SolidCAM / InventorCAM 2021 SP0

SolidCAM 2021 SP0 Release Notes - Date: January 15, 2021


2.5D Milling

Face Milling - Roll in Approach for Hatch
- The Roll in approach will turn into the Hatch tool path at the start point
- This method is recommended by tool manufactures when using Face Mill insert tools
Thread Milling - Multi-start Threads Support
- Thread Milling now has the option to have several leads for a thread
- These thread types are usually used for quick closing and release of threaded parts
Thread Milling - Infeed Patterns Support
- Rough patterns is now available in Milling (Thread Milling) as in Turning
- This allows you to have complete control over the cutting edge used on the part
Thread Milling - Lead in/out with Arc, Normal & Tangent
- You now have complete control as to the method you prefer using for Lead in/out in Thread Milling
- You can now use Arc, Normal and Tangent (External thread only) for the Lead in/out
Thread Milling - Minor Diameter Definition
- Thread data can now be defined with a Minor diameter
- This reduces air cutting passes
Thread Milling - First Step Over Control in Rough
- First step over removes the entered amount on the first Multiple step
- The following steps will decrease automatically to keep a constant load on the tool until it reaches the Minimal step over, and then stop when it reaches the Finish allowance
Thread Milling - Decimal Depth Support
- Depth definition in Thread Milling now supports decimal values
- Support implemented for Number of threads
Profile - Lead in/out Flip Option for Center Tool Path
- Option to flip orientation of Normal & Arc lead in/out tool path in Profile operations when Tool side is set to Center

Turning

Trochoidal Turning - Improved Tool Path Algorithm
- Improved Trochoidal Turning algorithm optimizes the entire roughing procedure by producing a more suitable tool path at the end of the stock
STL Holder Protection in Turning
- Holder protection detects and avoids collisions in Turning rough and finish procedures
- Check box allows you to cancel holder collision detection when it's not needed, such as for Face Groove, Internal Turning operations, etc.
Fixture Protection in Turning
- Fixture protection detects and avoids collisions between your defined Setup and the Cutter
- Fixture clearance specifies the distance by which the Cutter must avoid the Setup
- Turning tool path is adjusted automatically
Feed Lead In/Out in Turning Tool Data
- You now have the option to modify the Feed rate for Lead in and Lead out by a user-defined value or by a percentage increase/decrease relative to Feed finish

HSR/HSM

HSR - Join Gaps & Pass Extension
- Join Gaps allows HSR to join gaps between 2 groups of tool paths
- Pass extension allows the user to extend the tool path by the user defined value
HSR - Join Gaps & Pass Extension Tool Path

Turbo HSR

Turbo HSR - New 3D Boundaries
Turbo HSR now offers Automatic Boundary Definition based on the following:
- Part Silhouette
- Part end height
- Tool contact
Turbo HSR - Part End Height Boundary
- In Part end height method, 2D contour is determined by the part shadow onto machining plane offset outwards by the tool radius
Turbo HSR - Tool Contact Boundary
- In Tool contact method, the silhouette is determined by the tool contact point
- In case of steep walls, the silhouette is the exact tool tip
- In shallow areas, the tool reaches a bit over the tool tip in order to machine the complete surface

Turbo HSM

Turbo HSM - Combination Operation
Turbo HSM now offers combination operations, which combine 2 strategies together to provide a single tool path
- Constant Z + Linear
- Constant Z + Constant stepover
Turbo HSM - Combine Constant Z + Linear Machining
Turbo HSM - Combine Constant Z + Constant Stepover
Turbo HSM - Tool Path Quality Improvement
- The generated Turbo HSM tool path now contains significantly less points while still maintaining the same tool path quality as before

