SolidPractices: Getting Started with

SOLIDWORKS CAM
SOLIDWORKS® CAM
Last Update: December 2021
Revision 1.0

3DS.COM © Dassault Systèmes | Confidential Information | 06/27/2017 ref.: Document_Reference |

Table of Contents

1) PREFACE................................................................................................................................................................5

2) SOLIDWORKS CAM PACKAGES.............................................................................................................................6

3) SETTINGS ..............................................................................................................................................................7
A) GENERAL TAB ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
B) FEATURES TAB ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
C) DISPLAY ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
D) SIMULATION ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
E) UPDATE ............................................................................................................................................................. 10
F) FILE LOCATIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 11
4) MACHINE PROPERTIES .......................................................................................................................................12

A) MACHINE TAB .................................................................................................................................................... 12

B) INITIAL SETUP ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
i) Tool Crib ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
ii) Post Processor ............................................................................................................................................ 14
iii) Posting........................................................................................................................................................ 14
iv) Setup .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
v) Rotary Axis and Tilt Axis ............................................................................................................................. 15
vi) Chuck/Fixture ............................................................................................................................................. 15
C) MACHINE CUSTOMIZATION ................................................................................................................................... 16
5) TECHNOLOGY DATABASE ...................................................................................................................................19

A) OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
i) Features & Operations ............................................................................................................................... 19
ii) Tooling ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
B) CUSTOMIZATION ................................................................................................................................................. 21
C) BACKUP & RESTORE ............................................................................................................................................. 22
D) MULTI-USER ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................................. 24
6) TOOL CRIBS .........................................................................................................................................................25

A) EDITING ............................................................................................................................................................. 25
i) Machine Properties .................................................................................................................................... 25
ii) SOLIDWORKS CAM Tools Tree .................................................................................................................... 26
iii) Technology Database ................................................................................................................................. 27
B) BACKUP & RESTORE ............................................................................................................................................. 28
7) POST PROCESSORS .............................................................................................................................................29

A) PROCUREMENT ................................................................................................................................................... 31

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 B) LOADING ........................................................................................................................................................... 33
8) WORKING IN A PDM ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................37

A) RIGHTS .............................................................................................................................................................. 37
B) ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................................................................... 37
9) CONFIGURATIONS ..............................................................................................................................................38

10) PROBING ........................................................................................................................................................40

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 Revision History
Rev # Date Description
1.0 Dec 2021 Document created.

Note
All SolidPractices are written as guidelines. It is a strong recommendation to use these
documents only after properly evaluating your requirements. Distribution of this document is
limited to Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks employees, VARs, and customers that are on active
subscription. You may not post this document on blogs or any internal or external forums
without prior written authorization from Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation.

This document was updated using version SOLIDWORKS 2021 SP03. If you have questions or
need assistance in understanding the content, please get in touch with your designated reseller.

Acknowledgments
This document was authored by GoEngineer and reviewed by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks.

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1) Preface
Computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools are ubiquitous in the manufacturing
world. Found in both production shops and prototyping labs, CNC cutting equipment is often
used to shape stock material into new and useful parts.

G-code is the primary programming language that controls CNC machine tools such as
milling machines, lathes, mill-turn machines, laser cutters and plasma cutters. G-code
programs can be written by hand or by computer using Computer Aided Manufacturing
(CAM) software.

SOLIDWORKS CAM enables CNC programmers to create complex and precise toolpath
instructions within SOLIDWORKS, and output G-code files that are compatible with specific
machine tools.

This SolidPractices document guides you through the initial setup, configuration and best
practices for SOLIDWORKS CAM.

Your Feedback Requested

We would like to hear your feedback and suggestions for new topics. After reviewing this
document, please take a few minutes to fill out a brief survey. Your feedback will help us
create the content that directly addresses your challenges.

