Tool Library with Show Operations enabled, showing both tools and operations in the tool list. When listing tools for an open document in the Tool Library, the list also includes all the operations by default. This lets you easily see for which operations a particular tool is being used and in addition lets you see…
Renumber Tools
The tools in a library can be sequentially by right-clicking in a library, on a selection of tools, or in the tree, and choosing “Renumber Tools”. The tools will be numbered sequentially beginning at 1, and in the order they are currently listed in the view. You can use this function if, for example, you…
HSMXpress vs. HSMWorks 2D Milling
HSMXpress essentially is HSMWorks 2D now. The MachineWorks-based solid verification is disabled simply because it js licensed from another company so we cannot give it away. However, HSMWorks has it’s own 64-bit Solids based verification (Right click, Show Stock in Simulate) which is very good and continues to be developed. HSMXpress does not include Multi-axis…
Using Custom Shaped Form Mill Tools
Custom shaped milling tools in HSMWorks are collectively know as Form Mill tools, and can be created from a sketch or revolved solid saved in a separate SolidWorks part file. To create a form mill tool, follow these steps: Create a new SolidWorks part. Create a sketch with a single closed contour that represents the…
2D Rest Roughing
To rest rough a 2D Pocket, enable the “Rest Machining” check box on the geometry tab, and enter the tool diameter, tool corner radius and stock to leave settings that was used previously on the geometry. So if, for example, you start roughing with a 20mm tool that does not fit in all areas of…
Manually Activate HSMWorks License-Not Connected to Internet
For automatic activation we require your PC be connected to the internet during the activation process. After activation, you can disconnect from the internet and continue to run HSMWorks. If you do not want to connect the PC to the internet you can still activate your HSMWorks license using the procedures below. I recommend downloading…
Network License Manager Instructions
How it Works HSMWorks uses a software licensing scheme virtually identical to SolidWorks. There are two types of licenses: Stand-Alone License(s) Network Licenses Stand-Alone License Stand-Alone licenses use an access code* issued by HSMWorks. Your PC must have Web access so the PC can check our servers. When this happens, your computer “checks out” a…
Thin Wall Machining
HSMWorks include special support for machining thin walls with the contour finishing strategy. On a part with thin walls, running the contour finishing with default settings will create a toolpath which is ordered by area. In the case of a thin walled pocket, this can cause the wall to break when machining one side completely…
2D Chamfering
There are two ways to use the HSMWorks chamfering feature, depending on whether the CAD model already has the chamfering as a feature or not. Left: CAD model with no chamfering / Right: CAD model with chamfering feature In both cases, you can use the 2D contour strategy to chamfer the model. First, define…
Up/Down Milling
HSMWorks allows you to specify when the tool should do up and down milling, or only one or the other. In the strategy specific parameter group on all 3D finishing strategies, except Horizontal and Contour (that is Parallel, Radial, Spiral, Projection, Scallop and Pencil), you can choose the up/down milling mode by selecting the preferred…