SWOOD CAM

Training Manual 2015

EFICAD
55, avenue de Melgueil
34280 LA GRANDE-MOTTE, FRANCE
Phine : +33 (0) 4 67 63 72 65
Fax : +33 (0) 4 99 62 94 03
Email : [email protected]
WebSite : www.eficad.com
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Table of Contents
I. Software Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 4
1. System Requirements.................................................................................................................. 4
2. Setup............................................................................................................................................ 4
a. Install from DVD or Download link .......................................................................................... 4

b. Setup process .......................................................................................................................... 4

c. Install of the floating license network (option) ....................................................................... 4

d. Configuration of the SWOOD server of license for floating user license ................................ 4

e. Activation of the stand-alone license. ..................................................................................... 4

f. Uninstall................................................................................................................................... 5

g. Reinstalling .............................................................................................................................. 5

3. SWOOD Full Integration in SolidWorks ....................................................................................... 5

4. First Launch ................................................................................................................................. 5
5. Next Launches ............................................................................................................................. 6
6. EFIUSER Introduction .................................................................................................................. 6
II. CNC Tools Creation .......................................................................................................................... 7
1. Library Tools creation .................................................................................................................. 7
2. Aggregates creation..................................................................................................................... 9
III. Machining phase in part file .......................................................................................................... 11
1. Program Settings ....................................................................................................................... 11
2. Origins........................................................................................................................................ 12
3. Machinings creation .................................................................................................................. 13
a. Origin selection...................................................................................................................... 13

b. Tool adding ............................................................................................................................ 13

c. SolidWorks entities selection ................................................................................................ 13

d. Machining operations options .............................................................................................. 15

e. Drilling Operations................................................................................................................. 17

f. Machining: 3D Milling............................................................................................................ 18

4. Simulation Mode ....................................................................................................................... 21

5. Encoding .................................................................................................................................... 22

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IV. Program changes ........................................................................................................................... 23

V. SolidWorks/SWOOD Design Associativity ..................................................................................... 23
1. Dimensions changes .................................................................................................................. 23
2. Features deletion....................................................................................................................... 23
3. SWOOD Design features addition ............................................................................................. 23
VI. Options .......................................................................................................................................... 24
1. Additional Inclined Planes ......................................................................................................... 24
2. Save Machinings ........................................................................................................................ 24
3. Machinings configuration .......................................................................................................... 25
4. Phase configuration ................................................................................................................... 26
5. Phase Copy ................................................................................................................................ 26
6. Export Laser position ................................................................................................................. 26
VII. Multiple Positioning Program........................................................................................................ 27
1. Principle ..................................................................................................................................... 27
2. Program Settings ....................................................................................................................... 27
3. Positioning ................................................................................................................................. 28
4. Origins........................................................................................................................................ 28
5. Machining Operations ............................................................................................................... 28
VIII. Optional Module: NESTING ........................................................................................................... 29
a. Activation................................................................................................................................... 29
b. Complete SWOOD integration into SOLIDWORKS .................................................................... 29
c. Boards library creation .............................................................................................................. 30
Boards parameters ........................................................................................................................ 30

d. Conception of a new nesting project ........................................................................................ 31

a. Part parameter included in the nesting project. ................................................................... 32

b. Calculus settings .................................................................................................................... 33

c. Results ................................................................................................................................... 34

e. Modify an existing project ......................................................................................................... 35

IX. Project Report ............................................................................................................................... 37

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I. Software Introduction
1. System Requirements
 Solidworks 2014 64 bits or a higher version must be installed on the computer.
 Windows Edition accepted: Windows 7 (Professional, Ultimate or Buisness) or Windows 8
(Professional, Ultimate ou Buisness) 64 bits.
 SolidWorks certified graphic cards:
(http://www.solidworks.fr/sw/support/videocardtesting.html ).
 8 Go installed memory (RAM) minimum.
 Minimum screen resolution: 1024x768.
 5 Go free space whose 1 Go on local disk C.

2. Setup

a. Install from DVD or Download link

 The software must be installed locally by the network administrator. Disable User Account
Control Settings to enable writing in registry editor and no system of protection (Antivirus)
must be activated or in the course of analysis.
 Users must have read –write permission on user folder
(C:\Users\”SessionName”\Documents\SWOOD), all sub-folders and registry editor. The
registration of the software must be performed by the network administrator who needs to
run first software start.

b. Setup process
 Put DVD in the drive. The installation starts automatically. If this is not the case, launch
Windows Explorer and open the content of the DVD. Start installation by double clicking on
SETUP.EXE.
 Read and accept the license agreement.
 Fill the name, company and serial number.
 Modify or not the installation folder (C: \ Program Files \ EFICAD \ SWOOD by default).

c. Install of the floating license network (option)

 In the case of floating license, a download link for the installation of the server of license will
be provided, as well as instructions to install this utility.

d. Configuration of the SWOOD server of license for floating user license

 Open SWOODNETWORK Manager from the program list. In Server tab, add the server on which
the previous step has been done.
 After what you should get all available licenses in the first tab (Utilisation of the license), as
well the possibility of license borrow in the third tab (Licenses borrow).
 Once connected to the server, relaunch SOLIDWORKS ant activate the SWOOD add-in.

e. Activation of the stand-alone license.