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2) SOLIDWORKS CAM Packages
SOLIDWORKS CAM is an add-on to all versions of SOLIDWORKS CAD. It is available in
four separate packages:

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard lets you quickly program individual milled parts and
configurations without leaving the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD environment. You have full
access to defining rules within SOLIDWORKS CAM to create and build to your company
standard, as well as Tolerance-Based Machining.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional builds on the capabilities of SOLIDWORKS CAM

Standard with increased programming capabilities. The additional features include High-
Speed Machining (HSM), configurations, assembly machining, turning, and 3+2
programming to drive four- and five-axis machines.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Machinist Standard provides all the functionality found in

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard plus a part-only modeling environment allowing you to
work seamlessly with SOLIDWORKS part files and import several neutral formats. This
connectivity makes it easy to work with customers and vendors to collaborate on the
manufacturing process.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Machinist Professional provides SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional

capabilities with SOLIDWORKS parts and assemblies to allow users the ability to import and
design fixtures and other manufacturing components used in the machining process.

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3) Settings
It is a recommendation to become familiar with some of the software options before diving
into the standard SOLIDWORKS CAM workflow.

You can find the SOLIDWORKS CAM options in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command
Manager tab or from Tools > SOLIDWORKS CAM > Options menu.

a) General Tab

The General tab contains options related to file saving and user interface settings. Review
the available options and verify your selections.

A commonly addressed option is Disable Auto Saving. Activating this option prompts a
dialog box to appear periodically. If you do not want to save changes automatically, activate
this option to prevent the auto saving of any open document.

The Apply to context menu is available in every tab. This feature gives you control over how
to apply changes to settings. The three options are System Default, Active Document, and All
Possible. When you select System Default, changes are not loaded or used and instead only
future default options are affected. Selecting Active Document applies changes to the
document that is open and active. Finally, if you select the All Possible option, then both the
active document and future documents reflect the recently changed options.

b) Features Tab

The next tab in line is the Features tab. This tab has the title Mill Features or Turn
Features depending on the current selection of machine tool type. In this tab, you can control
how Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) behaves.

Note: The SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional package includes turning abilities.

The Feature types group allows you to activate or deactivate specific feature types within
the AFR search. To begin, the recommendation is that you enable all the feature types so that
you can observe and learn how AFR interacts with parts. As you gain experience with AFR
(through the Extract Machinable Features tool), you gain the ability to anticipate the results
and better understand the implications of activating or deactivating feature types.

If Extract Machinable Features commonly finds more features than you need (for example
Face and Part perimeter features for every mill setup), you can deactivate those features in
this group.

If you do activate Part perimeter, verify selection of the option selected in the Part
perimeter options group. If the Open Pocket type option is selected, the default machining

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strategy includes Rough Mill operations and the toolpaths extend to the full dimensions of the
stock material. Selecting the Boss type option creates only Contour Mill finishing operations.

The Hole recognition options group affects how automatically recognized holes are defined.
The Max diameter parameter is the threshold for defining features as holes versus circular
pockets. Any circular pocket-like feature that has a diameter less than the input value is
treated as a hole. Holes are cut with drills, reams and other pointed tools.

Enter a value in the Max diameter box that represents the maximum diameter drill bit that
you commonly use in your shop. Round features larger than this diameter are assigned as
pockets and can be cut using rough and contour mill operations.

The Min included angle option is another threshold. This value differentiates partial holes
from slots. Some users prefer to drill circular features even if they do not have fully enclosed
sidewalls (partial holes). Enter a value that aligns with your machining preference, and use
360 degrees to avoid drilling partial holes entirely.

The remaining options enhance the intelligence of AFR and the recommendation is that new
users activate all of these options. For an in-depth explanation of each setting, you can access
the Help menu directly from the Options dialog box.

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 Example of recommended settings for new Mill users.

c) Display

The Display tab contains options related to the appearance of the user interface. New users
may want to override two of these options:

Activating and customizing the Use feed based colors option can improve the
SOLIDWORKS CAM user experience. Adjusting the feedrate colors to match your specific
preferences and machine tool capabilities help streamline the programming process and
improve the safety of the generated G-code.

For example, if you want to keep all feedrates sent to the machine under 80 inches per minute
(IPM), create an IPM range from 75 to 3937 IPM and assign a high visibility, cautionary
color such as red to the group. This identifies unsafe or impossible feed rates before the G-
code is generated and sent to the machine tool.

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 An example of using color to communicate safe and unsafe feedrates.

