SOLIDWORKS® CAM is a fully integrated, Knowledge Based technology that allows you to integrate design and manufacturing processes under one system. It allows you to evaluate designs earlier in the design process, avoiding unexpected costs and delays, meaning you’ll have your products finished on time.
SOLIDWORKS CAM
Computer Aided Machining
What is SOLIDWORKS CAM?
Leverage the rich content in your 3D CAD model to speed up product development and reduce error-prone, lengthy, repetitive manual steps. Knowledge Based Machining (KBM) is the foundation for streamlining the programming process, learning as you program, which frees up your time to focus on the critical areas of the components.
SOLIDWORKS CAM is an add-in to all versions of SOLIDWORKS Desktop.
Check out the full capabilities below.
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SOLIDWORKS CAM Features
SOLIDWORKS CAM can recognise certain types of geometry not only as CAD features, but understand how much those features will be manufactured, and even how much it will cost.
This add-in can also:
Read tolerances and surface finishes to make decisions on how to manufacture the product.
Automatically apply your preferred manufacturing strategies so that manufacturing processes can be not only faster, but also more standardised.
Automate quoting and compare it to traditional methods to ensure all aspects of the part are accounted for ahead of time.
Features also include:
- Model Based Definition (MBD) - leveraged to ensure machining strategies are automatically adjusted based on tolerance specifications
- Automatic Feature Recognition - allow prismatic parts to be automatically programmed while referencing programming standards
- 2.5 axis functionality including part & assembly machining
- Rules-Based MachiningSOLIDWORKS CAM uses rules- based machining to enhance the programming process while leveraging tolerances that were assigned to components. Rules-based machining lets you focus on the critical areas of making a part rather than touching every feature that needs to be machined.Rules-Based Machining
- Tolerance-based Machining (TBM)Tolerances and annotations in 3D models are used to automatically create machine programs. TBM automatically adjusts asymmetric tolerances to mean tolerances for cutting tool strategies.Tolerance-based Machining (TBM)
- Knowledge-Based Machining (KBM)KBM is like have a machinist at your fingertips. Once features are identified by automatic or interactive feature recognition, KBM defines machining strategies and tools to best machine the geometry. Using these rules will automatically allow you to define repeatable machining processes based on your company standards.Knowledge-Based Machining (KBM)
- Associativity with SOLIDWORKS CADAny change made to a design in SOLIDWORKS CAD is automatically updated, applied, and reflected in SOLIDWORKS CAM.Associativity with SOLIDWORKS CAD
- Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)Recognize certain types of geometry (holes, pockets, bosses, and turn–Professional only) not only as CAD features. Automatic feature recognition allows prismatic parts to be identified at a feature level based on machinable shapes.Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)
- Automate Machine TimesAutomate machine time calculation and compare it to traditional methods for ensuring all aspects of a part are accounted for ahead of time before committing to production.Automate Machine Times
- 3 + 2 IndexingSOLIDWORKS CAM Professional can employ a machining technique where a 2.5 Axis Premium milling program is executed with the cutting tool locked in a tilted position using the five-axis machine's two rotational axes.3 + 2 Indexing
- High-Speed MachiningSOLIDWORKS CAM Professional 2.5 axis high-speed machining using VoluMill technology maintains constant tool pressure throughout the cutting process. The variable feed rate allows the tool to cut at full depth to shorten cycle times while extending machine and tool life. This best-in-class machining routine works with standard cutting tools to lower overhead cost when machining components.High-Speed Machining
- Turning CapabilitiesSOLIDWORKS CAM Professional has turning capabilities that include face rough and finish, rough and finish turn, groove rough and finish, rough and finish bore, cut-off, ID and OD threading, and drill, and tap on center.Turning Capabilities
SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional
- Rules-Based Machining
- Tolerance-based Machining (TBM)
- Knowledge-Based Machining (KBM)
- Associativity with SOLIDWORKS CAD
- Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)
- Automate Machine Times
- 3 + 2 Indexing
- High-Speed Machining
- Turning Capabilities
SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard
- Rules-Based Machining
- Tolerance-based Machining (TBM)
- Knowledge-Based Machining (KBM)
- Associativity with SOLIDWORKS CAD
- Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)
- Automate Machine Times
- 3 + 2 Indexing
- High-Speed Machining
- Turning Capabilities