FEATURECAM WITH SOLIDWORKS

[almo0797]

Can the users of FC with SW models help me with some information.

1. Are the SW models programmed directly or do you import them in to FC? If importing is it the SW model or do you have to create another file ie STL.

2. Are the FC programs associative with changes to the SW models? If so to what extent is it fully or is it restricted to some type of features.

3. Is it easy to machine different parts together and does the simulation show all the parts machined?

4. Can the FC program be saved with or associated with the SW model so that copied SW parts that have been modified need very little input to produce a new program?

I know its a lot to ask but I would welcome your thoughts and experiences

[tektonics]

1. Are the SW models programmed directly or do you import them in to FC? If importing is it the SW model or do you have to create another file ie STL.
FC will open native SW files, you must choose this in the file type drop down menu. It also allows you to choose the configuration of the part if there are mutliple to choose from

2. Are the FC programs associative with changes to the SW models? If so to what extent is it fully or is it restricted to some type of features.
To a limited degree, I have not found this function usefull as it often requires re-programming the part in FC

4. Can the FC program be saved with or associated with the SW model so that copied SW parts that have been modified need very little input to produce a new program?
I think this goes back to question #2?

[almo0797]

Is there a lot flexibility in the way AFR looks at the part? I've used Camworks and that could be made to suit some of our features be needed a fair amount of setting up. As a former Pro-E user I am looking for a CAM system that will readily update on models which have been copied and modified

[tektonics]

Honestly there are people who are much better able to speak to this question, in my limited (couple of years) experience using FC, I find the AFR counter productive. I use the feature recognition function whenever possible, but often I still have to go and define curves and such. I think building your models with all this in mind is helpful. Most of the parts I design are not quite what FC had in mind when AFR was developed?
As far the parametric abilities of cam software... don't know.