The Complete Guide to Buying CAM Solutions
This comprehensive guide was created to help manufacturers find the best integrated CNC programming solution for their applications.
Find the Right Computer Aided Manufacturing Solution
Which Software Tool is Best For Your Needs?
CNC Programming Tools from SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard
SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard is included with all licenses of SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD on active subscription and, through that integration, recognizes any updated geometry as your model changes. This parts-only CAM software uses rules-based machining to take advantage of MBD tolerances in the CAD model. SOLIDWORKS CAM is capable of any and everything a 2D system can do, along with 3-axis lite via surface cavity roughing and surface finish machining.
Ideal for Manufacturers Who:
- Are already equipped with SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD
- Only manufacture individual parts
- Require 2.5-axis milling capabilities
SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional
SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional builds on the capabilities of CAM Standard. In addition to those features, the Professional tool features assembly machining, Automatic Feature Recognition, and support for CNC lathe turning and VoluMill high-speed machining. Programmers using this tool can also take advantage of 4 and 5-axis positioning with 3 + 2 milling.
Ideal for Manufacturers Who:
- Are already equipped with SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD
- Manufacture parts and assemblies
- Require 2.5-axis turning capabilities
- Require 3 + 2 milling capabilities
CNC Programming Tools from CAMWorks
CAMWorks Standard Bundle
Like all CAMWorks tools, CAMWorks Standard is a Certified Gold Partner of SOLIDWORKS and is fully integrated into the software. CAMWorks Standard features all of the capabilities of SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional, plus additional support for rotary milling.
Ideal for Manufacturers Who Want:
- Seamless integration into SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD
- 2.5-axis turning capabilities
- 3 + 2 milling capabilities
- Support for rotary milling
CAMWorks Premium Bundle
CAMWorks Premium is the ultimate integrated CAM solution for SOLIDWORKS users. This advanced tool combines all of the features in Milling Professional and Turning Professional, along with adding superior 4 & 5-axis simultaneous milling.
Ideal for Manufacturers Who Want:
- Seamless integration into SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD
- Up to 5-axis milling with multi-axis machining
- Support for rotary milling
- Mill-turn (up to 11-axis) and multi-function machining
- Sub-spindle programming
- G-code machine simulation
CAMWorks Turning Professional Bundle
CAMWorks Turning Professional is the ultimate CNC programming solution for advanced turning and mill-turn functions. The software also includes Sync Manager for simultaneous machining and Virtual Machine Standard for full machine simulation with collision detection.
Ideal for Manufacturers Who Want:
- Seamless integration into SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD
- Support for rotary milling
- Mill-turn (up to 11-axis) and multi-function machining
- Sub-spindle programming
- G-code machine simulation
CAMWorks Milling Professional Bundle
CAMWorks Milling Professional is the most advanced 3-axis CNC programming solution available for SOLIDWORKS. It includes advanced 3-axis rough milling with rest machining and VoluMill for high-speed machining. Finishing cycles include Z-level (waterline), flat area, pattern project, constant step-over, pencil milling, and curve project for engraving on 3D surfaces.
Ideal for Manufacturers Who Want:
- Seamless integration into SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD
- 3-axis milling
- Mill-turn and multi-function machining
Specialty CNC Programming Software from CAMWorks
CAMWorks NestingWorks
NestingWorks helps manufacturers to optimize the layout of sheet metal and flat stock designs while supporting the transition from design to manufacturing for sheet metal and flat goods.
Key Benefits of NestingWorks:
- Optimize how parts fit on a shape to produce the maximum number of parts from a single piece of raw material
- Maximize material usage by fitting smaller parts into open areas and cutouts of larger parts of the same thickness
- Automatically group and nest parts of the same thickness
CAMWorks Wire EDM
This specialty CAM tool from CAMWorks was developed specifically for programming 2 through 4-axis Wire EDM CNC machines. Like all CAMWorks products, it fully integrates with SOLIDWORKS.
Key Benefits of Wire EDM:
- Automate the creation of rough, skim, and tab cuts
- Automatically change the processing order options with a single command
- Choose between the output of only rough cuts, only tab cuts, or both
- Easily switch between different machine code outputs
Where Can I Purchase CAM Software?
Contact Your SOLIDWORKS or CAMWorks Reseller
The only way to buy SOLIDWORKS or CAMWorks products is through a certified reseller like GoEngineer.
SOLIDWORKS and CAMWorks products are sold worldwide through a large network of certified value-added resellers (VARs). Resellers also provide additional services, product training, and ongoing support. Many SOLIDWORKS VARs are also resellers of CAMWorks due to the integrated nature of the products.
If you are also currently looking to purchase a SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD license, we recommend starting with our Guide to Buying SOLIDWORKS for answers to common questions like:
- How to buy SOLIDWORKS
- Types of SOLIDWORKS licenses
- Benefits of SOLIDWORKS Subscription
GoEngineer is the VAR for both SOLIDWORKS and CAMWorks products throughout the U.S. Browse our locations to find your regional office.
Not located in our territory? Follow these steps to find your local SOLIDWORKS reseller (who will likely also be your local CAMWorks reseller):
- Visit the SOLIDWORKS VAR Locator
- Enter your country and postal code
- Click on “Find Resellers”
What is CAM SOFTWARE PRICED AT?
How Much Do CAM Solutions Cost?
Prices can vary greatly depending on the features you need. As a starting point, if you have a license of SOLIDWORKS active on subscription and only need simple part machining with 2.5-axis milling, you can add SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard for free. CAMWorks bundle pricing starts at $3,000 for the Standard license and increases from there based on additional functionality.
to get a comprehensive look at pricing and features for all of our CAM solutions.
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Additional CAM Resources
CAM TRAINING
Utilize GoEngineer's expert CAM instructors to help you understand how to succeed with SOLIDWORKS CAM and CAMWorks
CAM PROMOTIONS
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CAM Library
View the latest CAM videos, blogs, and techincal articles.
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Still Have Questions About Our CAM Solutions?
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Additional Resources
Take Advantage of GoEngineer’s Extensive Knowledge Base and Resources
Find a Solution
Our robust Knowledge Base contains over 12,000 resources to help answer your product design questions. From basic CAD questions to in-depth guides and tutorials, find your solution here. Find a Solution
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Improve your skills with professional training and certifications in SOLIDWORKS, CAM, 3D Printing, and 3D Scanning offered four ways: self-paced, online, on-site, or in-classroom. Certified Training Courses
BLOG
#1 Technical Resource Worldwide - Right at your fingertips. Search or browse through hundreds of SOLIDWORKS tips & tricks, additive manufacturing product developments, announcements, how-to guides, and tutorials. Blog
YouTube Channel
Our YouTube channel hosts hundreds of educational tutorials, product demonstrations, recorded webinars, and best practices for all of our products and services. GoEngineer's YouTube Channel
ONLINE STORE
Order 3D printing materials and consumables, enroll in SOLIDWORKS training classes, and buy official GoEngineer gear directly from our online store. Online Store
FREE SOLIDWORKS Tools
Enjoy this collection of small ‘macros’ that were tailored to help our customers. These free SOLIDWORKS tools are for you to use, review, and modify. SOLIDWORKS Automation Tools
WEBINARS
Our engineering webinars are hosted by some of the top experts in the industry. They are always recorded, always free, and always offer a live Q&A. WEBINARS