HSS & Sim 5X Improvements

HSS/SIM 5X - Support of Multiple Guide Curves
- SolidCAM now enables you to define multiple guide curves, which helps you to create a single tool path for more than one region
- Applicable for "Parallel to Curves" only
HSS/SIM 5X - Extend Edge Curve
Extend edge curve option extends the shorter curve to match longer curve, forcing the tool path pattern to follow the extended curves
- Applicable for "Morph between 2 curves" & "Parallel to Curves" only
SIM 5X - Operation Name Changes
- There are several Operation names that have been changed to suit the process for which the feature / operation is built
Geodesic Machining - 3X Support
- SolidCAM Geodesic Machining uses a global distance field without a fixed direction as a reference for the calculation, which enables full flexibility for calculating various pattern types while maintaining consistent distances (Constant Stepover) between cuts
Rotary Machining - Side Shift
- Side shift, available only for roughing cycles, allows rotary machining with an axis offset
- This option enables the tool to cut properly with the cutting edges, not the tool center, thereby enabling more stable cutting speeds and close-to-diameter cutting with non-spherical tools
Rotary Machining - Corner Smoothing
- Rotary machining enables you to apply corner rounding to the sharp motions on the final contour as well as intermittent contours
- This allows the machine to cut faster and maximizes the tool life

SolidCAM Auto 3+2 Roughing

SolidCAM Auto 3+2 Roughing
SolidCAM can create 3+2 Roughing tool paths using the following methods:
- Automatic
- Semi Automatic
- Manual
SolidCAM Auto 3+2 Roughing - Automatic Mode
- In Automatic mode, SolidCAM searches the unmachined areas and processes them according to Max. Increment angle, Max. Stock to leave and Max. Tilt angle
- With these parameters, machining is performed from all possible indexed directions
SolidCAM Auto 3+2 Roughing - Semi Automatic Mode
- Semi automatic mode enables you to start the machining from a preferred direction, while allowing you to modify the Max. Increment angle, Max. Stock to leave and the Max. Tilt angle parameters
SolidCAM Auto 3+2 Roughing - Manual Mode
In Manual mode, SolidCAM machines only from the directions added by the user or by the tool plane
- Part is machined in the chosen directions according to the maximum reach of the tool

SolidCAM Edge Breaking

SolidCAM Edge Breaking - New Operation
- After machining, on all the parts that have straight edges or non tangent outer surface topologies, you will find a burr caused by the tool which is chipping the metal off that edge
- SolidCAM Edge Breaking operation automatically detects these edges and creates a deburring tool path
- Currently this is a manual process and can approximately take the same time as that which is being spent to fully program a part programmed with a CAM system
SolidCAM Edge Breaking - Edge Detection
- Edges to be deburred can be detected automatically or detected manually by the user
- Chamfer can be of Constant Depth or Constant Width
- Only Ball Nose tools & Lollipop tools are supported for Edge Breaking
SolidCAM Edge Breaking - Tool Axis Control
5 types of Tool Axis Control are provided:
- 3 Axis
- 4 Axis
- 4+1 Axis
- 5 Axis with Minimal Tilting
- Full 5 Axis
SolidCAM Edge Breaking - Tool Axis Control
- 4 Axis Edge Breaking
- 5 Axis Minimal Tilting
- 5 Axis Edge Breaking

SolidCAM Edge Trimming

SolidCAM Edge Trimming - New Operation
- Energy efficient materials like composites are becoming more popular
- Generally cast, these parts require an edge trimming operation to get their final shape
- Vacuum Formed parts in automotive industry also require an edge trimming operation to get their final shape
SolidCAM Edge Trimming
- Edge Trimming is a highly automated algorithm to create the edge trimming tool path
- The trimming edge can be defined automatically, or it can be user defined
- The position of the tool relative to the geometry can be defined by various options, from only a 3-Axis output to a more complex 5-Axis output with different tool axis orientation options

Simulations

Revolved STL Tool Items in Milling Simulations
- VMID & ToolKit together support revolved STL Tool Items for Milling Simulations
- Revolved bodies of Cutters, Shanks & Holders increase collision detection and material removal precision
Simulation Enhancements via ToolKit
SolidCAM Simulator (Beta) enhancements through ToolKit implementation (all playback modes: forward, reverse, etc.)
- Shows multi-body holders and multi-tool assemblies
- Shows tool path and detects all collisions
- Supports revolved Cutters, Shanks & Holders
Machine Simulation enhancements through ToolKit implementation (kinematic simulation)
- Shows multi-body holders and multi-tool assemblies
- Shows tool path and detects all collisions
- Supports revolved Cutters, Shanks & Holders

Machine Simulation

Simplified Structure and Complex Holder Support
- XML structure needs only the Station(s) defined, not entire Tool structure
- Fully supports multi-body holders and multi-tool assemblies from ToolKit
- Enables faster loading

