SOLIDWORKS CAM and CAMWORKS
An integrated solution from design to manufacture
What is SOLIDWORKS CAM?
SOLIDWORKS CAM is an integrated CAM solution available to all SOLIDWORKS Desktop licenses on subscription, allowing for 2.5 and simple 3-axis toolpath creation for mill machines. Powered by CAMWorks, the original SOLIDWORKS Gold Partner, SOLIDWORKS CAM offers a similar interface that makes learning easy.
With a common platform and a simpler workflow, SOLIDWORKS CAM unites both design and manufacturing teams, resulting in a better CNC experience. This integrated solution also allows for parametric updates to toolpaths and skips timely exports to third party software. SOLIDWORKS CAM learns as you program, allowing you to reuse programming data on previous parts to make future parts programmable with just a few clicks.
don't miss this upcoming webinar!
Deep Dive: CAMWorks VoluMill
Wed, Feb 8, 2023 at 12pm PT
The high-performance roughing module, which is fully integrated in CAMWorks and SolidWorks CAM Professional, combines optimal milling paths and maximum material removal with minimized machining times. CAMWorks® VoluMill™ is ideal for complex 3-D shapes and prismatic parts as its algorithms result in more intelligent toolpaths to machine pockets, slots, and arbitrary shapes.
Join us for this webinar where attendees will learn how CAMWorks VoluMill can help you program smarter and machine faster by:
• Reducing cycle times up to 80%
• Reducing programming times up to 50%
• Increasing cutting tool life up to 500%
Tools
Parametric Programming
SOLIDWORKS CAM is an integrated CAM solution, which allows users to program by referencing faces, edges, and other geometry on your CAD files directly in SOLIDWORKS. Changes to your design are instantly recognized by SOLIDWORKS CAM and toolpaths are updated automatically.
More Efficient Over Time
SOLIDWORKS CAM learns your machining style as you program each and every part. Save your strategies for machining into the Technology Database, which can be quickly reapplied to future parts, significantly reducing programming time.
Tolerance Based Machining
Take advantage of MBD and toleranced dimensions in SOLIDWORKS! SOLIDWORKS CAM will use this information to suggest appropriate machining strategies automatically, streamlining the design to manufacturing process.
NC Editor
In addition to an in-software simulation, the included NC Editor with Backplotting can help verify a part has been programmed correctly, avoiding costly mistakes when taking the program to a CNC Mill.
Auto Feature Recognition
SOLIDWORKS CAM can help you program your part by automatically recognizing where it needs to place toolpaths. The technology behind this tool has been available in SOLIDWORKS for a long time in the form of FeatureWorks, an add-in that attempts to rebuild a SOLIDWORKS Feature Tree on imported solids such as .iges and .step file.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the file type can be brought into SOLIDWORKS as solid bodies or surfaces, it can be programmed.
Post processors are information translators, converting SOLIDWORKS CAM data into G-Code that your machine controller can read. SOLIDWORKS CAM comes with many standard post processors, but custom posts can be purchased and supported through GoEngineer for more specialized needs.
SOLIDWORKS CAM Features
Full Integration
Fully integrated within SOLIDWORKS, this knowledge-based machining technology allows designers to integrate design and manufacturing processes all under one system. There is no need for separate software programs (or even hardware) and needlessly worrying about file translations or incompatibility issues between different software platforms. Once SOLIDWORKS modeling is complete, simply switch over to the SOLIDWORKS CAM environment with minimal loss of time and start creating toolpaths and then validate via Simulate Toolpath and output NC code with ease.
CAD Model & CAM Data are Parametrically Linked Together
Make a change to the CAD model and SOLIDWORKS CAM will update accordingly. Any changes affecting the SOLIDWORKS CAD model will directly affect the SOLIDWORKS CAM toolpath. Save time, money, and generate updated toolpaths all with a few mouse clicks!
