SOLIDWORKS® CAM (3-Axis CNC Milling & 2-Axis CNC Turning)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This training program has been created to advance experienced CNC machinists and operators in the use of NC programming and CAD/CAM technology to develop NC code for milling and turning centers. Our training program has been tailored using MasterCAM, one of the most popular CAD/CAM software packages for creating toolpaths for turning and milling centers. Participants will develop skills in job planning, NC programming, CAD drawing, and preparing toolpaths from 2-D and 3-D CAD models for both mill and lathe applications.

AUDIENCE

This class is suitable for those individuals who have foundational design and machining
experience and want to advance their CAM programming skills.

PREREQUISITES

There are no prerequisites for this course. It is recommended for participants to have
experience with SOLIDWORKS design software, CNC machining concepts and shop
practices and Windows® operating systems, including: File and folder management,
Downloading and uploading files, Saving files to internal and external storage devices.

TOPICS AND COURSE CONTENT

This course will cover topics such as:
1. Introduction to SOLIDWORKS CAM

• Overview of automated CAM workflows
• Understanding CAM feature-based machining

2. Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)

• AFR process and workflow
• Machine Definition and Tool Crib setup
• Coordinate System (WCS / Origin) selection
• Stock Definition Manager
• Mill and Lathe setup procedures
• Extracting machinable features
• Generating operation plans using TechDB
• Creating and regenerating toolpaths
• Running Step-Thru and toolpath simulation tools

3. Interactive Feature Recognition (IFR)

• Understanding IFR and when to use it
• Manual feature creation and editing
• Combining AFR and IFR for optimal results

4. Machining Strategies and TechDB

• Overview of machining strategies used in industry
• How the Technology Database (TechDB) operates
• Tool and tool holder management
• Adding tools to an existing Tool Crib
• Creating new tools and adding them to TechDB
• Modifying speeds and feeds based on tool and material changes
• Verifying automatic speed/feed calculations using machining charts

5. Feature Recognition and Operations

• 2.5 Axis features recognized by AFR and IFR
• 3.0 Axis milling operations:
  o Area Clearance
  o Z-Level machining
  o Flat Area machining

6. Advanced Toolpath Creation

• Creating toolpaths using multiple design configurations
• Managing part revisions within SOLIDWORKS CAM

7. Posting and Verification

• Posting CNC programs (G- and M-code generation)
• Reviewing and understanding posted code
• Verifying programs using Vericut simulation
• Identifying and correcting errors prior to machining

Learning Goals and Results

At the conclusion of the program, the participants will be able to:

• Understand and apply automated machining strategies in CAM programming
• Use Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) to efficiently extract machinable features
• Apply Interactive Feature Recognition (IFR) when automation is insufficient or customization is required
• Configure machine definitions, tooling, coordinate systems, and stock setups for mill and lathe operations
• Generate, simulate, and optimize CNC toolpaths using industry-standard strategies
• Customize and manage the Technology Database (TechDB) for tools, materials, and machining parameters
• Validate CNC programs through toolpath simulation and Vericut G-code verification
• Post accurate CNC programs for milling and turning machines

Time Investment

This class is 56 hours of classroom time taken in 4-hour sessions over the course of 14 consecutive weeks.

Please Note: Course content and time investment can also be customized to an individual company's needs.