f

Turn and Mill/Turn Essentials

2023
2021

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 Disclaimer
Geometric Americas, Inc. makes no warranties, either express or implied with
respect to this manual. Geometric Americas, Inc. reserves the right to revise and
improve products as it sees fit, and to revise the specifications and information
contained herein without prior notice. Due to continuing product development,
specifications and capabilities described in this manual are subject to change
without notice.

Trademarks
The following and other product names and corporate references herein are
registered or proprietary trademarks of their respective owners.
CAMWorks® is a registered trademark of Geometric Americas, Inc.
All other brands and names are property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2019 Geometric Americas, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Product Version: CAMWorks 2023

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Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................5
About this course and manual .................................................................................................................. 5
Prerequisites ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Lab exercises ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Course Length ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Training files .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Technology Database for this course ........................................................................................................ 6
Lesson 1 Turning Basics ......................................................................................................................7
Introduction to course material ................................................................................................................ 8
User interface............................................................................................................................................ 8
Process overview ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Case Study – Generate toolpath automatically using CAMWorks Turning ............................................ 11
Define Stock ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Defining the Machinable Features ...................................................................................................... 25
Generate Operation Plan .................................................................................................................... 29
Case Study – Generate toolpath interactively ........................................................................................ 35
Case Study – Turn Operation Parameters............................................................................................... 54
Operation Parameters ........................................................................................................................ 54
Exercise 1 – Generate toolpath on turned part using AFR and IFR ........................................................ 67
Lesson 2 Sub Spindle Turning ........................................................................................................... 70
Case Study - Turning with a Sub-Spindle ................................................................................................ 72
Exercise 2 – Turning with a Sub Spindle.................................................................................................. 90
Lesson 3 Multi Turret Turning ........................................................................................................... 94
Case Study – Programming with Two Turrets......................................................................................... 96
Case Study – Programming with Two Turrets and a Sub Spindle ......................................................... 120
Case Study – Programming with Three or More Turrets ...................................................................... 138
Exercise 3 – Programming for CNC Lathe with Two Turrets ................................................................. 150
Lesson 4 Advanced Turning ............................................................................................................ 156
Case Study – Advanced Turning Operation Parameters ....................................................................... 158
Case Study – B Axis Turning .................................................................................................................. 175
Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters...................................................................................... 187
Exercise 5 – B Axis Turning .................................................................................................................... 192

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Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics ................................................................................................................ 194
Case Study – Generate toolpath using CAMWorks Mill /Turn ............................................................. 196
Rotary Axis Mode .............................................................................................................................. 202
Exercise 6 – Mill Turn Basics ................................................................................................................. 208
Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced .......................................................................................................... 212
Case Study – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle .............................................................................................. 214
Case Study – Mill/Turn Wrapped Toolpaths ......................................................................................... 223
Case Study – Mill/Turn will Multi Axis Operations ............................................................................... 237
Exercise 7 – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle................................................................................................ 247
Exercise 8 – Mill/Turn with Multi Axis Operations ............................................................................... 254
Lesson 7 Assembly Mode ............................................................................................................... 261
Case Study – Assembly Mode Turning with Single Part........................................................................ 263
Case Study – Assembly Mode Mill/Turn with Fixture Assembly .......................................................... 273
Exercise 9 – Assembly Mode................................................................................................................. 282
Appendix i Using Custom Turn Tools ............................................................................................... 285
Case study – Using Custom Tools in CAMWorks Turning ..................................................................... 287
Case Study – Gang Tooling .................................................................................................................... 304
Appendix ii PrimeTurning™ ............................................................................................................ 318
Case Study – PrimeTurning™ ................................................................................................................ 319
Index ............................................................................................................................................. 327

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 Introduction

Introduction
About this course and manual
This course is intended to teach the user how to use CAMWorks to create toolpaths for the machining of
part and assembly files created in SOLIDWORKS and CAMWorks Solids for CNC Lathes.

This manual is intended to be used in a classroom environment with an experienced CAMWorks

instructor. The instructor is expected to cover the lesson material as part of a live demonstration and
provide addition instruction and guidance during the lab exercises. It is not intended to be a self-paced
tutorial.

Self-paced tutorials are available with every installation of CAMWorks. They are in C:\Program
Files\CAMWorks20XXx64\CAMWorks_VC140\lang\English\Manuals. It is generally recommended to
review this material before attending the course.

Since it is hard to cover every minute detail of CAMWorks Turning and MillTurn in a short class time, this
course with examine the fundamental skills and concepts needed for the successful use of CAMWorks.

The case studies and Lab exercises in this course are intended to show you how to use CAMWorks to set
up your files for Turning and MillTurn operations and may not correspond to actual machining practices.

It is recommended to use this course material as a supplemental to and not a replacement to the
documentation and help files.

Prerequisites
Student attending this course are expected to have the following:

• CAMWorks 2.5 axis training (SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Training)

• Experience with SOLIDWORKS Design Software
• Experience with CNC Machining

Lab exercises
Lab exercises provide the opportunity to apply and practice the concepts covered in each lesson. They
are modest in scope to allow the user enough time to complete in the allotted time

Course Length
Recommend minimum course length is 3 days

Training files
A complete set of training files will be provided by the instructor.

The files are organized by lesson number. The Case Study folder contains all the files the instructor will
use during the lessons. The Exercises folder will contain any file that required for the lab exercises. In
each of these folders a Finished Parts folder contains the files in their completed state.

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Introduction

Technology Database for this course

This course was designed to be used with the default technology database that is installed with a new
installation of CAMWorks. If a different technology database is used, some of the resulting toolpath
might be different from the manual.

Your instructor can provide you with a default technology database if necessary.

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 Lesson 1 Turning Basics

Lesson 1 Turning Basics

What you will learn:

• CAMWorks user interface

• Process overview
• Machine Definition
• Stock Definition
• Define Machinable features using Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)
• Define Machinable features using Interactive Feature Recognition (IFR)
• Generate Operation Plan
• Insert Operations interactively
• Modify Operation Parameters
• Simulate – Section view
• Post Process

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Lesson 1 Turning Basics

Introduction to course material

This course deals with creating toolpath and generating machine code for parts that are machined on a
CNC Lathe. This course is broken up into two sections. The first deals with turning exclusively, or
machines that only support turning operations. The second section deals with Mill/Turn, or machines
that can perform milling operations in addition to turning operations.

User interface
CAMWorks User Interface is an extension to the SOLIDWORKS native Windows interface and behaves in
much the same way. Here is a list of the important parts of the interface:

SOLIDWORKS Feature Manager Design Tree – Displays all the features of the part or assembly file in
SOLIDWORKS

CAMWorks Feature Tree – Displays the machinable features and setups of the part or assembly.

CAMWorks Operations Tree – Displays the machining operations of the part or assembly.

CAMWorks Tool Tree – Show the tool crib, or list of available tools in the part or assembly file.

CAMWorks CommandManager Tool bar – Contains easy access to the CAMWorks commands.

CAMWorks Pull Down Menu – Provides access to the CAMWorks commands

CAMWorks Message Window – Reports on what processes have occurred.

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 Lesson 1 Turning Basics

Process overview
With CAMWorks we can create turning and mill turn toolpaths through automated and interactive
methods. Using the knowledgebase that can be captured in the Technology database, toolpaths can be
automatically inserted based on the features.

Here is the process we use to generate tuning and mill turn toolpaths in CAMWorks:

1. Model the part or assembly in SOLIDWORKS or CAMWorks Solids

2. Select the CAMWorks Feature Tree
3. Define Machine Controller Parameters
4. Define the Part/Stock
5. Define Machinable Features
6. Generate Operation Plan
7. Adjust Operation Parameters and Required
8. Generate toolpath
9. Simulate toolpath
10. Post process
11. Transmit file to the CNC

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Lesson 1 Turning Basics

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Case Study – Generate toolpath automatically using CAMWorks Turning

In this case study, we will go through the process of creating Turning toolpath to generate NC code on a
SOLIDWORKS Part.

This case study will use an existing SOLIDWORKS part file. We will start with a CNC lathe that has a single
spindle and single turret as shown below:

1. Open part
a. Open the part file 01_T_01.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 01\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab

The machine type is set to Machine [Mill – Metric]. The default type of machine for a new part is
determined by the Technology Database. When defining the machines in the Technology Database, the
default machine can be set so that new parts will be predefined with the default machine already

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selected. So, if you are only running parts on a Lathe, you can set the default machine to Turn in the
TechDB.

It is also possible to save the machine definition inside of a SOLIDWORKS document template. This will
be useful if you are designing parts that will be eventually machined on a lathe, for example, then the
machine will already be defined.

Also, if you are importing parts from other file types, a document template with the machine definition
predefined can be useful.

For this example, we will need to change the machine type to a turn machine

2. Edit Machine Definition

a. Double click on the Machine [Mill – Metric] icon in the CAMWorks Feature Tree
b. On the Machine tab, select Turn Single Turret – Metric
c. Click on Select

d. Click on the Tool Crib tab

e. Select the Tool Crib 2 Rear (Metric) tool crib

f. Click on the Post Processor tab

g. Select the T2AXIS-TUTORIAL post processor from the post processor list

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h. Click on the Posting tab

This tab shows information related to the posting out of NC code. The parameters displayed on this tab
can vary depending on the post processor that is selected. The Z Preset Rear Main and X Preset Rear
Main are parameters that the system will use as a return position.

i. Click on the Setup tab

The Setup tab is used to define the turn setup information for the part in the spindle. From here we can
define the coordinate system location and work offset for each spindle, along with defining the max
spindle speed direction.

By clicking on the Coordinate System: User Defined button we can define the point on the part where
the Work Offset will be located. This can either be done from a User Defined point, or by a predefined
SOLIDWORKS Coordinate System.

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The Coordinate System can also be defined by double clicking on the Main Spindle icon in the
CAMWorks Feature tree

The Work Coordinate button will let us define the work coordinate for the spindle.

When the Spindle Speed Limit checkbox is checked, a value can be entered to set the Max RPM of the
spindle. If remained unchecked, the Max Spindle speed will be defined from the machine definition of
the machine that is set in the Technology Database. Although this seems redundant with this current
part, when we are working with a machine that has a sub-spindle, there might be a different Max RPM
between the spindles.

We can also set the Spindle direction.

For this part, the Setup is defined already as the default coordinate system in set to the front face of the
part.

j. Click on the Chuck/Fixture tab

The Chuck/Fixture tab lets us define the chuck that will be holding the part to the spindle. The
chuck/fixture can be defined from a set of standard chuck that are predefined in the system. These
predefined chucks are based off of standard geometry and additional sizes can be added to CAMWorks.

We can also define the chuck base on an external SOLIDWORKS assembly or part file or stl file. In
assembly mode, other components of the assembly can be defined as the chuck or fixture. For now, we
will use one of the standard chucks.

Note that this does not define the location of the chuck on the part. We will define that later.

k. Click on the Edit button under Main Spindle Information

l. Under Available Chucks, select 100mm_1Step_Chuck

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m. Click OK
n. Click OK to the machine definition
3. Define the Stock
a. Double-Click on the Stock Manager in the CAMWorks Feature Tree, or Right Click on the
Stock Manager and select Edit Definition or click on the Stock Manager icon on the
CAMWorks Command Manager toolbar.

Define Stock
The Stock Manager defines the material from which the part is machined. By default, this will be the
smallest diameter cylinder that the part model fits into. However, we can changer this in the Stock
Manager.

Material
The Stock Manager also defines the Material the part will be machined
out of. A list of predefine materials is included with the default
installation. More customized materials can be added through the
Technology Database. The material defined contains library information
regarding Feeds and Speed which will be applied to the operations later
so it can be useful to set the material type.

Stock Type
The Stock Type uses the following parameters to define the shape of
the stock:

From Round or Bar Stock – This is the default stock type. CAMWorks
defines the default bar stock as the smallest cylinder that the part will
fit into. Such a bar stock will have a Stock Length equal to the length of
the part and a Stock Diameter equal to the max. part diameter.
Typically, this is not the size of the bar stock you will be using. Edit the
stock dimensions using the Bar stock parameters.

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From Revolved Sketch – For this stock type, the stock is defined from a
sketch. Note that the sketch does not need to be revolved. The
applicable sketches are listed in the Available Sketches group box.
Select the desired sketch from the Available Sketches group box to
define the stock.

From Revolved 2d WIP Sketch – Revolved stock is defined from a Turn

WIP sketch file (*.cwtwip) created using the Save WIP Model command
on the Stock Manager context menu. You can use the WIP File Path
group box to locate the Turn WIP sketch file you want to use.

From STL File – The stock can be defined from an STL file that is created
from a simulated stock model or from an external CAD system. You can
use the STL File Path group box to locate the STL file you want to use.

Part File – If Part File is selected as the stock type, the stock can be
defined from another solid part file. This can be either a separate file
that you browse to, or another configuration of the current part.

Strategy
Depending on the stock Strategy and other conditions, CAMWorks can generate a specific sequence of
operations and parameters. These operations and parameters are set up on the Feature and Operations
form in the TechDB. Once these conditions are defined and stored in the TechDB, they can be applied to
similar part configurations.

Solid – This attribute tells CAMWorks that the material being machined is made from a solid bar or billet
and does not have a pre-drilled cavity in it. When the Strategy is set to Solid, the Core diameter of the
stock will be automatically set to 0.00 units.

Cored – This attribute tells CAMWorks that the stock already has a pre-drilled or cored ID. When a valid
Core diameter value is assigned, the Strategy is automatically set to Cored when the focus is shifted out
of the Core diameter field.

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Bar stock parameters

The Bar stock parameters group box is displayed when you select From Round bar Stock as the stock
type.

CAMWorks sets default values for the following parameters based on the extents of the part. Typically,
you want to increase the size of the stock to ensure the part is machined.

Outside Diameter – Defines the diameter of the bar stock. The default diameter of the bar stock is equal
to the max. part diameter. Increasing or decreasing this value updates the Diameter Offset parameter.

Inside Diameter – Defines the diameter of the core if the bar stock is made from a tube.

When the Inside diameter is set to a value greater than 0.00 units, then the Strategy is automatically set
to Cored when the focus is shifted out of the Inside diameter field.

The Inside diameter can only be assigned a value which is greater than/equal to 0.00 units and less than
the diameter of the Round bar stock. If the Inside Diameter value assigned is greater than or equal to
the diameter of the Round bar stock, then CAMWorks will display an error message. This error message

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states that the diameter of the core cannot be greater than or equal to the Diameter of the stock and
prompts you to enter a value in the valid range.

When the Inside diameter is set to 0.0 units (default value), then the Strategy can be set to either Solid
or Cored.

Stock Length – Defines the length of the stock. The default stock length is equal to the length of the
part. The direction is always to the left of the face.

You can edit the Stock Length by either assigning it a value directly or setting the Offset Parameters of
Front Face of Stock Offset and Back Face of Stock Offset. The Stock Length is equal to the sum of the
part length, Front Face of Stock Offset and Back Face of Stock Offset values.

Stock Length = Part Length + Front Face Offset + Back Face Offset

Back of Stock Absolute – Defines the right edge of the stock along Z.

This value is related to the origin that is set up to establish the machine coordinate system. The Z length
is relative to the Z face and has a default value that is equal to the over-all part extents. The dimension is
shown as a negative number if the origin is set from the outer face of the part. The value is relative to
the direction of the Z axis.

When the Back of Stock Absolute parameter value is increased or decreased, it always affects the Back
Face of Stock Offset and Front Face of Stock Offset parameters.

Example:

Consider that for a Round bar stock with a Stock Length of 100mm, the Back of Stock Absolute
parameter value is originally set to -100mm. Both the Back Face of Stock Offset and Front Face of Stock
Offset parameters are set to 0mm.

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I. Set the Back Face of Stock Offset parameter to 5mm. Observe the Back of Stock Absolute
parameter is updated to -105mm and the Stock Length is updated to 105mm. [Stock Length =
Part Length + Front Face Offset + Back Face Offset = (100 + 0 + 5) = 105]

II. Now set the Back of Stock Absolute parameter to -100mm. Observe the Back Face of Stock
Offset parameter is updated to 0mm and the Front Face of Stock Offset parameter is updated
to 5mm. The Stock Length remains constant at 105mm. [Stock Length = Part Length + Front Face
Offset + Back Face Offset = (100 + 5 + 0) = 105].

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III. Now set the Back of Stock Absolute parameter to -95mm. Observe the Back Face of Stock
Offset parameter is updated to -5mm and the Front Face of Stock Offset parameter is updated
to 10mm. The Stock Length remains constant at 105mm. [Stock Length = Part Length + Front
Face Offset + Back Face Offset = (100 + 10 - 5) = 105].

Offset Parameters – The Offset parameters enable the computation of the Round Bar Stock dimensions
based on Part offsets.

Diameter Offset – Use this parameter to compute the diameter of the stock by defining it as an offset
from the max. diameter of the part. Increasing or decreasing this value updates the Outside Diameter of
the stock.

Example:

If the max. diameter of the part is 100mm and the Diameter Offset is set to 2mm, then the diameter of
the stock will be 102mm. The Outside Diameter value will be updated to 102mm.

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Front Face of Stock Offset – Use this parameter to compute the stock length by defining the front face
of the stock as an offset from the front face of the part. Increasing or decreasing this value updates the
Stock Length parameter.

Example:

Consider that the length of the part is 100mm. The default Stock Length for the Round Bar stock will be
100mm.

I. Set the Stock Length to 105mm. This action updates the Front Face of Stock Offset value to
5mm.

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II. Now set the Front Face of Stock Offset parameter value to 10mm. Observe that the Stock
Length automatically updates to 110mm.

Back Face of Stock Offset – Use this parameter to compute the stock length by defining the back face of
the stock as an offset from the back face of the part. Increasing or decreasing this value updates the
Stock Length parameter and the Back of Stock Absolute parameter.

Whenever the Stock Length parameter is increased or decreased in value, the change in dimension is
always applied to the front face of the stock and never to the back face of the stock. Consequently,
whenever the Stock Length is changed, the Front Face of Stock Offset value is updated while the Back
Face of Stock Offset value remains unchanged.

Example:

Consider that the length of the part is 100mm. The default Stock Length for the Round Bar stock will
100mm and the Back of Stock Absolute parameter value will be -100mm.

I. Set this Stock Length to 105mm. This action updates the Front Face of Stock Offset value to
5mm.

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II. Now set the Back Face of Stock Offset parameter value to 10mm. Observe that the Stock
Length automatically updates to 115mm and the Back of Stock Absolute parameter value
updates to -110mm.

III. Now decrease the Stock Length parameter value to 112mm. This action updates the Front Face
of Stock Offset value to 2mm while Back Face of Stock Offset and Back of Stock Absolute
parameter values remains unchanged at 10mm and -110mm, respectively.

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Associate offset parameters for rebuild – The Associate offset parameters for rebuild option is checked
by default.

When a turn part model geometry is changed, the CAMWorks data for the part model is rebuilt to
reflect the changes to the model geometry. After the Rebuild process, the Stock Length is always
updated in sync with the part length. However, the Stock Diameter will be updated in sync with the
max. part diameter only if the Associate offset parameters for rebuild option in the Stock Manager
dialog is checked.

b. For Material, select 6061-T6

c. Under Bar stock parameters, under Offset Parameters, set the Diameter Offset to 2mm
d. Set the Front face of stock offset to 3mm
e. Set the Back face of stock offset to 10mm

f. Click OK

When hovering over the Stock manager and Machine node in the CAMWorks Feature Tree, we can see a
preview of the stock and chuck.

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Defining the Machinable Features

Then next step is to define the Machinable Features. Feature-based machining is the driving concept
behind CAMWorks. By defining areas to be machined as features, CAMWorks is able to apply more
automation and intelligence in toolpath creation. You have the additional benefit in that this approach is
more intuitive and follows the feature modeling concepts of SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids.

Machining can be done only on machinable features. CAMWorks provides two methods for defining
machinable features:

• Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) – Automatic Feature Recognition analyzes the part shape
and attempts to define most common machinable features such as face, OD, ID, and groove
features. The Extract Machinable Features command initiates AFR. Depending on the complexity
of the part, AFR can save considerable time in defining turn features.
• Interactively created Turn features – AFR is a very complex process and will not always
recognize all machinable features, for example a thread relief feature. In addition, AFR may
recognize a feature that might not be suitable for the intended machining process. To machine
these areas, you need to define features interactively using the New Turn Feature command.

When programming in CAMWorks, a file can contain machinable features defined by one or both of
these methods.

The following features types can be defined

• Face Feature – A Face feature is defined from vertical edges at the front edge of the part model.
• OD Feature – An OD features include the outside shape of the part from the face feature to the
cutoff feature, not including the shape of any groove features.
• ID Feature – An ID features include the inside diameter shape of the part from the Face feature
to the Cut Off feature, not including the shape of any groove features.
• Groove Feature with vertical walls – A Groove is a feature that is closed on both sides and
below the surface of the surrounding geometry. There are three categories of grooves:
rectangular, half obround and generic. You can cut a groove into the outer diameter, the inner
diameter, or a face. Groove features where the bottom of the groove is not parallel to the Z or X
axis are not recognized by AFR and must be defined interactively.
• Cut Off Feature – A Cut Off feature is defined from vertical edges on the opposite side of the
Face feature. A Cut Off feature is similar to a face and can be converted to a Face feature for
two-step turning operations using the Convert to Face Feature command on the Cut Off feature
context menu.

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The following features are recognized automatically in CAMWorks:

Machinable Feature Description Allowable Operations

Face A Face feature is defined from vertical edges at the front of Face Rough
the part model. This feature is generally used to trim excess Face Finish
stock off the front of the part.
OD An OD (outer diameter) feature includes the outside shape Turn Rough
of the part from the face feature to the cutoff feature, Turn Finish
excluding the shape of any groove features. Typically, this Face Rough
feature is used to trim the stock away, leaving you with the Face Finish
outer shape of your design. Groove Rough
Groove Finish
Thread
ID An ID (inner diameter) feature includes the inside diameter Bore Rough
shape of the part from the face feature to the cutoff feature, Bore Finish
excluding the shape of any groove features. Drill
Thread
Groove A Groove Rectangular OD is a recessed feature on the OD of Groove Rough
Rectangular OD the part where the side walls are equal and parallel to the X Groove Finish
machining direction. The bottom and or top may include Turn Rough
constant radius fillets or equal size chamfers. Turn Finish
Groove A Groove Rectangular ID is a recessed feature on the ID of Groove Rough
Rectangular ID the part where the side walls are equal and parallel to the X Groove Finish
machining direction. The bottom and or top may include Bore Rough
constant radius fillets or equal size chamfers. Bore Finish
Groove A Groove Rectangular Face is a recessed feature on the front Groove Rough
Rectangular Face edge of the part where the side walls are equal and parallel Groove Finish
to the Z machining direction. The bottom and or top may
include constant radius fillets or equal size chamfers.

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Groove A Groove Half Obround OD is a recessed feature on the OD Groove Rough

Half Obround OD of the part where the side walls are equal and parallel to the Groove Finish
X machining direction. The side walls of the groove are
joined at the bottom of the groove by a single 180 degree
radius.
Groove A Groove Half Obround ID is a recessed feature on the ID of Groove Rough
Half Obround ID the part where the side walls are equal and parallel to the X Groove Finish
machining direction. The side walls of the groove are joined
at the bottom of the groove by a single 180 degree radius.
Groove A Groove Half Obround Face is a recessed feature on the Groove Rough
Half Obround Face Face of the part where the side walls are equal and parallel Groove Finish
to the Z machining direction. The side walls of the groove are
joined at the bottom of the groove by a single 180 degree
radius.
Groove A Groove Generic OD is any recessed groove shape feature Groove Rough
Generic OD on the OD of the part that is neither rectangular nor half Groove Finish
obround in shape. Turn Rough
Turn Finish
Groove A Groove Generic ID is any recessed groove shape feature on Groove Rough
Generic ID the ID of the part that is neither rectangular nor half Groove Finish
obround in shape. Bore Rough
Bore Finish
Groove A Groove Generic Face is any recessed groove shape feature Groove Rough
Generic Face on the face of the part that is neither rectangular nor half Groove Finish
obround in shape.
Cut Off A Cut Off feature is defined from vertical edges on the Cut Off
opposite side of a Face feature. This feature is used primarily Face Rough
to trim excess stock from the back of the part. A Cut Off Face Finish
feature is similar to a face and can be converted to a Face Groove Rough
feature for two-step turning operations using the Convert to Groove Finish
Face Feature command on the Cut Off feature context
menu.

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4. Define Machinable Features

a. Run Automatic Feature Recognition by clicking on the Extract Machinable Features
icon on the CAMWorks CommandManger toolbar

b. Examine the recognized features

5. Change the Strategy for ID Feature1

a. Right Click on ID Feature1 and select Parameters

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b. Change the Strategy to Rough-Finish

c. Click OK

Notice how to the right of every feature in the tree is text in brackets, for example, Face Feature1 show
like this in the tree:

Generate Operation Plan

The [Rough & Finish] text is the strategy of the feature. This text is a name that usually describes the
operations that will be generated automatically when we run the Generate Operation Plan command.
The strategy name and operation plan can be customized in the Technology Database.

In the previous step, we took the ID Feature and changed its strategy so that when we Generate the
Operation Plan it will include some Bore Rough and Finish operations in addition to the drilling
operations that the [Drill] strategy would have resulted in

An Operation Plan are the operations that are generated from the machinable features and contain the
information on how these features are to be machined. Running the Generate Operation command will

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automatically create the Operations in the CAMWorks Operation tree base on what has been set up in
the Technology Database.