Advanced Feature-Based CAM Technology
- Automatic Feature Recognition. This well-proven feature easily recognizes prismatic shapes such as holes, pockets, and bosses of your CAD model and generates customizable, efficient toolpaths for fast post processing of NC code. This technology even leverages SOLIDWORKS parametric information (e.g., Hole Wizard) and selects the proper cutting tools to generate NC code per your company’s standards and/or best practices.
- Interactive Feature Recognition. For users who prefer to utilize their own custom workflow (‘program your way’), Interactive Feature Recognition offers customization, flexibility, and simple ease-of-use to generate powerful and efficient toolpaths with a few mouse clicks.
Toolpath Simulation
Using the integrated simulator, designers can verify the correct machining strategies and setup information for each component produced.
Knowledge-Based Machining
The Technology Database, or “TechDB”, is the “brains” behind SOLIDWORKS CAM. This database allows you to create, edit, and save SOLIDWORKS CAM data. It then leverages that information for future programming projects of automation, efficiency, and high-performance toolpaths. Knowledge-Based Machining allows you to fully customize (create, edit, and save) your company’s standards and best machining practices all in one location (Technology Database). SOLIDWORKS CAM then leverages information from the Technology Database for reuse to create powerful, high-performance toolpaths that maximize efficiency and automation.
CAD Agnostic
Collaboration between other CAD programs is easy using SOLIDWORKS CAM as this program leverages its Feature-Based technology. Simply use your existing SOLIDWORKS model or import (*.STEP, Parasolid, IGES, etc.) into SOLIDWORKS the solid model from a different CAD platform and easily create your toolpath information.
SOLIDWORKS CAM PACKAGES
SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard features the tools necessary for 2.5-axis CNC milling of parts. Roughing, finishing, 3D edge breaks, and hole processing can all be accomplished without leaving the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD environment.
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Most flat-bottom geometries, such as pockets, slots, and bosses are 2.5-axis features. CAM Standard will generate g-code to move through the Z-axis but most cuts will be in the XY plane.
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CAM Standard will handle all types of hole operations: drilling, reaming, boring, tapping, and thread milling.
- In addition to 2.5-axis milling, CAM Standard will also provide basic 3-axis milling tools. Whole-part roughing and Z-level finishing is included to handle occasional 3D toolpath requirements.
SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional expands on the abilities of SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard. In addition to all of the 2.5- and 3-axis capabilities, an upgrade to SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional will include:
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Assembly Mode
There is no way to avoid the need for workholding – parts must be held down – but we can avoid costly collisions between tools and fixtures by planning ahead. Programming within a SOLIDWORKS assembly is the best way to ensure your toolpaths do not come into contact with anything but the stock material. Assemble your setup virtually using the native SOLIDWORKS CAD mating tools and simply assign parts as Fixtures to force toolpaths to avoid them.
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4- & 5-Axis Indexing
Automatically generate rotational A/B/C codes to swiftly move between setups. Programming for indexers and trunnions is simple and straightforward with SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional.
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VoluMill
VoluMill leads the industry in high-speed machining (HSM) toolpath technology, and it is built right into SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional. A dedicated Feeds & Speeds wizard will help you create toolpaths that are not only faster but safer and less harsh on your machine tool. Tool life goes up, cycle time goes down, and you’re more competitive than ever with VoluMill.
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Turning
Standard 2-axis lathes can be programmed in CAM Professional. Toolroom or slant-bed lathes with X and Z control are compatible. Program all types of outside diameter (OD) and inside diameter (ID) work, including grooving and threading.
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Configurations
CAM configurations work the same way regular SOLIDWORKS configurations work – allowing different “versions” within the same file. Those versions might differ in geometry or just the type of code required. For example, if initial cuts were to be made on a lathe and then the part is transferred over to a mill for finishing, both lathe and mill programming would be necessary. CAM Professional provides the flexibility to handle all of that within the same file, simplifying file management and minimizing the chance of human error.
