Complete CAM Solution
SolidCAM is a best-in-class, complete CAM Solution seamlessly integrated in SOLIDWORKS. The major benefits of SolidCAM's SOLIDWORKS integration include:
- SOLIDWORKS look and feel through seamless single window integration – with full support for modern 4K displays
- Full associativity: toolpaths automatically update when the SOLIDWORKS model changes
- SolidCAM works in the SOLIDWORKS assembly mode to define fixtures, tooling and vices
Streamline your CNC machine programming
With the single-window integration, all machining operations can be defined, calculated and verified without leaving the SOLIDWORKS assembly environment.
All 2D and 3D geometries used for machining are fully associative to the SOLIDWORKS design model. If you make any changes to your SOLIDWORKS model, all of your CAM operations will be automatically updated.
SolidCAM + SOLIDWORKS is scalable for all CNC machine types and applications. The integrated CAD/CAM Solution, is available from SolidCAM, as a bundle-package.
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What is SolidCAM?
Overview
Powerful Tools for CNC Programmers & Operators
In many machine shops, the tasks of CAM programming and CNC operation are often worlds apart. CNC operators require a deep understanding of setup, tooling, and simulation.
When minor G-Code adjustments are needed, like altering cutting conditions or tool offsets, operators should have the flexibility to make these changes swiftly. However, this process often involves back-and-forth with CAM programmers, leading to workflow delays.
That is why SolidCAM created Tools for Operators – to simplify shop floor processes and empower experienced CNC operators to grasp CAM data easily and, if necessary, make quick edits to machining parameters.
In a typical CNC machine shop using SolidCAM, you'll find seats for CAM programmers and SolidCAM for Operators Editor/Simulator Seats. The choice of using the SolidCAM for Operators Editor or SolidCAM for Operators Simulator is made by the shop floor manager.
It depends on whether they want to provide CNC operators with simulation capabilities only or grant them additional editing capabilities. For more information, refer to the detailed comparison table.
The CAM and CNC staff of most medium and large-size machine shops work in three main levels:
Tools for CAM Programmers
The complete CAM Solution for your Manufacturing, with revolutionary iMachining, best MillTurn and Swiss CNCs support, seamlessly integrated and fully associative in SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge and Inventor.
CAM Programmer
SolidCAM Machining Capabilities
The leading integrated CAD/CAM solution that can control the most complex Mill-Turn & Swiss-Type CNC-machines
2.5D Milling
SolidCAM's 2.5D Milling module provides the most straightforward, easy-to-use interface that is seamlessly integrated in SOLIDWORKS and Inventor. Combined with the latest toolpath technology, SolidCAM 2.5D Milling provides the fastest, most powerful and easiest to create 2.5D CNC Milling toolpaths.
Easily work on parts, assemblies, and sketch geometry to define your CNC machining operations. Quickly place fixtures and components for full visualization.
AFRM
Automatic Feature Recognition & Machining (AFRM) from SolidCAM sets the new standards for automating CAM Programming, including:
- Pocket Recognition
- Chamfering and Deburring
- Advanced Drill Recognition
- SolidCAM Hole Wizard
- Drag & Drop Operations
HSS High-Speed Surfacing
SolidCAM HSS is a high speed surface machining module for smooth and powerful machining of localized surface areas in the part, including undercuts.
SolidCAM HSS provides easy selection of the surfaces to be machined with no need to define the boundaries, and supports both standard and shaped tools.
Indexial 4/5-Axis Milling
A common scene in any machine shop today is that 4- and 5-axis CNC machines are increasing production, providing faster cycle times and the ability to manufacture parts completely in one setup only. SolidCAM provides an effective and easy way to program on multiple sides of a part.
Indexial 4/5-axis machining is where SolidCAM absolutely shines and where you will see incredible improvements in your workflow.
HSR & HSM High Speed Machining
Unique machining and linking strategies for 3D high-speed toolpaths. It smooths the paths of both cutting moves and retracts, wherever possible, to maintain a continuous machine tool motion – an essential requirement for maintaining higher feed rates and eliminating dwelling.
- 3D machining taken to an entirely new level of smoothness, efficiency and smart machining.
- The finest toolpaths available anywhere for complex 3D parts, aerospace parts, molds, tools and dies.
SolidCAM THSR and THSM
SolidCAM’s Turbo 3D HSR (THSR) and Turbo 3D HSM (THSM) are powerful High Speed Roughing (HSR) and High Speed Machining (HSM) modules for much faster calculations than the regular HSR / HSM modules.