6. Generate Operation Plan

a. Generate the operation plan

Each of the operations contain the parameters to machine the part. These operations can be modified
to better suit the machining conditions. We can modify these parameters both before and after
generating toolpath.

7. Modify Operations
a. Right click on Rough Turn1 and select Edit Definition

b. Click on the Turn Rough tab

c. Under Profile parameters, set the First cut amount to 1.5mm
d. Uncheck the Undercut checkbox

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The First cut amount is the depth of the first pass of the roughing operations. In this step, we are telling
the operation not to machine as deep for this first

The check box for Undercut tells prevents the insert from trying to cut the back side of the part.

e. Click on the Advanced tab

f. Under Chuck/Fixture avoidance, check on the Enable checkbox
g. Leave the Clearance value set to 2mm

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This will ensure that the toolpath that is generated will not gouge the Chuck/Fixture defined in the
machine setup

h. Click OK
i. Edit Turn Finish1
j. Click on the Turn Finish tab
k. Uncheck the Undercut checkbox

l. Click on the Advanced tab.

m. Under Chuck/Fixture avoidance, check on the Enable checkbox
n. Leave the Clearance value set to 2mm

o. Click OK
8. Generate Toolpath
a. Generate the toolpath

CAMWorks has the ability to simulate the toolpath showing the movement of the tool and the resulting
part.

After toolpaths have been generated, executing the Simulate Toolpath command displays the Toolpath
Simulation dialog box. Use the settings and parameters within the Toolpath Simulation dialog box to
view graphical representation of the material removal for the verification of machining operations.
Running simulation visually helps confirm the material removal process and view the final shape of the
stock.

9. Simulate Toolpath
a. Click on the Simulate Toolpath icon on the CAMWorks CommandManager toolbar

b. Click the play button

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c. Click OK

At this stage, examination of the simulated results might lead us to further modifications to the
operation parameters and tool to better optimize the toolpath. For now, we will move on to the final
step of the process and generate the NC code for the machine

10. Post Process

a. Click on the Post Process icon in the CAMWorks Command Manager toolbar

b. Select a folder to save the NC file

c. Click Save
d. In the Post Process dialog, expand the Options section
e. Ensure that the Open G-Code file in CAMWorks NC Editor checkbox is check
f. Click Play

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g. Click OK
h. Examine G Code in CAMWorks NC Editor

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Case Study – Generate toolpath interactively

In this case study we will create machinable features and operations interactively.

1. Open Part
a. Open the part file 01_T_02.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 01\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Define Machine
a. Edit the machine definition
b. On the Machine tab, select the Turn Single Turret – Metric machine
c. Click Select

d. Click on the Post Processor tab

e. Select T2AXIS-TUTORIAL as the post processor

f. Click on the Chuck/Fixture tab

g. Under Main Spindle Information, select the Edit button

h. Select 100mm_1Step_Chuck from the list of Available Chucks

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i. Click OK
j. Click OK
3. Define Stock
a. Edit the stock manager
b. Under Stock type, set the Strategy to Cored
c. Under Bar stock parameters, set the Inside Diameter to 25mm
d. Under the Offset parameters, set the Front Face of Stock Offset to 2mm
e. Set the Back Face of Stock Offset to 12mm

f. Click OK

In this case study, we are creating features and operations interactively. This begins with creating a turn
setup. In the CAMWorks 2023 CommanadManager Toolbar there is a Setup dropdown menu that has a
Turn Setup command in it.

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Also, we can right click on the Stock manager and select the Turn Setup… command.

4. Create new Turn Setup

a. Create new turn setup
b. Click OK
5. Create Face Feature
a. Right click on the Turn Setup1 in the CAMWorks Feature tree and select Turn
Feature…

New Turn Feature Property Manager

The New Turn Feature property manager is activated. The following parameters are in the New Turn
Feature property manager:

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Feature
This is where we tell CAMWorks what type of feature we are
defining and what the strategy for that feature is. The Type of
feature can be any of the feature types listed above. The default
strategy that is selected is set in the Technology database. The set
Strategy determined what tools, Feeds and Speeds, and operation
parameters are used in the operations when the operation plan is
generated. These strategies are defined in the Technology
Database.

Define From
<Part Profile>, closed sketches and open sketches are listed in the
Define from list box.

• The Part Profile is generated based on either a Plane

Section or a Revolved section.
• The Turn Section Plane Angle is used to indicate the angle
of rotation by which the orientation of the Turn section
plane is rotated. This control is enabled only when the Part
Profile Method is set to Plane Section.

Plane Section – When selected, the default part profile displayed is based
on the section plane through the part.

The section plane is defined in the Setup tab under the Machine dialog box.

Any non-revolved features present on the part are ignored if they are not in
line with the section plane selected in the Setup tab.

Optionally, you can choose to generate a Plane Section part profile on a

Turn Feature section plane with an orientation different from that defined
in the Setup tab under the Machine dialog box. This option is especially
useful for generating profiles on Mill-Turn parts or parts that have features
that will be machines later on a mill.

To generate such a part profile, you need to specify the new Turn Section Plane Angle and generate a
new part profile by clicking on the Generate Profile button.

Once the Plane Section Part profile is generated, you need to select the faces on the part model in order
to define the turn feature.

Revolved Section – When selected, the part profile is generated using an automatic method of rotating
all model geometry around the turning axis and then creating a section through the revolved model.

In this method the section plane defined in the setup tab of machine node is irrelevant since any section
plane will generate the same cross section.

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For parts with both mill and turn features, this method will generate a more
complete part profile by calculating the minimum silhouette of the model as it
rotates.

On complex part models, this method can be more time consuming the first time
the New Turn Feature command is executed. On subsequent times the command
is run, the time will be relatively short.

To ensure that AFR considers non-revolved features, change the CAMWorks

Options settings. Open the CAMWorks Options dialog box; under Turn Features
tab, set the Extract Machinable Features Method to 'Revolved Section'. Apply these settings. This will
ensure that AFR considers non-revolved features.

• User Defined Sketches (both opened and closed)

The names of all valid sketches are listed in the Define from list box. Whether the sketch is
[OPEN] or [CLOSED] is indicated in brackets next to its name.

If you select an Open sketch to define a feature, then all the segments present in the sketch will
be used to define the feature. The open sketches should not extend over the turn axis.

If you select a Closed sketch to define a feature, you need to either manually pick or Window
Select segment entities from the sketch that do not define a closed loop in order to define the
feature. The sketches must be closed towards the centerline.

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Selected Entities
Displays the list of entities used to define the feature.

Extend1 and Extend2

The Turn feature extensions (Extend1 and Extend2) are implied
feature geometry entities that extend the feature geometry from
inside the stock to the stock boundary. Feature geometry and the
stock are considered when computing the toolpath. Because the
stock is typically larger than the feature geometry, there is a gap
between:

• the start of the feature and the stock

• the end of the feature and the stock

It is necessary for toolpath computation to have this information

so that CAMWorks can determine how to machine these gap
areas. The Extend1 option allows you to define a simple linear
segment to fill the gap between the start of the feature and the
stock. The Extend2 option allows you to define a simple linear
segment to fill the gap between the end of the feature and the
stock. The direction of these extensions affect how the toolpath is
computed. For roughing cycles, these extensions affect the canned
cycle output.

Message
The Message box displays appropriate messages based on the currently selected sketch or <part
profile>.

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Join
If any two selected entities do not directly connect, you need to
indicate how to join these two segments.

Chain – selects all entities between the two segments

Straight – Inserts a single linear segment between the end of one

segment and the start of the second segment

Along Z – This option inserts two linear segments. The first is

parallel to the Z axis and the second to the X axis.

Along X – This option insert two linear segments. The first is

parallel to the X axis and the second to the Z axis.
Tangential – This option inserts two linear segments. The first is
tangent to one entity and the second is either parallel to the X or Z
axis depending on its orientation.

This functionality is not available for open sketches.

b. For Type, select Face Feature
c. For Strategy, select Rough & Finish
d. In the graphics area, select the shown face

e. Click OK
6. Create OD Feature
a. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature

If, on the New Turn Feature property manager dialogue, the Keep Visible push pin is visible, the
dialogue will not close as it is assuming that another feature is going to be created. In this case, the
previous step will not be necessary

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b. For Feature Type, select OD Feature

c. For Strategy, select Rough-Finish
d. For Selected Entities, select the shown edges

Notice that the software automatically chain selects the join the segments

e. Under Selected Entities, select on Join1

Notice the edge of the profile is highlighted in the graphic area. This is because the End1 selection is set
to Chain. Some of the other options here determine how the join segment geometry is defined.

For this example, we will come back and define an OD groove feature to machine the rest of the outer
diameter

f. Under End1, select Along Z

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g. Click OK
7. Define the Groove Feature
a. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature
b. For Feature type, select Groove Generic
c. For Location, select OD
d. For Strategy, select Rough-Finish
e. For selected entities, select the shown edges

f. Under Selected entities, select Join1

g. Make sure that Chain is selected under End1

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h. Click OK
8. Define ID Feature
a. Enable section view using the Front Plane in SOLIDWORKS
b. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature
c. For Feature Type, select ID Feature
d. For Strategy, select Rough-Finish
e. For Selected Entities, select the edges shown

Alternatively, the faces of the model can be selected to define the edges

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f. Under Selected entities, select Join 1

g. Set End 1 to Along X

h. Select Join 2
i. Set End 1 to Along X

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j. Click OK
9. Define ID Grove Features
a. Right click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature
b. For Feature Type, select Groove Rectangular
c. For Location, select ID
d. For Strategy, select Rough-Finish

e. For Selected Entities, select the edges shown

f. Click OK
g. Define a second Rectangular Groove feature on the ID using the shown edges as the
Selected entities

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h. Click OK

At this point we can run the Generate Operation Plan command and let CAMWorks select the
operations and the machining parameters in those operation automatically. This is done because of the
strategies that are set with each feature that are set in the Technology Database to automatically
generate the operations.

For this case study, we will insert the operations manually. We will also work with the common
operation parameters and explain what they do.

10. Define Face Rough Operation

a. Click on the CAMWorks Operation tree
b. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turning Operations, Face Rough

c. On the Tool tab, select T01 - 0.4x80 ° Diamond

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d. On the Features tab check the box next to Face Feature1

e. Click OK

The Operation parameters dialogue is now active.

On the Tool tab, we can control all the parameters related to the tool including the geometry of the
insert the holder definition and the tool crib.

The F/S tab controls the feeds and speed of the operations. This can be driven off of the material library,
which will automatically set the Feeds and Speeds based on the Material Database.

The Face Rough tab controls the depth of cut, the allowance and if you are output the code as part of a
canned cycle. This tab name is only available on the Face rough operation type. Other operation types
will have their own tab.

The NC tab controls the approach/retract point along with the clearances

The Lead In/Out tab controls how the tool feeds into and out of the feature

The Feature Options tab controls the start and end length of the toolpath along with override to the
feature extensions.

The Advanced tab can set some Chuck/Fixture avoidance and limit the Z extents of the toolpath

f. Click on the NC Tab

g. Under the Retract section, set Retract to to Retract Point
h. Under Retract point, set the X reference offset to 28mm

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A red dot in the graphics area will give a preview of where this point is in relation to the part.

This will move the tool to this point after the toolpath and provide the approach point for the next
operation.

i. Click OK to accept the operation parameters.

11. Define the OD Rough Operations
a. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and click on Turning Operations, Turn Rough

b. On the Tool tab, select T01 - 0.4x80 ° Diamond

c. On the Features tab, check the box next to OD Feature1

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d. Click OK
e. Examine the operation parameters of the Turn Rough Operation
f. Click on the Turn Rough tab
g. Under Profile Parameters, set the First cut amount to 1mm

h. Click OK
12. Define the Rough Grooving operation on the OD
a. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and click on Turn Groove Operations, Groove Rough

b. On the Tool tab, click the Add New… button

c. In the Tool Select Filter set the Tool type to Turn Tool
d. Check on the Turn Insert Type button and select Groove from the dropdown list
e. Select on the 3mm Width Groove Insert w/.2mm r tool as shown
f. Click OK

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g. On the Features tab, check the checkbox next to Groove Generic OD1
h. Click OK
i. Click on the Groove Rough Tab
j. Under set the Stepover parameter to 1.5mm

k. Click OK
13. Generate Operation Plan
a. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
b. Right Click on ID Feature1 and select Generate Operation Plan
c. Do the same for Groove Rectangular ID1 and Groove Rectangular ID2

Note that on some of the operations there is a warning on the icon. This tells us that the tool that was
automatically selected was added to the tool crib from the Technology Database and was not part of the
original tool crib.

We can right click on the operation and select What’s Wrong? To clear the message, click on the Clear
button

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14. Modify Operation Parameters

a. Edit Groove Rough2
b. Click on the Groove Rough tab
c. Under Parameters, set the Stepover to 1.5mm

d. Do the same to Groove Rough3

e. Click OK
15. Generate Toolpath
a. Generate toolpath
16. Simulate Toolpath
a. Click on the Simulate Toolpath icon on the CAMWorks CommandManager toolbar
b. Under Display options, click on the Section view icon and set it to Half

c. Run the Simulation

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Lesson 1 Turning Basics, Case Study – Turn Operation Parameters

Case Study – Turn Operation Parameters

In this case study, we will take a closer look at the operation parameters for the turning operations.
Similar to milling, in turning, there are parameters that are applicable to every operation and
parameters that will only be specific to an operation type. We will start by examining the common
operation parameters.

1. Open Part
a. Open the part file 01_T_03.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 01\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Operation Tree

This part has already been programmed. We will be adjusting some of the existing operation parameters
to show some of the commonly set parameters that affect the toolpath.

We will start with explaining the common operation parameters.

2. Edit Face Rough Operation

a. Edit Face Rough1
b. Click on the Tool tab

The following operation tabs are common for all turn operation types:

Operation Parameters
Tool – The Tool tab in the Operation Parameters dialog box contains several sub-tabs that display
information about the current tool. There are four sub-tab that will be displayed at any given time.

• Station – on the Station tab we define the tool number. There are setting for Gage Offset and
Tool block definition. These two settings are used when running CAMWorks Virtual Machine.

• Tool Insert – The Tool Insert tab can be one of nine tabs depending on the type of turn insert is
chosen. These are:
o Diamond Insert o Square Insert o Groove Insert
o Hexagon Insert o Triangle Insert o Thread Insert
o Round Insert o Trigon Insert o User-defined

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This tab has parameters that control the size of the insert used

For OD operations, there can also be a Prime insert tab. PrimeTurningTM is a pattern of high-
speed turning (Roughing and Finishing) using patented insert shapes. The profiles of the Prime
Insert are patented and offered by Sandvik. The geometry of these inserts is available on the
Sandvik web portal in the form of *.stp and *.dxf files.

There are two types of PrimeTurningTM inserts viz. Type A and Type B.

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• Holder Tab – The Holder contains the parameters that controls the size and orientation of the
holder that holds the Insert. It can be one of two types, Holder and Boring Bar.

A Holder type defines the holder geometry from a Shank Width, Thickness and Length. A User-
Defined parameter also lets us use geometry from and STL or SOLIDWORKS files.

The Boring Bar type defines the holder geometry from a length and a diameter. A User-Defined
parameter is also available.

The orientation of the tool for the operation is also controlled on this tab.

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• Tool Crib – The Tool Crib tab displays the list of tools available for the job.

If you move the mouse pointer into the graphics area when a Tool page is active, a wireframe or shaded
display of the tool is attached to the pointer. The display mode is based on the setting for the tool and
holder display in either the Edit Toolpath or Step Thru toolpath function. If a tool and/or holder display
is set to None for these functions, the tool will display in shaded mode for operations.

c. Click on the F/S tab

The F/S tab control the spindle speed and tool feedrate for the operations. This can be controlled by the
Speed and Feed library or by the operation.

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The spindle speed can be defined by two different modes. When the units are set to Inches, this
parameter determines whether the output spindle speed is in Surface Feet Per Minute (SFM) or
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). When the units are set to Metric, this parameter determines whether
the output spindle speed is in Surface Meters Per Minute (SMM) or Revolutions Per Minute (RPM).

The Surface Speed parameter is enabled when the Mode is set to SFM or SMM. It indicates the output
spindle speed in SFM or SMM.

The Spindle Speed parameter is enabled when the Mode is set to RPM. It indicates the output spindle
speed in RPM (Revolutions Per Minute).

The spindle Direction parameter indicates the direction of the spindle, which can be either clockwise
(CW) or counterclockwise (CCW). This parameter will be enabled only when the Override Spindle
Direction checkbox option within the Spindle group box of this tab is checked.

The spindle direction will be auto assigned based on the values assigned to parameters that control the
spindle direction.

If you wish to override the auto-assigned spindle direction, ensure that the Override Spindle Direction
checkbox option within the Spindle group box of this tab is checked and then change the spindle
direction.

d. Click on the NC tab

The NC tab controls approach and retract points for the operations.

The Clearance parameters apply a position that precedes the toolpath moves.

e. Set Radial (X) to 5mm and Axial (Z) to 10mm

f. Click Preview

The approach and retract define where the tool is moving to and from before and after the toolpath.
The Approach point will generally be defined from the point where the previous operation ended. The
first operation in the tree the approach point will be defined from Posting tab of the Machine Definition.

g. Click on the Lead In/Out tab

The Lead In/Out tab defines the method for leading in and out of the cut.

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h. Click on the Feature Options tab

The Feature Options tab defines the Start length and End length of the toolpath. By default, this is
respectively set to 0mm

i. Set the Start length to 10mm

j. Click Preview

The tool starts 10mm offset in X

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k. Click on the Advanced tab

The Advanced tab contained parameters that control the Z limits of the toolpath. Also chuck avoidance
can be implemented to prevent collision with the defined chuck.

l. Click on the Statistics tab

m. Click on the Posting tab
3. Edit Operation Specific Parameters
a. Click on the Face Rough tab

On the Face Rough tab there are parameters that deal specifically with the Face Rough operation.

The Cut type section allows us to define the direction of each pass

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In the Canned cycle section, we can set the code output to be a

canned cycle or G-code for every pass.

In the Profile parameters section, we can control the step over

amounts and angles.

Leftover WIP – with Leftover WIP toolpaths are generated based on

the feature geometry and the work in process model (WIP) of the
stock material. This significantly reduces the amount of air cutting and
simplifies the process of defining the area to machine. With the
Generate option checked the WIP model is updated with the results of
the current operation. The Machine option allows you to determine
how the previous operation's WIP model is considered for the current
operation.

The following Machine parameters are available:

• Initial Stock – The toolpath is computed based only on the feature geometry and the initial
stock. The resulting WIP model shape that is computed depends on the Generate option above.

If Initial Stock is selected and Generate is checked, the resulting WIP stock model will be based
on the original stock model and the current toolpath.

If Initial Stock is selected and Generate option is unchecked, the resulting WIP stock model will
not be updated. Subsequent operations that consider WIP will be based on the previous
operation's WIP model.

• Previous Leftover – The toolpath is generated based on the feature geometry and the work in
process model (WIP) of the stock material.
• From Simulation – Similar to mill where simulation is executed in silent mode and the resulting
simulation model will be used to generate the WIP model.
• New Stock – Redefine the stock for the current operation using the Stock Manager Dialog Box
for defining the new shape.
• None – This option is available only for Turn Finish, Face Finish, Bore Finish and Groove Finish
operations. The toolpath is generated based on the entire feature geometry without taking the
WIP into consideration.

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b. Click OK

Next, we will examine the parameters that are unique the Face Finish operations

c. Edit Face Finish1

d. Click on the Face Finish tab

Under the Cut type section, we have the parameters that apply to turn finish operations like this Face
Finish. We will see similar parameters in the Turn Finish operation parameters as well.

The Pattern parameters control the how the finish operation in machines. For a typical Face feature, like
we are currently editing, that consists of a single vertical segment, the definition of Turn and Face
segment groups does not apply, and the resulting toolpath will be the same for any of these options.
The following options are available:

• Sequential – The toolpath is created along the entire feature from one end to the other in one
continuous move. The direction of the toolpath is based on the tool orientation and the setting
for Reverse.
• Face Down First – In this toolpath the feature is cut using back cutting as well as cutting with the
front edge of the insert. The face segments of the feature are defined as segments that can be
machined with the front edge of the insert. After identifying these segments, CAMWorks groups
them with adjacent constant diameter segments and machines them first in a downward and
reverse direction, effectively cutting with the back edge of the insert. The remaining turn
segments are then machined in an upward and forward direction that allows cutting with the
front edge of the insert. The toolpath produced with this option is in the opposite order as the
toolpath produced with the Turn First option.
• Face Up First – In this toolpath the feature is cut entirely with the front edge of the insert. The
face segments of the feature are defined as segments that can be machined with the front edge
of the insert. After identifying these segments, CAMWorks groups them with adjacent constant
diameter segments and machines them first in an upward and forward direction, which cuts
with the front edge of the insert. The remaining turn segments are then machined in the same
upward and forward direction.
• Turn First – In this toolpath the feature is cut using back cutting as well as cutting with the front
edge of the insert. The turn segments of the feature are defined as segments that can be
machined with the back edge of the insert. After identifying these segments, CAMWorks groups
them with adjacent constant diameter segments and machines them first in an upward or
forward direction. The remaining segments, which are the face segments, are machined in a
downwards reverse direction, effectively cutting with the back edge of the insert. The toolpath
produced with this option is in the opposite order as the toolpath produced with the Face Down
First option.
• Diameter & Length – The Diameter and Length Pattern on the Turn Finish tab, the Face Finish
tab and the Bore Finish tab provides the ability to feed the tool to a user-defined diameter and
retract. This pattern is typically used with grooving tools or round inserts when the intended cut
width is the same as the insert width (e.g., knurling, marking, o-ring grooves).
The intended toolpath motion is for the tool to position over the diameter in Z, then rapid down
in X to a clearance amount above the diameter, feed in X to the user defined diameter, move in

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Z if the user defined length is greater than the tool width, Dwell for the specified time, then
retract in X.
o Diameter – Use this parameter to define the diameter to be cut.
o Length – Use this parameter to define the intended width of the cut. If the specified
length is less than or equal to the groove tool width or inscribed circle of the insert, then
the tool will feed to the specified diameter and retract. If the length is greater than the
tool width, the tool will move in Z before retracting.
o Dwell – Use this parameter to specify an optional time that the tool remains engaged in
the part before retracting.

e. Click OK
f. Edit Turn Rough1
g. Click on the Turn Rough tab
h. Under Profile parameters, uncheck the Undercut check box
i. Click OK
4. Post Process Turn Rough operation
a. Right click on Turn Rough1 and select Post Process

b. Click Save to the Post output file dialogue

c. Click the Play button

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d. Click OK

We can take a look at the posted code for the Turn Rough operation.

We can set the operation to output a canned cycle based on the OD feature geometry.

5. Edit Turn Rough1

a. Edit Turn Rough1
b. Click on the Turn Rough tab
c. Under Canned Cycle, check on the Canned cycle output check box

d. Click OK
6. Post Process Turn Rough Operation
a. Post process Turn Rough1

Examine the posted code and notice a canned cycle is output.

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Next, we will examine the boring operations. Take a look at Bore Rough1. Notice how there is toolpath
generated at the bottom of the hole.

Earlier in the lesson, we mentioned the Leftover WIP settings. To eliminate excessive air cuts, successive
operations are based on the WIP model that is generate from the material that is leftover from the
current operation.

We can see that this Bore Rough operation tries to machine the bottom of the hole because the Drill
operation did not machine through the part.

7. Edit Drill Operation

a. Edit Drill1
b. Click on the Feature Options tab
c. Click on the Override Machining Depth button
d. Set the Machining length to 70mm

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e. Click OK
8. Generate Toolpath

Examine Bore Rough1 and notice that the toolpath conforms to the WIP geometry

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 Lesson 1 Turning Basics, Exercise 1 – Generate toolpath on turned part using AFR and IFR

Exercise 1 – Generate toolpath on turned part using AFR and IFR

Use CAMWorks workflow to program a part in CAMWorks Turning

This lab exercise will reinforce the following skills taught in Lesson 1

• Machine Definition
• Stock Definition
• Define Machinable features using Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)
• Define Machinable features using Interactive Feature Recognition (IFR)
• Generate Operation Plan
• Insert Operations interactively
• Modify Operation Parameters
• Simulate – Section view
• Post Process

Procedure:

1. Open Part
a. Open EX_01.SLDPRT from the …Lesson 01/Exercises folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Operation Tree
2. Define Machine
a. Use the following parameters
i. Machine: Turn Single Turret – Inch
ii. Tool Crib: Tool Crib 2 Rear (Inch)
iii. Post Processor: T2Axis-Tutorial.ctl
b. Click on the Chuck/Fixture tab and change the Chuck to 4in_1Step_Chuck

3. Define Stock
a. Set the Material to 6061-T6
b. Under Offset Parameters set the following:
i. Diameter Offset: .1in
ii. Front Face Of Stock Offset: .05in
iii. Back Face Of Stock Offset: .75in

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4. Run Automatic Feature Recognition

a. Run Extract Machinable Features
5. Define Features interactively
a. Define OD Feature for the 1/2-13 OD Thread
b. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature…
i. Type: OD Feature
ii. Strategy: Thread
iii. Selected entities: as shown

c. Right click on the new OD Feature2 and select Parameters…

d. Click on the Library button
e. Select the 1/2-13UNC thread

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f. Click OK
g. Reorder the Feature tree placing OD Feature2 above Cutoff Feature in the tree
6. Generate Operation Plan
a. Generate the operation plan
7. Generate Toolpath
8. Simulate Toolpath

9. Post Process

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Lesson 2 Sub Spindle Turning

Lesson 2 Sub Spindle Turning

What you will learn:

• Machine definition – Chuck Definition, Sub Spindle Distance

• Stock Definitions – Define stock using a revolved sketch
• Spindle Attribute
• Sub Spindle Setups
• Sub Spindle Operations

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Lesson 2 Sub Spindle Turning

In the previous lesson we went through some turning examples and generate G-code for part that are
machines on a Lathe with a single spindle. This lesson covers creating G-code on lathes that have two
spindles as shown below.

