CAM Quick Guide

Introduction

This topic provides a basic overview of how to create CAM Jobs in BobCAD-CAM. Links are provided to the help topics that go into more detail about each area of the software. After reading this guide, you should read the CAM Overview which provides an overview of the entire system and provides more links to the information in this help system for both Mill and Lathe.

General Process

  1. Start a New CAM Job.

    This adds a new job to the CAM Tree.

  2. Select a Workpiece if necessary, and complete the Stock Wizard and Machine Setup.

    In this step, you define the stock geometry and set the machining origin for the part.

  3. Select the Stock Material for the job.

    The Stock Material is used for feeds and speeds calculations.

  4. Add CAM Features to create toolpath.

    1. Select the feature type.

    2. Edit the parameters in CAM Wizard.

    3. Compute the toolpath.

    4. Simulate to confirm the desired result. (If not, go back to step 2.)

  5. Repeat step 4 as needed.

  6. Set the posting order of all operations using the Machining Order dialog box.

  7. Verify tool assignment with the Assigned Tools Dialog Box.

  8. Simulate the final program. (If you find any problems, go back to step 4.2)

  9. Post the job to create the NC program code (be sure you have the correct Post Processor).

    • Open the code in your preferred editor.

    • Save the File.

  10. Generate Setup Sheets.

Next Topic

The CAM Overview