The Use Even Stepdowns option controls how the stepdowns are distributed. The Use Even Stepdowns option. Enable this setting to force even stepdowns. By default, the maximum stepdown is used to ensure as much as possible of the flute is used. However, this means that the last steps are adjusted to fit the machining depths and hence…
Using Axial Offset Passes
On some of the finishing strategies, HSMWorks supports Axial Offset Passes. Axial offset passes work much like multiple finishing stepdowns in the 2D operations and is useful for removing a fixed amount of stock in several passes. If you, for example, have 1mm of stock left you can remove this in 5 passes of 0.2mm…
Spiral Finishing Modes
Spiral (default)Â Spiral With Circles Concentric Circles The Spiral Finishing strategy offers several different modes of operation. The mode is selected from the Spiral mode drop down in the Spiral Finishing parameter group: Selecting spiral mode The first two modes; Spiral and Spiral With Circles produce similar results, with the exception that Spiral With Circles…
Using Entry Positions on 2D Contour & 2D Pocket
HSMWorks allows you to control the position of the entry and exit on 2D contours by means of selecting a number of entry positions. The entry positions are selected on the  of the 2D Contour and 2D Pocket strategies. Entry positions can be selected from any geometry that results in a point or a…
Understanding Parameter Fields
The parameter edit fields in HSMWorks are a bit more intelligent than the average edit field. As you change a value – using the keyboard, mouse or scroll wheel – HSMWorks evaluates the value, and changes the appearance of the field to indicate errors or warnings. In case of an error, the field background is…
Using the Split Operation Manager
HSMWorks fully supports splitting the SolidWorks feature manager. This allows you to see two different views of the operation manager at the same time – one in the bottom and one in the top part of the feature manager. This feature opens up for new ways to manage operations, since you are allowed to see…
Using WCS and Offsets
The physical placement correspoding to the WCS (Working Coordinate System) specified in the HSMWorks jobs is determined on the CNC machine and stored in the machine offset table. The job setup sheet provides the operator with the required information to setup the CNC. The NC program generated by the HSMWorks post processor must reference the…
Turning Tool Preview
When selecting a tool for a turning operation, the tool is previewed both in the tool library and on the model while editing the operation. The preview in the tool library is always shown as if you were holding the tool in your hand, looking down on the tool. The preview in the model viewport…
Editing Tools in Excel
When copying a selection of tools in the HSMWorks Tool Library, it is possible to paste these into Excel (or any other program that supports editing of tabbed text). 1. Select some tools that you want to edit. Select tools to copy 2. Copy these to the clipboard by right clicking and choosing Copy,…
2D Toolpaths with Custom Tools
Prior to supporting custom tool shapes, you could create the correct toolpaths by “cheating” and using one of the normal tools. For example, to make a toolpath for a double-radius tool, you define a flat end mill with a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter (D) of the custom tool. Left:Â Custom tool. Â Right:Â Defined tool used…