Launch SOLIDWORKS and activate your add-in with the serial number and your email address. There
are two ways to activate your products, automatically by internet or manually by e-mail address. E-

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mail activation required the saving and the sending of an activation request at [email protected]
and finally the answer opening Response.xml.

f. Uninstall
To remove SWOOD, use Uninstall a program command in Windows Control Panel. User folder
is not removed.

g. Reinstalling
Before reinstalling SWOOD, it is recommended to uninstall the previous version. The contents
of the user folder are not affected, so the customization will be fully recovered. Then proceed as the
first installation. At first start, select the user in the Users Configuration Dialog and validate.

3. SWOOD Full Integration in SolidWorks

SWOOD Design and SWOOD CAM are software completely embedded in SolidWorks. They are used
as Add-Ins in the same way that SolidWorks Add-Ins (photorealism, design validation ...). Their
activation and deactivation is possible in the same way through the menu Options Add-Ins.
Activation is identical to others Add-Ins :
- If checked on the left, activation in SolidWorks
current session.
- If checked on the right, start-up activation ( Add-Ins
activation in SolidWorksFigure 1)

Figure 1: Add-Ins activation

in SolidWorks

We find also SWOOD integration in SolidWorks with the accessibility of its features and libraries
in different menus identical of SolidWorks’ (Figure 2)

Figure 2: SWOOD Library and Menus in SolidWorks

4. First Launch
Launch Windows in Administrator mode with full rights. Launch SolidWorks.
If Customization dialog is not open, select command Add-Ins in Tools and tick SWOOD Design and/or
SWOOD CAM. Then click on Swood Design Settings User. In this window, you are going to choose
where save you USER, which contains all your software libraries and customization.

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Click on Users directory button and choose a folder. Then fill Current User square and click on Add
button (Figure 3). A folder is created, in Windows directory that you select. SWOOD is now ready to
use.

Figure 3: User Customization Choice

5. Next Launches
In futures SolidWorks launches, SWOOD Design and / or SWOOD CAM will be available with user
customization defined as current user.

6. EFIUSER Introduction
The user (or EFIUSER) is the folder where all SWOOD configuration and library files are.

This folder is created during the first start. It is advisable to store it in a directory easily accessible
and not likely to be deleted (e.g. if the hard disk is partitioned, favor a directory on another hard disk
than local disk C :).

We find in this folder, subfolders to your own use, which can be divided into three parts:

- SWOOD Design folder, which contains all SWOOD Design libraries files (frames, SwoodBox,
Panels, Profiling, Edge Bands, Materials).
- DAT folder, is composed of the configuration files of SWOOD.
- The following folders are used for SWOOD CAM :
o Aggregates: tool library regarding drilling blocks and aggregates.
o Tools: Tools Library.
o Plan: CNC machine plan.
o Post Processors: post processor(s) used for coding.
o Machinings: storage of the machinings saved
o Simulation tool: customized tools for simulation

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In SWOOD CAM folder, sub-folders match with libraries which are available in SWOOD
CAM Library in SolidWorks Task Pane (Figure 4).

Figure 4: SWOOD customizing structure

II. CNC Tools Creation

1. Library Tools creation
In SOLIDWORKS task pane, there is a SWOOD CAM Library tab where we find three kind of library.
In this chapter we will approach the first two: Tools Library and
Aggregates Library.

To create a new tools library, select Tools Library in SWOOD CAM Library, right click and select Edit
command. A new Libraries Configuration window opens. Right click on Tools Library section and select
New command. A new Library is added. Complete its Name in right side.

To add a new tool to this library, right click on it and select New command. A new tool is added.
Select Tool Type property, and fill all available tool parameters (Figure 5).