The basic process for a part to be machine on a CNC Lathe like this is…

1. The stock is placed in the spindle on the left side

2. The material is removed from the first side of the part
3. The partially machined part is then moved to the second spindle
4. The rest of the part is machined

In this lesson we will define a machine to run like this and program a part. Other options and parameters
will also be discussed as part of the lesson.

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Lesson 2 Sub Spindle Turning, Case Study - Turning with a Sub-Spindle

Case Study - Turning with a Sub-Spindle

In this case study, we will create NC code on a part for a lathe with a main and sub spindle.

1. Open Part
a. Open the part file 02_T_01.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 02\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Edit Machine Definition
a. Double click on the Machine [Mill – Metric] icon in the CAMWorks Feature Tree
b. On the Machine tab, select Turn Single Turret – Metric
c. Click on Select

Under the Active machine section there is a Use sub-spindle checkbox that is grayed out.

The ability to use a sub-spindle is enabled by the post processor. We will select the post processor
before to make this sub-spindle setting active.

d. Click on the Post Processor tab

e. Select the T2AXIS-TUTORIAL post processor from the post processor list
f. Click on the Machine tab
g. Check on the Use Sub-Spindle checkbox

h. Click OK

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In the CAMWorks Feature tree there are two Coordinate Systems displayed. These can be edited by
double-clicking on their respective icons in the CAMWorks Feature tree or from the Setup tab in the
Machine definition dialogue box.

By editing these coordinate systems, we define the direction and location of the respective origins on
the turn setups that get defined later on. All turn setups (and Mill setups when working in the Mill/Turn
environment) will have this origin and axis oriented per this coordinate system.

For this case study, we will use the default.

3. Define Features
a. Click on the Extract Machinable Features icon on the CAMWorks 2023 Command
Manager toolbar

We get the following features defined.

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If we take a look at OD Feature1 and ID Feature1 we see that some of the geometry would be better
accessed from back side of the part. It is this geometry that we are looking to machine on the Sub
spindle.

In order to do this, we will need to set up the features so that operations will be generated on the Sub-
Spindle. This is done by changing the spindle attribute.

When a part is being machined on machines which have both Main and Sub spindles, the Spindle
attribute helps you in defining operations for a given feature on a particular spindle.

At the same time, the Spindle attribute is also used in defining the Feature Conditions in TechDB so that
upon generating an operation plan, the operations for a given feature are populated under respective
Setups.

For this example, we will copy the existing features and change the parameters.

4. Define Sub Spindle Features

a. CRTL+Drag and Drop on OD Feature1 to copy it
b. Right Click on OD Feature1 – Copy and select Parameters

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c. Change the Spindle attribute to Sub spindle

d. Click OK

This will designate the copied OD Feature to be machined on the Sub-Spindle and the appropriate
operations will be generated when we generate the operation plan.

We will copy the ID Feature next and change its Spindle attribute.

a. CRTL+Drag and Drop on ID Feature1 to copy it

b. Right Click on ID Feature1 – Copy and select Parameters

c. Change the Strategy to Rough-Finish

d. Change the Spindle attribute to Sub spindle

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e. Click OK
f. Edit the Parameters of the original ID Feature1 and change the Strategy to Rough-
Finish
g. Click OK

Since the geometry on the backside of the part will be machined on the Sub Spindle, we can convert
CutOff Feature1 to a Face Feature and change its spindle attribute to sub spindle so it will also be
machined on the Sub Spindle

h. Right Click on CutOff Feature1 and select Convert to Face Feature

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i. Edit the Parameters of Face Feature2 and set the Spindle attribute to Sub spindle
5. Edit Stock
a. Edit the stock

In the last lesson we used a round stock to define the stock shape, or the shape from which the material
is removed. In this case study, we will define the stock from a SOLIDWORKS sketch.

b. For the Stock type, select the From Revolved Sketch icon.
c. Under Available sketches, select Stock

d. Click OK
e. Click Yes to the warning message about updating after modifying the stock

6. Generate Operation plan

a. Click on the Generate Operation Plan on the CAMWorks 2023 CommandMananger
toolbar

The CAMWorks Operation tree will become active. The operations for the feature are generated on
separate spindles based on their Spindle attribute. The operations that will be machined on the sub
spindle have are under the Turn Setup1 [Turn OpSetup2] [Sub] setup

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Since the stock defined from the SOLIDWORKS sketch has a predrilled hole the Center Drill and Drilling
operations that get generated are not necessary. We can delete those operations.

b. Delete the Center Drill and Drill operation under the Turn Setup1 [Turn OpSetup1] and
Turn Setup1 [Turn OpSetup2][Sub]
c. Under Turn Setup1 [Turn OpSetup2][Sub] drag and drop Face Rough2 and Face Finish2
to the top of the setup

7. Generate Toolpath
a. Generate the toolpath

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Notice that the Turn Rough, Turn Finish, Bore Rough and Bore Finish operations on the main spindle
setup (Turn Setup1 [Turn OpSetup1]) try to cut the material on the back side of the part.

We will need to edit these operations to disable the Undercut parameter.

8. Edit Operation parameters

a. Edit Turn Rough1
b. Click on the Turn Rough tab
c. Under Profile parameters, uncheck the Undercut checkbox

d. Click on the Advanced tab and under Chuck/Fixture avoidance, check on Enable

e. Click OK

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The toolpath might not regenerate at this point. By enabling the Chuck/Fixture avoidance, we are telling
CAMWorks to not generate toolpath where the Chuck is present.

We have not set the chuck distance yet and by default the sub spindle chuck is place directly on the part.
We will set that in the next step and the toolpath will regenerate correctly.

f. Edit Turn Finish1

g. Click on the Turn Finish tab
h. Under Profile Parameters, uncheck the Undercut checkbox

i. Click on the Advanced tab and Chuck/Fixture avoidance, check on the Enable checkbox

j. Click OK
k. Edit Bore Rough1
l. Click on the Bore Rough tab
m. Under Profile parameters, uncheck the Undercut checkbox
n. Click OK
o. Edit Bore Finish1
p. Click on the Bore Finish tab
q. Under Profile parameters, uncheck the Undercut checkbox

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r. Click OK

We will start by setting the chuck shape and distance in the machine definition.

9. Define Chuck location

a. Edit the machine definition
b. Click on the Chuck/Fixture tab
c. Under Main Spindle Information, click on Edit…

The parameters shown in the Property Manager can be modified to match the chuck that you would use
on your machine. The following sections with their parameters are available:

Chuck Management – Sets the chuck size from a list of

predefined chucks that are set in the Technology Database.
• A save button is available to let you save additional
chuck sizes to the Technology Database
• A delete button will let you delete the select chuck size

Preview – Provides a graphical description of the

shape/dimension of the active chuck parameter. This image
changes based on the focus of the active parameter.

Chuck Parameters – The following parameters are available to

edit:
• OD – The outer diameter of the chuck base.
• ID – The inner diameter of the chuck base. Defines the
diameter of the hole through the chuck for material to
pass through.
• Thickness – Sets the thickness of the chuck base.

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Jaw Parameters – The following parameters are available to

define the jaws of the chuck. The preview window updates to
show the relevant selection:
• Jaw Direction – Defines the Jaw direction. The Jaw
direction can either be set to Jaw In or Jaw Out.
• Number of Jaws – Sets the number of jaws. The
minimum is one and maximum is eight.
• Number of steps – Sets the number of steps on the
jaws. The minimum is one and maximum is 6.
• Jaw Thickness – Defines the thickness of the jaws.
• Step # – This column lists the steps in numerical order
up to the specified number of steps.
• Length – The locating length of the step. You can define
the length of each step. For multiple steps, this value is
grayed out if Equal step length is checked.
• Width – The locating width of the step. You can define
the width of each step. For multiple steps, this value is
grayed out if Equal step width is checked.
• Equal step width – For multiple steps, if this option is
checked, then each step is the same width as Step 1.
• Equal step length – For multiple steps, if this option is
checked, then each step is the same length as Step 1.
• Total – The Jaw radius and Jaw width are calculated
automatically by CAMWorks based on the number of
steps and the length and width of each step.

d. Under Chuck Parameters, set the OD to 250mm

e. Under Name, type 250mm_2Step_Chuck to save this custom size for later use.

f. Click OK
g. Under Sub Spindle Information, set the Distance (D) to 750mm
h. Set the Reference for D to Back on the chuck/fixture face

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i. Click OK
j. Let the toolpath regenerate
k. Edit Turn Setup1
l. Click on the Chuck/Fixture Location tab

In this setup, the Define chuck/fixture location checkbox is checked. When checked the options on this
page will define the location of the chuck as it relates to the part.

In subsequent setups, when this option is unchecked, the chuck location on that setup will be
determined by whatever operations and setups are above it in the tree.

When programming for a machine that uses a sub-spindle, for example, the location of the chuck/fixture
might depend on where it was placed as a result of where the Sub spindle operation left it.

We will show this in the next step. For now, we will leave this option check as it is.

m. Click OK

A Sub Spindle operation is a non-cutting operation in CAMWorks which is used to transfer the
stock/part between main and sub spindle on a twin spindle Turn or Mill-Turn machine.

The New Sub Spindle Operation command allows you to insert a Sub Spindle operation for Turn and
Mill-Turn parts. The Sub Spindle operation can be inserted from a turn setup, a mill setup, or from any
mill or turn operation. The new operation will be inserted after the selected operation or at the bottom
of the setup.

Unlike operations that generate cutting moves on the part model, Sub spindle operations are not
associated with any feature.

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Lesson 2 Sub Spindle Turning, Case Study - Turning with a Sub-Spindle

10. Define Sub-Spindle Operation

a. Right click on Bore Finish1 and select Sub Spindle Operation… from the Right click
menu

Available Templates – The Available Templates displays a list of saved Sub Spindle operation templates
available in CAMWorks.

To select an existing Sub Spindle Operation template from the Available Templates list, either double-
click on the Sub Spindle operation name in the list or select the desired Sub Spindle Operation and click
OK.

The Available Templates list also contains the item '[NEW]'. Select this option to create a new Sub
Spindle operation.

Click the OK button in this dialog to insert the highlighted Sub Spindle operation.

If the Edit operation on creation checkbox is selected, CAMWorks displays the New Sub Spindle
Operation: Parameters Tab dialog box. Edit/create the operation as desired. Click OK in the dialog box
to insert the operation.

b. Select Standard Transfer from the list of Available Templates

c. Click OK

The Sub Spindle Parameters property manager has three tabs. Most of the time we adjust the Sub
Spindle operation on the Parameters tab.

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Name and Description – This group box contains three controls:

the Sub Spindle file name (without the file extension), an editable
list box that provides a user-provided description of the current
Sub Spindle Operation, and a Save button.

Steps – Steps are commands that move or control the Sub or

Main Spindle, such as Z motion, clamping or unclamping of the
jaws, dwell, etc. When an existing Sub Spindle operation
template with steps is selected, then all the steps are listed in
this box. When any step is highlighted in the list, then:
• The parameters relevant to the selected steps will be
displayed.
• The Message and graphic image is updated.

d. Select on Spindle Feed from the list of steps. Set the Clearance to 0mm

e. Click on each step and view the display in the graphics area

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f. Click OK
11. Sub Spindle Chuck Location
a. Edit Turn Setup1
b. Click on the Chuck/Fixture Location tab

The Define chuck/fixture location check box is unchecked. This will define the chuck location based off
of previous operations. For this example, we will leave this unchecked.

c. Click OK
12. Simulate Toolpath
a. Simulate the Toolpath

13. Post Process

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Lesson 2 Sub Spindle Turning, Exercise 2 – Turning with a Sub Spindle

Exercise 2 – Turning with a Sub Spindle

Program the following part to be machine on a CNC Lathe with two spindles.

This lab exercise will reinforce the following skills taught in Lesson 2:

• Machine definition – Chuck Definition, Sub Spindle Distance

• Stock Definitions – Define stock using a revolved sketch
• Spindle Attribute
• Sub Spindle Setups
• Sub Spindle Operations
• Operation Parameters

Procedure:

1. Open Part
a. Open EX_02.SLDPRT from the …Lesson 02/Exercises folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Operation Tree
2. Define Machine
a. Edit Machine Definition
b. Select Turn Single Turret – Metric as the Machine
c. Check on the Use Sub Spindle checkbox.

If the Use Sub Spindle check box is grayed out, click on the Post Processor tab and select the T2AXIS-
TUTORIAL post processor.

d. Click on the Chuck/Fixture Tab

e. Set the Distance (D) to 750mm and the Reference for D to Back of the chuck/fixture
f. Click OK
3. Define Features
a. Run Automatic Feature Recognition
b. Copy OD Feature1
c. Change the spindle attribute of OD Feature1 – Copy to Sub Spindle
d. Change CutOff Feature1 to a Face Feature
e. Change the Spindle attribute of Face Feature2 to Sub Spindle
4. Define Stock
a. Edit Stock Manager
b. Set the Stock type to From Revolve Sketch
c. Use the SOLIDWORKS sketch Stock as the stock

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d. Click OK
5. Generate Operations Plan
a. Generate the operation plan
b. Under Turn Setup1 [Turn OpSetup2][SUB2], drag and drop the Face Rough2 and Face
Finsh2 to the top of the setup
6. Generate toolpath
a. Generate toolpath
b. Examine Turn Rough1

Notice how turn rough1 follows the shape of the stock. By default, CAMWorks will only generate
toolpath where is needs to for turning operations. Since we have defined a custom stock for this part,
toolpath is only generated between the defined stock and the part

7. Modify Operations
a. Edit Turn Rough1
b. Click on the Advanced tab
c. Under Chuck/Fixture avoidance, check on the Enable checkbox
d. Click OK
e. Do the same to Turn Rough1
f. Edit Groove Rough1

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g. Click on the Groove Rough tab

h. Under Parameters, set the stepover to 1mm
i. Click OK
8. Define Chuck Location
a. Edit Turn Setup1 [Turn OpSetup1]
b. Click on the Chuck/Fixture Location tab
c. Under Clamping location (Z), set the Z Offset to -3mm

d. Click OK
9. Define Sub Spindle Operation
a. After Groove Finish1, create a new Sub Spindle operation
b. Under Available Templates, select Standard Transfer
c. Click OK
d. In the Sub Spindle Parameters, under Steps, select on Spindle Feed
e. Set the Clearance to -25mm

f. Click OK
10. Simulate toolpath

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Lesson 3 Multi Turret Turning

What you will learn:

• Programming a part for machining on a CNC Lathe with two turrets

• Stock Definition – define stock from a part file
• Machine Definition –Selecting a 4 axis Lathe machine, Tool cribs
• Working with the Sync Manager – Sync codes
• Pinch Turning
• Add Machine to the Technology Database
• Programming a part for machining on a CNC Lathe with three turrets
• Step Through Toolpath
• Post processing

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Lesson 3 Multi Turret Turning

In this lesson we will be programming part that will be machined on a CNC Lath that has two or more
turrets. A typical example of such a machine is shown below:

Here, the upper turret, or rear turret and lower turret, or front turret are controlled separately, and, in
many cases, the two turrets will work simultaneously together on the part. In CAMWorks, we can
control how the turrets work together.

In this lesson, we will start with a simple example of how to set up a part on a CNC Lath with two turrets.
Later on, we will work with a more complex example that includes a Sub-Spindle.

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Lesson 3 Multi Turret Turning, Case Study – Programming with Two Turrets

Case Study – Programming with Two Turrets

In this case study, we will program some parts that will be machined on a Lathe with a Front and Rear
turret.

1. Open Part
a. Open the part file 03_T_01.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 03\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Edit Machine Definition
a. Double click on the Machine [Mill – Metric] icon in the CAMWorks Feature Tree
b. Click on the Machine tab

The list of Available machines is already set up in the Technology database. Included on that list is a
Turn Single Turret – Metric machine which we have used in previous lessons.

There is also a Turn Dual Turret – Metric and a Turn Multi Turret – Metric. These machines are already
set up with multiple turrets defined. As a result, they will include the necessary tool cribs and other
information needed for using the multiple turrets.

c. Select Turn Dual Turret – Metric form the list of Available machines
d. Click Select
e. Uncheck the Use sub-spindle checkbox

f. Click on the Tool Crib tab

This Turret dropdown list is enabled only when the active Turn or Mill-Turn Machine has a dual turret or
Multi Turret (with two or more turrets active) turret configuration.

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When a dual turret machine is the active machine, you can select either the Rear Turret 1 or Front
Turret 1 from this dropdown list to populate the active Tool crib with tools from that selected turret.

When a multi turret machine is the active machine, depending on the number of active turrets, you can
select Rear Turret 1, Front Turret1, Rear Turret 2 or Front Turret 2 from this dropdown list to populate
the active Tool crib with tools from that selected turret.

For now, we will use the default tool cribs that are defined.

g. Click on the Post Processor tab

h. Select T4AXIS-TUTORIAL from the list of post processors
i. Click Select

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j. Click OK
3. Edit Stock Definition
a. Edit the Stock Manager
b. For the Stock type, select Part file
c. Under Solid Model, select Current Part
d. Set the Configuration to Stock

e. Click OK
4. Define Features
a. Click on Extract Machinable Features on the CAMWorks 2023 CommandManager
toolbar

A second Turn Setup, Turn Setup2, is generated with Face Feature2. This is recognized this way because
of the way the stock is defined. Since we are going to use a cutoff operation to machine the back face of
the part, the second Turn Setup is not necessary. We will delete the Turn Setup2 and interactively define
a cutoff feature under Turn Setup1.

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b. Delete Turn Setup2

c. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature

d. For the Feature type, select CutOff Feature

e. For Strategy, select Cut Off
f. Under Selected entities, select the shown geometry

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g. Click OK
h. Right click on ID Feature1 and select Parameters
i. Change the Strategy to Rough & Finish

j. Click OK
5. Generate Operation Plan
a. Generate the operation plan

Since the stock we defined earlier has a pre-drilled hole, we do not need a center drill or drill operations.

b. Delete Center Drill1 and Drill1

6. Generate the toolpath
a. Generate the toolpath

The following operations are generated:

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Notice that the Groove Rough and Groove Finish operations for the face groove do not generate. This is
because the tool that was selected for these operations is not oriented in a direction that the insert can
fit into the groove.

We can edit the operation, go to the tool tab and then to the tool holder tab and change the orientation
for this tool. But since Tool 5 in the Rear Turret tool crib is being used for the Groove Rough operations
on the outer diameter of the part such an edit would disrupt those operations.

For this, we will add a new groove tool and change its orientation to fit into the groove

7. Edit operations
a. Click on the CAMWorks Tool tree
b. CRTL+Drag and drop on T05 – 3 Groove to copy it.

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c. Expand T05 – 3 Groove

d. Drag and drop Groove Rough1 and Groove Finish1 from T05 – Groove to T15 – Groove

e. Edit Groove Rough1

f. Click on the Tool tab
g. Click on the Holder sub tab
h. Under Orientation, select Left up

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i. Click on the Groove Rough tab

j. Under Parameters, set the stepover to 1mm

k. Click OK
l. Generate toolpath on Groove Rough1 and Groove Finish1

In looking at the operations names we can see that the default turret that is chosen for each of these
operations is the Rear turret

We can now program the part to utilize the front turret as well.

The advantage of using a front turret on part can be

• More tools are available to use in the program. The Turrets on CNC lathes will have a limited
number of tool stations. Using a front turret, will increase the number of tools we can use.
• Multi-tasking. More than one operation can be run on the same part. This can improve cycle
time for a part.

There are a few ways to set an operation so that it uses a tool on the Front Turret instead of the Rear
Turret.

• Edit the operation and change the tool from the Tool, Tool Crib tab.

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• Drag and drop the operation on the Tool tree to Front Turret tool

• Use the CAMWorks Sync Manager

In most cases, the CAMWorks Sync manager is going to be the easiest and most practical to use as is lets
us set the order of the operations and set Sync code between the operations and turret.

8. CAMWorks Sync Manager

a. Click on the CAMWorks Sync Manager icon on the CAMWorks 2023 CommandManager
toolbar

Sync Manager
The CAMWorks Sync Manager launches.

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The following parameters are available to us in the CAMWorks Sync Manager

Syncing Strategy – Allows you to insert the wait codes using the two different methods – Sequential and
User defined.

• Syncing Strategy: 'Sequential' – When the Syncing strategy is set to Sequential, all the
operations present in the Operation tree are listed in their respective turret columns while
maintaining the same sequence as in the CAMWorks Operation tree. This sequence cannot be
changed by the user.

When the Syncing strategy is set to Sequential, you can add wait codes by two different
methods - By Operation or By Turret.

o By Operation – When this option is selected, a wait code is inserted after every
operation present in the CAMWorks Operation tree.

CAMWorks automatically adds wait codes after every operation. These wait codes
ensure that if one operation has begun to execute, then the next operation in sequence
must wait until the previous operation is completed, irrespective of the turret.

o By Turret – When this option is selected, a wait code is inserted between two successive
operations whenever they are machined by different turrets. These Sync codes ensure
that if one or more operations have begun to execute by the rear turret (Rear Turret 1
or Rear Turret 2), then the operation(s) to be machined by the Front Turret (Front Turret
1 or Front Turret 2) must wait until the operations on the rear turret are completed and
vice versa.

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• Syncing Strategy 'User defined' – When the syncing strategy is set to User defined, you can
insert wait codes as per your choice. Wait codes can be inserted before, after or, both before
and after any two selected operations. To insert wait codes, select an operation from the Rear
Turret 1 column and the associated operation from the Front Turret 1column, and select one of
the Insert Wait Code buttons.
• Save as Default – Saves the current Syncing Strategy as default for all future machining jobs.

Under the Turret Columns, operations can be change from the Rear Turret to the Front Turret by Drag
and Drop. The order of the operation can also be changed.

b. Under Syncing strategy, select User Defined

c. Drag Turn Finish1 from the Rear Turret 1 column to the Front Turret 1 column

There are four grooves on the outer diameter of the part that are located at the same diameter. We can
machine these grooves simultaneously to reduce the cycle time.

d. Drag Groove Rough4 and Groove Finish4 to the Front Turret 1 column
e. Drag Groove Rough6 and Groove Finish6 to the Front Turret 1 column

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The yellow warning icons next to the operations in the CAMWorks Sync Manager show us that there is a
conflict in the spindle between the operations on the Rear and Front turrets.

This is because there is nothing telling the machine when to run which turret. To time these turrets, we
need to add Sync Codes. Wait code are added using the Wait Code Commands on the CAMWorks Sync
Manager

We can use the Wait Code commands to insert and delete Wait Codes between operations.

When the Syncing Strategy is set to Sequential, the Wait Code command buttons for inserting and
deleting wait codes are disabled because you cannot manipulate the sequence of wait codes. Such
manipulation is allowed only when the Syncing Strategy is set to User defined.

The following Wait Code commands are available:

Insert Wait Code before Operation – Adds a Wait Code before the Operations selected
in the Rear Turret 1, Front Turret 1, Rear Turret 2 and/or Front Turret 2.

Insert Wait Code after Operation – Adds a Wait Code after the Operations selected in
the Rear Turret 1, Front Turret 1, Rear Turret 2 and/or Front Turret 2.

Insert Wait Code before and after Operation – Adds a Wait Code both before and after
the Operations selected in the Rear Turret 1, Front Turret 1, Rear Turret 2 and/or Front
Turret 2.
Delete Wait Code – Deletes the selected Wait code. Multiple Wait Codes can be
selected using the Control key and then be deleted. You can also press the Delete
button on the keyboard to delete the Wait Codes.

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Delete all Wait Codes – Deletes all Wait Codes in the Operation sequence.

Wait Code Settings – Opens the Wait Code Settings dialog box. Use this dialog to
change Wait Code settings.

Reindex Wait Codes Reindex Wait Codes – If the Wait Code settings are changed,
execute the Reindex Wait Codes command to reassign Wait Codes values as per the
new Wait Code settings.

For this example, we need to ensure that the operation Turn Finish1 on the Front Turret does not take
place until after Turn Rough1 on the Rear Turret. Also, Groove Rough1 on the Front Turret cannot start
until after Turn Finish1 has completed.

To insert a wait code, we select the operations where we want the wait codes to go in both Rear and
Front turret columns and then select the applicable Wait Code command. In this case we want a Wait
code before Groove Rough1 on the rear turret and before Turn Finish1 on the Front Turret.

f. Under the Rear Turret 1 column select on Groove Rough1

g. Under the Front Turret 1 column, select on Turn Finish1
h. Click on the Insert Wait Code Before Operation icon on the CAMWorks Sync Manager

This will place the wait code before each operation that we selected:

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Next, we need to ensure that Turn Finish1 on the Front Turret and Grove Finish1 are not machining at
the same time.

i. Under the Rear Turret 1 column, select on Groove Rough1

j. Under the Front Turret 1 column, select on Groove Rough4
k. Click on the Insert Wait Code Before Operation icon on the CAMWorks Sync Manager

We can see that for the Turn Finish1 operation on the Front Turret, the Yellow warning message has
disappeared and that the timing between the turrets is now timed for the rough and finish operations
on the Outer Diameter geometry.

