Solidworks 2018 CAM add-in, anyone use it?
 

My new employer is flirting with using the SW CAM package as opposed to the Siemens NX that we currently use. I'm new to using CAM software but the NX seems much more intuitive to figure out vs. the SW CAM.

Does anyone here actually use the SW CAM and could give some feedback about it?

Re: Solidworks 2018 CAM add-in, anyone use it?
 

I'm a 20 year job shop machinist. For the past 5 years all I have been doing is design and programming for 3 and 4 axis mills. I have been using Solidworks with Camworks for 3 years. Camworks is who made the Cam add in. Like any Cam package it does awesome at some things and a PITA at others. Overall I like mostly because of the integration with Solidworks. Feel free to ask me any questions. I'm happy to help. "thumbsup"

Re: Solidworks 2018 CAM add-in, anyone use it?
 

I'm a daily Solidworks user but I use GibssCAM for all of my programming (I only run a 2.5 axis router right now).

I've been hoping for a chance to try the SW CAM add-on but we'd have to upgrade our package because we dropped support/updates 2 years ago..


So basically, I've made an almost useless and essentially irrelevant post that doesn't answer your question, but I'm going to post it anyways.

Re: Solidworks 2018 CAM add-in, anyone use it?
 

Thanks guys. My 1st biggest obstacle is that our Haas Super mini mill only holds 10 tools. When we have a part to build with more than 10 tools, it seems like we will have to write another program program to hit those holes again with a bigger drill bit.
The CAM's Tech data base tool crib setup is completely opposite of how we do things in NX. The crash detection is pretty poor with SW, you have to have the detector turned on, then you only see it when you run the visual simulation. In NX, it simply tells you there's an interference.

Re: Solidworks 2018 CAM add-in, anyone use it?
 

I feel your tool changer pain. We have a regular mini mill that is only 9 tools. The tech DB is a little weird at first. Where is really shines is your frequently used operations. It's a real time saver if you spend some time to set it up.

Re: Solidworks 2018 CAM add-in, anyone use it?
 

At least your tool changers work!

Mine (carousel style) has been inop for about 6 months now. I've already had my local guy look at it, and I flew in a Haas certified tech who looked at it for 1.5 days and the best diagnosis he could give me was that "it's probably the motherboard". That's a $25k (plus install) part, I'd like a diagnosis with a little bit more confidence than "probably"..

For now, the operator runs manual tool changes.. Good thing production is a bit slow right now.,.

Re: Solidworks 2018 CAM add-in, anyone use it?
 

We have 7 Haas mills. The only problems we have are with the umbrella tool changers. The side arm style have been great.

Re: Solidworks 2018 CAM add-in, anyone use it?
 

I might have to look into a swap..