- [Instructor] Before you can generate a tool path
in CAM software, you need to define two things.
The CAD feature to be machined,
and the list of tools available to machine it.
The CAD feature's the easy part.
Presumably, you've already created that in SOLIDWORKS.
The next step is making sure that SOLIDWORKS CAM
has the right list of tools defined for your shop.
One neat feature of this CAM software
is that it will automatically select the right tool
to cut the feature you want to machine.
You can't cut a one inch slot with a two inch cutter.
You could select a quarter inch cutting bit
to machine this slot, or maybe a half inch
in diameter milling would work better.
SOLIDWORKS CAM will choose a cutting bit based
on what you have available in your inventory,
and also what kind of machining you're trying to do.
For example, SOLIDWORKS will select a different tool
for bulk material removal versus fine surface finishing.
SOLIDWORKS CAM stores your tool options
in the SOLIDWORKS tool library.
This tool library is set up as a database
that can easily be managed and modified.
This database is a place for you to save digital copies
of any bits that you might use,
or bits that you've already used for your CNC machining.
You can add new tools to the library by downloading files
from tool suppliers, editing existing tools,
or by adding tools manually.