For those of us accustomed to the installation and upgrade process of SOLIDWORKS, it is simple to overlook some key steps required when updating CAMWorks to a new year version.
Unlike SOLIDWORKS, CAMWorks will not give the option to “update” a prior installation of the software. The installer will simply create a new installation folder with default postprocessors, tools, Technology Databases, templates, etc. For this reason, it is important to copy old data into these new folders and import old database info into the new TechDB.
Note: This article applies to users updating from one year version to the next (e.g., CAMWorks 2012 to 2013). It does not apply to users upgrading service packs within the same year version.
Browse to C:\CAMWorksData and note the new data folder. In the example below, CAMWorks 2012 is the original folder and CAMWorks 2013 is the newly-installed folder.
Click into the earlier folder (C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2012x64 in this case) and look for any directory that may contain customized files. We will want to copy the contents of these folders (not the top-level folder!) into the newly-installed CAMWorks Data folder (C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2013x64). Users will typically have customized data stored in the Posts and Tooling folders.
The next step is to import the old Technology Database into the newly installed TechDB. Doing so will ensure your custom machines, tool cribs, and strategies are made available in the new version.
Open the TechDB either through the Start Menu (Start > All Programs >
CAMWorks 20XX > Technology Database) or from within the software
(CAMWorks > Technology Database).
Select Maintenance, then Import Database.
Click Next, then Browse to the old database. The default location will be in the \lang\English subdirectory of your CAMWorks Data folder. For example, if you’re old installation is CAMWorks 2012 x64, the location would be C:\CAMWorksData\CAMWorks2012x64\Lang\English\techdb.mdb.
Next, it is recommended to select Backup to create a copy of your pristine, default database for later use if needed.
In the Step 4 window, you will have the option to pick and choose which TechDB sections you would like to import. Mark the pertinent boxes and select Import.
The Step 5 window will give you the option to Compact the database. For best performance and file size, it is recommended to compact the database.
That’s it! Your old machines, tool cribs, strategies, post processors, and tools will now be available in the latest CAMWorks update.
Add Your Machine to Your Tech DB
About Tyler Reid
Tyler Reid is a CAD, CAM, and 3D printing expert. His early interest in machine tools led him to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah, where he first learned to use SOLIDWORKS. Tyler has worked in the SOLIDWORKS VAR channel since 2010, making his way from technical support to application engineering to product management.
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