Worknc - Tutorial

Mastering WorkNC: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners and Advanced Users WorkNC is widely recognized as one of the most powerful and reliable CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software solutions for high-speed machining (HSM) and multi-axis CNC programming. Developed by Sescoi (now part of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence), its strength lies in automatic collision avoidance, cutter path optimization, and surface finish quality. However, due to its advanced automation, new users often struggle to understand where to override automatic settings and how to troubleshoot toolpaths. This WorkNC tutorial will guide you from setup to post-processing, covering 2.5-axis milling, 3-axis roughing, finishing, and an introduction to 5-axis indexing.

Part 1: Getting Started – The WorkNC Interface Before cutting chips, you must understand the workspace. WorkNC uses a Tree View (on the left) and a 3D Viewer (on the right). Key Interface Elements:

Geometry Manager: Imports CAD files (IGES, STEP, CATIA, SolidWorks, NX). Stock Model: Defines the raw material block or casting. Machine Definition: Links to your CNC machine kinematics (e.g., Haas VF-2, DMG Mori DMU 50). Tool Database: Stores cutting tools (end mills, ball noses, drills, thread mills). Operations Tree: Lists all sequences—roughing, semi-finishing, finishing, rest machining.

Pro Tip for Beginners: F2 = Recompute selected toolpath F4 = Verify/Simulate F6 = Zoom to fit worknc tutorial

Tutorial Task #1: Open a simple prismatic part (e.g., a pocket with islands). Right-click the Geometry folder > Import > select .stp file.

Part 2: Stock & Setup – The Foundation of Safe Machining WorkNC’s automatic collision detection relies on accurate stock definition. 2.1 Defining the Stock

From Box: Automatically creates a bounding box around your part. From File: Use if you have a casting or pre-machined blank ( .stl or .dmc ). From Solid: Select a solid model representing the raw material. This WorkNC tutorial will guide you from setup

2.2 Machine & Axis Limits Go to Machine > Select Machine . For a 3-axis tutorial, choose “3 Axis Vertical (Generic).” WorkNC will read the spindle head and table dimensions to prevent crashes. Common Mistake: Forgetting to set the Zero Point (Part Origin). Use Transform > Move to align the CAD model’s zero with the machine’s reference.

Tutorial Task #2: Create a stock of 10mm extra on top and bottom. Right-click Stock > Create > From Box > Add 5mm offset in X, Y, and Z.

Part 3: 2.5-Axis Machining – Pockets, Contours, and Drilling 2.5-axis operations are Z-level constant. They are ideal for holes, slots, and stepped pockets. 3.1 Pocketing (Z-Level Roughing) Key Interface Elements: Geometry Manager: Imports CAD files

Right-click Operations > 2.5 Axis > Pocket . Select the pocket floor as the machining region. Tool: 12mm flat end mill. Parameters:

Stepdown: 2mm (for aluminum) / 0.5mm (for hardened steel) Stepover: 70% of tool diameter. Entry method: Helical ramp (diameter = tool dia, angle = 3 degrees).