Upgrading Your SOLIDWORKS CAM/CAMWorks Technology Database (TechDB)

The Import Database function allows you to import update a TechDB from an older version to a newer version of SOLIDWORKS CAM and CAMWorks. The Import Database function also allows you to bring in changes from another SOLIDWORKS CAM TechDB and CAMWorks TechDB.

Please note, in this example, I will be upgrading from 2020 to 2021.

The video link below shows the steps to Upgrade Your SOLIDWORKS CAM and CAMWorks Technology Database (TechDB)

Here is the default location for the TechDB that is created when CAMWorks or SOLIDWORKS CAM is installed:

For CAMWorks C:CAMWorksDataCAMWorks2020x64TechDBTechDB.cwdb

OR

For SOLIDWORKS CAM C:ProgramDataSOLIDWORKSSOLIDWORKS CAM 2020TechDBTechDB.cwdb

(NOTE: You may find this under CAM Options > File Locations Tab > TechDB Location)

To access Settings in the TechDB Tools > SOLIDWORKS CAM > Technology Database > Settings

We see a warning that SOLIDWORKS should be closed. CLOSE SOLIDWORKS so only the TechDB windows remains.

Select Import Database.

Click on the Browse button, to navigate and find the TechDB you would like to upgrade to the latest version. Quick reminder, in my example, I am upgrading to 2021 from 2020.

For CAMWorks C:CAMWorksDataCAMWorks2020x64TechDBTechDB.cwdb

OR

For SOLIDWORKS CAM C:ProgramDataSOLIDWORKSSOLIDWORKS CAM 2020TechDBTechDB.cwdb

Data To Import

Select what data you want to import, such as, Mill, Turn, Mill-Turn or Wire EDM, depending on what applies to you.

NOTE: I would also recommend creating a back-up of the active TechDB in case something goes wrong.

You can now click on the Import button.

The importing will take a little bit for the data to import. But when complete, a green “Data Migration is done successfully” will appear.

Note, a back-up of the original TechDB file in the newest version of CAMWorks TechDB folder C:CAMWorksDataCAMWorks2021x64TechDB Backup of TechDB.cwdb

OR

For SOLIDWORKS CAM C:ProgramDataSOLIDWORKSSOLIDWORKS CAM 2021TechDB Backup of TechDB.cwdb

Only related to PDM Users:

Your TechDB.cwdb is the only file that needs to be checked out. The TechDB must be checked out if you are importing, since write access is required to make changes to the TechDB.cwdb file.

Don Glaske
Manager, CAM Services
Computer Aided Technology