Miscellaneous settings

This page enables you to define miscellaneous settings for SolidCAM.

The Settings 1 tab enables you to set the following:

3D Connexion

The Enable 3D mouse support option provides the possibility to use the SpaceNavigator 3D mouse by 3DConnexion (www.3dconnexion.com).

This device enables you to rotate, pan and zoom the CAD model at every stage of the CAM-Part definition. Working with the SpaceNavigator mouse, you can significantly speed up the geometry definition process and facilitate viewing the model and tool path when performing the simulation of machining in the HostCAD, Rest Material, SolidVerify, and Machine Simulation modes.

Recent CAM-Part List

This option enables you to specify the number of CAM-Parts last opened in SolidCAM.

This number should not be greater than 15. When you enter a greater number, the error message is displayed:

Program Start

Start SolidCAM on Solidworks launch option allows you to launch the SolidCAM Manager, when a SOLIDWORKS file is opened.

The Enable Web update of splash screen option allows you to instantly download the latest version of the opening splash screen.

When Enable Customer Experience Improvement Program option is selected- We collect, maintain, process and use analytics data related to your use of our software. All the data we collect is anonymous and we do not store any IP addresses  or personally identifiable information.

Operation Page Switch

You can switch between operation page in the operation dialog box using an assigned hotkey. The default hotkey is Ctrl + Tab.

Auto-rotate model to isometric view

This section enables you to rotate a model automatically to isometric view, when the corresponding options are selected.

The following options are available:

  • on operation editing

  • on double-click on CoordSys in CAM-tree

  • in CoordSys Manager

Auto-save

SolidCAM enables you to save your CAM-Part automatically after a geometry is defined or edited. Type in the corresponding field the time period for automatic saving of CAD and CAM files.

Path for DNC Tool

This section enables you to define the path for the data transmitting software – the DNC program.

External program

SolidCAM enables you to define a path to an external program (Windows application or batch file) that can be loaded from the CAM-Part menu.

During the launch, the external program will receive the following parameters from SolidCAM:

  • Full path to the loaded CAM-Part

  • The name of the loaded CAM-Part

For example, the batch file that was defined as External program contains the following string: C:\EditNC\EditNC.exe %1\%2.TAP.

The CAM-Part C:\Users\Public\Documents\SolidCAM\SolidCAM\User\cavity.prt is loaded.

When you launch the external program, SolidCAM transmits the name and the path of the CAM-Part to the batch file. Parameters of the batch file will receive their values and the following command will be executed:

C:\EditNC\EditNC.exe C:\Users\Public\Documents\SolidCAM\SolidCAM\User\cavity.TAP.

 

 

The Settings 2 tab enables you to select the options mentioned below. These options are useful for debugging and improve the performance of the CAM-Part.

User interface

  • The Built-in CAM-Part definition dialog option enables you to control how the Turning Part Data dialog box is displayed. When this option is selected, the Turning Part Data dialog box is built-in in the SolidCAM Manager area. When this option is not selected, the dialog box is displayed as a separate window.

  • The Show Geometry on operation editing setting is on by default, enabling you to always see a preview of the machining geometry (modified or not) while actively working in the operation. When using the Modify Geometry feature, changes to the geometry chains are displayed in real-time directly on the solid model.

  • The Enable Drag Drop Template Task Pane check box when selected enables the Drag & Drop Templates window to build your own template library using the Drag & Drop functionality to design and complete the job quickly.

  • The Enable SolidCAM Task Pane check box when selected enables the Task Pane which provides an easy way to interact with SolidCAM.

  • The Enable SolidCAM Tab for all parts check box when selected enables the SolidCAM tab when you open a SOLIDWORKS Part or Assembly.