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. 

• Milling Introduction

• Turning Introduction

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.