THSR and THSM offer unique machining and linking strategies for generating high-speed tool paths. The 3-Axis calculation engine recalculates the tool path at lightning speeds. Its 64-bit architecture completely utilizes all the cores for tool path calculations.
Simultaneous 5x Milling
Benefit from the most tested and proven 5-Axis machining tool paths in the industry, with a user-friendly interface, collision checking and the most advanced control over all aspects of the tool path:
- Wide variety of Simultaneous 5X cutting strategies
- Flow line cutting produces a toolpath that follows the natural shape of the component
- Multi-surface finish machining keeps the tool normal to the surface (or with specified lead and lag) to provide a smooth surface finish
- Advanced tool tilting control and direct control on side tilting and lead/lag angles
- Automatic collision avoidance strategies that check each part of both the tool and holder
- Multi-axis rest roughing efficiently removes the remaining material of the larger cutter diameter used previously
- Realistic full 3D machine simulation with comprehensive collision and axis limits checking
Solid Probe
With probes, the setup of your CNC-parts becomes easier and the can be used to control the quality of machined parts right on the machine. Programming Probe cycles for Home definition and On-Machine Verification has never been easier.
The Solid Probe operations are based on the same geometry as 2.5D milling operations. The user interface provides full control over tolerances, different sorting options and a fast preview of cycle movements.
- Easy Home definition
- On-Machine Verification
- Tool Presetter support
- Easy geometry selection on solid model
- Supports a wide range of probe cycles
- Visualization of all the Probe tool movements
- Support of different Probe controllers
Turning
SolidCAM provides a comprehensive turning package with powerful toolpaths and techniques for fast and efficient turning with fixture and holder protection.
SolidCAM's Turning module produces advanced rough and finish profile turning, together with support for facing, grooving, threading and drilling cycles.
- Turning geometries and profile can be generated very quickly, easily adopted or modified for production
- The Machine Preview allows you to interactively, in machine environment, check and verify your setup and machine position at every stage of tool-path programming minimizing programming and setup errors
- SolidCAM turning supports the widest range of machine tools, including 2-Axis lathes, multi-turret configurations with or without sub-spindles
- Custom turning inserts, shape inserts with multiple cutting edges can be used
Mill-Turn Machining
The complete solution for advanced, multi-turret/multi-spindle Mill-Turn CNC Machines
Modern Mill-Turn CNC centers are designed to combine as many milling and turning operations as possible, to manufacture workpieces at maximum productivity.
Manual CNC programming of sophisticated parts on complex machines, directly at the machine controller is – if at all humanly possible – unproductive, error-prone and expensive.
Swiss Machining
Easy Programming for Complex Multiple Turret and Multiple Spindle Swiss CNC Machines
Swiss CNC turning centers are a cost-effective solution for machining small, complex, and precision parts. These advanced machines feed material through a guide bushing, and cut using linear or revolver tools, all in one setup. Swiss machines handle multiple operations simultaneously, efficiently automating the entire machining process.
CAM Programmer
SolidCAM iMachining
SolidCAM's exclusive and patented iMachining is an intelligent high speed milling technology that creates significantly faster and safe CNC programs to machine mechanical parts with first part success, while maximizing tool life.
iMachining's features and algorithms give you unbelievable cycle time savings and unmatched tool life performance while providing you with perfect machining feeds and speeds, the first time, every time.
Increase Your Profits - iMachining Benefits
Increase Your Profits by Greatly Increasing Your Machine Output with Extremely Enhanced Material Removal Rates:
- Machine deeper for far fewer passes
- Fully optimized Feeds & Speeds keep the cutter at maximum efficiency
- Rest-Material (Exact Stock Material Machining) and finish cuts eliminate air cutting and unnecessary tool retracts so you're cutting ONLY what's left
- Avoid machine downtime - less wear and tear on your CNC results in higher up time, reduced maintenance costs and extended machine life
- Skip costly machine tool upgrades and new CNC purchases – happy iMachining owners have cancelled many planned purchases of new CNCs
Slash Your Tooling Costs
The revolutionary iMachining CAM module, fully integrated in SOLIDWORKS, will make you and your CNC machines more profitable and more competitive than ever before.