CAMWORKS PACKAGES
SOLIDWORKS CAM is powered by CAMWorks, a leading SOLIDWORKS Gold Partner for 25 years strong. Introductory programming capabilities are included under the SOLIDWORKS CAM umbrella, with more advanced features available in the CAMWorks bundles.
Along with everything included in SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional, CAMWorks Standard provides support for:
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Rotary Milling
CAMWorks Standard can program simultaneous 4-axis features that are concentric to the rotary axis. With the tool always pointed to the center of rotation, this simplified version of 4-axis rotational milling is as easy to program as 2.5-axis features. -
Lathe Sub-Spindle Control
Extra lathe abilities are included at this level as well. Programmable tailstocks/sub-spindles can be controlled via the CAMWorks interface. Multi-step actions such as part transfers are handled with user-editable templates. Each step is rendered, so programming is done visually and parameters are quickly fine-tuned for each job.
If your parts require more than the occasional 3-axis toolpath, CAMWorks Milling Standard may be the right fit for you.
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Advanced 3-axis Roughing & Finishing
Milling Standard is the gateway into full 3-axis cutting. The operations included in SOLIDWORKS CAM (Area Clearance roughing and Z-Level finishing) are enhanced, with more controls and options, and additional specialized operation types are added.
The CAMWorks Professional bundles are geared toward shops that house multiple technologies and advanced machine tools such as multi-tasking machines.
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3-axis Undercutting
Milling Professional adds one more arrow to the 3-axis quiver by including an undercutting module. Lollipop and other specialized tools can be used to create complex geometries that require workpiece contact on the top side of the tool.
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Mill/Turn
Live-tooling and C-axis control are included in the Professional bundles. Use all of the available milling and turning operations on the same part, in the same machine! Both main-spindle and sub-spindle can be programmed in milling or turning mode, and Y-axis movements are natively supported.
Are the bundles feeling a bit biased toward milling? No worry – CAMWorks has two options focused on providing the best value to shops focused on lathe work.
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Mill/Turn
Live-tooling and C-axis control are included in the Professional bundles. Use all of the available milling and turning operations on the same part, in the same machine! Both main-spindle and sub-spindle can be programmed in milling or turning mode, and Y-axis movements are natively supported.
Turning Professional includes everything needed to efficiently and safely program some of the most advanced lathes available.
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Multi-Turret Support
Turning Professional can handle up to 4 tool turrets, simultaneously and fully synchronized. Like all other Turning modules, gang tools and SOLIDWORKS Assembly files are supported for complex turn tool setups. The CAMWorks Sync Manager outputs wait codes and gives the programmer a clear overview of what each turret is doing throughout the cycle time.
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CAMWorks Virtual Machine Standard
Between the 4 tool turrets, main- and sub-spindle, Y-axis, and everything else you might start losing track of how many axes Turning Professional supports. Programming the world’s most advanced multi-tasking machines is difficult – which is why this bundle also includes CAMWork’s entry-level machine simulation tool.
CAMWorks Virtual Machine Standard will automatically import tooling and fixturing information from CAMWorks and loads a virtual version of the entire machine environment. A simulation that involves the entirety of the project is the safest and most reliable way to verify costly mistakes have not been made. Virtual Machine Standard simulates from CL data, while upgraded versions run from the same g-code as the actual machine tool control.
For Increased Feeds & Speeds, Shorter Cycle Times, and Longer Tool Life
PrimeTurning™ from Sandvik Coromant delivers the latest in turning innovation to the CAMWorks portfolio. PrimeTurning uses CoroTurn® Prime Type-A and Type-B tools in conjunction with unique toolpaths to achieve increased feeds and speeds, shorter cycle times, and longer tool life.
Benefits of PrimeTurning™ include:
- High material removal rate
- Reduced cycle time for turning
- Increased insert tool-life
- Higher machine utilization
- Extremely faster return on investment
- Full toolpath support
CAMWorks Premium is our flagship CAM package – it is the culmination of all the prior bundles plus a complete Multiaxis milling module.
