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Geometric Ltd. has released the 2016 version of CAMWorks for 3D CNC machining applications, with features designed to improve productivity, ease the move from design to production, and minimize the cost of design and manufacturing changes. The software operates inside SolidWorks 2016 CAD software and is fully associative to that program’s 3D design geometry. This integration is said to improve productivity in toolpath generation and part/assembly cycle times. In addition, CAMWorks includes features for the automation of toolpath programming to further reduce setup and machining time.

The CAM software is said to reduce dependence on sketches, and a new tool-based workflow helps to simplify toolpath generation for many typical jobs. A surface selection method creates prismatic, non-planar machining features and eliminates the need to create sketches in order to define features. Now, users need only select existing model geometry to create features.

Changes to the tool environment include a Tool Tree tab to ease the creation, editing and management of tools and tool cribs. Generation of setup sheets includes the ability to incorporate multiple part and assembly images as well as tool images to promote reduced setup time.

To enhance productivity, the new version includes chamfer machining options that use intelligent parameters and user feedback to provide better control. Users can view and modify default machining strategies directly without having to access the CAMWorks technology database in a separate application window.

Other features include automatic pre-drilling of holes for high-speed machining applications in CAMWorks VoluMill. A new gundrilling cycle is designed to support industry-standard tooling for deep-hole and gundrilling operations. Other cycles support point-to-point operations including center drilling, drilling, reaming and tapping holes in complex four- and five-axis components and assemblies. For multitasking machines, the ability to specify a fixed B-axis angle for the tool and toolholder provides better tool control for turning operations.