Problem

CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS CAM allow users to save features or groups of features as a Library Object file that can be inserted into a different part with the same feature(s). This can be useful for programming repetitive parts that have common features. It also works as an alternative to multi-stepped holes, which can sometimes be hard to set up.

Library Objects will only work at the part level and can NOT be used in assembly programming. When using Library Objects as a replacement for Multi-Stepped holes, it is ideal to break up each feature level into an individual feature. Do not use items such as counterbore holes which rely on detecting and managing multiple cylinder levels.

Solution

Follow the steps below to create a Library Object:

1. Select the “Create Library Object” button, which is found in the CAMWorks command ribbon tab. Note: When using large ribbon icons, we will need to select the “>>” button on the far right to access the additional icons.

2. The “Add to Library” menu will appear, and we can now select 1 or more Features to save as a Library Object. Note: The features selected should be from the same setup. They cannot be from setups that have different orientations.

3. Enter a name for the Object and select which folder to save it to. If no folders are listed, then use the * button on the right to select a directory.

4. Select “Save” to finish the process.
5. The menu will remain open so we can create additional Objects. If there are no more Objects to create, then we can select “Close”
6. To use the Library Object in a new part, select the “Insert Library Object” icon found in the CAMWorks command ribbon tab.

7. A Windows Explorer menu will automatically open so we can select a *.cwlib file.
8. The “Setup Reference” box will allow us to select an existing part setup or create a new one. When creating a new one, we will need to pick a “Selected entity” to drive the setup direction. 

9. After selecting a setup, we will see a preview of it on the part. The preview will also highlight applicable features from the Library Object. Note: These features will be controlled by the parameters in the TechDB. If any of the features fall outside of the ranges specified in the TechDB, then it won’t work.

10. Select “Insert” to complete the process.
11. There may be warning symbols next to the newly created features in the feature tree. This is because AFR was not used and the features are not up to date. To clear any errors, perform a CAMWorks rebuild on the part.

12. Click "Generate Operation Plans" for the feature(s). Note: Library Objects save Features, NOT Operations. If there are operation parameters that we want to come through when inserting a Library Object, then make sure to save them at the strategy level.
13. With operations generated, we can now generate tool paths.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.