The second notable option in the Display tab is the Line weight. Line weight represents the
thickness of the toolpaths displayed over the 3D model. If you find them to be too thin or too
thick, adjust this setting to meet your preference.

d) Simulation

The Simulation tab contains options related to the toolpath simulation such as speed,
accuracy and display preferences.

It is not common to adjust these options when first learning SOLIDWORKS CAM. However,
it is useful for programmers to understand how the toolpath simulation works to improve
performance in the future.

When a toolpath is simulated a part or assembly, including fixtures, along with the stock
material and cutting tool are represented by tessellated approximations of the native
SOLIDWORKS models. The accuracy of these approximations is controlled using the
Stock/tool deviation slider. Speed and Quality are in balance. Prioritizing quality reduces
simulation speed and vice versa.

Typical 2.5-axis milling and turning work does not require adjusting this slider. However, if
you begin to experience poor performance during the simulation of more advanced toolpaths,
revisit this area and adjust the slider accordingly.

e) Update

New users do not commonly visit the Update tab. This tab contains options related to the
Rebuild functionality of SOLIDWORKS CAM. The rebuild technology in SOLIDWORKS
CAM ensures that the CAM data and CAD model are in-sync.

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f) File Locations
The final tab in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Options menu is File Locations. New users may
want to assign a default program to open G-code programs and setup sheets automatically
upon creation.

SOLIDWORKS CAM includes an advanced NC editing tool for viewing and editing G-code
programs. The SOLIDWORKS CAM NC Editor is covered more thoroughly later in this
document. It is a recommendation that new users activate the Open G-code File in
SOLIDWORKS CAM NC Editor option, which allows them to quickly review and edit
programs.

The SOLIDWORKS CAM NC Editor is an excellent tool for reviewing G-code files.

If you prefer to use an alternative program to view and edit G-code programs, you can
browse to the application file specified in the Open G-code file in following application field.
For example, if you prefer to use Notepad, then enter the full file path for the application
program file (C:\Windows\System32\Notepad.exe).

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4) Machine Properties
SOLIDWORKS CAM utilizes Knowledge-Based Machining (KBM) technology to decrease
programming time and reduce the potential for human error. KBM leverages data stored in
the Technology Database (TechDB) to automate some programming decisions, including
information about the machine tool being programmed.

You can access the specifications and setup of the current machine tool by clicking Define
Machine in the Command Manager.

a) Machine Tab

The Machine tab is an important place to visit before beginning to program a part or
assembly. In this tab, you select the machine tool that you want to program.

The type of machine you select – Mill Machine or Turn Machine defines which types of
setups and features you can create. Selecting a milling machine allows the milling of features
such as pockets and bosses. Alternatively, selecting a turn machine makes only the turn
features accessible.

SOLIDWORKS CAM loads several default machines for selection. Choosing a default
machine to begin programming is acceptable for new users, allowing them some time to
become familiar with the program. Customization of machines is recommended however, to
reduce the number of manual selections to be made later.

Note: You can view the name of the default machines as a reminder for which unit system is
active. The unit system dictates which version of the Technology Database is utilized.

After selection, a machine’s specifications appear in the Active machine group. This
information is read-only, except for the Machine duty information. The Machine duty
selection influences the automatic generation of feeds and speeds.

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 This user has one custom machine (Tormach 770M) and three default machines available for
selection. The names of the default machines indicate that the user is programming in Inch
mode.

b) Initial Setup

This guide covers the Tool Crib, Post Processor and Posting tabs more thoroughly in
subsequent sections. For now, the document provides a brief explanation and guidance for
users looking to understand the basic selections required for programming parts effectively.
Customization of the machine automates most of the decisions you make in the following
tabs.

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i) Tool Crib

From the Tool Crib tab, users select the tool crib to use in the current program. Tool cribs
can represent tools in several ways. For example, one user may want to dedicate a tool crib to
each machine, while another user might prefer to have a single tool crib that contains every
tool in their shop. Customization of tool cribs is an important part of KBM, which is covered
in section 6 of this guide.

ii) Post Processor

The role of the post processor is to translate the CAM program into a language that the
machine tool’s control software understands (typically, G-code). This translation is a critical
step in the CAM workflow because without post processing, there is no output from the
CAM software.