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Figure 5: Tools Library configuration window

Tools Parameters

Name.
Tool type. Permit to have an approximate drawing of tool, when selecting in library. According tool
type selected, some parameters can be added or removed (corrector 2, Over length …)
Reference. Second name. Can be used in some CNC brand to call tool in program (typically with
BIESSE CNC).
Head. Head number. Usually a CNC has one head, but some has multiple head.
Tool Number. Use to call tool in program.
Corrector1. Corrector means a pair diameter-length to drive tool. With some CNC, corrector is used
in program to call tool differently: corrector 1 means pair diameter1-length1 and corrector 2 means
pair diameter2-length2 (Figure 6). If needed to declare 2 tools in CNC tool Library, complete
Corrrector1 parameter with the same number as tool number.
Rotation. Choose tool rotation between clockwise (CW), counter clockwise (CCW), Stop.
Spindle Speed. In rotation per minute (rpm).
Feedrate. In meter per minute (m/min).
Feedrate down. In meter per minute (m/min). By default equal to Feedrate divided by two.
Tooth Count.
Suction Hood Position. 2 selection modes, select level between None, High, Middle, Low or fill a
numeric level in Custom.
Deflector. Activate if existing on CNC.
Blower. Activate if existing on CNC.

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Figure 6: Same tool with two different correctors

2. Aggregates creation
To create a new aggregate, select Aggregates Library in SWOOD CAM Library, right click and select
Edit command. A new Libraries Configuration window opens (Figure 7). Right click on Aggregates
Library section and select New command. A new aggregate is added. Aggregate creation is divided in
two parts: aggregate properties and spindles properties. Aggregate properties are directly available.
To complete spindle properties, right click in middle graphic view and select Add Spindle command.
Click on spindle and a new dialog on right side is available to fill.

Note: Some parameters (marked with *) are specific to special CNC and not required to fill.

Aggregate Parameters

Name
Type Aggregate. Choose between Drilling Block and Horizontal Spindle.
Tool Number
Head
Change frequency. Allows to change or not spindle frequency Globally or Individually.
Spindle Speed
Demultiplication (*). In some language we don’t drive final spindle speed, but auxiliary engine. So to
have final spindle speed, we inform demultiplication factor.
Rotate direction (*). For the same reason, to have spindle rotate direction, we have to inform
aggregate one.
Geometry (*). For the same reason to have spindle final coordinates, we have to inform Offset X, Offset
Y, and Offset Z.
Decomposition Inclined Plane. Choose coordinate system to select for Inclined Plane operations.
Choose Always Decomposed option to encode tool coordinates in global OP0 part origin. Choose
Never Decomposed option to encode tool coordinates in specific Inclined Plane origin (Figure 8).
Saw Reference. For saw tools on aggregate, there are four trajectory possibilities driven by two
parameters according program language. For height, choose between Spindle Axis and Cut Trajectory
option. For depth, choose Middle Plane or not additional option (cf. picture 9).
Rotary axis. Allows aggregate around B or C Axis with four possibilities: Continuous, Fixed, Indexed
(allows only listed values), Twisted (allows all values between min and max values).

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Figure 7: Aggregate parameters

Figure 9: Saw Options

Figure 8: Decomposition Inclined Plane option

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III. Machining phase in part file

1. Program Settings
To create a new phase in a SolidWorks part, use command Program Settings in SWOOD CAM menu.
A new window is opening and by clicking on Milling Phase button , you add a new phase on
your part (cf. picture 10). After that in the first tab, select the machine to encode your program and in
the second tab, fill all information about part to encode. Machine tab is specific for each milling phase,
but in Information tab all boxes are valid for all phases except Name and Comment which can be
different for each phase.

Figure 10: Program Settings in single part

When validating this step, a new SWOOD CAM tab is added in SolidWorks view (cf. picture 11).
A tree view is also created. The principle to create a program is to complete the tree view by following
all steps thanks to available buttons.

Figure 11: SWOODCAM Tab and tree view

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2. Origins
By clicking on Origins button, a Positioning tab appears in
PropertyManager. This tab is made up of three parts. The first one allows declaring
panel or piece of wood position on CNC. In fact we can see another coordinate
system to control it. By default it’s the same one than SolidWorks. To change it,
click in direction box and select SolidWorks entities. You can also add offsets in
each direction. Furthermore, when Reference stops are present, there is a specific
line called Stop to select which Stop will be used for positioning. Figure 12:
Origins-Position
Note: By selecting an edge, axis is directed along the edge. By selecting a face, axis is directed normal.
Note: It’s an orthonormal coordinate system. So when selecting two directions, the third one is
automatic.

Once the position is defined, rough volume is detected according

SolidWorks Solid Bodies. This volume is represented in yellow and can be
changed in the three dimensions by modifying them in Rough tab part.
Added value is divided in two values equal on the two axis directions (e.g.
X+ and X-). If needed to have different values, it’s possible to modify each
direction value by clicking on it.
Figure 13: Origins-Stock
Note: the rough detected correspond to the Solid Bodies of the file. If
needed, it’s possible to hide those solid bodies and to ignore it from the rough detection (button
“Exclude hidden bodies”).

