1. Technology Database (TechDB) Customization
What It Does:
The TechDB is the brain of CAMWorks – it stores machining strategies, tooling preferences, feeds and speeds, and more. Most users stick with the default database, but customizing it is where the real time savings come in.
Why You Should Use It:
- Automate repetitive programming tasks
- Standardize machining strategies across teams
- Reduce manual edits on features like pockets, bosses, and holes
Pro Tip: Build company-specific machining templates in TechDB so your most common parts are nearly auto-programmed as soon as features are recognized.
2. Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) + Interactive Feature Recognition (IFR)
What It Does:
AFR scans your model and automatically identifies machinable features like holes, pockets, and bosses. IFR allows manual selection for more control.
Why You Should Use It:
- Speeds up toolpath generation for prismatic parts
- Eliminates tedious sketch-based programming
- Recognizes changes in SOLIDWORKS models automatically
Pro Tip: Combine AFR for bulk programming with IFR for refining critical areas or complex geometries.
3. Tolerance-Based Machining (TBM)
What It Does:
TBM uses Model-Based Definition (MBD) or DimXpert annotations from SOLIDWORKS to automatically apply different machining strategies based on part tolerances.
Why You Should Use It:
- Saves time programming tight vs. loose tolerance features
- Reduces over-machining or under-machining
- Helps enforce quality standards at the programming stage
Pro Tip: Use TBM to automate finishing passes only where they’re truly needed, optimizing cycle time without sacrificing precision.
4. Knowledge-Based Machining (KBM)
What It Does:
KBM stores your preferred machining strategies and toolpaths for specific features or part types, so you can reuse them in future jobs.
Why You Should Use It:
- Improves consistency across programmers
- Makes onboarding new users easier
- Eliminates redundant programming for similar parts
Pro Tip: Save your best-performing toolpaths as reusable KBM templates – ideal for families of parts or repeat production runs.
5. CAMWorks ShopFloor
What It Does:
ShopFloor bridges the gap between programming and the shop floor by providing a digital, interactive environment for machinists to view 3D models, toolpaths, and setup sheets.
Why You Should Use It:
- Reduces reliance on 2D prints
- Minimizes communication errors between programming and operators
- Allows machinists to simulate toolpaths and check part orientation before setup
Pro Tip: If you’re already using ShopFloor, combine it with real-time feedback loops to capture operator suggestions and feed them back into programming.
CAMWorks is built to do more than just generate toolpaths, it’s designed to automate, standardize, and connect your entire machining workflow. It you’re only using it like a traditional CAM package, you might be leaving serious efficiency on the table.
Try implementing just one of these features this month – like customizing your TechDB or activating Tolerance-Based Machining – and see how much time and rework it can save.