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Next, we will sync the Grooving operations. Since they are machining similar geometry on the Outer
Diameter of the part, we can machine these operations simultaneously.

l. Un Under the Rear Turret 1 column, select on Groove Rough3

m. Under the Front Turret 1 column, select on Groove Rough4
n. Click on the Insert Wait Code before and after Operation button in the CAMWorks
Sync Manager

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Now the Rough Groove operations on the Front and Rear turrets are synced as shown

We can use the same techniques to sync the rest of the Groove operations.

o. Sync Groove Finish3 with Groove Finish4

p. Sync Groove Rough5 with Groove Rough6
q. Sync Groove Finish5 with Groove Finish6

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Some other features of the CAMWorks Sync manager include:

• The ability to edit the operation parameters of an operation by double clicking on the operation
in the CAMWorks Sync Manager.
• Operations can be reordered by dragging and dropping on them in the CAMWorks Sync
Manager
• You can double-click on a Wait Code to open the Wait Code Properties dialog box and edit its
properties.

• Step Through Toolpath – If you execute the Step Through Toolpath command, then the Step
Through Toolpath dialog box will be displayed. Use this user interface to step through the
toolpaths. The toolpath sequence for stepping through the toolpaths will be based on the order
of operations listed in the Sync Manager tab. It will not be based on the operation sequence
listed in the Operation tree.

• Post Process – If you execute the Post Process command, then the NC program generated will
be based on the order of operations listed in the Sync Manager tab. It will not be based on the
operation sequence listed in the Operation tree under various Turn or Mill Setups.

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• Time View Tab – The Time View tab of the CAMWorks Sync Manager graphically displays the
estimated machining time in the form of a Time Line. This Time Line consists of a Time bar with
time-phased information (separated by markers on the ruler). The display also consists of
change bars which represent the turrets.

9. Change the Wait code settings

a. Click on the Wait Code Setting icon

b. Set the Start Code to 101

c. Se the Auto increment to 1
d. Click OK

e. Click on the Reindex Wait Codes icon

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f. Click OK
10. Step Through Toolpath
a. Run Step Through Toolpath
11. Post Process
a. Post process the code
b. Take a look at how the post processor posts out the code.

Notice how there are two G-Code files that were generated.

12. Save and Close the part

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With this next part, we will be utilizing the Pinch Turning capabilities inside of CAMWorks Turning

13. Open Part

a. Open the part file 03_T_02.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 03\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Operation Tree

The Machine Definition, Stock Definition, features and operations have already been programmed on
this part. We will be editing the operations to enable the pinch turning capabilities.

14. Edit Operation Parameters

a. Edit Turn Rough1
b. Click on the Turn Rough tab

Simultaneous (Pinch) Machining – The Simultaneous (Pinch) Machining option allows you to
simultaneously machine the turn toolpath using two tools, thereby ensuring speedier machining of
toolpaths.

CAMWorks supports the Double Feed/Depth method for generating Pinch Turning Toolpaths. In this
method, the primary tool from one turret will be used to generate the toolpath while the second tool
(from another turret) will be used to gouge check the generated toolpath with the feature geometry.
Users can double the feed (in the F/S tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box) or depth as each tool
will machine half the feed/depth.

The option use pinch turning will be enabled only when the active machine has a turret configuration
that supports this functionality, like a Rear and Front turret. The following happens when the
Simultaneous (Pinch) Machining checkbox is checked:

• The option to simultaneously machine the toolpath using two tools will be enabled
• The Tool tab in the Operation Parameters dialog box will be replaced with two Tool tabs viz.
Tool 1 tab and Tool 2 tab.
• The options to assign the Primary tool for Simultaneous (Pinch) Machining will be enabled
within the tab

c. Check on the Simultaneous (Pinch) machining checkbox under the profile parameters

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d. Click on the Tool 2 tab

e. Click on the Tool Crib sub-tab
f. Select Stn No. 3 DNM 431 80DEG SQR HOLDER as shown
g. Click Select

h. Click on the Holder tab

i. Under Orientation, set the holder orientation to Up Left

j. Click OK

Take a look at the CAMWorks Operation Tree. There is an extra Rough Mill operation called Turn
Rough1_Pinch that has been added and grayed out.

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We will do the same thing to Turn Finish1, Turn Rough2 and Turn Finish2

15. Edit Turn Finish1 Operation Parameters

a. Click on the Turn Finish tab
b. Check on the Simultaneous (Pinch) machining checkbox
c. Click OK
16. Edit Turn Rough2 Operation Parameters
a. Click on the Turn Rough Tab
b. Check on the Simultaneous (Pinch) machining checkbox
c. Click OK
17. Edit Turn Finish2 Operation Parameters
a. Click on the Turn Finish tab
b. Check on the Simultaneous (Pinch) machining checkbox
c. Click OK

18. Edit Sync Manager

a. Edit the Sync Manager
b. Click on the Wait Code Settings

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c. Set the Start Code to 101

d. Set the Auto Increment to 1

e. Click OK
f. Click on the Reindex wait codes

g. Click OK
19. Simulate Toolpath

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20. Post Process

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Case Study – Programming with Two Turrets and a Sub Spindle

In this case study, we will be programming a part that will be machined on a CNC Lathe with two turrets
and a Sub Spindle. In the previous lesson we set up the turrets to machine operations on same part
simultaneously. For this exercise we will be machining a part on both spindles simultaneously. Here is
the process that will happen on the part.

The stock will feed to the

correct position in the chuck
on the main spindle. (WIP
Stock is already in the Sub
Spindle)

The part on the main spindle

will be machined with the
tools on the rear turret

At the same time, the other

side of the same part is
machined on the sub spindle
with the tools in the front
turret
The finished part is ejected
from the sub spindle

The transfer will start

The cutoff operation is

performed

The sub spindle retracts to

home position and the cycle
repeats

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1. Open Part
a. Open the part file 03_T_03.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 03\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Edit Machine Definition
a. Double click on the Machine [Mill – Metric] icon in the CAMWorks Feature Tree
b. Click on the Machine tab
c. Select Turn Dual Turret – Metric form the list of Available machines
d. Click Select
e. Make sure the Use sub-spindle checkbox is checked

f. Click on the Post Processor tab

g. Select T4Axis -Tutorial as the post processor

h. Click on the Setup tab

i. Under Main spindle, click on the [None] button next to Work offset

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j. Select the Work Coordinate radial button

k. Make sure the Main spindle is set to 54 and the Sub spindle is set to 55
l. Click OK

m. Click on the Chuck/Fixture tab

The CNC Lathe we are programming this part for uses a bar feeder to position the stock in the main
spindle. We will modify the main spindle chuck to represent this.

n. Under Main Spindle Information, click on the Edit button

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o. In the Chuck Parameter:[Main Spindle] property manager, scroll down to the Chuck
Parameters section
p. Set the OD to 250mm and the ID to 120mm
q. Under the Jaw Parameters section, set the Number of Jaws to 0

r. Under Sub Spindle Information, set the Distance (D) to 750mm

s. Set the Reference for D to Back of the chuck/fixture face

t. Click OK
3. Define the Stock
a. Edit the Stock Manager
b. Under Offset Parameters set the Diameter Offset to 2mm
c. Set the Front Face of Stock Offset to 2mm
d. Set the Back Face of Stock Offset to 15mm

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e. Click OK
4. Define Machinable Features
a. Click on Extract Machinable Features on the CAMWorks 2023 CommandManager
toolbar

The following features are defined from running Extract Machinable Features:

Some of the features found will need to be modified to set the Sub Spindle attribute. In addition to that,
we will need to add some additional features and set the Spindle Attribute to Sub Spindle. This will
allow for us to generate operations on a Sub Spindle setup.

We will start by modify the existing features that were found

b. Right-click on Groove Rectangular OD1 and select Parameters

c. Set the Spindle attribute to Sub spindle

d. Click OK

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e. Do the same to Groove Rectangular OD2

Next, we will change the Strategy of the ID feature that was recognized so that when we generate
operations it will automatically generate the Bore Roughing operations

f. Right Click on ID Feature1 and select Parameters

g. Change the Strategy to Rough-Finish
h. Click OK

We will need to add an additional OD feature and ID Feature and set the Spindle Attribute to Sub
Spindle so that operations can be generated on the Sub Spindle side of the part.

Since we already have an OD feature and ID feature defined for the Main Spindle, we can copy these
features and change the Spindle Attribute to Sub Spindle for the newly copied features. These features
can be copied by selecting on the feature, holding down CRTL on the keyboard, dragging and dropping
the operations.

i. Select on OD Feature1, hold down CRTL and drag and drop to copy the feature
j. Right click on the new OD Feature1 – Copy and select Parameters

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k. Change the Spindle attribute to Sub Spindle

l. Click OK

Next, we will copy the ID Feature and change the copied ID Feature’s Spindle attribute to Sub spindle

m. CRTL+Drag and Drop on ID Feature1 to copy it

n. Right Click on ID Feature1 – Copy and select Parameters

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o. Change the Spindle attribute to Sub spindle

p. Click OK
5. Generate Operations
a. Generate Operation Plan

The following operations are generated. The operations that will be performed on the Sub Spindle are
separated into a separate Turn Setup

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We do not need the Center Drilling and Drilling operations on the sub spindle setup because we will set
the Drill operation to drill through the part on the main spindle later. We can delete these operations
under the Sub Spindle setup

b. Under the Sub Spindle Setup, Turn Setup1 [Turn OpSetup2][SUB2], delete Center Drill2
and Drill2
6. Generate Toolpath
a. Generate the toolpath
7. Modify Operation parameters

Examine the operations Turn Rough1, Turn Finish1, and Bore Finish1. Each of these operations is trying
to machine the back faces of the part where the sub spindle machining will take place. We want to
contain the toolpath so that is only machines the of the part. Like we did in an earlier lesson, we will
edit these operations and uncheck the “Undercut” checkbox do that the tool does not try to cut the
undercut.

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a. Edit Turn Rough1 and click on the Turn Rough tab

b. Under Profile parameters uncheck the Undercut checkbox

c. Click OK
d. Edit Turn Finish1 and click on the Turn Finish tab
e. Under Profile parameters uncheck the Undercut checkbox

f. Click OK
g. Edit Drill1 and click on the Feature Options tab
h. Check on the Add tip to length checkbox
i. Click on the Override Machining Depth button and set the Machining length to 150mm

j. Click OK
k. Edit Bore Finish1 and click on the Bore Finish tab
l. Under Profile parameters, uncheck the Undercut checkbox

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m. Click OK

One of the operations parameters that is set in all turning operations is the Leftover WIP settings

With Leftover WIP, toolpaths are generated based on the feature geometry and the work in process
model (WIP) of the stock material. This significantly reduces the amount of air cutting and simplifies the
process of defining the area to machine. With the Generate option checked the WIP model is updated
with the results of the current operation. The Machine option allows you to determine how the
previous operation's WIP model is considered for the current operation.

Generate – Check this box to generate/update the WIP model based on the results of the current
operation.

Machine – Use this option to determine how the previous operation's WIP model is considered for the
current operation.

• Initial Stock – The toolpath is computed based only on the feature geometry and the initial
stock. The resulting WIP model shape that is computed depends on the Generate option above.

If Initial Stock is selected and Generate is checked, the resulting WIP stock model will be based
on the original stock model and the current toolpath.

If Initial Stock is selected and Generate option is unchecked, the resulting WIP stock model will
not be updated. Subsequent operations that consider WIP will be based on the previous
operation's WIP model.

• Previous Leftover – The toolpath is generated based on the feature geometry and the work in
process model (WIP) of the stock material.

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• From Simulation – Similar to mill where simulation is executed in silent mode and the resulting
simulation model will be used to generate the WIP model.

• New Stock – Redefine the stock for the current operation using the Stock Manager Dialog Box
for defining the new shape.

• None – This option is available only for Turn Finish, Face Finish, Bore Finish and Groove Finish
operations. The toolpath is generated based on the entire feature geometry without taking the
WIP into consideration.

Because of these settings, when we set the machining depth of the Drill1 operation to 150mm, the WIP
model that was generated caused that Bore Rough1 should be regenerated to not place so many passes
at the end of the hole where the tool came up short

To have this reflected in the Sub Spindle operations, we may have to regenerate the toolpath so that the
WIP model from which the Sub Spindle Operations are generated gets updated

8. Generate toolpath
a. Regenerate the toolpaths

We are ready to layout the sequence of how these operations will occur on the machine. We will insert
some additional operations to place the part in the correct spindle. Starting with a Post operation.

A post operation is specific to your post processor. In an earlier step, we defined to post processor to be
the T4AXIS-TUTORIAL post processor that installs with CAMWorks. This post processor is set up so that
is has the post operation we need to position the initial stock in the spindle.

9. Insert new Post Operation

a. Right Click on Turn Setup1[Turn OpSetup1] and select Post Operation

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b. Under the Operations list, select Bar Puller

c. Set the following parameters:
d. Click Insert

At the end of the operations under the Main Spindle setup we want the part to transfer from the main
spindle to sub spindle. This will be done by adding two Sub Spindle operations. One will be placed right
before Cut Off1. This will bring the sub spindle to the part to grab it.

After the Cut off operation, a second Sub Spindle operation will be added to return the Sub Spindle to its
home position

10. Insert Sub Spindle operations

a. Right Click on Bore Finish1 and select SubSpindle Operation…
b. From the list of Available Templates, select Grab

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c. Click OK
d. In the Sub Spindle Parameters property manager, under the list of Steps, select Spindle
Feed
e. Under the Spindle Feed move step, set the Clearance to 0mm

f. Click OK
g. Right Click on Cut Off1 and select SubSpindle Operation…
h. From the list of Available Templates, select Sub Spindle Home

i. Click OK

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j. Click OK to the Sub Spindle Parameters property manager

11. Configure the Sync Manager
a. Launch the CAMWorks Sync Manager

Currently, all of the operations are on the rear turret. We want to place the sub spindle operations on
the front turret and add the appropriate wait codes.

This can be done by dragging the operation form the Rear Turret column to the Front Turret column.

b. Drag the sub spindle operations from the Rear Turret column to the Front Turret
column.

We will insert some sync codes to take care of the warning message and to ensure there are no conflicts
with the timing of operations

c. Select Face Rough1 under the Rear Turret 1 column

d. Select Turn Rough2 under the Front Turret 1 column
e. Click on the Insert wait code before the selected operation button

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f. Select on Sub Spindle1 under the Rear Turret 1 column and a blank cell under the Front
Turret 1 column
g. Click on the Insert wait code before and after the select operations button

h. Do the same this for Sub Spindle2

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i. Click OK
12. Simulate toolpath

13. Post process

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning

Case Study – Programming with Three or More Turrets

In this case study we will program a part for a CNC Lathe with more than two turrets. In this example we
have a part with an excess of material to remove on one side of the part that would be machined in the
main spindle. Because of this excess material, it would be ideal to pinch turn the turn rough operation so
as to balance the timing with the sub spindle operations.

To do this, we will need a machine with more than two turrets. This CNC Lathe will have two rear turret
and a front turret similar to the machine pictured below:

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1. Open Part
a. Open the part file 03_T_04.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 03\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Edit Machine Definition
a. Double click on the Machine [Mill – Metric] icon in the CAMWorks Feature Tree
b. Click on the Machine tab

A three-turret machine is not listed in the default Technology Database, or TechDB. A machine will need
to be defined. We will start by defining a three-turret machine in the technology database.

The Technology Database is the intelligence behind the machining automation in CAMWorks. The
knowledge-based machining technology, tooling details, cutting conditions and operation defaults saved
in the Technology Database are used to generate machining operations and toolpaths automatically.
Such a repository ensures uniformity and quality in the generated toolpaths.

The Technology Database is shipped with data that is considered generally applicable to most machining
environments. However, in order to gain full advantage of CAMWorks, you will find it necessary to
modify and customize the data within the TechDB as well as input additional knowledge to suit the best
practices and machine tool infrastructure available at your facility.

For this lesson we will only be adding a machine definition to the database. The methods and
procedures for machining a part model/assembly in CAMWorks are partially a function of the
capabilities of the Turn machine tool selected for machining that part model. At the most basic level, the
machine tool will determine whether the part model is to be milled or turned. Other information such as
the number of axes associated with the machine tool, tools in the tool crib, etc. also influence how the
part model will be machined.

This information is collectively described in what might be called a machine. The default TechDB shipped
along with CAMWorks comes pre-installed with several Turn machines that are typical of most
machining facilities. These machine definitions can be viewed, modified, or deleted as required in the
Turn Machines user interface of the TechDB. Alternatively, copies of these machines can be created and
then edited to suit your specific requirements.

In addition to these, machines that match your facility’s machining capabilities must ideally be defined
and saved within the TechDB using the Turn Machines user interface.

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3. Add machine to the Technology Database

a. Click on the Technology Database icon on the CAMWorks 2023 CommandMananger
toolbar

b. In the Technology Database, click on the Turn icon on the left side of the TechDB
window

Notice how there is not a New or Add button that lets us add a machine. We will copy an existing
machine and modify some of the parameters of that machine.

c. Click on the Turn Multi Turret – Metric machine under the Machines section
d. Click on the Copy button at the top

Here we have four sections of parameters that we can apply to a Turn machine. For this example, we
will adjust the name of the machine and define how many turrets the machine is using.

e. Select the copied machine, Turn Multi Turret – Metric Copy

f. Under the General section, for Machine name type Turn Three Turret Metric
g. For Machine ID, type in Turn Machine Three Turret Metric
h. For Description, type Sample Three Turret Turn Machine with sub-spindle

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i. Expand the Turret section

j. Uncheck the Active check box under the Front 2 section

If we look under the Rear 1, under the Turret section, there are options that sets the turret’s
description, method, and tool crib.

We can see these options for each of the remaining three turrets. For this case study, we will leave the
defaults set.

k. Click Save to update the changes

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4. Edit Machine Definition

a. Go back to the SOLIDWORKS window.
b. Edit the Machine definition
c. Under the list of Available machines, select on Turn Three Turret – Metric
d. Click Select

e. Click on the Tool Crib tab

Notice that there are multiple turrets that can be selected in the upper right corner. This allows us to
select a toolcrib for each turret.

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For now, we will accept the default and continue.

f. Click on the Post Processor tab

g. Select the T4AXIS-TUTORIAL post processor
h. Click on the Setup tab, next to Work offset, click on the [None]… button

i. Select Work Coordinate and set the Main to 54 and the Sub to 55

j. Click OK
k. Click on the Chuck/Fixture tab
l. Under Sub Spindle Information, set the Distance (D) to 850mm and the Reference for D
to Back of the chuck/fixture face

m. Click OK
5. Define Stock

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a. Edit Stock Manager

b. Under Offset Parameters, set the Front Face of Stock Offset to 2mm
c. Set the Back Face of Stock Offset to 2mm

d. Click OK
6. Define Machinable Features
a. Run Automatic Feature Recognition
b. CRTL+Drag and drop OD Feature1 to copy it
c. Right Click on OD Feature1 – Copy and select Parameters
d. Change the Sub Spindle Attribute to Sub Spindle
e. Click OK
f. Right-click on CutOff Feature1 and select Convert to Face Feature
g. Right-click on Face Feature2 and select Parameters
h. Change the Sub Spindle Attribute to Sub Spindle
i. Click OK
7. Generate Operations
a. Generate the Operation plan
8. Generate Toolpath
a. Generate the toolpath

Since there is so much material to rough out on the front side of the part, we will use pinch turning to
rough and finish the part while it is in the main spindle. The Rear 1 and Front 1 turret will simultaneously
do this operation.

At the same time, the back side of the part will be machined on the sub spindle with the Rear 2 Turret.

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9. Edit operations parameters

a. Edit Turn Rough1
b. Click on the Turn Rough tab
c. Under Profile parameters, uncheck the Undercut checkbox

d. Under Cut type, check on the Simultaneous (Pinch) machining checkbox

e. Click on the Tool 2 tab

f. Click on the Tool Crib tab
g. Click on Stn No. 1, CNMG 431 80DEG SQR HOLDER and click Select

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h. Click on the Holder tab

i. Under Orientation, set the tool orientation to Up left

j. Click OK
10. Edit Operation Parameters
a. Edit Turn Finish1
b. Click on the Turn Finish tab
c. Under Profile parameters uncheck the Undercut checkbox

d. Under Cut type, check on the Simultaneous (Pinch) machining checkbox

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e. Click on the Tool 2 tab

f. Click on the Tool Crib tab
g. Click on Stn No. 3, DNMG 431 80DEG SQR HOLDER and click Select

h. Click on the Holder tab

i. Under Orientation, set the orientation to Up left

j. Click OK
5. Add new Sub Spindle operation
a. After Cut Off1, add new Sup Spindle operation
b. For the Template, select Standard Transfer

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c. Click OK
d. Select on the Spindle Feed step and set the Clearance to -25mm

e. Click OK
6. Run the CAMWorks Sync Manager
a. Edit the CAMWorks Sync Manager

We will have the Sub Spindle operations be machined with the tools on the second rear turret. We want
this to occur at the same time the operations on the Main Spindle cut the OD geometry

b. Drag and drop Turn Rough2 and Turn Finish2 to the Rear Turret 2 column

c. Add a Wait code before and after Sub Spindle1 for all tree channels

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d. Click OK
10. Post Process

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Lesson 3 Multi Turret Turning, Exercise 3 – Programming for CNC Lathe with Two Turrets

Exercise 3 – Programming for CNC Lathe with Two Turrets

Program the following part to be machined on a CNC Lathe with two turrets.

This lab exercise will reinforce the following skills taught in Lesson 3:

• Machine definition – Chuck Definition, Sub Spindle Distance

• Stock Definitions – define stock using a part file
• Technology database
• CAMWorks Sync Manager – syncing operations

Procedure:

1. Open Part
a. Open EX_03.SLDPRT from the …Lesson 03/Exercises folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Define Machine
a. Edit Machine Definition
b. Select Turn Dual Turret – Metric as the Machine
c. Check on the Use Sub Spindle checkbox.
d. Click on the Post Processor tab
e. Select T4AXIS-TUTORIAL as the post processor
f. Click on the Setup tab
g. Under Spindles, set the Work offset to G54 for the Main spindle and G55 for the Sub
Spindle

h. Click on the Chuck/Fixture Tab

i. For the Main Spindle, define a chuck with the following dimensions:
i. OD: 300mm
ii. ID: 100mm

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 Lesson 3 Multi Turret Turning, Exercise 3 – Programming for CNC Lathe with Two Turrets

iii. Thickness: 85mm

j. Change the Name to 300mm_2Step_Chuck and click the Save button

k. Click OK
l. Set the Distance (D) to 850mm and the Reference for D to Back of the chuck/fixture
m. Click OK
3. Define Stock
a. Edit Stock Manager
b. For Stock type, select the Part file option
c. Under Solid Model, select Current part
d. Select the configuration called Stock

e. Click OK
4. Define Features
a. Run Automatic Feature Recognition
b. Delete Turn Setup2
c. Change the Spindle attribute for Groove Rectangular OD1 and Groove Rectangular
OD2 to Sub Spindle

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Lesson 3 Multi Turret Turning, Exercise 3 – Programming for CNC Lathe with Two Turrets

d. Add OD Feature using the shown geometry:

e. Make sure the Spindle attribute is set to Sub Spindle

f. Change the Strategy of ID Feature1 to [Rough-Finish]

g. Make a copy of ID Feature1 and change the spindle attribute to Sub Spindle
h. Add Face Feature using the back face, set the spindle attribute to Sub Spindle

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 Lesson 3 Multi Turret Turning, Exercise 3 – Programming for CNC Lathe with Two Turrets

5. Edit Technology Database

Some operation parameters in the default technology database might not be ideal for machining. We
can edit the parameter in the Technology Database to save us time by not having edit the operation
once it has been generated.

a. Launch the CAMWorks Technology Database

b. Click on Turn
c. Go to Features & Operations

d. Set the Feature to Groove Rectangular OD, select the Rough-Finish Strategy
e. Under Feature Conditions, click on Id 4
f. Under Operations, click on Id 7 Groove Rough
g. Click on the Operation Parameters button

h. Expand the Groove Rough section

i. Set the Stepover to 1mm
j. Click Save

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Lesson 3 Multi Turret Turning, Exercise 3 – Programming for CNC Lathe with Two Turrets

k. Do the same to the Feature Condition Id 660

l. Go back to CAMWorks
6. Generate Operation plan
a. Generate Operation Plan
b. Delete the CenterDrill and Drill operations
7. Generate Toolpath
8. Edit Operation – Turn Rough
a. Edit Turn Rough1
b. Click on the Turn Rough tab
c. Under Profile parameters, uncheck the Undercut checkbox
d. On the Advanced tab, Enable the Chuck/Fixture avoidance
e. Click OK
9. Remove the Undercut of the tool on Turn Finish1, Bore Rough2 and Bore Finish2
10. Generate Toolpath
11. Add Sub Spindle operation
a. Add Sub spindle operation after Bore Finish1
b. Set the Template to Standard Transfer
c. Set the Spindle Feed Clearance to 0mm
d. Click OK
12. CAMWorks Sync Mananger
a. Launch the CAMWorks Sync Manager
b. Drag Groove Rough2, Groove Finish 2, Groove Rough 4 and Groove Finish4 to the Front
Turret 1 Column
c. Drag Groove Rough6 and Groove Finish 6 to the Front Turret 1 column

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 Lesson 3 Multi Turret Turning, Exercise 3 – Programming for CNC Lathe with Two Turrets

d. Add the Waits code to synchronize the grooving operations as shown

e. Click OK
13. Step through Toolpath

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning

Lesson 4 Advanced Turning

What you will learn:

• Some advanced turning operation parameters including:

o Revolved section plane
o NC Tab, Approach and Retract Options
o Variable Allowance
o Override Feature extends
o Avoidance in Y axis (Thickness)
o Cutoff Corner Break
• B axis turning
o B Axis Incremental Angle
o B axis continuous operation parameters

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning

In this lesson, we will examine in greater detail the operation parameters associated with the turning
operations.