SolidCAM Simulator

SolidCAM Simulator Themes
- Visualization features of SolidCAM's classic Simulation modes are now available in SolidCAM Simulator as preconfigured themes
Simulator's SolidVerify Theme
- Emulate the familiar SolidVerify Simulation inside SolidCAM Simulator
Simulator's 3D Simulation Theme
- Emulate the familiar 3D Simulation inside SolidCAM Simulator
Simulator's Turning Theme
- Emulate the familiar Turning Simulation inside SolidCAM Simulator
Simulator's Heavy Part Theme
- SolidCAM Simulator also offers a theme specifically optimized for faster processing of heavy parts with complex 3D geometry and long tool paths
Custom Themes & Theme Editor
- Simulator's Theme Editor enables you to manage the preconfigured themes and create any number of custom themes based on a variety of settings
Visual Properties for Tool Path
- Theme Editor > Toolpath Visual Settings enables you to modify the appearance of the simulated tool path
Visual Properties for Solid Bodies
- Theme Editor > Solid Body Visual Settings enables you to modify the appearance of all solid bodies participating in the simulation
Fixture Support
- Toggle on/off visualization of your fixture during simulation playback
Clash Detection
- Option to check for possible collisions between all the components that participate in the machining (incl., Tool, Tool Holder, Machined Stock and the Fixture)
Clash Detection Feedback
- Detailed feedback is provided for detected collisions so they can be thoroughly reviewed
Dynamic Highlighting
- Dynamically highlight faces, edges and vertices on the Machined Stock at any stage of the simulation
Dynamic Measuring
- Dynamically measure one item or a combination of multiple items (up to six) at any stage of the simulation
Dynamic Measuring - One Item
- Easily and accurately measure a face, an edge or a vertex
Dynamic Measuring - Multiple Items
- Easily and accurately measure a combination of faces, edges and vertices
View Manipulations - Axis Rotation
Change the view orientation using your keyboard controls (same as SOLIDWORKS)
- Left/right arrow keys - Vertical axis rotation
- Up/down arrow keys - Horizontal axis rotation
- Shift + left/right or up/down arrows - 90° rotation around vertical/horizontal axis
View Manipulations - Plane Rotation
- Alt + left/right arrow keys - Rotates model normal to the current viewing plane (similar to Roll View in SolidWorks)
View Manipulations - Disable Rotation
- Disable rotation option - model will not rotate when middle mouse wheel is pressed
Standard Turning Views
- Quickly and easily change the view orientation of your Turning and Mill-Turn parts using SolidCAM's familiar Standard Turning Views
Machine Time Mode - Equal Playback Time
- New option to smoothly simulate your operations in a specified, equal amount of time instead of by their actual machining time

General

Automatic Updated Stock Uses Half Cores
CPU is limited to 50% utilization of the cores when the Updated stock is calculating in the background (Automatic calculation enabled)
- Increases overall system responsiveness

