7 CAMWorks Time-Saving Techniques

When it comes to CNC programming and machining efficiencies, there’s always room for improvement. If you’ve ever felt like you’re spending too much time programming, setting up, or refining your machining operations, leveraging the full potential of CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS CAM might just be the solution you need. In this guide, we’ll walk you through strategies and tools designed to optimize your workflow, minimize tool changes, and program with greater precision—all while saving you valuable time on the shop floor.

Establishing the Right Foundation with SOLIDWORKS CAM

Starting in February 2018, SOLIDWORKS partnered with CAMWorks to create an integrated manufacturing solution. This integration marked a significant progression for users, enabling SOLIDWORKS CAM to function seamlessly with SOLIDWORKS licenses (Standard, Professional, and Premium) with an active subscription. If you’re already using SOLIDWORKS, you don’t need a separate platform for CNC programming—SOLIDWORKS CAM is embedded within your workflow.

One quick bonus tip before diving into machining-specific strategies: a correctly defined CAMWorks machine environment starts with setting up your SOLIDWORKS coordinate system. This step may sound simple, but it can be the difference between smooth programming and frustration. By initializing your coordinate system appropriately, you’re laying the groundwork for efficient operations.

#1. Leveraging Parametric Features with Hole Wizard

Cutting down on or removing repetitive tasks is essential for a more efficient workflow. One standout feature within SOLIDWORKS CAM and CAMWorks is the ability to leverage parametric data, like that derived from the SOLIDWORKS Hole Wizard tool. Hole Wizard enables you to define hole features with parametric information, which CAMWorks then uses to assign strategies and generate toolpath operations with minimal effort. This technique is particularly useful for assemblies and parts with numerous hole geometries.

Instead of manually managing toolpaths for dozens of holes, Hole Wizard combines with CAMWorks to ensure that you’re just a few clicks away from an automated, precise toolpath setup.

#2. Innovations in Material Operations: Assigning Colors to Model Faces

Customization is critical to help you maximize your efficiency, and CAMWorks allows you to assign colors to model faces within SOLIDWORKS.

These color-based selection sets help you speed up feature recognition in CAMWorks, making it easier to program machining strategies based on specific areas of your model. Consider this tactic as simplifying your part segmentation for machining; each face’s assigned color translates into reduced selection time during programming.

#3. Unlocking High-Speed Machining with VoluMill

High-speed machining techniques represent a game-changer in reducing machine time and optimizing roughing operations. The CAMWorks VoluMill tool shines here, offering a stark contrast to traditional roughing methods.

For instance, traditional roughing confines step-over and depth-of-cut parameters, often limiting the machining speed. With VoluMill, you can implement spiral helix entries at full depth of cut, using trochoidal-type milling. This strategic shift significantly reduces machining time. For example, optimizing one pocket using VoluMill might slash the estimated machine time by more than half. If your goal is to maximize throughput on complex parts, adaptive roughing with VoluMill could transform your approach.

#4. Seamless Tool Reduction with Helix Spiral Entries

Tool changes can be a time-consuming aspect of CNC operations, especially if your setup lacks automatic tool changers. CAMWorks offers an effective alternative with its helix spiral entries for circular holes and pockets. This function allows you to use a single tool, eliminating the need for multiple setups.

Take this practical example. By using a single three-eighths-inch center cutting flat-end mill to handle a task that would traditionally require multiple tools, you not only simplify your workflow but also cut down on the time spent swapping tools. It’s about doing more with less—one tool replaces two or three while delivering the same result.

#5. Adding Precision with Probe Operations

CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS CAM introduced probe operations as a new feature in 2020, designed specifically to reduce setup time and improve in-process inspection. This functionality allows you to program probe cycles that automatically update work coordinates or measure tool length offsets during machining.

For example, selecting a bore cycle lets you graphically define a probe tool’s interaction with cylindrical features. The result? Automated precision in picking up the center of bores or other features, ensuring tighter tolerances and reducing the likelihood of errors during machining.

#6. Combining Operations for Greater Control

One of CAMWorks’ most efficient programming strategies is combining operations across features. Whether you’re working on irregular slots or similar features, this method allows you to apply a single rough milling operation across multiple locations with consistent control. Adjustments can also be made individually. If you need to apply a different entry type to a specific feature, CAMWorks lets you control those settings independently.

The added flexibility in combining and customizing operations ensures efficiency without sacrificing precision.

#7. The Power of the CAMWorks TechDB

The CAMWorks Technology Database (TechDB) is your central resource for global feature mapping, allowing you to save and reuse strategies across projects. For instance, creating a customized machining strategy—roughing out a pocket, contour finishing the perimeter, and applying edge breaks—can be saved back to the TechDB. Once stored, this strategy is globally accessible for other features, reducing repetitive programming tasks and streamlining future projects.

Best Practices for Maximized Efficiency

Efficiency is the central theme of all these techniques. To push this even further, consider adopting other time-saving methods, like tool swapping and operation sorting, to streamline your CNC workflows. Every little optimization adds up, turning hours into minutes and frustration into progress.

By using these CAMWorks time-saving techniques and strategies, you’re not just programming smarter—you’re unlocking a whole new level of speed, precision, and automation. Whether you’re leveraging the power of VoluMill, simplifying workflows with Hole Wizard, or tapping into new functionalities like probe operations, the tools are at your fingertips. All that’s left is to start putting them into action.

Questions?

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about SOLIDWORKS CAM or CAMWorks, please contact us.

Related Articles

CAMWorks SOLIDWORKS OEM Installation

SOLIDWORKS CAM 2025 - What's New

Backup and Restore Your SOLIDWORKS CAM & CAMWorks TechDB

Managing Your CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS CAM Add-Ins

CAMWorks Stock Types Explained: Bounding Box, Sketch, STL, & Part File

VIEW ALL CAM ARTICLES