Post processors are the computer programs that handle this translation. Customizable post
processors necessary due to the infinite variety of machine tools that you can program using
SOLIDWORKS CAM. Every machine tool has a control software that expects a specific G-
code format, which is determined by both the controller and machine parameters.

iii) Posting

The options that appear in the Posting tab vary depending on the post processor selected in
the previous tab. It is possible to write post processors to provide users with options and
overrides, and the Posting tab presents this information to the user. The Posting tab in the
Machine Properties area is used often to present global variables such as Program Number,
Program Name, Part Name and Customer Name.

iv) Setup

The Setup tab offers different options depending on the selection of a Mill or Turn machine.
When programming a part for milling, the software normally reserves the Setup tab for the
setup of 4-axis and 5-axis machines. However, when programming a lathe part, it is
important to visit the Setup tab. This is where you control the main spindle coordinate
system, work offset, and spindle direction. From here, you also define the section plane
options of the Turn feature, which dictate the 2D plane in which Automatic Feature
Recognition (AFR) recognizes turned features.

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 When programming a lathe, visit the Setup tab to define important machine options.
v) Rotary Axis and Tilt Axis

The Rotary Axis and Tilt Axis tabs become visible when you select a Mill machine. You
only need to visit these tabs when programming a 4-axis or 5-axis mill machine. The Rotary
axis is the 4th axis. The Tilt axis (if present) is a machine’s 5th axis. The Tilt axis often rides
on top of the 4th axis such as in a trunnion setup or a large format head-head machine.

vi) Chuck/Fixture

The Chuck/Fixture tab becomes available when you select a Turn machine. This tab defines
the work-holding situation of the lathe. A precise chuck definition is helpful because
SOLIDWORKS CAM can recognize and avoid collision between the tool and chuck.

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 However, chuck definition is not critical to many programs, particularly if the risk of
collision is low.

Efficient CNC programmers know the tools that are available to them and understand when
to use them. Do not feel compelled to fully define every program you make.

c) Machine Customization

As mentioned earlier, customization of machines is a way to accelerate the process of

navigating all the Machine Properties tabs. A fully customized machine includes a default
post-processor, tool crib and other associated options.

Machine customization occurs in the TechDB, which is accessible by clicking Technology

Database in the Command Manager:

The TechDB opens into the Mill section, and the first column displays a list of available
machines.

Notice the Metric and Inch modes in the top-right corner of the TechDB. Ensure that you
specify the mode preference before performing any edits.

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To enter Edit mode, left-click a machine name. This allows customization. It is a
recommendation that new users edit the existing default machines, and specify their most
commonly used machine as the Default Machine.

For the best user experience, it is a best practice to customize the information presented here
in the Edit window as well as in the Machine Properties tabs discussed earlier. Information
that is easily verifiable (Horsepower, for example) should also be defined for thoroughness.
However, SOLIDWORKS CAM does not necessarily use this information. Consult your
Value Added Reseller (VAR) for specific details about which fields are used by
SOLIDWORKS CAM and are accessible through the post processor.

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After editing a machine, click Save at the top of the dialog box to retain the changes. Notice
the availability of the Save, Copy, and Delete functions and the absence of a New button. To
create a new machine, first copy and then edit an existing machine.

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5) Technology Database
The Technology Database (TechDB) is basically the core of SOLIDWORKS CAM. To
understand and use SOLIDWORKS CAM at an expert level, a user needs to be comfortable
with entering and editing the TechDB.

New users must explore the TechDB cautiously until they are comfortable with the functions
and understand the consequences of any changes they may choose to make. Customizing the
TechDB is an important part of making SOLIDWORKS CAM work well, but it is not
necessary to rush into this.

a) Overview

The database includes all the information required to power Knowledge-Based Machining
(KBM), which is a key component of SOLIDWORKS CAM’s value to the end user. KBM
creates an initial set of CAM data (Operations) for a given feature. In the TechDB, this
information is stored in the Features & Operations area.