New Tool Table

Getting Started with SolidCAM's New Tool Table
- Click the PLAY buttons to see the "Getting Started with ToolKit" Recordings on YouTube
SolidCAM ToolKit
Classic Tool Table is replaced by SolidCAM's powerful New Tool Table feature, ToolKit
- Unified Tool Library system that facilitates better tool management
- Provides major enhancements in Tool definition functionality
ToolKit's Part Tool Library
Manage Tool Items available for use in a specific CAM-Part and in accordance with the CNC-Machine chosen for the CAM-Part Definition
- Same level of functionality as Machine Tool Setup Library
ToolKit Integrated AND Standalone
- Make new and edit existing ToolKit Tool Libraries from inside SOLIDWORKS/SolidCAM or totally independent of your CAD/CAM software using ToolKit standalone
- For new Tool Libraries, launch ToolKit standalone from your Start Menu
ToolKit - New Tool Libraries
- SolidCAM ToolKit provides you with three new Tool Library types
Tool Components Library
- Manage all your individual tool components, such as those typically stocked in your machine shop warehouse
- Customizable folders to keep your component files organized in main library structure: Cutters, Shanks, Adaptors and Holders
Tool Assemblies Library
- Manage tool assemblies (Tool Items) existing in Tool Storage and prepared for use on any given CNC-Machine
- Each Tool Item comprises a combination of tool components, such as the cutter and the tool holding system
Machine Tool Setup Library
- Manage Tool Items in Machine environment, according to VMID of specific CNC-Machine
- The Tool Item definitions include their mounting positions on the CNC-Machine (i.e., in the Magazine Pockets and Tool Stations of the Turret(s))
Adding Components
- Easily add components to your Tool Library using the extensive SolidCAM Components
Creating Tool Assemblies
- The Tool Item Manager (in Tool Assemblies, Machine Tool Setup and Part Tool Libraries) enables you to easily create tool assemblies, aka Tool Items
- Build upon the Cutter with additional components such as Shanks, Adaptors & Holders
Tool Assemblies from SolidCAM Components
Easily build tool assemblies using SolidCAM's default Tool Components Library
- SolidCAMComponentsLib.tlv is included with the installation of SolidCAM
Tool Assemblies from STL Models
- Easily build tool assemblies using 3D models downloaded from your preferred online resource, such as MachiningCloud and Iscar, Kennametal or any other website...
Complex Tool Assemblies
- ToolKit enables you to easily create multi-body holders and multi-tool assemblies
Angular Head Adaptors
- ToolKit enables you to easily create angular head adaptors from multiple components
- Assembly structure and Joints makes defining multiple tools easy
- VMID - Tilt Plane definition and angular head adaptors
. Machine Plane by Tilt Plane
. Arcs in ZX and YZ planes
. Compensation in ZX and YZ planes
. Machine Preview and Tilt Plane
Tool Components/Assemblies Linking
- Possibility to work with and import from multiple Tool Components Libraries
- Imported components/assemblies are linked between your ToolKit Tool Libraries, making it easy to update linked components if modified in parent library
Defining the Tool Assembly Data
- Manage complete information about the Tool Item and its assembled components using the Data Toolbar and corresponding Data Pane
- Tool Item tree selection determines data displayed and parameters/options availability
Quick Access Data
Quickly and easily manage important aspects of your Tool Items, such as:
- Tool Item identifiers (Tool Number, Tool ID, Tool offset parameters, etc.)
- Setting Tool Item as Permanent
- Mounting position on CNC-Machine
Topology Data
- Easy management of Tool Item geometries
- Different components (e.g., Cutter vs. Holder) can be defined by different Shape types:
. Parameter Data specifies dimensions as pictured in the image
. 2D Sketch specifies dimensions using a variety of segment shapes
. 3D Model defines component by one or more STL/STEP files
- Possibility to quickly swap the units (mm to inch and vice versa)
Cutting Condition Data
- Easily manage, for Cutter components, any number of default Cutting Condition sets
. Specific to different Work Materials
. Specific to different Applications (Milling [M] and/or Turning [T])
- Define, in same place, the Feed & Spin data for Milling and Turning operations
Connection Data
- Easily manage the geometric relationships between Tool Item components
. Mounting position of each component is connected to Joint CoordSys position of higher component
. Mounting position of topmost component is connected to Station CoordSys position of Station to which it is mounted
- Possibility to shift and rotate each position
Offset Data
Easily manage the Tool Item's Offset dаta:
- Cutting Point definitions and relative Tool offset parameters
- Tool Preset options (activated if supported by CNC-Machine and set in corresponding *.vmid file)
Properties Data
Easily manage additional information relevant to the Tool Item and its components, such as:
- Price and Mass (for each and sum of all)
- Cutter Material
- Descriptions
- Quantities
- Hyperlinks (for referencing)
- Tool Item Messages (for Gcode)
- And many others...
Multiple Cutting Points - Milling Tools
- SolidCAM ToolKit supports multiple cutting points on a single Cutter component
- E.g., top and bottom cutting faces of same SLOT MILL can be used by quickly and easily adding another Cutting Point in the Tool Item Manager
Nose Point Management - Turning Tools
Easily manage Nose Points
- Ability to select any Nose Point
- Measure the tool in any position
- Automatic radius detection
Cutting Points in SolidCAM
- Easily manage Cutting Points with ToolKit and use them in SolidCAM
. Control tool wear separately for each operation - length and diameter
. T-slot having multiple cutting points
. Chamfering with compensation
- Machine Preview functionality
. Change tool (Mounting on Station)
. Exchange tools between Stations
Rotary Turret Interpolation Support
- Ability to index the rotary turret to specific angle by the turret axis to use special tool holders
SolidCAM TAB Tool Libraries
- SolidCAM ToolKit supports importing TAB tools from *.TAB Libraries of previous versions
- TAB tools are automatically converted to ToolKit Tool Items that can be easily imported to Tool Assemblies, Machine Tool Setup and Part Tool Libraries
ToolKit Filtering
- Extensive range of simple and advanced filters for facilitating tool components searches
ToolKit Visualization Tools
- Robust visualization tools for previewing and checking your Tool Item definitions
- Tool Item changes are updated instantaneously and can be viewed on the fly
- Supports preview of Revolved STL Tool Items (Cutters, Shanks & Holders)
Visualization - Machine Preview
- Visualize the Tool Item and its schematic position relative to Machine Coordinate System and in connection with the machine devices
Visualization - Tool Viewer
- Visualize a 3D model representation of your Tool Item in different orientations, etc.
- Dynamically displays Cutting Points, Mounting and Joint CoordSys positions, etc.
Visualization - Tool Near Mouse
- Toggle on/off 3D graphic representation of Tool Item in the SOLIDWORKS Graphics Area for performing visual tool checks
Advanced View for Experienced Users
- Simple View (default) shows Tool Items individually in Tool Item Manager
. Tool build starts with Cutter component
- Advanced View shows all Tool Items and device mounting
. Tool build can start at the top of hierarchy (Station -> Adaptor -> Holder -> Shank -> Cutter)
. Possibility to quickly change mounting by drag & drop









