SmartCAM V16 Milling From Solid Models
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SmartCAM V16: Milling From Solid Models

Two new processes for automated milling toolpath generation directly from a solid model are introduced in SmartCAM Advanced Milling, SmartCAM Advanced Turning, and SmartCAM FreeForm Machining.

The Solid Pocket Roughing and Solid Profile Finish processes found in V16.0 comprise the first of many machining from solids features that will be found in future SmartCAM versions.

Machining from solids toolbox.
Machining from solids toolbox.

 

Solid Pocket Process - New in V16.0

The Solid Pocket process (found via the Solid Machine toolbox shown above) creates pocket roughing toolpath for through or blind closed pocket features. Advanced Milling and Advanced Turning support prismatic features with straight or drafted walls, with or without corner fillets, islands, and shelves.

Pocket Roughing Toolpath for Prismatic Pockets
Pocket Roughing Toolpath for Prismatic Pockets.

FreeForm Machining supports any closed feature, even those comprised entirely of complex surfaces.

Pocket Roughing Toolpath for a Complex Cavity in FreeForm Machining
Pocket Roughing Toolpath for a Complex Cavity in FreeForm Machining.

The Solid Pocket process makes it very simple to machine parts containing multiple depth levels, including nested pockets. The system automatically detects all critical horizontal faces and applies floor allowance to them, and if desired by the user, adds a depth pass for each critical level.

Multiple-Depth Level Pocket Toolpath
Multiple-Depth Level Pocket Toolpath.

 

Solid Profile Process - New in V16.0

The new Solid Profile process creates finish and multi-pass, semi-finishing toolpath from open or closed part profile features. Advanced Milling and Advanced Turning support prismatic features with straight or drafted walls, with or without edge chamfers or rounds, and floor fillets.

Multi-pass, connected profile roughing.
Multi-pass, connected profile roughing.

FreeForm Machining supports any profile feature, even those comprised entirely of complex surfaces.

Complex Cavity Finishing Toolpath.
Complex Cavity Finishing Toolpath.

The Solids Profile process supports multiple-region machining in a single process, with complete control over the region sequence and closed profile start/end positions.

Multiple Closed Profiles with the Lead In/Out Positioned in Safe Locations.
Multiple Closed Profiles with the Lead In/Out Positioned in Safe Locations.

Silhouette profile passes can be created that skip over voids and cut below the model surfaces. Avoidance surfaces can be used to limit profile passes.

Silhouette Profile Passes Limited by Avoid Surface.
Silhouette Profile Passes Limited by Avoid Surface.

The Solids Machining processes create toolpath using a true 3D tool offset for flat, bull, and ball endmills. Features that might otherwise have been cut using special tooling can now be cut using a standard tool.

Corner Round Being Cut with a Ball Endmill Using Profile Process.
Corner Round Being Cut with a Ball Endmill Using Profile Process.

Each machining process is captured in an associative process container that can be easily recalled, edited, and regenerated at any time. There is no longer a need to create numerous wireframe profiles from the solid, or to manage them within the SmartCAM process model. 3D part features can be cut using standard tools using multi-pass profiling strategies. The new Solid Machining processes simplify your SmartCAM model and save time and money.