Finally, Program Origins defines zero point of the program. It’s usually positioned on one of
rough volume corner. Click in OP0 box and approach to a volume corner. An origin symbol appears.
Click to select.

Note: If you want to position program origin in another specific point, click on rough volume icon at
the right of OP0 box and select a point or a circular edge.
Note: When a reference stop is set above, the access of this position is denied.

Figure 14: Origins-Program

When validating, coordinate system and OP0 selection are merged to create an OP0 origin in
SWOOD CAM tree view. This origin will be used for vertical machining, along Z axis. To create machining
on rough volume horizontal faces, 4 others origins are also created. When selecting, we can see
coordinate system change of Z axis direction. New Z axis direction gives the face where machining can
be created.

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3. Machinings creation
To create a new machining, there are four steps to follow:

- Origin selection if different of OP0

- Tool adding
- SolidWorks entities selection
- Machining operations options

a. Origin selection
Select OP0 or FACE_number to direct your machining direction. Z axis direction will correspond
with the tool diving direction. We will see in paragraph Options -> Additional Inclined Planes that we
can create other origins to create machining operation in other orientation than vertical or horizontal.

b. Tool adding
To add tools in a program, drag it from Tools Library in SolidWorks task pane to SolidWorks
graphic view. Do the same for aggregate adding but from Aggregates Library in SolidWorks Task
Pane.

c. SolidWorks entities selection

We can select five kinds of entities in SolidWorks to create a new machining:

- None
- Faces
- Edges
- Sketches
- Profiling SWOOD Design Features

When selecting nothing and clicking on Milling button, SWOOD CAM detects part outers and
inners contours and propose operations with this selection.

When selecting faces, face selection manager appears to propagate selection to contact faces.
Profile has a height.

When selecting edges and sketches it’s the same as selecting faces but without profile height.
Complete in operation dialog Profile Height parameter. Reference is from the bottom.

When selecting a Profiling feature in SolidWorks tree view, tool trajectory is merged with origin
in profile definition (cf. SWOOD Design Training Manual).

Select for example a face and select Milling command in SWOOD CAM menu or click on Milling
button in SWOOD CAM tab. A Face Selection Manager appears to propagate on next or
previous face (Figure 15). After clicking OK, a new window is opening. Select a tool in right list that
correspond entity tree view (tools available are tools added in program). A list of available operations
is selectable. Choose one and click on Add button (Figure 16).

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Figure 15: Face Selection Manager

Figure 16: Select tool and operation window

Note: Machining operations are listed according entity and tool selected.

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d. Machining operations options

After clicking on Add button, an operation is added in entity tree view under tool associated. A new
machining operation dialog appears. In this dialog, there are different options to determinate wanted
tool trajectory, described below ().

Figure 17: Machining Operation Dialog

1. Approach
- Tangent: , with parameters Overlap Value and Approach Distance
- Normal: , with parameters Overlap Value and Approach Distance
- Axial: , with parameters Overlap Value
- Ramp: , with parameters Overlap Value, Approach Ramp Length, Approach Release
Length and Degreasing Angle.
2. Tool Diving
- Rising at Z security previous operation, X and Y approach then Z diving
- X and Y approach then Z diving
- Z diving then X and Y approach
- Simultaneous X, Y and Z diving
3. Z security options
Z security is used to rise tool at the end of an operation over the approach point. To activate it
click on this button and enter the value to achieve. This value is referenced by OP0 origin
reference (if OP0 is positioned at the bottom of the panel, Z security value is beginning from this point).

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4. Profile modification

There is under Z security options a profile drawing where we can see profile definition and
modification possibilities. All parameters are editable to define a new tool trajectory from SolidWorks
entities selection. For example if modifying Bottom Exceeding parameter trajectory will be lower of
the value written from the bottom of SolidWorks entity (Figure 18).

Figure 18: Profile modification

5. Trajectory Graphic view

A graphic view is proposed to have a first tool trajectory. By right click in this view, options list
is available:

- Approach point. Click in the view to change it. Can be replaced by icons and sliders on the
right.
- Attachment Point. Select this command and click in the view to add one. Define a jump in
trajectory to sustain panel or cutting falls. Do the same to delete it.
- View Options. Different zoom and panoramic view mode.
- 3D trajectory. View in 3D of tool trajectory with different display mode (Approach, Speed …).

Once operation defined, click on OK to valid it.