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Simultaneous Multiaxis Milling
Advanced 4- and 5-axis simultaneous milling is included in CAMWorks Premium. Programmers have supreme control over the tool’s path and orientation without sacrificing the ease of the CAMWork’s workflow. Multiaxis roughing, finishing, and gouge-checking are all possible in both SOLIDWORKS Parts and Assemblies.
The latest addition to the CAMWorks family is a comprehensive, 4-axis capable Wire EDM module.
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SOLID TO G-CODE, FAST
Built upon the best-in-class automation tools in CAMWorks milling and turning modules, Wire EDM Pro automatically detects land and taper features, selects OEM cutting conditions, and calculates glue stops. Everything is user-adjustable if needed, but the path to efficient wire EDM toolpaths has never been simpler.
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FULLY CAPABLE AND COMPATIBLE
Wire EDM Pro reads both 2D and 3D models directly, including basic 2D, 2D with taper, and the most complex 4-axis components. Robust post-processors are available for all major machine manufacturers, and true g-code virtual simulation comes standard so that you can move programs to the shop floor quickly and confidently.
SOLIDWORKS CAM vs CAMWORkS
SOLIDWORKS CAM |
CAMWORKS |
| Standard | Professional | Standard | Milling Standard | Turning Standard | Milling Professional | Turning Professional | Premium | Bundle Add-Ons |
| 2.5 Axis Milling Plus* |
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| Cimco Editor/DNC |
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| 2.5 Axis VoluMill |
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| Probing |
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| 3 Axis Milling – Level 1+* |
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| 4/5 Axis Indexing |
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| Turning |
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| Rotary Milling |
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| 3 Axis Milling – Level 2* |
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| 3 Axis Milling – Level 3* with Undercutting |
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| Synchronous Machining for Lathes |
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| Virtual Machine Standard |
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| 4 Axis Milling (Add-On to Milling Pro only) |
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| 5 Axis Simultaneous |
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Products available as Bundle Add On
- 3 Axis VoluMill
- Virtual Machine Professional
- Virtual Machine Premium
- PrimeTurning™
- CAMWorks Utilities
Additional Product Options
- Wire EDM
- NestingWorks
- CAMWorks ShopFloor
* 2.5 Axis Milling Plus includes 2.5 Axis Milling plus Area Clear Roughing, Flat Area and Z-Level Finishing
* 3 Axis Milling L1 includes all of the above plus a Z-Level Finishing combined cycle for steep/shallow machining
* 3 Axis Milling L2 Includes all L1 functionality plus Pattern Project, Constant Step, Pencil Milling, Curve Project, and Legacy Rough & Finish Mill
* 3 Axis Milling L3 Includes L2 functionality plus Undercutting, Fillet Machining, and NURB Surface Machining
PrimeTurning™ is a Sandvik Coromant product.
ADDITIONAL CAM DOCUMENTS
SOLIDWORKS Services:
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Award Winning Technical Support
GoEngineer's extensive SOLIDWORKS technical knowledge and world class support can help you succeed with SOLIDWORKS. Our award-winning team is ready to help you with any task you may have. Using state-of-art remote assistant technology software allows our team to solve most issues within one session. Reach out and see why GoEngineer is the #1 reseller of SOLIDWORKS and Stratasys systems in the world!
- 125+Certified Technical Specialists
- Email, Phone and Chat Support Available
- 98% Exceptional Customer Service Rating
PROFESSIONAL SOLIDWORKS TRAINING
GoEngineer offers online and classroom professional SOLIDWORKS training for organizations and individuals. All our instructors are SOLIDWORKS certified and teach thousands of students each year world wide. The curriculum is very diverse with numerous certified SOLIDWORKS courses to choose from. Each student will receive a Course Completion Certificate and preparation materials for SOLIDWORKS certification.
- Increase Your Earning Potential
- Led by Certified SOLIDWORKS Instructors
- Smaller Classes with Focused Attention
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