We will also work with the parameters that allow us to utilize the B axis for turning operations on CNC
Lathe machine that support the B axis like the one shown in this image.

In CAMWorks, there are settings that allow us to control the B Axis either statically or simultaneously.

Finally, we will work with setting up CAMWorks to use custom inserts and tool holders.

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

Case Study – Advanced Turning Operation Parameters

On this part, there are some features that will be machined on a mill in a later operation. However, we
want to turn down most of the geometry. In lesson 1 we examined the IFR setting to define the turn
feature based on either a section plane or a revolved section. We will start by setting CAMWorks AFR
settings to recognize off a revolved section

1. Open Part
a. Open the part file 04_T_01.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 04\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree

The machine and stock have already been defined. It is a good idea to review the machine and stock
definition to understand where we are coming from.

2. Edit CAMWorks Options

a. Click on the CAMWorks Options icon on the CAMWorks 2023 CommandManager
toolbar

b. Click on the Turn Features tab

c. Under Extract Machinable Features, set the Method to Revolved Section

d. Click OK
3. Define Machinable Features
a. Click on the Extract Machinable Features icon on the CAMWorks 2023
CommandManager toolbar

Examine OD Feature1 in the CAMWorks Feature tree. The feature is recognized off of the revolved
section.

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – Advanced Turning Operation Parameters

b. Change the Strategy of ID Feature1 to Rough-Finish

c. Make a copy of ID Feature1 and change its Spindle attribute to Sub-Spindle

4. Generate Operation Plan

a. Generate the operation plan
5. Generate toolpath
a. Generate the toolpath

Taking a look at Face Rough1, we can see the point where the toolpath starts, or the Approach point.
We will start by examining how to control that point and the Approach point of the subsequent
operations.

6. Edit Operation Parameters – Face Rough

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

a. Edit Face Rough1

b. Click on the NC tab

Take a look at the Approach parameters.

The Approach strategy specifies how a tool approaches the part. There are three options:

• Z then X – When this option is selected, the tool approaches the part first in the Z axis and then
in the X axis. Some machines have a tailstock that inhibits the tool from approaching the part in
any other method because the tool would hit the tailstock.
• X then Z – When this option is selected, the tool approaches the part first in the X axis and then
in the Z axis.
• Direct – Selecting this option allows you to define a straight move using both X and Z.

Generally, we would use the Z then X strategy for OD operations and the X then Z strategy for ID boring
and drilling operations

Currently, it is set to Approach from: Auto. This will set the approach point from the point defined on
the Posting tab of the Machine definition

Approach from – You have three choices to specify from where the tool approaches the start point of
the toolpath at the beginning of the cycle.

• Auto – This is the default option setting. When you select this option:
o If the tool used for the previous operation is different from the tool of the current
operation, then the tool will approach the start point of the toolpath from the Preset
position specified in the Posting tab.

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o If the tool used for the previous operation is the same tool from the same turret as the
current tool, then the Retract point of the tool for the previous operation will be used as
the start point for the current operation.
• Previous toolpath retract point – When you select this option, the retract point of the previous
operation will be used as the approach (start) point for the current operation.

For example, consider a Turn Rough operation followed by a Turn Finish operation. The Turn
Rough uses a tool (T1) and has its retract point set to a user-defined point. For the Turn Finish
operation, if the Approach from option in this tab is set to Previous toolpath retract point, then
the approach point for Turn Finish operation will be the retract point of the preceding Turn
Rough operation.

• Approach Point – When you select this option, the X and Z Approach position parameters in the
Approach point group box will be enabled. Use these parameters to specify the X and Z axis
locations for the user-defined Approach point. The toolpath would begin from the user-defined
approach point.

c. Click OK
d. Edit the Machine Definition
e. Click on the Posting tab
f. Change the post parameter Z Preset Rear Main to 100mm
g. Change the post parameter X Preset Rear Main to 200mm

h. Click OK
i. Regenerate toolpath

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

Now the toolpath starts at the predefined point. We can also control this point by changing the
Approach from to Approach point.

j. Edit Face Rough1 and click on the NC tab

k. Set the Approach point to Approach point
l. Set X reference to Stock Diameter and the Offset to 55mm
m. Set the Z Reference to From Stock and set the Offset to 35mm

A Blue dot in the graphics area will preview where the Approach point will be when the Toolpath is
generated.

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – Advanced Turning Operation Parameters

n. Click Preview

o. Expand the operation parameters

Similar settings are available under the Retract parameters.

The Retract Strategy specifies how the tool retracts to the Retract position after the toolpath is
complete. Here are the options available:

• Z then X – Selecting this option sends the tool home first in Z then in X direction.
• X then Z – Selecting this option sends the tool home first in X then in Z direction.
• X only – Selecting this option sends the tool home only in X direction.
• Z only – Selecting this option sends the tool home only in Z direction.
• Direct – Selecting this option you to define a straight move using both X and Z.

The Retract to parameters lets us define the point where the tool will retract to after the toolpath.

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

• Preset Position – The Preset Position is the

absolute location in X and Z of the tool at the
beginning of the program. When you select this
option, the tool rapids back to the X and Z preset
position after the operation is complete. The X
preset and Z preset are defined on the Posting tab
in the Machine dialog box.

• Retract Point – Selecting this option enables you

to define a user defined retract point. Depending
upon the retract strategy set, the Retract point
option are activated. Use these parameters to
define the Retract point that you want the tool to
rapid to after the operation is completed.

• Auto – This is the default option setting. When

you select this option:
o If the operation being edited is the last
operation in the setup or if the tool used for the
subsequent operation is different from the tool
of the current operation, then the tool will
retract to the location as set in the Retract
point options. The user defined Retract Strategy
will be used for this move. The tool will then
move to the preset position using the Direct
strategy.
o If the tool used for the subsequent operation is
the same tool from the same turret as the
current tool, then tool will retract to the
location as set in the Retract point options. The
user defined Retract Strategy will be used for
this move.

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – Advanced Turning Operation Parameters

• Retract point then preset – When you select this

option, the tool will retract to the Retract point
based on the Retract Strategy selected and then to
the Preset position. The retract movement of the
tool from the retract point will be the shortest
path in both X and Z simultaneously back to the
Preset position.

• None – No retract move occurs after the

operation is completed. Typically, you would use
this option when you are going to do multiple
operations with the same tool. Otherwise, the tool
would retract to whatever values you have
specified.

It is important to note that if you select None, remember that the tool will not retract prior to a tool
change.

We will set the Retract point to Auto

p. Set the Retract to to Auto

q. Click OK
7. Generate toolpath

If we select on the operation Face Finish1 we notice that the Approach point has updated to where Face
Rough1 retracted to

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

Next, we will examine some parameters in the Turn Rough operation.

8. Edit Operation Parameters – Turn Rough1

a. Edit Turn Rough 1
b. Click on the Turn Rough tab
c. Under Profile parameters, uncheck the Undercut check box

We can control the allowance, or the material left over from the Turn Rough operation, from either a
constant value for the entire feature, or with a Variable allowance, which varies the allowance from
segment to segment. This option could be used when you need to achieve specified tolerances, provide
proper material for subsequent operations, such as plating, which may add material, or accommodate
shrinking of plastic injected molded parts when the turn part is used in an injection mold.

The Variable allowance option is enabled when the method is set to Variable in Operation Parameters
dialog box for Face Rough, Face Finish, Turn Rough, Turn Finish, Groove Rough, Groove Finish, Bore
Rough, Bore Finish and Cutoff operations.

d. Under Allowance, set the Method to Variable

e. Click on the Copy constant X and Z allowance to all feature segments button
f. Click on the Variable allowance… button

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – Advanced Turning Operation Parameters

g. Click on the segment Selected 2 and change the Radial(X) dimension to 1.2mm

h. Click OK
i. Click Preview

When we preview the toolpath, we can see the extra allowance on the segment that we defined with
the extra tolerance

We can see from the above image that the toolpath extends all the way to the end of the part. We will
now set the operation parameters that control the limits of the toolpath.

As we mentioned in Lesson 1 while defining features, like an OD Feature, at the bottom of the property
manager is the section for extends. These extensions to the feature are implied feature geometry that
extend the feature geometry to the stock boundary.

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

If we apply the extensions on the feature, it will apply this to the operations that are generated from this
feature. We are also able to control these extensions from the operation parameters.

j. Expand the operation parameters

k. Click on the Feature Options tab
l. Under Feature extensions, click on the Override feature extensions checkbox
m. Under Extend1, select the Tangential options
n. Under Extend2, select the Along Z option and click on the Reverse checkbox

o. Click Preview

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – Advanced Turning Operation Parameters

We can see that the toolpath extends all the way to the back of the stock on the back of the part but
doesn’t quite extend past the front of the part. We can change the Start and End length to control the
length of the toolpath along the Z axis of the part.

p. Expand the operation parameters

q. On the Feature Options tab, under Features, set the Start length to 10mm and the End
length to 5mm, respectively

r. Click Preview

We can also control the Z Limits of the toolpath on the Advanced tab.

s. Expand the operation parameters

t. Click on the Advanced tab
u. Under Z Limits, under Z end set the To: to User Defined and click on the Select Point
button

v. Select the front edge of the part and set the Z Offset to -95mm
w. Click OK

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

x. Click Preview to generate the toolpath.

y. Set the Z end back to WIP

z. Click OK
9. Edit Operation Parameters – Turn Finish
a. Edit Turn Finish1
b. Click on the Turn Finish tab
c. Under Profile parameters uncheck the Undercut checkbox
d. Click OK
10. Edit Operation Parameters – Drill
a. Edit Drill1
b. Click on the Feature options tab

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c. Toggle on the Override Machining Depth button

d. Set the Machining length to 135mm

e. Click OK
11. Edit Operation Parameters – Bore Finish
a. Edit Bore Finish1
b. Click on the Bore Finish tab
c. Under Profile parameters, uncheck the Undercut checkbox

Avoidance in Y axis (Thickness) are a set of parameters that apply exclusively to ID Boring operations
that prevent collision between the tool and the inside diameter that might occur because of the
thickness of the cutting insert or the geometry of the holder

• Enable for Tool Insert – When this option is checked and the Generate Toolpath command is
executed, the following will happen:
o CAMWorks will check for possible collisions in Y-axis between the Turn Insert and work-
in-process stock.

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

o If no collisions are detected between the non-cutting portion of the Turn insert and the
work-in-process stock, then the toolpath will be generated.
o If one or more collisions are detected, then no toolpath will be generated. A warning
message indicating the nature of the collision in Y-axis will be displayed.
• Enable for Tool Holder/Boring Bar – When this option is checked and the Generate Toolpath
command is executed, the following will happen:
o CAMWorks will check for possible collisions in Y-axis between the Tool Holder/Boring
Bar and the work-in-process stock.
o If no collisions are detected between the non-cutting portion of the Tool Holder/Boring
Bar and the work-in-process stock, then the toolpath will be generated.
o If one or more collisions are detected, then no toolpath will be generated. A warning
message indicating the nature of the collision in Y-axis will be displayed.
• Calculate minimum bore diameter needed to avoid collision – When this option is checked,
CAMWorks will calculate the minimum bore diameter required to avoid collision in Y axis when
the assigned Turn Insert is used. The computed value will be displayed in the Minimum bore
diameter field. When this option is unchecked, no minimum bore diameter will be computed
and displayed.
• Minimum bore diameter – This is a read-only field. When the Calculate min. bore diameter
needed to avoid collision checkbox option is checked, this field displays the computed Minimum
bore diameter required to avoid collision in Y axis when the assigned Turn Insert is used.

For this case study we will use the Avoidance in Y axis parameters to make sure we are not colliding
with the part.

d. Click on the Advanced tab

e. Under Avoidance in Y axis (Thickness) check on the Enable for Tool Insert checkbox

f. Click Preview

This warning message will pop up.

The toolpath does not generate. We can remedy this by modifying the insert dimension

g. Expand the operation parameters and click on the Tool tab.

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – Advanced Turning Operation Parameters

h. Click on the Diamond Insert tab

i. Set the Thickness to 2.5mm and the Relief angle to 5deg

j. Click OK and Generate Toolpath

If we look at the front view of the part we see a backside radius that hasn’t been machined yet. We can
machine this with the cutoff operation.

In the CutOff operation parameters, on the Cut Off tab, there are options that let us break the back
edge of the feature. Here, we can break the edge using wither a Radius or a chamfer.

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12. Edit Operation Parameters – Cutoff Operation

a. Edit Cutoff1
b. Click on the Cut Off tab
c. Under Corner Break, set the Corner break type to Radius
d. Set the Radius to 5mm
e. Under Allowance set the Radial (X) to 5mm
f. Click OK
13. Generate toolpath

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – B Axis TurningCase Study – B Axis Turning

Case Study – B Axis Turning

In CAMWorks, it is possible to utilize the B Axis and have the tool tilt at an angle. We can apply the B
Axis incremental angle to the tool so that it tilts at a constant angle throughout the operation, or we
can use the Continuous B Axis parameters that will change the tool angle throughout the toolpath to
avoid or machine geometry as needed. In this case study we will program a part using both methods on
different operations

1. Open Part
a. Open the part file 04_T_02.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 04\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Operation Tree

This part is only partially programmed. We can see that the machine and stock are defined along with
some feature and operations.

For this part, we want to add some features to machine. To get an idea of what we currently have
programmed on the part, we will run toolpath simulation

2. Simulate Toolpath
a. Run Toolpath simulation

We can see that only some of the geometry on the front of the part is successfully machined along with
some ID Boring operations.

However, we still need to face of the part and add some more OD operations. For these operations we
will utilize the B Axis of our machine tool. We will start by defining a face feature.

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – B Axis Turning

3. Define Machinable features

a. Click on the CAMWorks Feature tree
b. Under Turn Setup1, define new Turn Feature
c. For Type, select Face Feature
d. For Strategy, select Rough & Finish

e. For the selected entities, select the shown edges from the part profile.

f. Click OK

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – B Axis TurningCase Study – B Axis Turning

4. Generate operations for the Face Feature

a. Right click on Face Feature1 in the tree and select Generate Operation Plan
b. On the CAMWorks Operation Tree, drag the Face Rough1 and Face Finish1 to the top of
the tree

5. Edit Operation Parameters – Face Finish1

a. Edit Face Finish1
b. Click on the Tool tab
c. Click on the Tool Crib tab
d. Click on Stn No. 10 CNMG 431 80DEG BORE BAR and click Select

We want this operation to machine the inside chamfer of the feature.

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – B Axis Turning

To do that, we will need to tilt the tool at an angle. The B axis incremental angle parameter allows us to
change the tool orientation for this operation.

e. Click on the Boring Bar tab under the Tool tab

f. Change the B axis incremental angle to -45deg

g. Click on the Face Finish tab

h. Under Profile parameters, make sure the Undercut checkbox is turned on

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – B Axis TurningCase Study – B Axis Turning

i. Click OK
6. Generate toolpath
a. Generate the Toolpath for both Face Rough1 and Face Finish1

Next, we will take a look at the Continuous B Axis operation parameters that let us tilt the insert. To use
the Continuous B Axis operation parameters the following criteria must be met:

• The post processor has to be configured to work with Continuous B Axis.

• Continuous B Axis operation parameters are only available in a Turn Finish operation type.
• Only the Down Right and Down left Holder Orientations are supported
• User Defined Inserts are not supported
• Both User Defined and Standard Holders are supported.

On the Turn Finish tab of the Turn Finish operation parameters, we have the Continuous B Axis settings

From clicking on the B Axis Setting button, we access the Continuous B Axis operation parameters.

There are two types of Continuous B axis turning tool paths.

• Constant Angle – When this option is

selected, the Turn tool will remain at
the effective lead angle. The tool will
tilt only while cutting the undercut
areas and avoiding collisions. This will
result in lesser number of tool
rotations.

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• At an angle to the Feature Curve –

When this option is selected, the tool
will always maintain the same Effective
Lead Angle or Normal Angle while
machining each segment of the feature.
This will result higher number of tool
rotations. This Effective Lead angle/
Normal Angle can be defined/edited in
the Angles group box within this dialog
box.
When this option is selected, the
Incremental B Axis option in the Angles
group box will be disabled.

We will start with the Turn Finish1 operation.

7. Edit Operation Parameters – Turn Finish

a. Edit Turn Finish1
b. Click on the Tool tab and then go to the Tool Crib sub tab
c. Highlight Stn No 11 DNMG 431 80DEG SQR HOLDER and click Select

d. Click on the Turn Finish tab

e. Click on the Continuous B Axis check box
f. Click on the B axis Settings button

This will bring up the Continuous B Axis Settings dialogue box

g. For Type select Constant angle

With the Type set to Constant Angle, only the Incremental B axis and Effective Lead Angle parameters
are available under the Angles section.

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – B Axis TurningCase Study – B Axis Turning

Incremental B Axis – this parameter corresponds to the B Axis incremental angle field that is set on the
Holder page on the Tool tab in the operation parameters.

Effective Lead angle – When this option is selected, the corresponding field for defining the angular
value will be enabled. Use this field to define/modify the Lead Angle to be used for machining the
selected feature using Continuous B Axis Turning functionality.

The default value for the Effective Lead Angle will depend on the Continuous B Axis Turning Type
selected. For now, we will consider the Constant Angle option.

The Effective Lead Angle will be calculated as:

Effective Lead Angle = Lead Angle of Turn Insert + Incremental B Axis

Where:

• Lead Angle of Turn Insert is the Lead Angle (LA) value defined for the current Turn Insert/Tool
in the Holder Page or Boring Bar page for the Turn operation.
• Incremental B Axis is the value defined in the Incremental B Axis field within this dialog box.

h. Under Angles, select Incremental B Axis

i. Set the value to 0deg

The Limits section defines the Maximum Angle and Minimum Angle limit of the B axis tilting to the
current turn operations. The Holder Clearance sets the distance the holder will stay clear of the part
model and stock faces

Sharp Corners – You can control the transition of the Turn Insert at sharp corners using the parameters
within the Sharp Corners group box of this dialog box.

• Smooth – When this option is selected, the Turn Insert will gradually traverse over the sharp
corner. The tool will not maintain the defined Normal angle or Effective Lead Angle with this
setting. (The tool will not be exactly normal to the Turn feature segment.)

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• Rotate at Direction Change – When this option is selected, the direction change will happen
when the Turn Insert is at the vertex (edge of the feature segment).

Corner Smoothing Options –

• Smoothing Distance – The value defined for Smoothing Distance indicates the transition distance
used by the Turn insert between two adjacent segments. The Turn Insert changes the cutting angles
required for these segments in this length.

• Angular Resolution – Use this parameter to indicate the maximum angular rotation between two
successive control points on the toolpath.

j. Click OK
k. Click OK to the operation parameters
8. Generate Toolpath
a. Generate the toolpath for Turn Finish1
9. Step Thru toolpath
a. Step Thru the toolpath of Turn Finish1

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – B Axis TurningCase Study – B Axis Turning

Next, we will program the rest of the OD of this part using a couple of Turn Finish operations. For these
operations, we will define a new OD feature

10. Define Machinable Feature

a. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab
b. Under Turn Setup1, define new Turn feature
c. For Type, select OD Feature
d. For Strategy, select Rough-Finish
e. For Selected entities, select the geometry as shown below

f. Set Extend1 and Extend2 to Tangential

g. Click OK to insert the feature
11. Generate Operation Plan
a. Generate the Operation Plan for OD Feature2
b. Delete Turn Rough2
c. Make a copy of Turn Finish2 and rename it to Turn Finish3 (Rough)

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d. Drag and drop the operation in the shown order

12. Edit Operation Parameters – Turn Finish3 (Rough)

a. Edit Turn Finish3 (Rough)
b. Click on the Tool tab and then the Tool Crib sub tab
c. Highlight Stn No 11 DNMG 431 80DEG SQR HOLDER and click Select
d. Click on the Turn Finish tab
e. Under Cut Type, check on the Layered checkbox
f. Under Allowance, set the Radial (X) and Axial (Z) to 1mm respectively

g. Click OK
13. Edit Operation Parameters – Turn Finish2
a. Edit Turn Finish2
b. Click on the Tool tab and then the Tool Crib sub tab
c. Highlight Stn No 11 DNMG 431 80DEG SQR HOLDER and click Select
d. Click on the Turn Finish tab
e. Click the Continuous B axis checkbox
f. Click on the B axis Settings button
g. In the Continuous B Axis Settings dialogue box, set the Type to At an angle to the
feature curve

When the Type is set to At an angle to the feature curve only the parameters Effective Lead Angle and
Normal are available under the Angles section

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – B Axis TurningCase Study – B Axis Turning

Effective Lead Angle – This parameter will behave differently than described above based on the At an
angle to the feature curve setting in the Type section.

The Effective Lead Angle will be calculated as:

Effective Lead angle = Normal Angle + (Included Angle of Turn Insert*0.5)

Where:

• Included Angle of Turn Insert is the Included Angle value defined for the current Turn Insert
in the corresponding Turn Insert page of the Turn operation.
• Normal Angle is the value defined in the Normal field within this dialog box.
• If the current Turn Insert is a Round Insert, then the Included Angle will be Zero.

