Milling in SOLIDWORKS CAM:

SOLIDWORKS CAM is an add-in software for SOLIDWORKS that helps turn 3D designs into instructions for machines that make parts. It uses rules and automation to create paths for CNC machines to follow. This makes the manufacturing process faster, saves time, and helps produce better quality products.

Steps to create NC codes using SolidWorks CAM:

To start the milling process, first create or insert the part you want to work on. Then, go to the Add-Ins menu and turn on SOLIDWORKS CAM to use its features.

Step 1: Define Machine

After adding the part, choose the type of machine you’ll use. Decide whether it’s for milling or turning. In this case, we’re using a milling machine.

Step 2: Coordinate system

Select the coordinate system to set the X, Y, and Z directions for the part. Make sure the machine always moves up and down along the Z-axis. This downward movement is how the tool enters the material to begin the machining process. Once at the right depth, the tool then moves in the X and Y directions to shape the part. 

Step 3: Stock Manager

Click on Stock Manager to add the material block (stock) around your part. This is the material that the machine will cut to create the final shape of the part.

Step 4: Setup

Choose Setup to pick the face the machine will mill, usually the top face. Then, decide if the machine will do face milling or perimeter milling during this setup.

Step 5: Extract machinable features

This command automatically finds and identifies the features on the part.

Step 6: Generate Operation plan

This command creates the tools that will be used to mill the features and finish the surface.

Step 7: Generate Tool path

This command creates the path the tool will follow to do the milling based on the operations made earlier.

Step 8: Simulate Tool path

This command simulates the milling process. If any issues happen like the wrong tool being used or a tool set up incorrectly you can fix the tool settings to make the process smoother.

Step 9: Post Process

Post process creates text files that CNC machines use to do the actual cutting.

Step 10: NC Codes

            You can view the NC codes from the saved folder.

                Hereby, I attached the step-by-step process in a video format for your reference.