SolidCAM is a CAM software that integrates directly into SolidWorks and Inventor. Officially approved partners and all that. Their CNC programming toolsets look and feel like the CAD systems as much as possible, making the learning curve shorter. You define, calculate and verify all your machining operations without leaving the CAD environment. They can handle programming 2.5- to 5-axis machining, high-speed surface milling, wire EDM, etc. Their models are fully associative, so your toolpaths update when you make a part change. There are no import/export hassles, and you don't have to learn some CAM system's idea of a CAD application to make them work.

SolidCAM 2021 is BEST version ever. It has a Powerful New Tool Table - ToolKit (important especially for Mill-Turn & Swiss-Type customers). It also provides additional advanced functionality in all modules - 2.5D Milling, HSR, HSM, Sim. 5x, Mill-Turn and Swiss-Type.

KevCAM Night School - Sneak Peek at 2021 Tool Library









SolidCAM Inc is a world leader in advanced tool path generation technology (CAM) running directly inside SolidWorks. SolidCAM features a full line of CNC machine programming software solutions ranging from 2 axis lathes and 3 axis mills to extremely complex multi-axis MillTurn machines and Wire Edm. All products run directly inside SolidWorks and provide the user with a true "SolidWorks look and feel" for ease of use and maximum efficiency. Along with the integrated interface and scalability for new machines, SolidCAM also has its patented "iMachining" that powers users to new levels of productivity and profits, through unmatched cycle time reduction and unrivaled tool life.

Product: SolidCAM / InventorCAM
Version: 2021 SP0 build 116353
Supported Architectures: x64
Website Home Page : www.solidcam.com
Language: multilanguage
System Requirements: PC *
Software Prerequisites: SolidWorks 2012-2021 / Autodesk Inventor 2021 and below
Size: 9.9 Gb


Microsoft Windows 10 x64 Professional and Enterprise Editions; Microsoft Windows 8.1 x64 Professional and Enterprise Editions (with latest Service Pack); Microsoft Windows 7 x64 Professional and Ultimate Editions (with latest Service Pack)
- Intel Xeon, Intel Core, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Core 2 Quad or higher (If you use other processors we assume no responsibility and no support)
- 4 GB RAM (for the processing of large components, we recommend 8 GB RAM (or more)
- 15 GB free disk space for installation
- Hard disk with at least 100 GB of storage
- NVIDIA graphics card of the current Quadro series with min. 512 MB ​​(1024 MB recommended) and current, certified graphics driver (With the use of other and on-board graphics cards, we accept no responsibility and no support)
- 1,280 x 1,024 or higher screen resolution
- Microsoft Direct3D 9 or compatible graphics card (Microsoft Direct3D 11 or higher recommended)
- USB 2.0 interface
- DVD drive