Normal – Defines the Normal angle to the feature face. CAMWorks will set the tool to be normal to the
feature curve, or at the entered in angle.

h. For Type, select At an angle to the feature curve

i. Under Angles, select Effective Lead Angle and leave the values to the default
j. Click OK
k. Click on the Feature Options tab
l. Set the Start length and End length to 10mm respectively

m. Click OK
14. Generate toolpath

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Case Study – B Axis Turning

a. Generate the toolpath for the entire setup

15. Simulate Toolpath
a. Run Toolpath simulation

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

Use CAMWorks workflow to program a part in CAMWorks Turning

This lab exercise will reinforce the following skills taught in Lesson 4

• Revolved section plane

• NC Tab, Approach and Retract Options
• Variable Allowance
• Override Feature extends
• Avoidance in Y axis (Thickness)
• Cutoff Corner Break

Procedure:

1. Open Part
a. Open EX_04.SLDPRT from the …Lesson 04/Exercises folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Edit Machine Definition
a. Edit the machine definition
b. Click on the Posting tab
c. Set the Parameter Z Preset Rear Main to 100mm
d. Set the Parameter X Preset Rear Main to 150mm

e. Click OK
3. Edit Stock Definition
a. Edit Stock Manager
b. Under Offset Parameters set the Diameter offset to 2mm
c. Set the Front Face Of Stock Offset to 2mm
d. Set the Back Face Of Stock Offset to 2mm
e. Click OK
4. Set the CAMWorks Options
a. Edit the CAMWorks Options
b. Click on the Turn Features tab
c. Under Extract Machinable Features, set the Method to Revolved Section
d. Click OK
5. Define Machinable Features
a. Run Automatic Feature Recognition
b. Edit the Parameters of ID Feature1 and set the Strategy to Rough-Finish
c. Define OD Turn Feature
d. Set the Type to OD Feature
e. Set the Strategy to Rough-Finish

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

f. Under Define from, set the Part Profile to Revolved Section

g. For Selected entities, select the shown edges in the graphics area

h. Set Extend1 to Tangential

i. Set Extend2 to Tangential

j. Click OK
6. Generate Operations
a. Generate the Operation Plan
b. Re-order the operations to the following order:

7. Generate Toolpath

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

a. Generate toolpath
8. Edit Operation – Turn Rough1
a. Edit Turn Rough1
b. Click on the Turn Rough tab
c. Under Profile parameters, uncheck the Undercut checkbox
d. Under Allowance, set the Method to Variable
e. Click on the Copy constant X and Z allowance to all feature segments button
f. Click on the Variable allowance button
g. In the Allowance box, make the following changes:

h. Click on the NC Tab

i. Under Retract, set the Retract to to Preset position
j. Click OK
9. Edit Operation Parameters – Turn Finish1
a. Click on the Turn Finish tab
b. Under Profile parameters, uncheck the Undercut checkbox
c. Click on the NC Tab
d. Under Retract, set the Retract to to Preset position
e. Click OK
10. Edit Operation Parameters – Turn Rough2
a. Edit Turn Rough2
b. On the Tool tab, change the tool to Stn No. 7 CNMG 431 80DEG SQR HOLDER
c. Click on the NC Tab
d. Under Retract, set the Retract to to Preset position
e. Click OK
11. Edit Operation Parameters – Turn Finish2
a. Edit Turn Finish2
b. On the Tool tab, change the tool to Stn No. 8 DNMG 431 80DEG SQR HOLDER
c. Click on the NC Tab
d. Under Retract, set the Retract to to Preset position
e. Click OK
12. Edit Operation Parameters – Drill1

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

a. Edit Drill1
b. Click on the Feature Options tab
c. Click on the Override Machining Depth button
d. Set the Machining Depth to 88mm
e. Click on the NC Tab
f. Under Approach, set the Strategy to X then Z
g. Under Retract, set the Strategy to Z then X
h. Set the Retract to to Preset position

i. Click OK
13. Edit Operation Parameters – Bore Rough1
a. Edit Bore Rough1
b. Click on the Advanced tab
c. Under Avoidance in Y axis (Thickness), check on the Enable for Tool Insert checkbox
d. Click Preview and note the warning message

e. Click OK to the warning message

f. Click on the Tool tab then the Diamond Insert sub tab
g. Set the Thickness to 3.5mm
h. Set the Relief angle to 5deg
i. Click OK and generate the toolpath
14. Edit Operation Parameters – Cuttoff1
a. Edit Cutoff1
b. Click on the Cut Off tab
c. Under Corner Break, set the Corner break type to Chamfer
d. Set the Chamfer length to 1mm
e. Set the Chamfer angle to 45deg
f. Set the Chamfer ext to 1mm

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

g. Click on the Feature Options tab

h. Set the Start length to 1mm

i. Click on the NC tab

j. Under Clearance, set the Axial (Z) to 0mm

k. Click OK
15. Generate Toolpath
16. Simulate Toolpath

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Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 4 – Advanced Operation Parameters

Exercise 5 – B Axis Turning

This lab will reinforce the following skills taught in Lesson 4

• B axis incremental angle settings

• B Axis Incremental settings
o Constant angle
o At an angle to the Feature Curve
o Angle Settings
o Corner Smoothing Options

Procedure:

1. Open Part
a. Open EX_05.SLDPRT from the …Lesson 04/Exercises folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Define Machinable Features
a. Run Automatic Feature Recognition
3. Generate Toolpath
a. Generate toolpath
4. Edit operation parameters – Face Rough1
a. Edit Face Rough1
b. Click on the Tool tab
c. Click on the Holder tab
d. Set the B axis incremental angle to -45deg
e. Click OK
5. Edit operation parameters – Face Finish1
a. Edit Face Finish1
b. Click on the Tool tab
c. Click on the Holder tab
d. Set the B axis incremental angle to -45deg
e. Click OK
6. Edit operation parameters – Turn Finish1
a. Edit Turn Finish1
b. Click on the Tool tab
c. Click on the Tool Crib tab and select STN No. 5 DNMG 431 55DEG SQR HOLDER
d. Click on the Turn Finish tab
e. Click on the Continuous B axis check box and click on the B axis Settings… button
f. In the Continuous B Axis Settings, set the Type to Constant angle
g. Set the Angles to Incremental B axis and set the value to 0deg
h. Click OK
i. Click OK
7. Edit operation parameters – Drill1
a. Edit Drill1
b. Click on the Feature Options tab

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 Lesson 4 Advanced Turning, Exercise 5 – B Axis Turning

c. Click on the Override Machining Depth button and set the Machining length to
105mm
d. Click OK
8. Generate Toolpath
9. Simulate Toolpath

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Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics

Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics

What you will learn:

• MillTurn on a single turret/Single Spindle machine

• Machine Definition – Defining the machine, Selecting Toolcribs, Machine setup
• Milling orientations and types – Face, OD, Fixed, Free, Polar, etc.
• Adding Turn setup for cutoff operation

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 Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics

In this lesson we will learn how to use CAMWorks to program a part with CAMWorks Mill-turn
functionality.

In Lesson 1, we showed the process we use to generate tuning and mill turn toolpaths in CAMWorks. To
review, here are the steps we follow:

1. Model the part or assembly in SOLIDWORKS or CAMWorks Solids

2. Select the CAMWorks Feature Tree
3. Define Machine Controller Parameters
4. Define the Part/Stock
5. Define Machinable Features
6. Generate Operation Plan
7. Adjust Operation Parameters and Required
8. Generate toolpath
9. Simulate toolpath
10. Post process
11. Transmit file to the CNC

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Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics, Case Study – Generate toolpath using CAMWorks Mill /Turn

Case Study – Generate toolpath using CAMWorks Mill /Turn

In this Case study, we will follow the workflow described above to create G-Code on a part file for a
Mill/Turn machine.

These Mill/Tun Machine type include:

• A turret with live tooling stations

• A lathe with a tool changer

The CAMWorks Mill/Turn module combines milling operations with turning operations. If we are
familiar with the CAMWorks Turning and Milling, working in the Mill/Turn environment will be an easy
transition.

1. Open Part
a. Open the part file 05_MT_01.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 05\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Define Machine
a. Edit Machine Definition
b. On the Machine tab, click on Mill-Turn Single Turret – metric and click Select

c. Uncheck the Use sub-spindle checkbox

We will only use a single spindle for this example to keep it simple

d. Click on the Tool Crib tab

e. Under Available tool cribs, click on MT Tool Crib 2 Rear (Metric) and click Select

f. Click on the Post Processor tab

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 Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics, Case Study – Generate toolpath using CAMWorks Mill /Turn

g. Select the MT2Axis-Tutorial post processor

h. Click OK
3. Define Stock
a. For Stock type, select the Round Bar stock
b. Set the following Bar stock parameters:

c. Click OK
4. Edit CAMWorks Options
a. Click on the Mill Features tab
b. Under Hole recognition options uncheck the Extend holes stock check box

c. Click on the Turn Features tab

d. Under Extract Machinable Features, set the Method to Revolved Section

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e. Click OK

There are two ways we will define features on this part.

• Define features automatically

• Define features interactively

We will use both methods in this example

5. Define Features
a. Run Automatic Feature Recognition

Let us take a look at the features the were recognized automatically.

We can see that in addition to a Turn setup with the turn

features that we would expect with a typical turn part, we
also get Mill Setups with milling features. These setups are at
the orientation where the features are most easily accessed.

Under Mill Part Setup, we can see that four Irregular slot
features were found. We would like to define this geometry
differently so we can delete these features and use
interactive feature recognition to define a boss at the front of
the part

Also, the hole pattern under the second Mill Part Setup there
are a group of holes that are under the setup that is
positioned at the wrong direction

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 Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics, Case Study – Generate toolpath using CAMWorks Mill /Turn

We can reposition these holes by dragging Hole Group2 to Mill Part Setup1

b. Delete Irregular slot features

c. Under Mill Part Setup1, create new 2.5 axis Boss feature
d. Select the front face of the part as shown for the Selected Entities

e. For the End condition, select the shown face

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f. Click OK
g. Add an additional 2.5 axis Boss Feature under Mill Part Setup1 for the profile of the part

h. Drag Hole Group2 [Drill] under Mill Part Setup2 to Mill Part Setup1

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 Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics, Case Study – Generate toolpath using CAMWorks Mill /Turn

i. Under Mill Part Setup3, change the Strategy of Irregular Pocket1 to Rough-Finish

We need to ensure that the cutoff operation takes place after the milling operations. To do this, we can
create a second turn setup and drag and drop Cutoff Feature1 to this new setup.

6. Create new turn setup

a. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Setup…

b. Drag and Drop Cutoff Feature1 from Turn Setup1 to Turn Setup2

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Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics, Case Study – Generate toolpath using CAMWorks Mill /Turn

7. Generate Operation plan

a. Generate the Operation Plan
8. Generate Toolpath

Next, we will explore some of the milling operation parameters that are specific to Mill/Turn.

Starting with the operations under Mill Part setup1, we see that the orientation of the setup is
machining normal to the face of the part. There are several ways the G-Code can be output depending
on the CNC Machine we are programming for.

Rotary Axis Mode

Some Machine tools have limited or no Y axis movement. When machining operations from the face, in
order for the tool to reach everything, the C axis will rotate instead of a Y axis move. The Rotary Axis
Mode parameters control whether the output format for a mill operation is fixed (XYZ) or free (C-Axis
"XCZ").

• Free – C-Axis "XCZ". The C axis is free to move, no Y axis moves with be posted.
o Polar/cylindrical – This option will output the code in Polar coordinates.
• Fixed – XYZ coordinates will be output in the G Code.
o X+ only – When this checkbox option is checked, the posted NC code for the operation
will not have any negative X coordinates. Instead, the posted NC code will be modified
such that C Axis coordinates will be automatically added to ensure that the tool cuts
only in positive X direction to machine the target feature.

We can access these parameters on the NC tab of the milling operation parameters. We will start with
the drilling operations.

9. Edit Operation Parameters – Center Drill1

a. Edit Center Drill1 under Mill Part Setup1
b. Click on the NC tab
c. Under Rotary axis mode, select Free

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d. Click OK
10. Post Process – Center Drill1
a. Right Click on Center Drill1 under Mill Part Setup1 in the CAMWorks Operation tree and
select Post Process…
b. Click Save to save the G-Code file and post process the code

The resulting G-Code shows that each hole position is output with a C Axis move rather than XY
coordinates

11. Edit Operation Parameters – Center Drill1

a. Edit Center Drill1 under Mill Part Setup1
b. Click on the NC tab
c. Under Rotary axis mode, select Fixed

d. Click OK
12. Post Process – Center Drill1
a. Right Click on Center Drill1 and select Post Process…
b. Click Save to save the G-Code file and post process the code

The resulting G-Code shows that each hole position is output with XY coordinates

The same can be set in Drill1. Note that the option for Polar Coordinate is grayed out. This is because
polar coordinate output is not supported for hole operations.

We will take a look at the operation parameters for the Contour Mill1

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13. Edit Operation Parameters – Contour Mill1

a. Edit Contour Mill1
b. Click on the Tool tab, then click on the Tool Crib sub tab
c. Under From library, click on the Add… button
d. In the Tool Select Filter, select a 16mm flat endmill and click OK
e. Highlight the new 16mm flat endmill and click on the Select button

f. Click on the NC tab

g. Under Rotary axis mode, select the Free option

h. Click OK

For the next few steps, we will examine the Rotary axis mode options and their respective output G-
Code

i. Post process Contour Mill1

j. Edit the operation parameters, check on the Polar/Cylindrical checkbox, click OK and
Post process

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 Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics, Case Study – Generate toolpath using CAMWorks Mill /Turn

We can see that the polar coordinates are posted out with a G112/G113 to tell the controller of the
machine to turn on and off polar mode

k. Edit the operation parameters, Select the Fixed option, click OK and Post process
Contour Mill1

The X and Y coordinates are posted out. Using this parameter assumes that the machine has a Y axis
with enough travel to reach the Y coordinates.

The X+ only parameter is used when the machine can’t move below the X axis to a negative X
coordinate. This parameter can only be used on features that don’t extend in the negative X quadrant.
This current feature would post out all positive X coordinated because of that.

If we create a feature that does stay in X positive quadrant, then the resulting posted G-Code stays
positive. This will even be the case when the feature is patterned around the part.

If I create an open profile feature in positive X and generate a contour mill operation, we can see the G-
Code is posted out with positive X coordinates.

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This would be expected since the feature in is positive X space. But, if I pattern the feature around to the
other sides of the part, post processing will show that the part is re-oriented in the C Axis to keep the X
in the positive space

14. Change tool

a. Change the tool for Contour Mill2 to the 16mm Flat Endmill

Let’s take a look at the operations under Mill Part Setup3. Mill Part Setup3 is machining on the outer
diameter of the part. Because of this, the options
available in the NC ta under Rotary axis mode will
depend on the geometry of the feature being
machined.

Take a look at Rough Mill1, for example. On the NC

tab the Rotary axis mode settings are grayed out with
the Fixed option selected. This is because this feature
needs the Y axis to machine it. If the machine doesn’t
have Y axis movement, then this geometry can’t be
machined.

For the Free option to be available the feature being machined would need to be a wrapped feature. We
will work with Wrapped features in the next case study.

15. Simulate Toolpath

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Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics, Exercise 6 – Mill Turn Basics

Exercise 6 – Mill Turn Basics

Program the following part to be machine on a CNC lathe with live tooling.

This lab exercise will reinforce the following skills taught in Lesson 5:

• Machine definition and setup for a Mill/Turn machine (Single Turret/Single Spindle)
• Feature definition bot AFR and IFR of turning and Milling features
• Milling orientations and types – Face, OD, Fixed, Free, Polar, etc.
• Adding Turn setup for cutoff operation

Procedure:

1. Open Part
a. Open EX_06.SLDPRT from the …Lesson 05/Exercises folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Edit Machine Definition
a. Edit the machine definition
b. On the Machine tab, under the list of Available machines, select Mill-Turn Single
Turret – Metric
c. Click Select
d. Uncheck the Use sub-spindle check box
e. Click on the Tool Crib tab
f. Make sure the MT Tool Crib2 Rear(Metric) tool crib is selected
g. Click on the Post Processor tab
h. Define the …\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2023x64\Posts\MT2Axis-Tutorial.ctl as
the post processor.
i. Click OK
3. Define Stock
a. Edit Stock Manager
b. For the Stock type, select Bar Stock
c. Under Offset parameters, set the Diameter Offset to 2mm

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 Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics, Exercise 6 – Mill Turn Basics

d. Set the Front Face of Stock Offset to 2mm

e. Set the Back Face of Stock Offset to 35mm

f. Click OK
4. Define Machinable features
a. Run Automatic Feature Recognition
b. Under Mill Part Setup1, delete the six Irregular slot features that where recognized
c. Delete Mill Part Setup 3, Mill Part Setup4, and Mill Part Setup5
d. Change the strategy of Irregular Pocket1 and Irregular Pocket2 to Rough-Finish
e. Change the strategy of ID Feature1 to Rough-Finish

f. Under Mill Part Setup1, define 2.5 Axis Boss feature as shown below
g. For the Strategy, select Finish

h. Click OK

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Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics, Exercise 6 – Mill Turn Basics

i. Under Mill Part Stup1, define 2.5 axis Open profile feature using the shown geometry

j. Click End Condition and set the Strategy to Finish

k. Set the End condition to Upto Face and select the back face of the part
l. Edit the feature profiles to point the direction of cut correctly

m. Click OK
k. Do a three-instance circular feature pattern for Irregular Pocket1, Irregular Pocket2 and
Open Profile1

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 Lesson 5 Mill Turn Basics, Exercise 6 – Mill Turn Basics

l. Add a second Turn Setup

m. Drag CutOff Feature1 into the new Turn Setup2
n. Drag Turn Setup2 to the bottom of the feature list.
11. Generate Operation Plan
12. Generate Toolpath
a. Edit the Drill operation under Turn Setup1 and go to the Feature Options tab
b. Set the Machining length to 80mm
c. Click OK
d. Regenerate Toolpath
13. Edit Operation Parameters – Contour Mill1
a. Under Mill Part Setup1, edit Contour Mill1
b. Click on the Tool tab, Tool Crib tab
c. Add a 12mm Flat Endmill to the tool crib and assign it to the operation
d. Click OK
14. Edit Operation Parameters – Contour Mill2
a. Edit Contour Mill2
b. Assign the new 12mm Flat Endmill to the operation
c. Click on the NC tab
d. Under Rotary axis mode, select the Fixed option
e. Check on the X+only checkbox
f. Click OK
15. Simulate Toolpath
16. Post Process

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Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced

Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced

What you will learn:

• Mill Turn with Sub Spindle

• Mill Turn Wrapped features and operations
• B Axis Milling operations
• Multi Axis operations in Mill Turn

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 Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced

In the last lesson we introduced the CAMWorks Mill turn environment on a simple single turret, single
spindle CNC Lathe with live tooling. In this lesson, we will expound on this and introduce programming
for more complex machines with sub spindles and multiple turrets. We will also cover more complex
milling operations and features like wrapped and multi axis features

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Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced, Case Study – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle

Case Study – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle

In this case study, we will show how to set up features and operations that will be machined on the Sub
Spindle.

1. Open Part
a. Open the part file 06_MT_01.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 06\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree

The machine definition has already been set to a Mill Turn machine but only a single spindle. We need
to edit the machine and set it to use a sub spindle.

The stock has already been defined.

2. Edit Machine Definition

a. Edit the machine definition
b. On the Machine tab, check on the Use sub-spindle checkbox

c. Click on the Tool Crib tab

d. Under Available tool cribs, click on MT Tool Crib 2 (Metric) and then click Select

e. Click on the Post Processor tab

f. Select the MT2Axis-Tutorial.ctl post processor

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 Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced, Case Study – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle

g. Click on the Setup tab

h. Under Spindles, click on the Work offset button under Main spindle

i. In the Spindle work coordinate box, select the Work Coordinate option
j. Set the Main to 54 and Sub to 55

k. Click OK
l. Click on the Chuck/Fixture tab
m. Under Sub Spindle Information, set the Distance (D) to 750mm and the Reference for D
to Back of the chuck/fixture face

n. Click OK

As we examine the geometry of the part, we can see that some of the geometry can only be machined
while the part is in the sub spindle.

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Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced, Case Study – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle

Like turning, in order to get milling operations to be machined on the sub-spindle, an appropriate
spindle attribute has to be applied to the feature.

3. Define Machinable features

a. Click on the Extract Machinable Feature icon on the CAMWorks 2023
Commandmanager toolbar

As we look at what CAMWorks automatically recognized, we can see that a turn setup along with
multiple mill part setups were automatically placed in the CAMWorks Feature tree

We will start with the turn features and work as we did in Lesson 2. We will copy some of the turn
features and set the spindle attribute so that we can generate the operations on the sub spindle.

b. Copy ID Feature1 using CRTL+drag and drop

c. Edit Parameters of ID Feature1 and change the Strategy to Rough-Finish
d. Edit the Parameters of the newly created ID Deature1 – Copy and change the Strategy
to Rough-Finish and the Spindle attribute to Sub-spindle

e. Click OK
f. Right click on Cutoff Feature1 and select Convert to Face Feature

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g. In the Feature parameters of Face Feature2, change the Spindle attribute to Sub
spindle

We now have to tell CAMWorks which milling features re to be machined while the part is in the sub
spindle. This is done by setting the Spindle attribute of the milling features to Sub spindle

Notice the orientation on Mill Part Setup2

We will set the spindle attribute of all the operations under this setup to Sub spindle.

h. Under Mill Part Setup2, set the Spindle attribute of all the features to Sub spindle
i. Under Mill Part Setup4, modify the Parameters of Rectangular Slot2 and change the
Spindle attribute to Sub spindle
j. Do the same to Rectangular Slot3 under Mill Part Setup5

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Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced, Case Study – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle

Next, we will change the strategies of some of the milling features from the default that was selected.
This can be done by using the Default Feature Strategies tool on the CAMWorks 2023
Commandmanager toolbar.

4. Edit Default Feature Strategies

a. Click on the Default Feature Strategies icon on the CAMWorks 2023 Command
manager toolbar

b. In the Default Feature Strategies box, on the Mill tab, change the Default Strategy for
Irregular/Wrapped Pocket to Finish
c. Do the same to Rectangular Slot and Obround Pocket
d. Click Apply

e. Click Close

We are now ready to generate the operations. We will do this automatically by running the Generate
Operation plan command. This will create operations for each of these features base off of the rules set
in the Technology database. We can later come back and modify or add operations as needed.

Since some of the features were defined with a Sub spindle Spindle attribute, the Generate Operation
Plan command will also automatically create Sub spindle setups for the operations that will be
machined on the sub spindle.

5. Generate Operation Plan

a. Click on the Generate the Operations Plan icon on the CAMWorks 2023
Commandmanager toolbar

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 Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced, Case Study – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle

Let’s examine the operations and setup that

were generated.

At the top of the tree, we have the Turn

operations that were generated for the Main
Spindle.

This is followed by Mill Part Setups that contain

the milling operations that will be performed
while the part is in the main spindle.

Next there is another turn setup that has

[SUB2] next to it. This contains the Turn
operations that will be performed on the Sub
spindle.

After this, there will be milling setups that also

have [SUB2] next to it that contain the milling
operations that will be performed on the sub
spindle.

We will edit some of the operation parameters to further optimize the toolpath.
b. Edit Drill1
c. Click on the Feature Options tab
d. Change the Machining length to 75mm

In the Metric Technology database the stepover for Groove rough operation is set to a small value. To
make it easier to simulate, we will change this value on all of the Groove Rough operations

e. Edit Groove Rough1

f. On the Groove Rough tab, under Parameters, change the Stepover to 1mm
g. Click OK
h. Do this to all of the Groove Rough operations

Since the inside diameter has already been drilled from the Main Spindle setup, the Center Drill and Drill
operation are not needed on the Sub Spindle. We can delete these operations.

i. Under Turn Setup1[Turn OpSetup2][SUB2], delete Center Drill2 and Drill2

We need to add some roughing passes to the contour mill operation cutting the slot features on the top
of the flange

j. Under Mill Part Setup4, edit Contour Mill9

k. Click on the Contour tab

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l. Under Side parameters, select the Settings button

m. In the Side Parameters box, under Rough passes check on the Override prev.
allowance checkbox
n. Set the Prev. allowance to 15mm

o. Click OK
p. Click OK
q. Do the same to the Contour Mill operation under Mill Part Setup5
6. Generate toolpath
a. Click on the Generate toolpaths icon on the CAMWorks 2021 Commandmanager toolbar

We will add a Sub spindle operation to initial the transfer of the workpiece and stock to the sub spindle
of the machine.

7. Add Sub Spindle Operation

a. Add Sub Spindle operation under Mull Part Setup6 after Drill2
b. Under Active Templates, select Standard Transfer and Click OK

c. Click on the Spindle Feed step and set the Clearance to 5mm

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d. Click OK

As we saw in Lesson 2 for turning, the position of the chuck on the main spindle is defined in the Turn
setup. It can also be defined in the Mill Part Setups. By editing the Turn or Mill Part setup and click on
the Chuck/Fixture Location tab, we can see the settings that position the Chuck onto the stock of the
part.

By default, the Define chuck/fixture location check box will only be checked on in the first setup in the
operations tree. On the subsequent setups, this option will be unchecked, and the Chuck/Fixture
location will be determined from the previous setup.

For the Sub Spindle, the location is set from where the Sub Spindle operation placed the sub spindle on
to the part

For this part, we will edit Turn Setup1 to set this chuck/fixture location

8. Set the Main Spindle Chuck Position

a. Edit Turn Setup1
b. Click on the Chuck/Fixture Location tab
c. Under Clamping Location (Z), set the Z offset to -20mm

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d. Click OK

For comparison, if we edit Mill Part Setup1 and click on the Chuck/Fixture Location tab, we can see that
the Define chuck/fixture location checkbox is unchecked. This means the location of the chuck on for
this setup is defined from the Turn Setup1

We are now ready to simulate the toolpath and post process the G-Code.

9. Simulate Toolpath

10. Post Process

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 Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced, Case Study – Mill/Turn Wrapped Toolpaths

Case Study – Mill/Turn Wrapped Toolpaths

A wrapped toolpath can be applied to a part that is set up for Mill/Turn. Wrapped toolpaths use the
same toolpath calculation algorithms as the 2.5 axis operations. They also use the same technology
database entries.

Wrapped toolpaths are generated from Wrapped features that are interactively generated.

1. Open part
a. Open 06_MT_02.SLDPRT from the ...\Lesson 06\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature tree tab

The Machine and Stock definition have already been defined. We are ready to define the machinable
features for this part.

2. Define Machinable Features

a. Edit the CAMWorks Options
b. Click on the Mill Features Tab
c. Under Extract machinable features, Feature types, uncheck the Part Perimeter check
box

d. Click OK
e. Click on the Extract Machinable Features icon on the CAMWorks 2023
CommandManager toolbar

3. Edit Rectangular Pocket Feature

a. Under the Mill Part Setup, edit Rectangular Pocket1
b. Click on End Condition
c. Set the Strategy to Rough-Finish
d. Under End condition – Direction1, select Upto Vertex as the end condition
e. Select the shown vertex

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f. Click OK

The turn features are recognized along with a rectangular pocket. However, the Wrapped geometry we
see on the part was not recognized automatically. As mentioned before, wrapped feature are only
inserted interactively.

In order to define a wrapped feature in CAMWorks, the part must be set up correctly. To do this with a
Mill/Turn part, the following criteria must be in place on the part file:

1. The Mill Part Setup must be perpendicular to the

Spindle or C axis

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2. Faces or edges used to define the Wrapped

feature must be cylindrical.

3. The cylindrical faces or edges of the wrapped

feature must be concentric with the 4th axis.

4. Define Machinable Wrapped Features

a. Right click on Mill Part Setup2 and select Wrapped Feature…
b. Or, after selecting on the Mill Part Setup2 click on the Feature icon in the CAMWorks
2023 CommandManager Toolbar and then Wrapped Feature

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Wrapped Feature Property Manager

The Wrapped Feature Property Manager is different than the typical property manager for inserting
machinable feature. Here are its main components:

Feature - There are 5 types of wrapped features that can be defined

Wrapped Pocket Wrapped Boss

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Wrapped Slot Wrapped Open Profile

Wrapped Engrave

Profile Tab – this tab defines the feature perimeter profile

End Condition Tab – Defines the end condition for the feature profiles

Edit Profile Tab – On Wrapped Slot features, this tab allows us to define which edges are open air vs
material

c. For Type, select Wrapped pocket

d. For Strategy, select Rough-Finish

e. Select the shown face

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f. Click on the End Condition tab

g. Under Direction 1 select the shown face to define the end condition

h. Click OK
5. Pattern the Wrapped Pocket Feature
a. Right Click on Wrapped Pocket1 and select Pattern, Create Pattern…

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b. Set the pattern Type to Circular Pattern

c. Select the outside diameter face of the part as the reference axis to pattern around
d. Click on the Total distance icon
e. Set the number of instances to 3

f. Click OK

On the last feature we created we selected on part geometry to define our Wrapped features. We can
also use 2D sketches to define the wrapped feature geometry.

