HCL CAMWorks Releases CAMWorks 2021Plus 

HCL Technologies (HCL) has released HCL CAMWorks 2021Plus, with support for Sandvik Coromant PrimeTurning, multiple technology databases and new tutorial task panes. 

HCL CAMWorks 2021Plus is an integrated CAM system to support Sandvik Coromant’s PrimeTurning, which uses CoroTurn Prime Type-A and Type-B tools in conjunction with toolpaths to achieve increased feeds and speeds, shorter cycle times and longer tool life, the company says.

PrimeTurning offers the flexibility for turning operations in all directions.  The shape of the CoroTurn Prime tool inserts, combined with toolpaths that turn in the opposite direction than a conventional turning process, makes it possible to achieve a much smaller entry angle and better chip control. This allows the machine to achieve a higher feed rate—typically two to three times faster than conventional feed rates—while still maintaining the same close tolerances and quality finishing.  

The direction of the toolpaths provides the ability to machine right up against a 90-degree shoulder on parts. PrimeTurning also extends tool life by spreading load and high heat over a longer distance, which extends tool life up to 500% longer than using conventional turning methods. 

HCL CAMWorks 2021Plus offers the ability to save and use multiple technology databases, or TechDBs, to capture preferred machine settings, tools and operation details in a customized TechDB. These preferences can then be reused by simply accessing the TechDB, instead of having to re-enter each of these settings.  

With CAMWorks 2021Plus, this has been extended to provide users the ability to save and manage multiple TechDBs from within the application.  Users can easily switch between different TechDBs to match the preferences to be used in different situations. 

HCL CAMWorks 2021Plus version also includes a new tab in the SOLIDWORKS task pane, which opens to Home, Learn and Alerts tabs. The Home tab provides CAMWorks users with access to information on promotional offers, customer stories, upcoming webinars and other announcements.  The Learn tab gives easy access to CAMWorks tutorials, tips and tricks, and how-to videos.  The Alerts tab supplies access to view and download software updates. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.