Take some time to browse, but not edit, the Features & Operations area. Here, the logic
behind KBM and the SOLIDWORKS CAM intelligence is on display.

i) Features & Operations

When programming a part, a typical workflow involves moving left-to-right through the
Command Manager tools.

Default SOLIDWORKS CAM tab layout in the Command Manager.

The Generate Operation Plan feature initiates the KBM functionality. At this time,
SOLIDWORKS CAM works down the list of defined features and matches them to entries in
the Features & Operations area of the TechDB. After identifying a matching entry, the
TechDB adds the corresponding operations to the part based on the feature type, strategy and
feature conditions. In essence, KBM is the intelligent application of templates.

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Feature ID 599 is a blind, rectangular pocket made of any material, with a width between 0-
1000 inches and depth between 0-1000 inches. The corresponding operations are a Rough
Mill and a Contour Mill with a tool size determined by the feature dimensions.
The default database is a generalized, comprehensive and nonspecific database to ensure the
best experience for a variety of new users.

Spend time browsing through various Feature and Strategy options. Understanding the
structure of feature conditions and matching operations is a critical first step toward
customizing the TechDB for your own purposes.

ii) Tooling

Along with Features & Operations, the other large dataset housed in the TechDB is for
tooling. The tooling database consists of Mill and Turn sections. Each of these areas
contains a full set of tools from which a programmer can choose.

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 The Mill Tooling library is divided into three columns: Cutters, Threading Strategies and
Holders & Assemblies.
The TechDB includes hundreds of tools organized into a Tool Library. The library is the
comprehensive collection of tools available for selection, which contains all the default tools
as well as any custom tools that the user creates and saves. Tool cribs, covered in section 6 of
this guide, are a subset of tools within the Tool Library.

b) Customization

The TechDB supports customization. The TechDB developers put great effort into creating
an approachable and intuitive user interface to encourage users to tailor the database to their
own specific needs.

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 One form of customization has already been covered – machine data. Customizing a machine
allows programmers to speed through the initial setup of a part program because they can be
confident that the basic configuration is correct.

Increasing speed and reducing the risk of user error are common reasons to customize the
TechDB. Building out a robust Features & Operations area that accounts for your specific
programming preferences can take time, but has significant positive effects in the end.

If you are aware of specific machining strategies that you want to store in the TechDB, you
can proactively add them at any time in the Features & Operations area. Users cannot create
new feature types. However, it is possible to create new strategies and feature conditions
directly within the TechDB. Users can edit and sort the matching operations for any feature
condition.

Alternatively, users can edit the TechDB indirectly through the SOLIDWORKS CAM
programming interface. During regular programming, a user may realize the value of storing
a particular set of machining operations for future use. It is possible to create and save
TechDB entries from the right-click context menu of a feature.

Save Operation Plan is a process for indirect editing of the Technology Database.
c) Backup & Restore

When editing the Features & Operations or Tooling areas of the TechDB, there is the risk of
making undesirable changes. Particularly with the Features & Operations area, a new user
may inadvertently change the behavior of SOLIDWORKS CAM in a way that is difficult to

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diagnose. For this reason, it is a strong recommendation to standardize on a method of
backing up the TechDB.

The file management environment and IT policies for each user determine the best practice
for backing up (and restoring) the TechDB. Programmers who actively interact with the
TechDB should make regular backups of their database to minimize the impact of any
potential user error. Users should work with their IT department and with SOLIDWORKS
VAR technical support to decide the best option to maintain backups of the database file.

SOLIDWORKS CAM stores the default database file in the following location:
C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS CAM 2021\TechDB\TechDB.cwdb

Users can verify the location of their current database from within the TechDB > Settings >
Link Database area. The file path that appears in this area is the location of the active
TechDB. Users can use the Browse function to specify a different database.

Note: the TechDB.cwdb file name must be sustained. It is a best practice to store backups or
alternate databases distinct folders to allow for duplicate names.

You can restore databases using the Import Database functionality. Before importing, users
can select the type of data to import.

Import Database is used to restore a previous copy or backup. The Import function is
commonly used to update the TechDB between Service Packs and yearly updates of the
SOLIDWORKS version.

