VisualCAM© 2015 for SolidWorks MILL Quick Start · PDF fileAbout this Guide 5 © 2015...

2015 MecSoft Corporation
VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks MILL Quick Start

VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks MILL Quick Start2
Table of Contents
About this Guide 4
................................................................................................................................... 41 About the MILL Module
................................................................................................................................... 42 Using this Guide
................................................................................................................................... 53 Useful Tips
Getting Ready 6
................................................................................................................................... 61 The VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks Security Key
................................................................................................................................... 62 Running VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks
................................................................................................................................... 73 Machining Strategy
................................................................................................................................... 74 Main Programming Steps
................................................................................................................................... 75 Loading the Part Model
................................................................................................................................... 106 Launching the MILL Module
................................................................................................................................... 127 Define the Machine Tool
................................................................................................................................... 148 Select the Post Processor
Define the Machining Setup - Skip thissection if in Standard or ExpertConfiguration 17
................................................................................................................................... 171 Create Stock Geometry
................................................................................................................................... 202 Align Part and Stock
................................................................................................................................... 223 Specify Material
................................................................................................................................... 244 Set Work Zero
Create Tools 28
Create Machining Operations 32
................................................................................................................................... 331 Select Machining Features/Regions
................................................................................................................................... 362 Select Cutting Tool
................................................................................................................................... 373 Set Feeds and Speeds
................................................................................................................................... 384 Clearance Geometry
................................................................................................................................... 405 Specify Cut Parameters
................................................................................................................................... 416 Cut Levels
................................................................................................................................... 427 Entry/Exit Parameters
................................................................................................................................... 458 Simulate Toolpath
Machining the Outer Area 49

3Contents
3
Post Processing 54
Generating Reports 57
................................................................................................................................... 581 Generating Shop Documentation
Where to go for more help 62
Index 63

About this Guide
1.1 About the MILL Module
The VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks MILL module offers fast gouge free solids/surface modelmachining technology coupled with cutting simulation/verification capabilities for programmingCNC Mills, running inside SolidWorks. This integration allows for seamless generation oftoolpath and cut material simulation/verification inside SolidWorks, for programming millingmachines that support 3, 4 and 5 axis continuous machining.
The module also comes with numerous post-processors to output the programmed G-codeto some of the most popular machines in the market. A simple and well thought out userinterface makes this system one of the most intuitive and easy to use milling systems in themarket.
You can work with the native SolidWorks data as well as use any of the data types that canbe imported into SolidWorks such as solids, surfaces and meshes. Then you can use theVisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks MILL module with its wide selection of tools and toolpathstrategies to create machining operations and associated toolpaths for CNC Mills. Thesetoolpaths can then be simulated and verified, and finally post-processed to the controller ofyour choice.
VisualCAM for SolidWorks MILL Module Quick Started Guide
1.2 Using this Guide
If you have installed VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks successfully on your computer and arenow looking at the blank screen of SolidWorks and wondering what to do next, this is theguide for you. This guide will explain how to get started in using the VisualCAM 2015 for

About this Guide 5
SolidWorks MILL module to program a simple part through an example.
This guide will illustrate machining of a simple prismatic part such as this gasket using 2-1/2milling operations. Even though we have created a 3D representation of the gasket, it willbecome apparent as we go that we can machine this using just 2D curves. The reason weare able to do this is because of the prismatic nature of this model, which means that thecurves can be treated as the edges of vertical walls in the geometry.
This guide has two associated SolidWorks files that you can find located in the QuickStartfolder under the installation folder of this guide. The first file is a completed file that contains allof the completed toolpaths and machining operations and represents the file that you shouldend up with after working through the tutorial. The other file is a starter file that contains onlythe geometry. Use the completed file as a reference. Copy the starter file and use this file tobegin each tutorial.
MILLQuickStartTutorial.SLDPRT
1.3 Useful Tips
Here are some useful tips that will help you use this guide effectively.
1. Copy the tutorial part files in a location other than the installation folder to make sureyou have read/write privileges to the files.
2. Once you start working with the tutorial file, save your work periodically!
3. Dont stress out too much if you are having trouble with the tutorial. Call us or send usemail and we can help you out.
4. Most of all have fun!

Getting Ready
2.1 The VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks Security Key
In order for VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks to function fully it requires a security device,called a hardware key or a dongle.
Without the security device, VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks will operate only in Demo mode. When VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks is operating in demo mode you will still be able to runVisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks but will not be able to do the following:
Save CAM data to SolidWorks files
Post-process created tool paths
In order for VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks to operate fully the security key needs to beproperly installed on your computer or network. Please follow the instructions that came withyour installation program on how to do this.
2.2 Running VisualCAM 2015 for SolidWorks
Locate the shortcut on your desktop and double click to launch the application.
Alternatively you can also click on the Windows Start button and select All Programs. Go tothe program group containing . (The name of this program group will usually be called ,unless you specified otherwise during setup.)
Once you locate the program group, select it and then select to launch the application.
If the installation was successful, upon launching of you should observe a menu entry called.Locate the SolidWorks shortcut on your desktop and double click to launch the application.
Alternatively you can also click on the Windows Start button and select All Programs. Go tothe program group containing SolidWorks. (The name of this program group will usually becalled SolidWorks, unless you specified otherwise during setup.)
Once you locate the program group, select it and then select SolidWorks to launch theapplication.
If the installation was successful, upon launching of SolidWorks and opening a Part documentyou should observe a menu entry called VisualCAM 2015 in the main menu bar ofSolidWorks. In addition to this you should see the CAM Browser window automaticall

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