An operation is added under tool and an Entity under Machinings section in SWOOD CAM tree
view. An Entity includes so a SolidWorks entity selection type (face, edge, sketch or profile), a tool and
an operation associated with all its specificities (approach, diving, profile modification …).

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e. Drilling Operations
To create a drilling operation the method is approximately the same. There are two modes to
create a drilling. First is by selecting a cylindrical face and select Drilling command in SWOOD CAM
menu, or click on Drilling button in SWOOD CAM tab.

SWOOD CAM detects all holes on the same panel face with the same diameter and offers to add in
SWOOD CAM entity (Figure 19). Select tool to drill and an operation in the offered list.

Figure 19: Holes propagation

Note: If tool selected is an aggregate, select a spindle to drill.

The other mode is Auto Drilling. Without selection in SolidWorks, click on Drilling button.
SWOOD CAM detects all holes in part and optimizes tool movement.

Note: If tool selected is an aggregate, SWOOD CAM select all spindles needed to drill part. It optimizes
aggregate movement and multi-spindle down.

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Figure 20: Automatic Multi-spindle selection

f. Machining: 3D Milling
To machine parts getting complexes forms, it’s required to distinguish SOLIDWORKS selection. Indeed,
the 3D Milling gets 2 kinds of operations (Roughing and Finishing). The consequence is that the mesh
calculation is done on Solid bodies for the roughing operation whereas finishing operation is based on
Surface bodies chosen and obtained by user.

To realize the roughing operation, select without selection the 3D Milling command from
the SWOODCam menu (Figure 21). Will appear the result of the mesh calculation of the Solid bodies
contained in your part.

Figure 21:3D Milling

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After selected, we access at the classical tool selection window for the machining entity selected
(Chap III.3.c)

Figure 22: Available operation from selection

Note: to access at the roughing operation, you should use cutter with 2 cutting edges.

Beware: this operation do not be done on part getting draft.

Therefore part is roughed, the next step is to proceed to the Finish operation. For this, you
have to create a Surface Body in Solidworks.

For making this creation, you should insert a knit-

surface (Figure 23):

Insert Surface Knit

Then inside Selections click on desired surfaces.

Figure 23: Knit Surface

When realized, in the SOLIDWORKS tree view are appeared a new feature as
well as a Surface Body.

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At the end of this creation, back again in SWOOD Cam and insert tools needed. Now, to
proceed to the Finish operation, select the Knit-surface created in the Feature manager of
SOLIDWORKS. While keeping the selection active, in the SWOOD Cam menu, click on the 3D Milling
command.

After selected, we access at the classical tool selection window for the machining entity
selected (Chap III.3.c)

Figure 24: Available operation from selection

Note: to access at the Finish operation, you should use cove cutter (Figure 24).

To end that part, to set all parameters of those operations, please report at the SWOOD Cam Operation
Dialogue Box document provided.

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4. Simulation Mode
After creating all needed operations on part, we can check if parameters filled in machining
operation dialog are well. To do that, use simulation mode.

There are four simulation levels:

- Operation: right click on an operation and select Simulate command

- Tool: right click on a tool and select Simulate command. SWOOD CAM will simulate all
operations done with this tool in this program
- Machining: right click on a machining and select Simulate command. SWOOD CAM will
simulate all operations linked to a SolidWorks entities selection.
- Global: right click on phase name and select Simulate command or use Simulate button in
SWOOD CAM tab toolbar or in SWOOD CAM menu.

A simulation is launched in SolidWorks view. A simulation toolbar appears at SWOOD CAM tree
view bottom. You can find here buttons use (Figure 25).

Figure 25: Simulation Toolbar

Note: There is a color code in trajectory simulated. Purple shows fast speed trajectories, green
shows center tool ones and blue shows tools radius compensation ones.

SWOOD CAM offers a first cylindrical tool representation with 3 parameters: diameter, length, cut
length (in red). It’s possible to create a part in SolidWorks and to use it for simulation (very useful for
profiling tool). For that, draw your tool in a SolidWorks part with Z axis along tool diving and origin
have to be in tool pilot point Z position After that save part in user folder TOOLS and use command
Tools -> Save Mesh in SWOOD CAM menu. Save file in the same folder with the name of SWOOD CAM
library tool name to simulate. When using this tool in a program it’s now shown with custom tool
display (Figure 26).

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Figure 26: Real tool simulation

5. Encoding
To encode created program, click on Encode button in SWOOD CAM tab toolbar , or right
click on phase name and select Encode command.

SWOOD CAM generates a program in a new window, according machine language selected in
Program Settings command. When encoding program, program is automatically generate and saved
in folder where the part is saved with part name by default. It’s possible to resave it by clicking on Save
as button in Program window.

