Advanced Turning Tutorial

This tutorial explains the process of turning in BobCAM for SolidWorks. Assigning a machine coordinate system, setting up the stock, inserting features, selecting geometry, computing toolpaths, and posting code are all covered. Follow the steps listed to complete the process. Images are included to show the results of each step.

Defining the Zero Location

Step 1

Open the AdvancedTurningTutorial1.SLDPRT file located in the C:\BobCAD-CAM Data\BobCAM V2\Examples folder.

Step 2

Click the BobCAM CAM Tree tab in the SolidWorks FeatureManager panel and click to expand Turning Stock.

Step 3

In order to define the zero location on the part, right-click (click with the right mouse button) Machine Setup and click Re/Select.

Step 4

Click Coordinate System 1, which has already been created and click OK.

Setting up the Stock

Step 1

In the CAM Tree tab, right-click Turning Stock and click Edit.

Step 2

Type the following values in the Stock dialog box:

Click OK to close the dialog box and save the stock settings.

Facing the Part

Step 1

Under Turning Stock, right-click Machine Setup and click Turn, Rough. The Feature Rough is added to the CAM tree.

Step 2

Under Feature Rough, right-click Geometry and click Re/Select. Select the front face of the part. Click OK.

Step 3

To edit the Rough feature, right-click Rough and click Edit.

Step 4

In the Rough page, under Cycle Type select Face Rough.

Step 5

In the Leads page type the following values:

Click OK.

Step 6

To compute the toolpath, right-click Rough and click Compute Toolpath.

Roughing and Finishing the OD

Step 1

Right-click Machine Setup and click Turn, Rough.  

Step 2

Right-click Geometry and click Re/Select.  

Step 3

Click the Select whole bodies check box and select the part in the graphics area.

Make sure that the Primary region only check box is selected to ignore the groove.

Also, make sure the Remove first vertical line and Remove last vertical line check boxes are selected because the part is already faced.

Click OK.

Step 4

To edit the Rough feature, right-click Rough and click Edit (make sure it is the second Feature Rough in the CAM tree).

Step 5

In the Rough page, under Cycle Type select Turning Rough/Finish.

Type the following parameters to leave stock for the finish pass:

Step 6

In the Leads page type the following values:

Click OK.

Step 7

To compute the toolpath, right-click Rough and click Compute Toolpath.

NOTE:  The toolpath may automatically compute from switching cycle types in Step 5.

Cutting the Groove

Step 1

Right-click Machine Setup and click Turn, Groove.  

Step 2

Right-click Geometry and click Re/Select. In the FeatureManager design tree tab, click the last Cut-Revolve1 feature. Click OK.

Step 3

To edit the Groove feature, right-click Groove and click Edit.

Step 4

In the Groove page, make sure that under Cycle Type, Turning Rough is selected.

Type the following values:

Step 5

In the Leads page type the following values:

Click OK.

Step 6

To compute the toolpath, right-click Groove and click Compute Toolpath.

Drilling the Hole

Step 1

Right-click Machine Setup and click Turn, Drill.  

Step 2

Right-click Start Point and click Re/Select. Click the cylindrical face of the hole. Click OK.

Step 3

To edit the Drill feature, right-click Drill and click Edit.

NOTE: Notice that the total depth, as well as the drill size, has been set from the geometry selected.

Step 4

To compute the toolpath, right-click Drill and click Compute Toolpath.

Posting the Code

Step 1

Click to expand the (CAM Part) AdvancedTurningTutorial1 folder at the top of the BobCAM CAM Tree.

Step 2

Right-click Turning Tools and click Post. The posted code is displayed in the Posting Tab.

NOTE: This uses the Post Processor selected under Turning Stock.

This concludes the Advanced Turning Tutorial.