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d) Multi-User Environment
It is common for organizations to have multiple SOLIDWORKS CAM users. To fully
leverage the power of SOLIDWORKS CAM, it is advised that users share a common
Technology Database. This ensures that each user is using the most up-to-date programming
strategies and tooling configurations. Sharing a database allows experienced users to share
their knowledge with less experienced users in a direct but hands-off manner, promoting
efficient mentorship within a team and providing a base standard of programming quality.

To share a database, users need to point their software to the same TechDB.cwdb file. This
requires:

1. Backup of the TechDB.cwdb file on every user’s local machine

2. Choosing which TechDB to share and copying the TechDB.cwdb file to a shared
network location

3. Linking each installation to the shared TechDB.cwdb file location within the TechDB
settings

TechDB > Settings > Link Database allows users to point their database to a shared
network location.

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6) Tool Cribs
Tool cribs are a way of organizing sets of tools within the Tool Library. Tool cribs can
reduce the amount of time it takes to find a specific tool, and improve the results of KBM.

Each user decides their own methodology for creating tool cribs. There is no right or wrong
way. Users should consider how they store and organize the physical tools within their shop
because this often forms a good foundation for the digital organization as well.

Some methods for organizing tools into groups might include:

 Grouping tools stored permanently at a particular machine

 Grouping tools stored permanently within a particular group of machines
 Grouping tools used for a certain type of stock material
 Grouping tools used for a particular type of part, size of part, or family of parts
 Grouping tools that are regularly restocked
 Grouping all tools within the entire shop
a) Editing

Users quickly realize the value in customizing a tool crib for their purposes and seek a
method for doing so. Within SOLIDWORKS CAM, there are several ways to create and edit
tool cribs.

i) Machine Properties

Clicking Define Machine opens the Machine properties dialog box, covered in section 4 of
this guide. The Tool Crib tab gives users access to modify tool cribs and individual tools.
Changes made in this dialog box do not permanently transfer to the Technology Database
unless users save them.

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 Notice the buttons for saving tool and tool crib edits.

ii) SOLIDWORKS CAM Tools Tree

Activating SOLIDWORKS CAM adds three tabs to the SOLIDWORKS feature tree:
Feature, Operation and Tools.

The Tools tab contains a list of tools that are inside the active tool crib. Tools that appear in
black text indicate that the tool is in use within the current program. Tools that appear in
magenta text indicate that a tool is not in use.

Right-click a tool crib name > Edit Definition opens a dialog box for customizing and
saving the tool crib.

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 Right-clicking a tool crib name opens a context menu with options for editing and saving.

iii) Technology Database

Editing tools and tool cribs within the regular user interface allows for reactive and
progressive customization. Sometimes users want a more direct and efficient method for bulk
editing of parameters, and this can be accomplished directly within the Technology Database.

By accessing either the Mill Tooling or Turn Tooling areas inside the TechDB, users can
quickly edit both tools and tool cribs. Tool assemblies, which are a combination of tool and
holder, can also be swiftly created.

Any edits made within the Technology Database become accessible automatically during
future uses, as opposed to edits in the user interface that save only if the user chooses to save
them.

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 Custom tool crib as it appears within the TechDB

b) Backup & Restore

Tool data is generally stored within the TechDB.cwdb database, and following the
instructions found in section 5c captures tool information in addition to the rest of the data
found within the Technology Database.

However, user-defined tools typically reference an external file that defines the geometry of
the tool. When creating user-defined tools, take care to store the associated geometry files in
a place that is easy to back up and restore separately from the TechDB backup and import
processes.

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7) Post Processors
As defined earlier, post processors are computer programs responsible for translating
SOLIDWORKS CAM instructions into machine-specific codes. Post processing generates a
text file containing G-code instructions, programmer notes and other information that may be
helpful to the machine tool operator.

Example G-code program as viewed in the SOLIDWORKS CAM NC Editor

Machining programs require proper G-code formatting to run successfully on a machine tool.
A program written for one machine does not necessarily run on a different machine, even if
the machine is the same make and model. G-code requirements are determined by a mixture
of decisions made by the machine tool manufacturer, control software setup, machine
parameters and other variables. Post processor creation is typically a process of refinement

29
over time, with the post processor growing in capability alongside the skillset of the user and
operator.