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IV. Program changes

Before to encode a program, some changes may be made. Apply changes directly on program
tree view:

- Tools parameters: right click on tool and select Edit command. Apply needed changes.
- Machining operation: right click on operation and select Edit command. Apply needed
changes. A second tab TECHNOLOGY is available in machining operation dialog to modify for
this specific operation technologic parameters (tools spindle speed and federate, suction cap
position …).
- Machining: right click on a machining and select Edit command. Add, remove or change tool
operations on SolidWorks entities selected.
- Program progress runs from the top to the bottom of the tree view. Operation order can be
change in two ways: by changing tools sequencing or by changing operations sequencing in a
same tool.

V. SolidWorks/SWOOD Design Associativity

1. Dimensions changes
SWOOD CAM machining operations are linked to part geometric entities. So when modifying a
dimension, operations will be changed automatically after rebuild. Change SolidWorks feature
dimensions and rebuild by clicking on SolidWorks rebuild button . Then click on the same button in
SWOOD CAM tab toolbar to rebuild machinings. Simulate to check changing.

2. Features deletion
For the same reasons when delete or suppress Solidworks FeatureManager entities, linked
machinings are suppressed too. We can see this because when suppress a feature for example,
machining operations are grayed in SWODD CAM tree view.

3. SWOOD Design features addition

When inserting a SWOODBox in a SolidWorks assembly, machinings can be embedded and apply
on box environment parts. If these machining are holes they will be automatically considered by
using Auto drilling operation.

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VI. Options
1. Additional Inclined Planes
To create specific operations on inclined planes, it’s needed to create specific origins. To do that,
click on origin button , and in Program Origins section click on New Inclined Plane button .

A new Inclined Plane 1 is added in Program Origins list. Select zero point and a face to direct Z tool
diving direction. In Values tab, change name and visualize offsets and angles from OP0 origin (Figure
27).

Select this origin to create new machining operations and repeat all others steps as explained in III.

Figure 27: Inclined plane creation

2. Save Machinings
Once using SWOOD CAM currently, we realize that usual machining operations are the same. So to
ease SWOOD CAM using, it’s possible to save standard machining operations in library. To do that,
drag and drop a machining from Machinings list in current phase to Machinings library in SWOOD
CAM Library task pane tab. It’s saving selection type, tools, operations and options in one library file.
When applying, from library to a part, drag to a same selection type entity (entity saved from face
selection have to be applied on face). To edit a library machining, right click in Machining library and
select Edit command. A new window is opened and it’s possible to modify machining, tools and
operations names, insertion rules or optimization rules by clicking on it (Figure 28).

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Figure 28: Machinings edition window

3. Machinings configuration
By default a machining is linked to its selection. These selections are linked to SolidWorks
FeatureManager specifics entities (features or sketches). As seen in SolidWorks/SWOOD Design
associativity chapter, deletion is configure by features or sketches entities. In some cases, we want to
manage machining according others options. Right click on a machining and select Configure
command. A new window opens. In this window it’s now possible to configure a machining according
SolidWorks part configurations, another feature, features with Boolean relations (AND/OR), custom
properties.

Figure 29: Machinings configuration

Select button among different options and select new entities to configure machining.

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Machinings entities configuration:

- Condition sur Custom Properties: Deletion of the machining entity could be linked to
a value or a condition of a Custom Property (ex: Length > 500).
- Configuration: as well as a SOLIDWORKS Feature, it’s possible to activate or
disactivate a machining entity following a SOLIDWORKS configuration.
- Feature : By linking the entity to a SOLIDWORKS feature, deletion of the feature
will put the entity in suppress state.
- Features : allow to link the entity to the suppress of one of the listed features.
- Pattern : the machining entity linked to a linear pattern in SOLIDWORKS will be
patterned as many time and following same directions.

4. Phase configuration
As the same way that it’s possible to configure a machining
it’s also possible to configure a complete phase according part
configurations on custom properties. Right click on Phase and
select Configure command.

Figure 30: phase configuration window

5. Phase Copy
To create other phases from an existing one, right click on phase name and select Copy command.
A new phase is added in SWOOD CAM tree view.

This command is usually used for encode programs for different CNC machines or for create
different programs according different processes (configure machinings according CNC machines
availability for example).

6. Export Laser position

Some CNC machines have a positioning laser embedded to help operator to position panels or piece
of wood before running program. To do that we need to generate in program or in aside file trajectories
to display on CNC worktable.

Right click on phase name and select Laser Projection command. A new dialog appears in
PropertyManager to select trajectories to encode between Outline and Contact (that corresponding
with contact with worktable) profiles. We can also select specifics SolidWorks sketches to display.

