I have a simple mill which does not have a tool changer, and I need to manually change tools in order to machine some smaller features after the bulk metal removal is complete. What's the best way to do this in Solidworks CAM?
I thought the thing to do is add a second Set-up. I can do that and add a 2.5D Feature to the new Setup. BUT, when I generate new operations, nothing appears in the new, second Setup.
Also, I was thinking I should make a second gcode file (e.g. first_ops.nc & second_ops.nc). Then, my workflow would be: set up the part, run first_ops.nc, change the tool, run second_ops.nc without changing anything else. I'm not even sure this is the correct approach.
How do I do this?
Thanks!
Yitz
William, you shouldn't need to load a new gcode every time you change a tool. Even if you don't have a tool changer, your machine should still prompt for the next tool when it's done running a path.
You use setups to change how the workpiece is oriented or positioned on the machine bed.