan your month at www.cati.com/design-innovation-month