The BobCAD Basics
31 articles in The BobCAD Basics
Picking Manager – How it Works
The new chain selection options give you an enormous amount of power to select entire chains, from wireframe and solids alike, with speed and ease! Whether you're selecting geometry for CAD features or assigning geometry to CAM features, these new options have you covered!
Mill 2-Axis T-Cutter Undercut Example
This article will show how to create an undercut toolpath using a T-Cutter and the 2x Profile Feature.
Options When Importing an .IGS .IGES File
This article will go over the options page when trying to import an .IGS file into BobCAD-CAM
Modify a BobCAD Part File
This article will briefly cover how to access previous CAD history to modify a part in BobCAD-CAM.
Material Library Example
This example with explain the Stock Material Library. This library is used to setup default Speeds and Feeds. You can Create or Modify Existing Materials.
Open Pocket Example
In this article we look at open pocket shapes. We will cover how to create open pockets with wireframe geometry, solid geometry, and what to be cautious of when working with open pockets.
Move Geometry to Same Z Plane (Failed in: Trim Error; Quick Trim Issue)
This article discusses how to easily move all your wireframe geometry (Lines, Arcs and Splines) to one singular Z plane. This will allow you to use the geometry modifying functions such as Trim Two Entities, Quick Trim and the Break Entity functions.
Understanding Cutting Extents
This document describes the differences between the cutting extents for the 3 axis pro toolpaths. The Cutting Extents options change where the boundary is created to determine how the toolpath is calculated on the model (where the tool cuts at the boundary).
Toolpath on Wrong Side of Geometry
This document goes over how to adjust the cutting direction and cutting side of the geometry for a Profile Rough, Profile Finish or Chamfer Mill Operation.
Wire EDM Cutting Conditions
This article will describe how to set up Cutting Conditions in of BobCAD-CAM for Wire EDM Machines. There are 2 main ways to do this.
Work Coordinate System Vs. CAD Coordinate System
This article contains a large overview of the differences between the CAD and Work Coordinate Systems. For some users, there is a common misconception that the CAD Coordinate System is the same thing as the Work Coordinate System.
Using Layers
This article will provide a basic explanation of what a Layer is, explain the Layer Manager, will show where to find the Layer Manager initially, and provide a link for the topic that shows how to relocate the Layer Manager.
The "Save Defaults" Button
Save Default Parameters in your CAM Feature Wizard. This step-by-step guide will show you how easy this is to setup.
Save out a PDF file (Print to PDF)
The following guide will show you how to save out PDF files from BobCAD-CAM. These options can also be utilized in other similar software programs to save out the in-software graphics to a PDF file format.
Take Videos and Pictures of the Simulation
The Capture Picture (Graphics Area) and Capture Video command are both able to record information about the remaining stock that is being left over after machining out the part file.
Chamfer Toolpath (Selecting Geometry)
This article will show you how to select the correct geometry for the Chamfer Toolpath with sharp edges or 3d chamfered edges of your model.
Create Surfaces to Fill In Gaps on Model
This document will walk you-through how to create surfaces and how to stitch surfaces together to create one solid model. This will allow you to use the model with other Create 3D functions to modify the model further.
Create Final Z Level Pass Down to the Allowance
This article will help you understand how depth passes are processed in BobCAD-CAM for Z Level Finish and Advanced Z Level Finish Operations.
Aligning Stock With your Model
If you have a model that does not align with the default UCS when loading in the part, you may need to align your stock with respect to the model on the Stock Definition page.
Apply Cutter Compensation in BobCAD-CAM
This article will cover cutter compensation in BobCAD and how to get a G41/G42 to appear in the processed G-Code. It will also talk about how to apply a Wear Compensation as well.
Fit Text to A Curve
This document will explain how the “Fit Text to a Curve” function works inside of BobCAD
BobCAM for Rhino Commands used for CAM
Shows a list of all the important commands used when CNC programming in Rhino.
How to Manually Edit Toolpath
This article covers how to manually edit toolpath in BobCAD-CAM using the "Edit Toolpath" utility. the example showed how to unwanted delete toolpath.
How to Create/Import Tools in BobCAD-CAM
There are 3 main ways you can create or import Tools in BobCAD-CAM: Standard Tool Creation Through the Tool Library; Custom 2D Wireframe Tool Geometry; and Export/Import 3D Tool Models using MachiningCloud
Lathe Reverse Sign of X values in G-Code
The document will show a step-by-step of how to step up a tool to reverse the X sign in the G-Code. This will be necessary if your machine uses negative X values to move towards the center of rotation. You will change the G-Code by checking off the box that says “Reverse Sign” in the tool library.
Lathe Single Point Threading Calculation
This article covers the software calculates the Thread Height for a Lathe Single Point Threading Feature.
Import Tools Using Machining Cloud
When working with MachiningCloud to house your tool library, utilizing the Tool Library in BobCAD-CAM is not necessary. You can easily export jobs as needed in order to import them into the BobCAD-CA Tool Crib for the current job.
Disable Data Collection
Data Collection in BobCAD is used to help our team understand what features of the software are being utilized the and help improve the software. The data is collected anonymously, meaning that we cannot tie any data back to any specific user. If you would like to disable to option, read this article...
Defining Machine Setup in Lathe (SW)
The Machine Setup for Lathe is defined using SolidWork's native Coordinate Systems. This article provides instructions on how to setup these coordinate systems in SolidWorks.
Facing Off a Spoil Board
This example will cover some of the basic workflow for setting up and creating toolpath for a CAM Job. It does not cover every aspect of creating a CAM job and is only meant to understand the basic workflow from creating the CAD, setting up the job, creating toolpath and posting out the job. In particular, it will cover facing a spoil board on the CNC Router. The article will break down the process into simple steps that you can follow along with.
Feeds and Speeds in BobCAD-CAM
Speeds and Feeds in BobCAD-CAM can be set up in a couple of different ways. This article will discuss the different ways you can set up your feeds and speeds and give you a good understanding of where and how these options are utilized.