On the current part, we see the wrapped feature at the top of the part. Part of its profile is broken by
the pocket. If we select on the faces of the part to define the wrapped feature, the resulting feature will
have extra edges. We may want to have the tool move over the cut away pocket as if it was not there.

To do this, we will do the following in CAMWorks:

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Unwrap the Feature Geometry - Create an unwrapped 2D sketch from the wrapped feature geometry
using the Unwrap Faces/Edges to Sketch too in CAMWorks. This will automatically create a sketch in
SOLIDWORKS

Edit a 2D Sketch – Modify the sketch to reflect the desired geometry

Define the Wrapped feature from the 2D Sketch – Used the edited sketch to create the Wrapped
Feature

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Important – When using a sketch to define a Wrapped feature the sketch being used need to be a single
closed contour sketch that is created on a reference plane that is coincident to the rotary axis. If these
criteria are not met, the sketch will not be listed on the list of available sketches

6. Insert Wrapped Pocket using sketch

a. Right Click on Mill Part Setup2 and select Unwrap Faces/Edges to Sketch…

b. For the Selected Face/Edges select on the shown face

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c. Select the Top Plane as the reference plane

d. Click OK
e. Edit the unwrapped sketch on the SOLIDWORKS feature tree and modify the sketch as
shown

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It may be necessary to edit the sketch profile to make sure the sketch is a true closed contour.

f. Exit the sketch and go back to the CAMWorks Feature tree

g. Insert a new Wrapped feature
h. For Type select Wrapped Pocket
i. For Strategy, select Rough Finish
j. Select the new sketch under the Available valid sketches selection box
k. Highlight the Wrapping Diameter Entity box and select the shown face from the
graphics area

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l. On the End Condition tab, under Direction 1, set the Type to Upto Face
m. Select the shown face to be the end face

n. Click OK
7. Insert Wrapped Engrave feature
a. Under Mill Part Setup2, insert new Wrapped Feature
b. Set the Type to Wrapped Engrave
c. Set the Strategy to Engrave
d. For the Profile, select the Wrapped Sketch Text sketch under Available valid sketches

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e. Highlight the Wrapping diameter entity box and select the shown surface

f. On the End Condition tab set the Direction 1 Type to Blind and the distance to 1mm
(Click on the reverse button to ensure that the feature’s end condition engraves into the
part)

g. Click OK

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8. Insert New Turn Setup for the Cutoff Feature

a. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Setup…
b. Click OK
c. Drag Cutoff Feature1 to Turn Setup2
9. Generate Operation Plan
a. Generate operation plan
10. Generate toolpath
11. Simulate toolpath

Notice that there are areas of the machined wrapped pockets that show leftover toolpath on some of
the edges. This happens because of the geometry of the tool in relation to the feature that is being cut.
The Wrapped toolpath will always have the tool align with the center axis of the part. Because of that,
there might be some material left on the part.

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 Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced, Case Study – Mill/Turn will Multi Axis Operations

Case Study – Mill/Turn will Multi Axis Operations

In this case study, we will program a part that will require a Multi Axis operation. This lesson will provide
a brief overview of Multi Axis operations as it applies to working within the Mill Turn Environment. For a
more complete study of these types of operations, please refer to the 5 Axis Programming manual and
training class.

Four and Five Axis toolpaths can be generated for most Mill/Turn machines. Typically, if we are using a
machine with a B Axis head, we can program with 5 axes. If the machine has a turret, a four-axis
toolpath can still be generated.

1. Open Part
a. Open 06_MT_03.SLDPRT from the ...\Lesson 06\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab

The machine and stock have already been defined. We can move on to the next step of defining
features.

2. Define Features
a. Click on the Extract Machinable Features icon on the CAMWorks 2023
CommandManager toolbar

Examine the recognized features. A Turn setup along with some Mill Part Setups gets added to the tree
based on the geometry of the part.

Since we can use patterns to copy some of these features, we will start off by deleting some of the
setups that are recognized.

b. Delete Mill Part Setup3 and Mill Part Setup4

When we think of 5 axis machining, there are two types. We can think of 5 axis positional moves where
the tool orients to an angle and a 2.5 or 3 Axis operation is performed, such as drilling a hole, or milling a
pocket. There is also 5 Axis simultaneous where the tool will move simultaneously in all 5 axes.

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The operations that will be performed on the features under Mill Part Setup2. Here the tool positions to
angle normal to the bottom of the pocket machine the pocket’s geometry. We will pattern the feature
around the part that will further position the tool to perform other 2.5 axis operations.

Later on, in this lesson we will program a 5-axis simultaneous operation.

Next, we notice that the cutout coming from the top side of the part did not get recognized from
running the Extract Machinable Feature command.

We will need to add a Mill Part Setup to the tree and then interactively add the pocket feature that
creates this cutout.

Before that, we will change the strategy for the Irregular Pocket1

c. Change the Strategy of Irregular Pocket1 to Rough-Finish

d. Insert new Mill Part Setup using the Top Plane

e. Reverse the Selected Entity, or the direction of the setup.

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f. Click OK
g. Under the new Mill Part Setup, insert new 2.5 Axis feature
h. For the 2.5 Axis Feature Type select Pocket
i. Under the Selection Filter, set the Edge selection to Convert to Loop
j. For the Selected Entities, select the shown faces

k. Click End Condition

l. Set the Strategy to Rough-Finish
m. Under End condition – Direction1, select the Upto Ref Plane, then select the Top Plane
from the SOLIDWORKS Feature tree
n. Under End condition – Direction2, set the Blind depth to 4mm

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o. Click OK
p. Add Turn Setup for the Cutoff Feature1

q. Click OK
r. Drag the Cutoff Feature1 to the new turn setup
3. Generate the Operation Plan
a. Generate the Operation Plan
4. Edit Operation – Turn Finish
a. Edit Turn Finish1
b. Click on the Tool tab, Tool Crib sub tab
c. Select Stn No. DNMG 431 80DEG SQR HOLDER and click Select

d. Click on the Turn Finish tab

e. Check on the Continuous B axis check box and click on the B axis Settings button

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f. Click OK to accept the default B Axis settings

g. Click on the Lead In/Out tab
h. For Leadin type, select Perpendicular
i. Set the Leadin amount to 15mm

j. Click OK
5. Edit Operation – Rough Mill2/Contour Mill2
a. Under Mill Part Setup5, change the tool for both Rough Mill2 and Contour Mill2 to T07
– 10 Flat End

6. Generate toolpath
7. Simulate Toolpath

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Next, we will create a 5 Axis operation to machine the chamfer on the top of the part. This is done by
first creating a multi surface feature.

This multi surface feature can be created in a Mill Part Setup that is either machining from the outside
diameters or from the face of the part. For this example, we will use the Mill Part Setup5 that we
created for the pocket.

8. Add Multi Surface Feature

a. Click on the CAMWorks Feature tree
b. Right click on Mill Part Setup5 and select Multi Surface Feature

c. For Feature Type, select Faces or Surfaces

d. For Strategy, select 5 Axis
e. Under Selected Faces, select the shown faces

f. Click OK

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 Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced, Case Study – Mill/Turn will Multi Axis Operations

9. Generate Operation Plan

a. Generate the Operation Plan for Multi Surface Feature1
10. Edit Operation Parameters – Multiaxis Mill1
a. Edit Multi Axis Mill1
b. Click on the Tool tab, Tool Crib tab
c. Assign T07 10 Flat Endmill to the operation

d. Click on the Pattern tab

e. Change the Method to Swarf Milling

f. Click on the Entry/Retract tab

g. Under Clearance, set the Type to Cylinder About X

In CAMWorks, toolpath can be patterned by applying a pattern to the feature. For the operations under
Mill Part Setup2 in this current example, we will apply a circular pattern to get the toolpaths around the
part’s axis.

For this Multi Axis Operation, we have the ability to pattern the toolpath inside of the operation
parameters.

h. Click on the Advanced tab

i. Check on the Rotate Toolpath checkbox

Since the setup direction in coming from the Outside Diameter of the part we need to select an axis to
rotate about based on this direction. In this case, we will set it to rotate about the X axis.

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j. For Rotate about select X Axis

k. For Number of steps type in 2
l. Set the Rotation angle to 180deg

m. Click OK
n. Generate toolpath for Multiaxis Mill1

11. Pattern the Features

a. Click on the CAMWorks Feature tree
b. Under Mill Part Setup2, right click on Irregular Pocket1, select Pattern and then Create
Pattern

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c. For the Type, select Circular Pattern

d. Under Parameters, for the Select Linear/Circular edge, Planar/Cylindrical face.
Reference Plane, reference Axis field, select the outside cylinder of the part in the
graphics area
e. Set the Instances to 3

f. Click OK
g. Do the same to Hole2
12. Simulate toolpath

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 Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced, Exercise 7 – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle

Exercise 7 – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle

Use CAMWorks workflow to program a part in CAMWorks Mill/Turn

This lab exercise will reinforce the following skills taught in Lesson 6

• Mill Turn with Sub Spindle

• Mill Turn Wrapped features and operations

Procedure:

1. Open Part
a. Open EX_07.SLDPRT from the …Lesson 06/Exercises folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Edit Machine Definition
a. Edit Machine Definition
b. On the Machine tab, make sure the Use sub-spindle checkbox is checked
c. Click on the Chuck/Fixture tab
d. Under Sub Spindle Information, set the Distance (D) to 750mm
e. Set the Reference to D to Back of the chuck/fixture face
f. Click OK
3. Define Machinable features
a. Run automatic feature recognition
b. CRTL+Drag and drop OD Feature1 to copy it
c. Edit OD Feature1 and under Selected entities, remove the geometry that will be
machined while the part is on the sub spindle

d. Edit OD Feature1 – Copy and under Selected entities, remove the geometry that will be
machined while the part is on the main spindle

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e. Change the Spindle attribute to Sub-spindle

f. Click OK
g. Edit the Parameters of Groove Rectangular OD1 and set Spindle attribute to Sub-
spindle
h. Convert Cutoff Feature1 to a Face Feature
i. Edit the Face Feature2 and change its Spindle attribute to Sub-spindle
4. Define Machinable Features Mill Part Setup1
a. Under Mill Part Setup1 add new 2.5 Axis Feature
b. For Type, select Slot
c. For Selected entities, select the shown faces

d. Click End Condition

e. Set the Strategy to Rough-Finish
f. Set the Blind depth to 10mm

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 Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced, Exercise 7 – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle

g. Click OK
h. Reorder the feature like this:

5. Define Machinable Feature – Mill Part Setup2

a. Edit the Parameters of Hole Group2
b. Set the Spindle attribute to Sub spindle
c. Click OK
d. Under Mill Part Setup2, define new 2.5 Axis Feature
e. For Type, select Slot
f. For Selected entities select the shown faces

g. Click End Condition

h. Set the Strategy to Rough-Finish

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i. Set the Spindle attribute to Sub spindle

j. Under End condition – Direction 1, set the Blind depth to 10mm

k. Click OK
6. Define Machinable Features – Wrapped Pocket Features
a. Create new Mill Part Setup using the Top plane from the SolidWorks Feature Tree
b. Make sure the direction arrow is pointed in the correct direction

c. Click OK
d. Under the new Mill Part Setup, create a new Wrapped Feature
e. For Type, select Wrapped Pocket
f. For Strategy, select Rough Finish
g. Select the shown faces

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h. Click on the End Condition tab

i. Set the Profile to All
j. Under Direction 1, select the shown face

k. Click OK
l. Edit the Parameters of the Wrapped pockets that will be machined on the Sub spindle
m. Change the Spindle attribute to Sub spindle

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7. Generate Operation Plan

a. Generate the operation plan
8. Generate Toolpath
a. Generate the toolpath
9. Insert Sub Spindle Operation
a. Under Mill Part Setup3 [Group3], create a new Sub Spindle operation
b. Under Available Templates, select Standard transfer

c. Click OK
d. Under Steps, click on the Spindle Feed step
e. Set the Clearance to 0mm

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f. Click OK
10. Define Setups
a. Edit Turn Setup1
b. Click on the Offset tab
c. Under Work coordinate offset, select Work Coordinate and set the Work Coordinate
to 54

d. Click OK
e. Edit Turn Setup1 [Turn OpSetup2][SUB2]
f. Click on the Offset tab
g. Under Work coordinate offset, select the Work Coordinate option and set the Work
Coordinate to 55

11. Simulate toolpath

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Lesson 7 Assembly Mode for Turning

Exercise 8 – Mill/Turn with Multi Axis Operations

Use CAMWorks workflow to program a part in CAMWorks Mill/Turn

This lab exercise will reinforce the following skills taught in Lesson 6

• Working with Multiaxis operations in Mill Turn

Procedure:

1. Open Part
a. Open EX_8.SLDPRT from the …Lesson 06/Exercises folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Define Machinable Features
a. Create new Turn Setup
b. Right click on Stock Manager and select Turn Setup…

c. Click OK
d. Create new Turn Feature under Turn Setup1
e. For Type, select OD Feature
f. For Strategy, select Rough-Finish
g. Under the Define from section, select Sketch1
h. Under Selected entities, select the shown contours

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 Lesson 6 Mill Turn Advanced, Exercise 7 – Mill/Turn with Sub Spindle

i. Click OK
j. Create new Mill Part Setup
k. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Mill Part Setup…

l. For the Entity, select the Top Plane and reverse the direction if needed

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m. Click OK
n. Right Click on Mill Part Setup1 and click on Multi Surface Feature…
o. For Feature Type, select Faces or Surfaces
p. For Strategy, select 4 Axis
q. For Selected Faces, select the shown faces

r. Click OK
3. Generate Operation Plan
a. Generate the Operation Plan
4. Edit Operation Parameters – Turn Finish1
a. Edit Turn Finish1
b. Click on the Tool tab, Tool Crib sub tab
c. Select Stn No. 6 DNMG 431 80DEG SQR HOLDER
d. Click on the Turn Finish tab
e. Check on the Continuous B axis checkbox
f. Click OK

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5. Edit Operation Parameters – Multiaxis Mill1

a. Edit Multiaxis Mill1
b. Click on the Tool tab, Tool Crib sub tab and change the tool to Stn. No. 7 6MM CRB
2FL BM 19 LOC
c. Click on the Pattern tab
d. Under Pattern, set the Pattern to Flowline Between Curves

e. Define the Upper Curve as shown

f. Define the Lower Curve as shown

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g. Under Limits, set the Method to Avoid Cuts At Exact Edges

h. Under Surface Finish, set the Max. stepover to 1mm

i. Click on the Entry/Retract tab
j. Set the Leadin move and Leadout move Method to None
k. Under Clearance, set the Type to Cylinder About X

l. Click on the Finish tab

m. Check on the Extend/trim checkbox and edit the Extend/Trim options

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n. Under Tangent Extensions, set Start to 25mm and set End to 25mm

o. Click OK
p. Click on the Links tab
q. Under Link between cuts, under Stepover > link threshold, set the Entry/Exit method to
None

r. Click OK
6. Set the Chuck location
a. Edit Turn Setup1
b. Click on the Chuck/Fixture Location tab
c. Under Clamping diameter (X) set Clamp on to ID

d. Select the ID edge as show as the clamping point

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e. Click OK
7. Generate toolpath
8. Simulate toolpath

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 Lesson 7 Assembly Mode for Turning

Lesson 7 Assembly Mode for Turning

What you will learn:

• Assembly setup
• Machine Definition
• Chuck Definition
• AFR/IFR
• GOP
• GTP
• Simulation

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Lesson 7 Assembly Mode for Turning

Starting in CAMWorks 2021 it is possible to program parts in SOLIDWORKS assembly files using
CAMWorks Turning and Mill/Turn. There are a couple of scenarios were working in the Assembly
environment can be more advantageous than in the part environment. These are as follows:

• When the part file in revision controlled within the company and set to Read-Only access by the
CNC programmer. The programmer would be unable to save CAM data back to the part file. A
SOLIDWORKS assembly file with the revision-controlled part placed in it as a component can be
a file that the CNC Programmer can save CAM data to without having to save the original part.
• When working with a cast part that requires special tooling to fixture to the spindle of the
machine. We might want to work in Assembly mode to verify that collisions are avoided
between the tool and the stock.

In this lesson, we will cover both of these scenarios.

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 , Case Study – Assembly Mode Turning with Single Part

Case Study – Assembly Mode Turning with Single Part

In this case study, we will program a part file that is set to read-only access by creating a SOLIDWORKS
assembly and generating the toolpaths on the assembly level.

1. Open Part File

a. Open 07_ASM_01.SLDPRT in the …Lesson 07/Case Study folder
b. Note the error message:

c. Click on the Open Read-Only button.

Since this file is set to Read-Only, we will not be able to same any CAM data back to this file. To work
around this, we can insert this file into an assembly file for programming. That way, we will be able to
save our CAM data.

2. Create New SOLIDWORKS Assembly

a. Expand the New Document flyout menu in SOLIDWORKS and select on Make Assembly
from Part/Assembly

b. Click on the Templates tab and select the Assembly document template

c. Click OK
d. Click OK in the Begin Assembly Property manager
e. Save the assembly and name it TurnAssembly01

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3. Edit Machine Definition

a. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab
b. Edit Machine definition
c. On the Machine tab, under Turn Machines, select on Turn Single Turret – Metric
d. Click Select

e. Click OK

The next step is to define the part. In assembly files there can be multiple components using the Part
Manager, we tell CAMWorks which part in the assembly is the part we are machining.

4. Edit Part Manager

a. Double click on the Part Manager icon in the CAMWorks Feature tree, or right click on
the Part Manager icon and select Manager Parts

b. Select on the part model in the graphics area

The part is added to the Selected Parts field in the Manage Parts dialogue. Here we can modify the Turn
feature section plane and set the Spindle Attribute. For this tutorial, we will leave these setting as
default.

We can also define the Origin for the assembly.

c. Click on the Main spindle co-ordinate system button

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Note the available options available for defining the co-ordinate system. For this tutorial, we will use the
existing selection as the default

d. Click OK in the Main spindle coordinate system Property Manager

e. Click OK to the Manage Parts dialogue box
5. Edit the Stock manager
a. Right Click on the Stock manager in the CAMWorks Feature manager and select Edit
Definition

Here, we have the option to define the Stock using the following methods:

• Round Bar Stock – The stock will be defined by the smallest cylinder that the part we are
machining will fit into. Under the Bar stock parameters, we can define offsets and custom sizes
to the bounding cylinder.
• From Revolved Sketch – The stock will be defined from a SOLIDWORKS sketch from either the
assembly or on the part file.
• From Revolved 2d WIP file – A WIP file can be saved from a previous setup or existing part and
imported into the current assembly to be used to define the stock.
• From STL File – The stock will be defined from an existing STL file.
• From Part File – The stock will be defined from another part file within the current assembly.

For this tutorial, we will use the default Round Bar Stock and set some offsets to the stock.

b. Under Stock type, select Round Bar Stock

c. Under the Offset Parameters set the Front Face Of Stock offset to 2mm
d. Set the Back Face Of Stock offset to 2mm

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e. Click OK
6. Define Machinable Features
a. Click on the Extract Machinable Features icon from the CAMWorks 2023
CommandManager toolbar

Examine the features that were recognized

As we examine the part’s geometry, we see some features that were not recognized by the Extract
Machinable Features command. We will define these features interactively.

To define feature interactively in Assembly mode, we need to access the Feature Manager icon under
the Part icon in the Part Manager

7. Define Thread Feature

a. Expand the Part manager
b. Under 07_ASM_01.SLDPRT, expand the Feature Manager by clicking on the “+” next to
the Feature Manager icon

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c. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature

d. Under Feature, for the Type, select OD Feature

e. For Strategy, select Thread

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f. Select the shown entity for the thread

g. Click OK
h. Right Click on the new OD Feature2[Thread] and select Parameters

i. Click on the Library button

j. In the Thread Condition box, select ID 1073 M 33 X 3.50
k. Click OK

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l. Click OK
8. Define the Face Groove
a. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature
b. For Type, select Groove Generic
c. For Location, select Face
d. For Strategy, select Rough Finish

e. Select the shown geometry for the feature

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f. Click OK
g. Under Turn Setup1 at the bottom of the CAMWorks Feature Manager tree, drag and
drop the new features so that the list of features is in the following order:

9. Generate Operation Plan

a. Generate the operation plan

10. Generate Toolpath

a. Generate the Toolpath

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Before we simulate the toolpath, we will need to define the chuck and set its location on the part.
Defining the which chuck is used is done in the machine definition dialogue. For this Example, we will
use the default chuck and modify where it is located on the part

11. Modify the Chuck location

a. Right Click on the Turn Setup1 in the CAMWorks Operation Tree and select Edit
Definition

b. Click on the Chuck/Fixture Location tab

c. Under the Clamping location (Z) section, set the Z offset to -30mm

d. Click OK
12. Simulate the toolpath

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13. Save the Assembly

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Case Study – Assembly Mode Mill/Turn with Fixture Assembly

A cast part requires additional machining to achieve the surface finish and tolerances needed on certain
faced. On this part, the Green surface needs to be turned, the yellow groove cut, the magenta face, the
ID surface, and finally the Pocket and holes at the top of the part will be machined.

Due to the asymmetrical shape of this part, a customized fixture has to be used to hold the part in the
machine. An assembly model has already been created with components representing the fixture and
the stock. We will use this assembly to program the part.

1. Open Assembly File

a. Open 07_ASM_01.SLDASM in the …Lesson 07/Case Study folder

b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature tree

2. Define Machine
a. Edit the Machine Definition
b. On the Machine tab, click on Mill-Turn Single Turret – metric and click Select

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c. Uncheck the Use Sub Spindle checkbox

d. Click on the Tool Crib tab
e. Under Available tool cribs, click on MT Tool Crib 2 Rear (Metric) and click Select

f. Click on the Post Processor tab

g. Select the MT2Axis-Tutorial post processor

h. Click OK
3. Edit Part Manager
a. Double-Click on the Part Manager icon in the CAMWorks Feature tree
b. Select the shown part

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c. Click OK
4. Define the Stock
a. Edit the Stock Manager
b. For the Stock type, select Part file
c. In the SOLIDWORKS feature tree flyout, select the second instance of the part file,
07_PRT_02.SLDPRT

d. Click OK

At this point, we are ready to define the machinable features. This can be done by extracting the
machinable features automatically, or by interactively defining the machinable feature. In this example,
we will define the features interactively.

5. Define Machinable Feature Interactively – Face Feature

a. Under the Part Manager, right click on the Feature manager and select Insert Turn
Part Setup

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b. Click OK
c. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature…

d. For Type, select Face Feature

e. Change the view in the graphics are to the custom view named View_02

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f. Select the shown entity from the part in the graphics area

g. Click OK
6. Define Machinable Features Interactively – OD Feature
a. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature
b. For Type, select OD Feature
c. Select the two entities shown

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d. Under Selected entities, select Join 1

e. Under the Join section, select Straight

f. Click OK
7. Define Machinable Feature interactively – Groove Feature
a. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature
b. For Type select Groove Generic
c. For Location, select OD

d. Select the shown entity from the part in the graphics area

e. Click OK
8. Define Machinable features interactively, ID Feature
a. Right Click on Turn Setup1 and select Turn Feature
b. For Type, select ID Feature
c. For Strategy, select Rough-Finish

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d. Select the shown entities from the part in the graphics area

e. Click OK

Next, we will define the milling operations, starting with defining a Mill Part Setup

9. Define Milling Features on the OD

a. Right Click on the Feature manager icon under the 07_PRT_02.SLDPRT icon in the
CAMWorks Feature tree and select Insert Mill Part Setup

b. In the Mill Part Setup dialogue box, under Reference planes, select Top
Plane@CWPart
c. Check on the Reverse direction checkbox

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d. Click OK
e. Right Click on Mill Part Setup1 and select Recognize Features…
f. Delete the feature group Obround Pocket Group1
10. Generate Operation Plan
a. Generate the Operation Plan
11. Generate Toolpaths
a. Generate Toolpaths
12. Define the Chuck
a. Edit the Machine Definition
b. Click on Chuck/Fixture tab
c. Under Main Spindle Information, set the Shape to Part/Assembly
d. Click on the Edit button

On the Select components to define Chuck/Fixture dialogue box we have the option to set components
form the current assembly as the chuck. We can also browse to external files to set as the chuck
geometry

For this example, we will use the current assembly

e. Select the Current Assembly selection option

f. Check on the Parts of the fixture as shown

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g. Click OK
h. Click OK to the Machine definition
13. Simulate Toolpath

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Exercise 9 – Assembly Mode

Use CAMWorks workflow to program a part in CAMWorks Turn using a SOLIDWORKS Assembly

This lab exercise will reinforce the following skills taught in Lesson 7

• Assembly setup
• Machine Definition
• Chuck Definition
• AFR/IFR
• GOP
• GTP
• Simulation

Procedure:

1. Open Assembly
a. Open EX_9.SLDASM in the …Lesson 07/Exercises folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree
2. Define Machine
a. Edit Machine Definition
b. On the Machine tab, select Turn Single Turret – Metric
c. Uncheck the Use Sub Spindle checkbox
d. Click OK
3. Define Part
a. Edit Part Manager
b. For Selected Parts, select on the following component of this assembly:

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c. Click OK
4. Define Stock
a. Edit Stock Manager
b. For Stock type, select Bar stock
c. Enter is the following Bar stock parameters:

d. Click OK
5. Define Machinable Features
a. Click on the Extract Machinable Features icon on the CAMWorks
CommandManager toolbar
b. Delete Groove Feature1 and CutOff Feature1
c. Add new OD Feature
d. For Strategy, select Rough-Finish
e. For Selected entities select the shown geometry:

f. Click OK

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g. Change the strategy of ID Feature1 to Rough-Finish

6. Generate Operations
a. Generate the Operation Plan
7. Generate Toolpath
a. Generate the toolpaths
8. Edit Operation Parameters
a. Delete Turn Rough2
b. Edit Turn Finish2
c. Click on the Turn Finish tab
d. Click on the Layered checkbox
e. Set the Max cut amount to 1mm
f. Set the Final cut amount to 1mm

g. Click OK
h. Copy Turn Finish2 and place the copied operation just below Turn Finish2 in the
CAMWorks Operation tree
i. Click on the CAMWorks Tool Tree tab
j. CRTL+Drag and Drop on T03 – 0.4x55° Diamond to copy the tool (the copied tool
will now be T07)
k. Click on the CAMWorks Operation Tree and edit Turn Finish2 – copy
l. Click on the Tool tab, Tool Crib, sub tab and select T07 as the tool for this operation
m. Click on the Holder tab and set the orientation to Down right
n. Click OK
9. Generate toolpath
10. Simulation Toolpath

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Appendix i Using Custom Turn Tools

What you will learn:

• Custom chucks
• Custom tool definition
• Gang tool definition

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In CAMWorks we have standard tools that are defined by entering in parameters. This is true for the
following tooling components you see in CAMWorks:

• Chucks

• Tool Inserts

• Tool holders

As we discussed in Lesson 1, we can define the chuck using standard geometry, an external stl file, or a
part or assembly file. This is also true for Tool inserts and Tool holders.