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VII. Multiple Positioning Program

1. Principle
To position several parts to encode program, there are two modes:

- Position parts from the same CNC machine stop reference to do a manual nesting program.
- Position several parts on different CNC machine stop to encode a unique program.

Create a new SolidWorks assembly and insert part that you want to machine. Insert more part than
for one program if needed, because we will see in next sub-chapter that we can create several
programs by selecting parts to insert in.

2. Program Settings
To create a new phase in a SolidWorks assembly, use command Program Settings in SWOOD CAM
menu. A new window is opening and by clicking on Milling Phase button, you add new
phases on your assembly (Figure 32).There are the same information as in single part mode to fill.

Figure 31: Different definition of parts

Components can be considered as different ways (Figure 31). Select, in each phase, which parts are
to mill and which ones are to hide for another Milling phase. In addition you can define parts as part
support or as stock parts. Click on OK. A new phase is added in SWOOD CAM tab and parts considered
as not to mill are hidden.

Figure 32: Program Settings in Multiple Positioning mode

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3. Positioning
The difference between single and multiple modes is that we have to position parts in SolidWorks
assembly. By right click on Positioning section in SWOOD CAM tab, select Positioning Component
command. A dialog appears in Property Manager. Select component to position and direction to drive
by clicking on SolidWorks entities (edges or faces). Repeat until all shown parts are positioned.

Note: Unlike in single part mode, program coordinate system will stay the same as SolidWorks one.
Parts will move in 3D when selecting program directions. Parts will be positioned from assembly Origin
zero point (Figure 33).

Note: If parts are in the same group, position one position all the other of the group.

Figure 33: Positioning dialog

4. Origins
In this mode, Origins button give OP0 position. Click on Origins button and select a point from
origin.

5. Machining Operations
To create a machining in multiple positioning mode, repeat the same steps than in single part
mode:

- Insert a tool
- Select entities
- Click on milling or drilling button according desired operation
- Complete machining operations dialog

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VIII. Optional Module: NESTING

a. Activation
First launch, SWOOD Nesting License needs to be activated.

 Select “ I Want to register my SWOOD product …Now” to activate the license [ serial
number and valid email address].
 Select “ I Want to register my SWOOD product…Later” to use a trial version during 30
days.

b. Complete SWOOD integration into SOLIDWORKS

Figure 34: Nesting Module access

Into the Nesting module, all settings are realized in a specific window (Figure 34, Figure 35).

Figure 35:Nesting module window

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c. Boards library creation

Parts who will integer nesting project will be sorted following
their material and the presence of boards in library. So those
boards have to be defined in the board library.

In the Nesting window there is a tab board library. In this

chapter we will deal of library edition and board creation
(Figure 36). Figure 36: Command for board library

To create a new library, select board in the library

configuration. Do a right click and select “new” command. A new library is added. Complete name into
the right side of the window.

To create a new board to that library, do a right click on it and select new. A new board is added (Figure
37). Complete its entire information like below.

Figure 37: board’s library configuration

Boards parameters
- Generalities: tab where all general information are filled. To know that the “name” will be
used for display in library.
- Dimensions: correspond to boards dimensions.
- Others: the quantity of boards have to be superior to 1 to be able to nest. User can fill the
boards unity cost.
- Materials: the material is the SOLIDWORKS material given to the part. This name is important
for part to be well taken in count in the nest calculation.
- Supplier: information links to the supply chain.

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- Nesting: it’s possible to assign preferences like offset distance, corner calculation beginning
(simplify the start of machining) and the main direction (X or Y)(Figure 37).

To finish it is also possible to add extended properties to the library configuration tab(Figure 38).

Figure 38: extended properties

Once filled all useful fields the extended property is added to the board definition. In this example one
more property was added: Storage

Figure 39: added extended property

d. Conception of a new nesting project

To create a new nesting project, you need to save the future assembly file at the desired location
(Figure 40).

Figure 40:creating
new project

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Once saved the name of the file appears in the left side of the nesting Module. The right side allows to
set parameters of the nesting (Figure 41).

Figure 41: new nesting project created

Then do a right click on the file name. Select all part to nest from Windows. You can add part file or
assembly file (Figure 42).
Figure 42: parts selection

a. Part parameter included in the nesting project.

Figure 43: « part » window

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By selecting every part added, (Figure 43) we can set the quantity of part to include in the optimization
calculus as well as the step rotation angle. If the box is filled with the value -1 the part will take the
value of the general step rotation value set in the main settings window. To introduce a specific value,
just fill the box with the value you wish.