Despite the strict G-code requirements, there is some room for personalization with the
program as well. It is possible to include long format, human-readable code with text
descriptions of tools, operator instructions and other verbose information if desired. Compact,
size conscious formatting is also possible.

Post processor revisions may address technical problems, personal preferences, or even add
capabilities not included in the base SOLIDWORKS CAM tool.

For example, in the Operation Parameters dialog box, the Posting tab provides the ability
for a post processor writer to query a user for any type of information. This information,
sometimes called Posting Questions by post writers, feeds directly into the posting
environment, where the writer can create G-codes for a user’s exacting needs.

In this post processor for Tormach’s PathPilot control, a user can fully control Tormach’s
proprietary SmartCool accessory when programming a Rough Mill operation.
Another way of providing additional functionality to SOLIDWORKS CAM is through post
operations. Users commonly use post operations to insert predetermined G-code (such as a
program stop) or activate a machine add-on (such as a parts catcher). To see what post
operations your active post processor offers, right-click any machining operation and then
click Insert Post Operation.

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 The post processor has a basic array of post operations available.
a) Procurement
SOLIDWORKS CAM includes a variety of post processors that help new users learn the
workflow, begin to understand G-code, and experiment with their machine if a match is
found.

Note: The default install location is C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS CAM

2021\Posts\. The ProgramData folder is a hidden folder within Windows. If necessary,
consult your IT department for assistance in viewing this folder.

Most often, users should consult their VAR to obtain a customized post-processor specific for
their machines. Each VAR should have the ability to write and refine a custom post-
processor, shifting the burden of success away from the user and onto the experienced post
writer. This is the most direct path toward efficient use of SOLIDWORKS CAM.

If a user prefers to work with a different distributor, they can request a post processor through
the CAMWorks Post Processor Library. This service helps connect users with experienced
post processor providers.

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 The CAMWorks Post Processor Library connects users with experienced post processor
writers from around the world.
Alternatively, CAMWorks also offers the free Universal Post Generator (UPG) utility, which
allows users to create post processors on their own. The UPG is available for download from
the Customer Area section of the CAMWorks website. This utility is suitable for creating a
post processor with basic functionality only.

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 The UPG provides a graphical user interface for basic post processor creation.
b) Loading

When obtaining a post processor, users may receive several files, such as:

 Control file (.ctl) – Required

 Language file (.lng) – Required
 Post Information file (.pinf)
 Configuration file (.cnf)
 Kinematic file (.kin)
 Information file (.rtf)
 Library files (.lib)
 Source file (.src)
At minimum, SOLIDWORKS CAM requires both the CTL and LNG files to post code. These
two files are encrypted and not intended to be readable. Alone, they do not provide the ability
to edit the output of the post processor.

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The PINF file is optional and normally contains a small amount of information related to the
machine and controls the post processor for which it is intended.

The CNF file does provide a way to edit the post processor output. However, post processor
writers do not commonly provide this file. If available, users can open this file in a text editor
to make basic adjustments.

Example CNF file provided with GoEngineer’s free Tormach post processor.

Post processor writers sometimes provide a KIN file for 4-axis and 5-axis machines. This file
defines the physical configuration of the rotary axes and the direction of movement.

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 In this KIN file, a user can adjust how the post processor handles their rotary axes.

If provided, the RTF file provides further information about the post processor. This may
include a list of included functions, known limitations or special instructions of which the
user should be aware before using the post processor. If an RTF file is included with a post
processor, the recommendation is to view the file contents before proceeding.

The library files and source file contain the actual code of the post processor. The post
processor author compiles these files to create the CTL and LNG files that end users receive.
It is not possible to edit a post processor without the library files and source file. It is not
common for a post processor author to send these files to the end user.

After obtaining the files that make up the post processor, they should be stored either on the
local machine or on a shared network drive. It is important to back these files up regularly
following the guidance of a user’s IT department. In the event of file loss, a post processor
provider might not be able to replace the original revision that is known to work in a user’s
environment. You can eliminate this risk by backing up these files.