- Average Tool life increased by 5 times and more
- Full depth-of-cut ensures that the entire tool is utilized, rather than only the bottom part
- Eliminate the cost of premium and specialty tooling for hard materials
Reduce Your Machining Time
Reduce Your Machining Time with the Efficient Morphing Toolpath and Unique Technology Wizard - The Perfect Strategy:
- Automatic, optimal Feeds & Speeds eliminate the time-consuming trial and error to find the optimal machine settings - First-part success guaranteed.
- The perfect tool for even the most seasoned machinist for getting it perfectly dialed in, the first time - or for the less experienced machinist, iMachining will turn them into an expert in no time.
CAM Programmer
iMachining Modules
"This approach shortens the learning curve for programmers, offers greater geometry editing and manipulation power to manufacturing and provides a common tool for supporting interaction between designers and machinists"
"If changes are made on the manufacturing side, we capture them on both the design side and the manufacturing side because SOLIDWORKS and SolidCAM are fully associative.”
"The integrated approach facilitates discussion and resolution of manufacturing issues because everyone is working with the same model and modeler. We communicate issues and features a lot better working with an integrated system.”
"The integrated approach has a lot of advantages, including saving time, accessing a single geometry file, and using the intelligence of our design data in a more efficient, systematic way."
"SolidCAM is the Swiss pocket knife for machining. With the modules for the 2.5D, 3D, simultaneous 5-axis machining and rotary milling, all daily machining tasks can be done quickly – from the complex drilling pattern to the most demanding 5-axis impeller. Program the part, simulate and off you go on the machine. The software delivers, what it has promised!"
Tools for CNC Operators
Empower your CNC Operators with tools for faster setups, editing and simulation
CNC Operators
SolidCAM for Operators Tool Benefits
- Minimize Reliance on 'Dry-Runs': With SolidCAM for Operators, step-through each move in the G-Code program, reducing setup time and the need to 'dry-run' programs on the CNC.
- Preventing CNC Machine and Tool Damage: Operators see full simulations so they can prevent unexpected crashes or collisions.
- Working Efficiently: Operators can make minor adjustments, without needing to rely on the CAM Programmer, who is already busy programming the next part.
- Full Setup Picture: SolidCAM for Operators enables the Operator to see all details of each operation, including Tools, Setup Definition, Stock Clamping, Work Offsets, and full simulation of the process.
Editor Mode
SolidCAM for Operators Editor enables the CNC machine Operator to open existing CAM parts, created by the SolidCAM Programmers, edit the operations if needed (e.g. change step down or change the tool speeds and feeds), recalculate, simulate, then post-process the new G-code, right by the CNC machine.
Simulator Mode
SolidCAM for Operators Simulator has no CAM part editing capabilities at all. It enables the CNC Operator to see the Tool table list with full details, to understand the clamping, the work offsets, and to see the simulation of the CAM Part, before running the G-Code on the CNC machine.
CNC Operators
SolidCAM Matrix
SolidCAM CNC Operator Feature Comparison – Editor/Editor LT vs. Simulator
| Feature | EDITOR | EDITOR LT | SIMULATOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| View the model, including Fixtures and location of work offsets | ● | ● | ● |
| View the tool table in full detail | ● | ● | ● |
| View all machining operations, data and defined geometries | ● | ● | ● |
| View Cutting conditions for each operation | ● | ● | ● |
| Fully simulate the machining process | ● | ● | ● |
| Change the Tool data and cutting conditions | ● | ● | |
| Calculate operations | ● | ● | |
| Regenerate G-Code after edits | ● | ● | |
| Change the operations data | ● | ||
| Change the setup definition | ● |
Looking for a Cloud Alternative?
3DEXPERIENCE Works provides a Safe, Social, Connected, Informed and Structured alternative to SolidCAM for team leaders, project managers and other professionals who want to manage data on the cloud and collaborate without constraints.
Safe: Customer controlled access. Transparent cloud backup. Encrypted communication protocols. Data always safe-no overwrite, no loss of data.
Social: Integrated structured and unstructured collaboration tools enabling social innovation. Collaborate on product design or engage with your stakeholders early in product development.
Connected: Every user always connected to a single, common database. Access data anywhere, anytime, on any device. Review and markup models.
Informed: Choose from the widget library, Create and share Dashboards. Get the latest information about your product development. Always have access to your latest data.
Structured: Zero overhead data management - store and manage data across collaborative spaces, share information in communities. Find indexed data faster by using tags, custom search, etc.