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SOLIDWORKS CAM · Lesson 4: Adjust roughing and finishing

Roughing parameters, contour parameters, tool lead-in and lead-out, toolpath optimization.

Lesson goal

Change an operation's parameters to fit the strategy to your part and reduce cycle time.

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4 videos

✎

1 exercise

Intermediate

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Prerequisite: Lesson 2

1. Watch the videos

Dassault Systèmes videos hosted on MySolidWorks: they open in a new tab and a free account is enough. Watch them in order.

Modify Rough Operation ParametersVideo 1▶Modify Rough Operation ParametersChange the pocket pattern and set the side and depth parameters.↗ Modify Contour Operation ParametersVideo 2▶Modify Contour Operation ParametersReview the parameters of a contour finishing operation, side and feed rates.↗ Modify Contour Operation Leadin ParametersVideo 3▶Modify Contour Operation Leadin ParametersSet the lead-in type, length and overlap, and the arc radius and angle.↗ Optimize ToolpathsVideo 4▶Optimize ToolpathsOptimize a roughing operation by shortest path and start point, then simulate.↗

2. Key takeaways

1

All these changes go through the operation's Edit Definition command.

2

In roughing, the pocket pattern and the side and depth passes account for most of the machining time.

3

In finishing, the tool leadin and leadout prevent a mark on the wall where the tool engages.

4

Shortest path optimization reduces rapid moves; always check the result in simulation.

Tip

Change one parameter at a time, then regenerate: you see the real effect of each setting on the toolpath.

3. Do the exercise

On the part from lesson 2:

  • change the pocket pattern of a roughing operation and compare the two toolpaths
  • add an arc lead-in to a contour finishing operation
  • optimize a roughing operation by shortest path and simulate
✓To check: The simulation no longer shows the tool plunging straight into the finished wall, and the optimized roughing has fewer rapid moves.

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