Finally, after storing the files stored locally, a user can select the post processor in the
Machine > Post Processor dialog box:

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 Users can select a new post processor at any point during programming. However, it then
becomes necessary to readdress post operations, posting questions and other post-related
functions.
Section 4c of this document addresses the customization of machine tools within the
TechDB. It is a recommendation to assign a default post processor to a machine to eliminate
the often-overlooked step of assigning a post processor before starting each program.

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8) Working in a PDM Environment
Many SOLIDWORKS CAM users program parts that are stored in an organization’s PDM
vault or some other managed access tool. This section explains the basics of working in such
an environment.

a) Rights

SOLIDWORKS CAM stores data directly within the native SOLIDWORKS part or assembly
file. For this reason, a CNC programmer using SOLIDWORKS CAM requires read and write
access to the file they are programming.

b) Alternatives

This requirement can sometimes conflict with an organization’s revision control procedures
and/or the rights generally granted to the programmer. If this is the case, there are options
available for the PDM administrator to consider:

 Create a copy of the part or assembly and program within the file copy. This option
does not retain parametric association to the original file.
 Use the Insert Part command to insert a protected part into another part file. This
option maintains the parametric association between the original file and the new file.
In this case, geometric changes to the original file propagate to the CNC
programmer’s file.
Insert the part file into an assembly file and program within the assembly. This option
maintains parametric association with the original file and gives the CNC programmer some
added functionality. However, programming in assembly mode is not compatible with turned
parts and is only available to users of the SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional software.

For further guidance on working within a PDM environment, consult your VAR technical
support team.

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9) Configurations
Like SOLIDWORKS configurations, CAM configurations are a mechanism for storing
multiple versions of data within the same SOLIDWORKS file. This functionality is a useful
for CNC programmers and is a feature available in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional
software.

This part file has multiple CAM configurations to program the different SOLIDWORKS
configurations. Copied configurations carry over any machinable features that
SOLIDWORKS configurations share.
The most common use cases for CAM configurations are:

 Programming both Mill and Turn features on the same part. If a part blank starts on a
lathe and then moves to a mill (or vice versa), then it is a good practice to create a
CAM configuration for each machine to allow for two distinct CAM programs within
the same file.
 Programming a part with multiple SOLIDWORKS configurations. If a
SOLIDWORKS file has multiple versions of the geometry that each require
machining, it is a recommendation to pair a corresponding CAM configuration with
each SOLIDWORKS configuration.
 Experimenting with programs. CNC programmers sometimes want to test an alternate
approach to cutting a part without needing to discard or complicate their current
program. Creating a new configuration or a copy of the current configuration is an
excellent way to try new approaches.

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 Programming a single part for multiple machines of the same type. Because the post
processor can play an active role in the programming of a part, a suggestion is to use a
new configuration when shifting production from one machine to another. This way,
it is possible to use and update both sets of programs independent of each other.
 Programming parts that require secondary post-processing. Some parts undergo more
than one cutting operation, such as a CNC plasma cut followed by CNC milling. In
such cases, each type of machine would be programmed within a dedicated CAM
configuration.

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10) Probing
In-situ probing is very common in the machine shop, with programmers using probes to
verify feature dimensions, update Work Coordinate systems, detect broken tools, and more.
On-board probing capabilities can significantly reduce setup time while improving part
quality.

Within SOLIDWORKS CAM, you can add probing operations by right-clicking any
operation and selecting Probing Operation:

Adding a probing operation in the operation tree

Probing is intentional, and programmers have a specific purpose in mind when adding a
probe operation. SOLIDWORKS CAM enables programmers to control probe movement in
either the XY plane or Z direction. It also allows programmers to enter some variables within
the More Parameters dialog box.

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The Probe Operation Parameters dialog box helps programmers guide the probe through 3D
space. Clicking More Parameters opens a dialog box to input variables for the probe
routine.

SOLIDWORKS CAM pushes the information programmed into the probe operation, both
movement and variables, into the post processor environment when a posting the program.
This information is used to create a set of G-codes that the machine tool control software
understands and performs the desired action. New users should expect to experiment with the
probing capabilities of their post processor, and work with the post author to refine the
output. Probing is a powerful and highly customizable feature of SOLIDWORKS CAM.

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