Midrange CAM assists advanced machining

摘要

SolidCAM embeds in SolidWorks to create an integrated CAD/CAM system. Together, they provide an associative design and NC package aimed at the midrange solid-modeling market. In addition to knowledge-based machining where templates direct operations such as pocketing, thread milling, and corner finishing, the NC software supports advanced features such as three to five-axis milling, turning, grooving, and mill-turning, and toolpath simulation and machine-tool control. In three-to-five-axis-milling, users select faces on the Solid-Works model to identify areas to be machined. In SolidCAM they define check surfaces to avoid (an APT-like function providing a containment area for work to be done or not done). This feature permits a variety of machining capabilities, including parallel plane, constant Z, zigzag, boundary collapse, and 3D stepover.