In this lesson, we will show how to define these tool components using custom files and geometry.

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Case study – Using Custom Tools in CAMWorks Turning

In CAMWorks, it is possible to use external CAD files as the geometry for Chucks and cutting inserts. In
this Case study, we will take a file with existing CAMWorks data, and add accustom chucks.

Later on, we will define the inserts and holders on the operations to use custom geometry from a
SOLIDWORKS assembly file.

1. Open Part
a. Open the part file A1_T_01.SLDPRT in the …Lesson A1\Case Study folder

We will start this exercise by examining the assembly file that we want to use to define the chucks
geometry.

One advantage of using the Standard chuck is that the jaws will automatically clamp onto the diameter
of the machined part or stock that we set

When we define the chuck to be a SOLIDWORKS or an stl file, the model is static and doesn’t move
based on the part’s geometry that it is holding onto.

On way to work around this is to set up the custom chuck’s assembly model to have the jaws in the right
clamping diameter location.

2. Open Custom Chuck Assembly File

a. Open the assembly file 3-Jaw Chuck.SLDASM in the …Lesson A1/Case
Study/Tooling/ folder
b. Click on the SOLIDWORKS Configuration manager tree tab
c. Activate the 65mm configuration

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A different configuration has been set up to represent different clamping diameters of this Chuck. This
will let us use this same model for different projects

d. Click on the SOLIDWORKS Assembly Manager tree tab

e. Click on Coordinate System1 in the tree

It can be helpful to setup a SOLIDWORKS coordinate system to define the placement and location of the
chuck. Although CAMWorks provides controls to set the location of the chuck with respect to the part, it
can be helpful to setup a coordinate system to make it easier to locate in the part file.

Typically, we would orient this coordinate system the same way it would be oriented in the lathe

f. Close the assembly file

3. Edit Machine Definition – Main Spindle Chuck
a. On the part file A1_T_01.SLDPRT, in the CAMWorks Operation tree tab, Edit the
machine definition
b. Click on the Chuck/Fixture tab
c. Under Main Spindle Information, select Part/Assembly from the Shape list
d. Click on the browse button

e. In the Open dialogue box, browse to the …Lesson A1/Case Study/Tooling/ directory
f. Set the Files of type to ASM Files(*.asm,*sldasm)
g. Click on the file 3-Jaw Chuck.SLDASM

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h. Click Open
i. Click on the Edit… button
j. In the Define Chuck/Fixture property manager, Under Part/Assembly, set the
configuration to 65mm
k. Set the coordinate system to Coordinate System1

We can see in the property manager that there are options to further locate the chuck on the part file.
These options can be used if there is no coordinate system is defined in the Assembly

l. Click OK
4. Edit Machine Definition – Sub Spindle Chuck
a. Under Sub Spindle Information, set the Shape to Part/Assembly
b. Click on the browse button

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c. Set the Files of type to ASM Files(*.asm,*sldasm)

d. Click on the assembly file 3-Jaw Chuck.SLDASM
e. Click Open
f. Click on the Edit… button
g. In the Define Chuck/Fixture property manager, Under Part/Assembly, set the
configuration to 45mm
h. Set the coordinate system to Coordinate System1

i. Click OK
j. Set the Distance(D) to 750mm
k. Set the Reference for D to Back of the chuck/fixture face
l. Click OK
5. Edit Main Spindle Setup
a. Edit Turn Setup1 [Turn OpSetup1]
b. Click on the Chuck/Fixture Location tab
c. Under Clamping location (Z), set the Z offset to -35mm
d. Click OK
6. Simulate Toolpath

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Next, we will create some User-defined inserts to set for our turning inserts for the Face and OD
roughing and finishing operations.

The current tool crib on this part does not have a user-defined tool in it.

7. Add Tool to library

a. Click on the CAMWorks Tool tree tab
b. Right Click on Tool Crib 2 Rear (Metric) and select Add Tool From Library…

c. In the Tool Select Filter dialogue box, check on the Turn Insert Type checkbox and set
the type to User Defined

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See how there is nothing on the list. This is because a User-defined insert type has not been added to
the Assembly Tools list in the Technology Database.

To fix this, we will need to go into the Technology Database and add a User Defined insert type to the
Assembly Tools list.

This will allow use to add a User-defined tool from the library where we will be able to assign it to our
operations and browse to the SOLDIWORKS files to define its geometry.

d. Click OK to the Tool Select Filter

e. Launch the CAMWorks Technology Database
f. Click on Turn Tooling and then click on Assembly Tools

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This will bring up the Holder & Assemblies page. We will want to add a new tool to the list that uses a
User-Defined insert. Notice, however, there is not an Add button to add a new tool. In order to add a
new tool, we will need to copy an existing too and change the Insert type.

g. Select on ID 12 CMNG-120404 from the list of tools

h. Click on the Copy button

i. Select on the new tool at the bottom of the list

j. Set the Insert Type to User defined
k. For the Comment, type in User Defined Insert and Holder
l. Click Save

8. Add Tool from Library

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a. Back in the CAMWorks Tool tree tab, right click on Tool Crib 2 (Metric) and select Add
Tool From Library…

b. Check on the Turn Insert Type checkbox and select User Defined
c. Select on the available entry and click OK

9. Edit Operation Parameters – Face Rough1

a. Edit Face Rough1
b. Click on the Tool tab, Tool Crib sub-tab
c. Click on Stn. No 14 User Defined Insert and Holder and click Select

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d. Click on the User Defined Insert sub-tab and click on the Browse button

e. Browse to the …Lesson 05/Case Study/Tooling/ folder

f. Set the Files of type to ASM Files(*.asm,*sldasm)
g. Select the assembly file OD_TURN_ASSEMBLY.SLDASM
h. Set the Coordinate Systems: to Coordinate System1
i. Click Open

j. In the Select Part as Turn Insert dialogue box, select the Part
IsoTurningInsert.SLDPRT checkbox and click OK

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k. Click on the Holder sub-tab

l. Under Shape, set the Shape to User Defined and click on the Browse button

m. In the Open dialogue box, set the Files of type to ASM Files(*.asm,*sldasm)
n. Select the assembly file OD_TURN_ASSEMBLY.SLDASM
o. Set the Coordinate systems: to Coordinate System1 and click Open

p. In the Select Components of Assembly as Holder dialogue select the part file
NOCUT_20191127070950.SLDPRT and click Open

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q. Click OK to the operation parameters

10. Step Through Toolpath

Let’s take a look at the OD_TURN_ASSEMBLY.SLDASM file that is the assembly file from where we have
taken the custom tool’s geometry.

11. Open OD_TURN_ASSEMBLY.SLDASM

Take a look at Coordinate System1 in the SOLIDWORKS feature tree. When we set up an assembly or
part file to use as a custom insert or holder, we want to set up a SOLIDWORKS Coordinate System in the
same orientation.

If we situate the tool in the Down Left orientation as if the tool was mounted in the lathe and define the
coordinate system in that orientation. With the X axis of the coordinate System pointing up and the Z
Axis pointing to the right

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We will go back to the CAMWorks part and set the custom insert for the Face Finish1 operation using
the assembly file OD_TURN_ASSEMBLY_02.SLDASM located in the Lesson 05 folder.

12. Edit Operation Parameters – Face Finish1

a. Edit Face Finish1
b. Click on the Tool tab, Tool Crib sub-tab
c. Under From Library, click on the Add… button
d. In the Tool Select Filter, click on the Turn Insert Type checkbox and set the Type to User
Defined
e. Select the available tool and click OK

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f. Select on Stn No. User Defined Insert and Holder and click Select

g. Click on the User Defined Insert tab and then the Browse button

h. Browse to the …Lesson 05/Case Study/Tooling/ folder

i. Set the Files of type to ASM Files(*.asm,*sldasm)
j. Select the assembly file OD_TURN_ASSEMBLY_2.SLDASM
k. Set the Coordinate Systems: to Coordinate System1
l. Click Open

m. In the Select Part as Turn Insert dialogue box, select the Part
IsoTurningInsert.SLDPRT checkbox and click OK

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n. Click on the Holder sub-tab

o. Under Shape, set the Shape to User Defined and click on the Browse button

p. In the Open dialogue box, set the Files of type to ASM Files(*.asm,*sldasm)
q. Select the assembly file OD_TURN_ASSEMBLY_2.SLDASM
r. Set the Coordinate systems: to Coordinate System1 and click Open

s. In the Select Components of Assembly as Holder dialogue select the part file
NOCUT_20191127075443.SLDPRT and click OK

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t. Click OK to the operation parameters

13. Change tools for Turn Rough1 and Turn Finish1
a. Click on the CAMWorks Tool Tree
b. Expand T01 – 0.4x80° Diamond
c. Drag Turn Rough1 to T14 – 2.5x0° User Defined
d. Expand T03 – 0.4x55° Diamond

We will use the same techniques to insert change the tool used in the operation Bore Rough1. This time
we will use the assembly file …Lesson 05/Case Study/Tooling/ID_TURN_ASSEMBLY.SLDASM.

If we open this assembly, we can see that the SOLIDWORKS Coordinate System is set up the same way
as with the previous assemblies used for tools. That is, if we place the assembly in the Down Left
orientation and orient the SOLIDWORKS Coordinate System with the X axis pointing up and the Z axis to
the right.

14. Change tools for Bore Rough1

a. Add new User Defined tool to the toolcrib

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b. Edit Bore Rough1 and assign the insert (CUT.SLDPRT) in ID_TURN_ASSEMBLY.SLDASM

as the insert
c. Assign the Holder (NOCUT.SLDPRT) in ID_TURN_ASSEMBLY.SLDASM as the Holder

We need to define another OD feature for the thread. We will then set a custom thread insert and
holder as the tool.

15. Define OD Feature

a. Click on the CAMWorks Feature Tree tab
b. Under Turn Setup1, define new OD feature
c. For the Strategy, select Thread
d. Under the Define from section, select on Sketch1 in the list of sketches
e. Select the shown edge as the Selected entity

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f. Click OK
16. Generate Operation Plan
a. Generate Operation Plan for the new OD Feature
17. Edit Operation Parameters – Thread1
a. Edit Thread1
b. Click on the Tool tab, Tool Crib sub-tab and add a new User Defined Insert to the Tool
Crib
c. Select the new tool
d. For the User Defined Insert use the file, CUT_03.SLDPRT in the assembly file
OD_Thread_Assembly.SLDASM as the insert
e. For the Holder, use the File NOCUT_03.SLDPRT as the holder
f. Click on the Thread tab
g. Under Parameters, set the Pitch to 2mm and the Thread Depth to 1mm
h. Uncheck the Chamfer option
i. Click OK
18. Simulate Toolpath

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Case Study – Gang Tooling

In this case study, we will show how to apply gang tool blocks to CAMWorks. Below are examples of tool
blocks:

These tool blocks will typically use sub station numbers. Based on machine type and machining
requirements, in some tool cribs, the Station numbers (tool position numbers) within the tool crib need
to be further sub-divided into Sub Station numbers. The Sub Stn. No. parameter in the Tools form of the
Tool Cribs user interface is used to indicate this number.

To enable sub station numbers, edit the machine definition, click on the Tool Crib tab and set the Tool
crib has sub stations checkbox

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The default value assigned to this parameter is '0' (zero). A value of zero indicates that no Sub-station
number is applicable for the current Station number.

Assigning a non-zero value to this parameter is optional and dependent on specific machine type and
machining requirements.

If the value assigned to the Sub Station Number is zero, then the tool position number for a tool will be
defined by the assigned Station number only.

If the value assigned to the Sub Station Number is a non-zero value, then the tool position number for a
tool will be defined by the unique combination of the assigned Station number and Sub-station number.

As we define the tool in the operation parameters, the sub-station number is set on the Station tab
under the Tool tab

In this lesson we will be using user defined inserts based off SOLIDWORKS assemblies to define the tool
and holder geometry.

We will start by examining the assembly file that we will use to define the inserts and holder for the face
and OD roughing operations

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1. Open Assembly
a. Open TOOL_BLOCK_01.SLDASM in the …Lesson A1\Case Study\Tooling folder
b. Examine the SOLIDWORKS Coordinates systems and where they are placed

Notice that they are placed in the Down-Left orientation relative to the spindle orientation.

We will start with the insert that machine the main spindle operations

2. Open Part
a. Open the part file 05_T_02.SLDPRT in the …Lesson A1\Case Study folder
b. Click on the CAMWorks Feature tree
3. Define Machine
a. Edit the machine definition
b. Click on the Tool Crib tab
c. Under the Tool crib section, check on the Tool crib has sub stations checkbox
d. Click OK
e. Click on the CAMWorks Operation tree

Notice the change of the tool names

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4. Edit Face Rough1 Operation Parameters

a. Edit Face Rough1
b. Click on the Tools tab
c. Click on the Tool Crib tab

In order to use user-defined inserts based off of a SOLIDWORKS part or assembly file, the type of insert
selected needs to be a User-defined insert. This part file already has multiple user defined inserts added
to the tool crib. In this example, we will modify these inserts to use the geometry from a SOLIDWORKS
assembly.

d. Select tool Stn No. 16 and click Select

e. Click on the User Defined Insert tab

f. Set the Thickness to 4mm
g. Set the Relief angle to 7deg
h. Click on the Browse button next to the Name field

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Under the Files of type list there are three options:

• User Defined turn tool – This is essentially a legacy user-defined insert file created from a
SOLIDWORKS part file.
• Part Files – Uses a SolidWorks Part file
• ASM Files – This allows us to select a SOLIDWORKS assembly file and select a certain component
to be the insert.

For this lesson, we will use a SOLIDWORKS Assembly file. The Coordinate system mentioned above
defines the location of the insert.

i. Set the Files of type to ASM Files(*.asm;*.sldasm)

j. Select TOOL_BLOCK_01.SLDASM from the list of SOLIDWORKS assembly files in the
…Lesson A1\Case Study\Tooling folder
k. Under Coordinate systems, select Coordinate System1

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l. Click Open
m. In the Select Part as Turn Insert dialog, select DIAMOND_INSERT_02.SLDPRT
n. Click OK

5. Define the Holder

a. Click on the Holder tab
b. Under Shape, set the Shape to User Defined
c. Click on the Browse button next to the File location field

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When defining a User-Define Holder, the following files of type can be used:

• STL File – Saved out from either a SOLIDWORKS assembly or part file
• Part File – SOLIDWORKS part file
• Assembly File – SOLIDWORKS Assembly file

The part and assembly file will have a SOLIDWORKS coordinate system already defined to help locate
the geometry of the holder

d. Under Files of type, select ASM Files(*.ams;*.sldasm)

e. Select TOOL_BLOCK_01.SLDASM from the list of assembly files in the …Lesson
A1\Case Study\Tooling folder
f. Under Coordinate Systems, select Coordinate System1
g. Click Open

h. Under the Parts list, select all of the components as shown

i. Click OK

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6. Set the Sub Station number

a. Click on the Station tab
b. Under Station, set the Tool number to 1 and the Sub tool number to 1 as shown

Note: When assigning Station numbers to the tools/tool assemblies in the tool crib, every unique
combination of the Station number and Sub Station number can be used only once. If you attempt to
assign an already assigned combination to another tool/tool assembly, then an error message will be
displayed when you attempt to save the changes by clicking the Save button. The error message will
inform you that the specific combination of the Station number and Sub Station number is already in use
by another tool.

c. Click OK
7. Change the Tool for Turn Rough1
a. Edit Turn Rough1
b. Click on the Tool tab
c. Click on the Tool Crib tab
d. Select Stn No. 1, Sub Stn. No. 1 from the tool crib list
e. Click Select

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f. Click OK

Notice the tool display in the CAMWorks Operation tree

8. Edit Face Rough1

a. Edit the operation Face Rough1
b. Click on the Tool tab
c. Click on Tool Crib tab
d. Select Stn No.17 and click Select

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e. Click on the User Defined Insert tab

f. Set the Thickness to 4mm
g. Set the Relief angle to 7mm
h. Click on the Browse button next to Name

i. Set the Files of type to ASM Files(*.asm;*.sldasm)

j. Select TOOL_BLOCK_01.SLDASM from the list of SOLIDWORKS assembly files in the
…Lesson A1\Case Study\Tooling folder
k. Under Coordinate systems, select Coordinate System2
l. Click Open

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m. In the Select Part as Turn Insert dialog, select DIAMOND_INSERT_01.SLDPRT

n. Click OK

9. Define the Holder

a. Click on the Holder tab
b. Under Shape, set the Shape to User Defined
c. Click on the Browse button next to the File location field

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d. Under Files of type, select ASM Files(*.ams;*.sldasm)

e. Select TOOL_BLOCK_01.SLDASM from the list of assembly files in the …Lesson
A1\Case Study\Tooling folder
f. Under Coordinate Systems, select Coordinate System1
g. Click Open

h. Under the Parts list, select all of the components as shown

i. Click OK

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Appendix i Using Custom Turn Tools, Case Study – Gang Tooling

j. Set the Lead angle (LA) to 0deg

k. Set the Hand to Left
l. Under Orientation select the Down right button

10. Set the Sub Station number

a. Click on the Station tab
b. Under Station, set the Tool number to 1 and the Sub tool number to 2 as shown

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 Appendix i Using Custom Turn Tools, Case Study – Gang Tooling

11. Change the Tool for Turn Rough3

a. Edit Turn Rough3
b. Click on the Tool tab
c. Click on the Tool Crib tab
d. Select Stn No. 1, Sub Stn. No. 2 from the tool crib list
e. Click Select
f. Click OK
12. Simulate toolpath

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 Appendix ii PrimeTurning™

Appendix ii PrimeTurning™
What you will learn:

• How to use a Prime Turning insert to rough and finish OD operations

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Appendix ii PrimeTurning™,Case Study – PrimeTurning™

Case Study – PrimeTurning™

PrimeTurning™ is a pattern of high-speed turning (Roughing and Finishing) using patented insert shapes.
The profiles of the Prime Insert are patented and offered by Sandvik. The geometry of these inserts is
available on the Sandvik web portal in the form of *.stp and *.dxf files.

Also, a library of Prime Inserts is installed with the CAMWorks installation in the
C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2023x64\Tooling\PrimeTurnTools directory. These Prime Inserts are
available in the Technology Database.

There are two types of PrimeTurning™ inserts used in CAMWorks, Type A and Type B.

Type A Prime Insert Type B Prime Insert

Some of the benefits of PrimeTurning include:

• High material removal rate compared to conventional turn patterns

• Improved tool life
• Bidirectional material removal. (Zigzag)

PrimeTurning™ is only supported for Turn Rough and Turn Finish operations. When the PrimeTurning™
mode is activated for these operations, then only Prime Insert can be assigned to these operations.
Prime Insert cannot be used for standard rough, and finish turn operations.

1. Open Part
a. Open the part file PT_01.SLDPRT in the …Lesson A2\Case Study folder
b. Examine the data on the CAMWorks Feature and Operations tabs

The part is currently programmed where the OD rough and finish operations are using the standard
turning method. We will start by changing the Turn Rough operation to a PrimeTurning™ operation.

As part of the default tool crib, Prime Insert have been added. Additional tools can be added from the
library.

c. Click on the CAMWorks Tool Tree tab

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Appendix ii PrimeTurning™, Case Study – PrimeTurning™

2. Edit Turn Rough operation

a. Click on the CAMWorks Operation Tree tab
b. Edit Turn Rough1
c. Click on the Turn Rough tab
d. Set the Method to PrimeTurning

e. Notice the change in the operation parameter’s tabs

f. Click Preview

The following message will appear:

We will need to change the too to a Prime Insert to be able to generate toolpath.

For this roughing toolpath, we will use Type B Prime Insert

g. Click on the Tool tab

h. Click on the Tool Crib tab
i. Select on Stn No. 11 CP-B1108-L4 1115/C6-CP-A-25BL and click Select

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 Appendix ii PrimeTurning™, Case Study – PrimeTurning™

Next, we will set the operation parameters for the PrimeTurning™ toolpath and optimize it for the
material that has been selected for this part.

Inside the Help documentation, there is a table for Recommended cutting conditions for PrimeTurning™.
From here, we will get the recommended Feed, Cutting Speen and Depth of cut for this Prime Insert and
the type of material we are cutting. In this case, Stainless steel.

j. Click on the Help button in the lower right corner of the operation parameters
k. In the Help, click on the Contents tab
l. Find PrimeTurning on the list and select Cutting Parameters for Prime Inserts

m. Find the row for the CP-B1108-L4 1115 insert and note the Feed, Depth of Cut, and
Cutting Speed recommended values

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Appendix ii PrimeTurning™, Case Study – PrimeTurning™

n. Click on the F/S tab

o. Set the Defined by to Operation
p. Under Feed, set the FPR to 0.5mm/rev
q. Under Spindle, set the Surface Speed to 195.00m/min

r. Click on the Turn Rough tab

s. Under Cut type, check on the Reverse checkbox

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 Appendix ii PrimeTurning™, Case Study – PrimeTurning™

t. Click on the PrimeTurning™ tab

u. Under Cut amount, set the Constant cut amount to 1.5mm
v. Under Entry/Exit set the Arc radius to 3mm
w. Click OK
3. Edit Turn Rough1
a. Click on the Turn Finish tab
b. Set the Method to Prime Turning

We will need to change the tool to a Prime Insert. We will add a Prime tool from the library to the tool
crib.

c. Click on the Tool tab

d. Click on the Tool crib tab
e. Under From library, click on Add…

f. Set the Tool type to Turn Tool

g. Check on the Turn Insert Type
h. Set the Turn Insert Type to Prime Insert
i. Select the ID 52 from the list, CP-A1108-L5W 2025
j. Click OK

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Appendix ii PrimeTurning™, Case Study – PrimeTurning™

k. Click on the newly added tool and click Select

l. Click on the F/S tab

m. Set the Defined by to Operation

To set the recommended feeds and speeds, we will consult the table form the Help documentation.

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 Appendix ii PrimeTurning™, Case Study – PrimeTurning™

n. Under Feed set the FPR to 0.40mm/rev

o. Under Spindle set the Surface Speed to 195m/min

p. Click on the Turn Finish tab

q. Under Cut type, check the Reverse checkbox

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Appendix ii PrimeTurning™, Case Study – PrimeTurning™

r. Click OK
4. Generate Toolpath
5. Simulate Toolpath

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Index

Index

Multi Turret Turning, 94

A Multi-Turrets, 138
Approach strategy, 160
Assembly Mode, 262 P
Automatic Feature Recognition, 216
Post Process, 33
Posting tab, 161
B PrimeTurning™, 55, 318
B Axis Turning, 175
Bar stock parameters, 17 R
Retract Strategy, 163
C Rotary Axis Mode, 202
CAMWorks Options, 158
S
D Simulate Toolpath, 32
Default Feature Strategies, 218 Spindle attribute, 217
Define Stock, 15 Stock Type, 15
Defining the Machinable Features, 25 Strategy, 16
Sub Spindle, 70
Sub Spindle Operation, 220
G Sync Manager, 104
Gang Tooling, 304
Generate Operation Plan, 29, 218 T
Generate toolpath interactively, 35
Turn Operation Parameters, 54
Types of Inserts, 54
I
Interactive Feature Definition, 37 U
Interactively inserting a Turn Setup, 36
Unwrap Feature Geometry, 230
Using Custom Turn Tools, 285
L
List of Machinable Features, 26 W
Workflow, 9
M Wrapped Feature Types, 226
Mill Turn, 194 Wrapped Toolpaths, 223
Multi Axis Operations, 237

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