3DEXPERIENCE NC PROGRAMMING

The primary difference is that SOLIDWORKS CAM is a desktop-embedded solution designed specifically for SOLIDWORKS users, while 3DEXPERIENCE NC PROGRAMMING is a cloud-connected, standalone platform powered by DELMIA that supports multi-CAD data and advanced high-end manufacturing.

No, SOLIDWORKS is not required. 3DEXPERIENCE NC PROGRAMMING can be a standalone, CAD-agnostic solution. It supports any other CAD format, or other format such as STEP or IGES, while CATIA is native to the platform for full digital continuity. This environment provides comprehensive manufacturing capabilities independently of the original design software.

Yes and no. 3DEXPERIENCE NC PROGRAMMING is just one part of the DELMIA brand, which includes software solutions for a broad array of manufacturing engineering and operations. The DELMIA brand also includes solutions for shop floor execution, production scheduling, supply chain operations, and much more.

Shop Floor Programmer provides essential 2.5 and 3-axis tools for general shop work. In contrast, Prismatic Machine Programmer and Mold & Die Programmer unlock professional-grade power: REUSE for automated knowledge transfer, adaptive concentric for high-speed machining, and the 3-to-5 axis converter. These tiers maximize machine efficiency and handle complex geometries while ensuring full digital continuity with native CATIA data.

Yes. 3DEXPERIENCE NC PROGRAMMING enables post-processor customization using integrated builders or partner solutions like ICAM, IMS and CENIT. This allows you to tailor G-code for any CNC controller, maintaining full digital continuity with CATIA and other CAD formats. It ensures that complex toolpaths are accurately translated into machine-ready instructions for your specific equipment.

The 3DEXPERIENCE Platform handles large toolpaths via a hybrid model: complex geometric calculations typically run on local hardware (CPU) for real-time responsiveness, while the cloud manages the massive data orchestration, versioning, and AI-driven optimizations. This allows for intensive background processing while keeping global teams synced through a secure, single source of truth.

Yes, it provides a comprehensive virtual twin of the machine -- virtual twins are a broad goal of the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. The manufacturing virtual twin simulates full machine kinematics, including axes, fixtures, and tool changes. This detects collisions and travel limits before cutting. Higher roles even support G-code-based simulation, ensuring the digital model mirrors the physical machine’s exact movements and logic.

3DEXPERIENCE NC PROGRAMMING uses a "named user" subscription model (SaaS). Licenses are tied to a user’s ID, not a specific machine, allowing you to work anywhere. However, since 2025, SOLIDWORKS users receive NC Shop Floor Programmer (the first tier in the portfolio) with their SOLIDWORKS subscription at no extra cost.

3DEXPERIENCE NC PROGRAMMING includes an Offline Mode for planned disconnects, allowing you to work without internet for up to 30 days. However, if your connection drops unexpectedly, you will be able to save your session files locally to ensure work continues seamlessly until reconnection.

Yes, you can install the software on as many computers as you need. Licensing is tied to your 3DEXPERIENCE ID, allowing you to log in from your office, home, or shop floor. However, you can only run one active session at a time per named user.

No, you cannot use them directly; they require translation. 3DEXPERIENCE NC PROGRAMMING uses a different post-processing engine.

3DEXPERIENCE doesn't automatically sync manual controller changes. To maintain version control, you must manually upload the edited G-code back to the platform as a New Revision. This ensures your virtual twin remains accurate. Advanced tiers of 3DEXPERIENCE NC PROGRAMMING also allow you to backplot the edited code to verify changes against the 3D model before final approval.

Updates require your approval; the system uses a "flag" to maintain control. When you save a change in SOLIDWORKS, the platform detects the geometric modification and marks the toolpath as "Out of Date" you must "Update" to recalculate the toolpaths against the new geometry.

Yes. You can use Background Computation to calculate multiple complex toolpaths simultaneously. While the platform allows you to run these as "background tasks" so you can keep working, you must leave your local machine on and active to process the data, as the computation relies on your local CPU resources.

Probing operations are included with Shop Floor Programmer.