The CAM Tree
BobCAM for SolidWorks add-in module supports 2D and 3D milling, plasma,
waterjet and laser machining.
The CAM tree controls the definition of the stock, defines the machine
setup, adds features that represent the processes needed to machine a
part, and generates the NC program for the machine.
The features in the CAM tree are associative, meaning that each feature
contains all the necessary parameters to calculate a toolpath. This allows
you to change any of these parameters and compute the toolpath again without
re-selecting or redefining them all each time the feature is changed.
In addition to modifying the CAM tree features, they may be reordered
by dragging them with the mouse and moving them in the tree. The following
is a list of the terms used in the CAM tree.
CAM
Part - This folder contains the milling tools and turning tools
options. The folder is named after the file or part name.
- Milling
Tools - Right-click this item in the CAM tree to modify
posting settings, the tool database, and controls for computing multiple
toolpaths.
- Turning
Tools - Right-click this item in the CAM tree to modify
posting settings, the tool database, tool-holders and -inserts, and
to compute multiple toolpaths.
Milling
Stock - Right-click this item in the CAM tree to add milling
features and access controls for defining the stock. Once the stock is
defined, a transparent solid representing the stock can be displayed.
This definition is also used to create the stock used in simulation. If
the stock is not defined, simulation automatically calculates a stock
based on the toolpath being simulated.
- Material
Definition - Right-click this item in the CAM tree
to select the material type. Based on the material selected, the system
automatically calculates the cutting feeds and spindle speeds based
on the tool and operation. These values can be found with the tool
in the operation. Both the spindle and cutting feeds have a percentage
override that is also located with the tool. For example, if the Cutting
Feed is 10 IPM and the Cutting Feed Override is 150 percent, the output
to the machine is 15 IPM.
- Stock
Geometry - This item allows you to associate 2D geometry
to specify the X-axis and Y-axis boundaries of the material.
- Post
Processor - Based on the machine setup selected, the system
automatically outputs the NC program code in the specified format.
This includes program headers, footers, and tool changes, using any
of the canned cycles setup within the post processor, if set to do
so.
- Machine
Setup - You can associate a SolidWorks Coordinate System
to this item to specify the zero location or the machining origin
of the part. This zero location must match the zero location on the
machine.
- Index
System - This item may be added to the Machine Setup when
performing 4th axis indexing operations. You can assign a plane
or planar face to this item, allowing BobCAM to automatically
calculate the angle of rotation.
Turning Stock
- Right-click this item in the CAM tree to add turning features and access
controls for defining the stock. Once the stock is defined, a transparent
solid representing the stock can be displayed. This definition is also
used to create the stock used in simulation. If the stock is not defined,
simulation automatically calculates a stock based on the toolpath being
simulated.
- Material
Definition - Right-click this item in the CAM tree to select
the material type. The selected material is used as a reference and
does not affect the feeds and speeds used for turning. The feeds and
speeds are defined in the Feature dialog box for each turning feature.
- Stock
Geometry - This item is used instead of the Stock Dialog
box for Turning, when creating custom lathe stock.
- Post
Processor - Based on the machine setup selected, the system
automatically outputs the NC program code in the specified format.
This includes program headers, footers, and tool changes, using any
of the canned cycles setup within the post processor, if set to do
so.
- Machine
Setup - You can associate a SolidWorks Coordinate System
to this item to specify the zero location or machining origin of the
part. This zero location must match the zero location on the machine.
The coordinate system must be set up for proper Lathe orientation
(with the Z-axis through the rotational center of the part).
When you add a CAM feature to the tree, the following items are added
to represent the feature. You right-click these items to access shortcut
menus use to perform commands for each item. These items are also explained
in this help system in the Hole Wizard, 2-Axis Wizard, and 3-Axis Wizard
help topics.
- Feature
- A feature consists of the geometry, composite operations, machining
parameters, and the tool path calculated using all of these attributes.
- Geometry
- The entities that are used in the feature. Depending on the
operation type, these can be points, lines, arcs, splines, contours,
point patterns, solids, or surfaces.
- Operations
- The group of operations in a feature that define the machining
parameters to cut the geometry in the feature.