Besides, every part can be activated or deactivated at every moment to be taken in count in the
calculation. Users get also the possibility to suppress one or several parts from his calculus. [A part can
also be activated/deactivated by default by following one of its custom property].

To finish that part, in “properties”, the system reads and shows the parts necessary information for
nesting.

b. Calculus settings
Once a nesting phase has been initialized and with parts, user has to set the main parameters. To this
end choices have to be made in the different options present in the tab “nesting”.

Figure 44: nesting parameters

- Process: there are 2 methods, one is sorting parts following their perimeter and the other
one by their surface. The principle of calculation is that the module is going calculate the
perimeter/surface of each part. From this calcul a sorting will be done by crescent order.
First, the tallest parts will be treated. To finish by the smallest ones. So regarding forms and
dimensions of parts it will be smartest to use one or the other method.

For nesting calculation the system needs to set a gap between each part. This gap is composed
by 2 parameters: tool diameter and offset.

- Tool diameter: it is the diameter for seen to realize the contour machining of parts.
- Offset: this correspond to an additional distance between 2 parts to be machined. This
allows to the tool path to not machine the neighbor parts.

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- Rotation step: the algorithm will position parts by testing their angle orientation. By this
parameter user choose the angle step rotation of the entire project except if specific parts get
a specific rotation step (as seen before).
- Part distance type: this box quoted, will calculate the gap between parts by the formula shown
(2 times the tool diameter plus the offset).
- Fit part in part: with part getting extruded cut, it allows the system to nest parts into those
free spaces.
- Best nesting direction: here is to allow the algorithm to try the calculation by either main
direction [X and Y] and to propose to user the best.

In the tab Cam, question is to set machinings parameters.

- Quantity: by this parameter user define the quantity of nesting project to machine. Every
nesting is 1 set to machine. So here is to define the number of set to do. It won’t be the
repetition of the result, it will be an entire calculation with the numbers of part desired.
- Milling order: it is possible to choose his milling strategy. Or by starting by the nearest part or
by milling the greater surface part.
- Default CN: postprocessors choice.

At the end, in the tab “Boards” we get the name of

the used boards as well as the pre-set machine on
which the boards was planned to be machined. [In
the case where there is a specific machine for the
machining of a specific boards].

Once the phase is set user can launch the

optimization calculus. To this end user do a right click
on the name of the nesting file and choose rebuild
(Figure 45). After few seconds, a result appears on
Figure 45: command choice
screen.

c. Results
In this proposal, user can see the number of boards used and a remind of the number of parts included
into the nesting project and the number of part really nested. There is also a visualization of parts
nested in the different boards used.

Figure 46:
visualization of a
optimisation calcul

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It is possible to get boards by boards a detailed visualization. In this window user gets information
linked to the board used [name, references quantity, machine and length information].

Figure 47: single board visualization

Once calculus finished and validated by user [green arrow], you need to open the assembly created
to apply the machinings or control those ones [If some machinings are already within part nested those
machinings will be present into the assembly file]. Besides, the assembly file is directly available from
the recent file list into the SOLIDWORKS menu.

e. Modify an existing project

Once a nesting project is validated, it is possible to relaunch the
calculation by changing parts parameters and/or calculation settings. To
this end, there are 2 methods. First one, is to re-open the nesting project
from the nesting specific window. Then, user makes changes he wants
and by selecting the command rebuild, user relaunch the calculus with
the new parameters (Figure 48: re-opening of an existing project. Figure 48: re-opening of an existing
project
The second method consists to open the SOLIDWORKS assembly file and to select
the nesting icon [red circled Erreur ! Source du renvoi introuvable.]. This action
will open a new window getting access to the main parameter of nesting
calculation. User does the changes he wants and rebuild the solution (Figure 49).
The software will show a visualization of the result as in the first steps (Figure 51).

Figure 49: rebuild command

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Figure 50: nesting icon in assembly initialization program

Figure 51: results after rebuild

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IX. Project Report

Once programs are created in a part, they are embedded when part is used in an assembly
(furniture or layout for example). We can so create a complete report from project by generating
rebuild programs and custom documents.

In SWOOD CAM menu, select Report button. SWOOD CAM

scans all parts in assembly, rebuild programs if created on part
file, and generate documents from parts datas (dimensions,
rough dimensions, SWOOD Design edge band settings …).

After scanning a new window opens to check documents

and parts datas. In right part, there are two buttons, first is for Figure 52: Rapport
report element display and second is for report element
datas. Reports files being specific and dedicated to each production, a study and a customized
configuration are required. By default, report will show up only mains inform stemmed from SWOOD
without any sorting, with export path by default.

Figure 53: report

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