Accelerate your CNC programming with powerful feature recognition and rules-based machining tools based on industry-standard CAMWorks technology, integrated into your SOLIDWORKS design environment.
CNC Programming Automation within SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD
SOLIDWORKS CAM makes CNC programming available on every engineer's desk. Running natively in SOLIDWORKS, all tool paths are associative with the CAD geometry and can save the manufacturing data with the original file, making PDM implementation a breeze. SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard is free to you when your SOLIDWORKS license is active on subscription.
SOLIDWORKS CAM offers Automatic Feature Recognition and rules-based programming to radically enhance your manufacturing productivity. The SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional upgrade adds advanced capabilities including the high efficiency roughing engine VoluMill, turning, and programming in the SOLIDWORKS assembly environment.
Not a SOLIDWORKS user? SOLIDWORKS Machinist solutions offer you the full capabilities of SOLIDWORKS CAM, along with basic modeling functionality.
SOLIDWORKS CAM allows you to focus on critical areas of making
your parts by using rules-based machining to improve the
programming process while leveraging the tolerances that are
assigned to components.
Tolerance-Based Machining (TBM)
TBM automatically creates CAM machine programs by using tolerances
and annotations in 3D models and automatically adjusting
asymmetric tolerances to mean tolerances for cutting tool
strategies.
Knowledge-Based Machining (KMB)
KBM defines strategies and tools to best machine your part
geometries once features are identified through feature
recognition. This allows you to easily and automatically define
repeatable machining processes to meet your company’s standards.
Associativity with SOLIDWORKS CAD
Changes made to a part design in SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD are
automatically updated, applied, and reflected in SOLIDWORKS CAM.
Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)
Automatic Feature Recognition can recognize certain geometry types
not only as CAD features – including holes, pockets, bosses, and
turn (Professional only). It can identify prismatic parts at a
feature level based on machinable shapes.
Automate Machine Times
Easily automate calculations for machine time and compare that to
traditional methods to ensure that all aspects of your part are
accounted for before you commit to production.
3+2 Indexing
3+2 indexing is a technique where a 2.5 Axis Premium milling
program is executed with the cutting tool locked in a tilted
position in order to use the five-axis machine's two rotational
axes.
High-Speed Machining
Use 2.5 axis high-speed machining along with VoluMill technology
to ensure a constant tool pressure through the entire cutting
process. This technology uses a variable feed rate that allows the
tool to cut at full depth. Shorten your cycle times, lower
overhead costs, and extend machine and tool life.
Turning Capabilities
Take advantage of turning functionality including:
face rough and finish
rough and finish turn
groove rough and finish
rough and finish bore
cut-off
ID and OD threading
drill
tap on center
Part Modeling and Import
SOLIDWORKS Machinist features a part modeling environment where
you can easily work with SOLIDWORKS part files or import many
neutral file formats.
Assembly Modeling and Import
SOLIDWORKS Machinist Professional features an intuitive modeling
environment where you can easily import and design fixtures,
parts, or assemblies for manufacturing. In this environment you
can quickly check fits and tolerances, import clamps and vises to
ensure parts are made correctly, provide the necessary clearances
for finished part removal, and even give direction to
manufacturers on how you want your products built.
HOW CAN HAWK RIDGE SYSTEMS HELP?
Great CAM support combines a desire to help, knowledge of the software, and understanding the real-world applications from real-life experience. At Hawk Ridge, we have that and have been supporting customers, coaching them through their specific challenges for 25 years and we continue to find great satisfaction in our customer’s success.
When a local startup needed an affordable CAM solution to program their new 3-axis mill, we helped them get started with SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard, included in their existing subscription. They also added training and a post processor from Hawk Ridge to get the most out of their CAM software.
We helped a movie set production company make the shift to programming their CNC routers inside of SOLIDWORKS with SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional and NESTINGWorks for True Shape Nesting.
SERVICES
MORE THAN JUST A PROVIDER
A successful CAM implementation starts with a rock-solid post
processor. The Hawk Ridge Systems post processor team leverages
over 40 years of experience in SOLIDWORKS and CAM post processor
development to provide clean g-code and safe post processors
quickly.
TRAINING
IMPROVE PERFORMANCE THROUGH TAILORED LEARNING
With the largest team of Certified CAM trainers in North America,
Hawk Ridge Systems offers training solutions ranging from
self-paced SolidProfessor content to structured instructor-led
sessions and on-site CAM consulting, all to ensure your success.
Our team of Certified SOLIDWORKS and CAM support engineers is the
largest in the world and available 12 hours a day to handle your
support needs quickly and efficiently. Our interactive approach to
problem solving will get you back on track if programming issues
arise.
Whether you are looking for on-demand training, access to the
latest software releases, exclusive resources and offers, or just
needing expert support – there's a subscription option for you.
Are there any special hardware
requirements for SOLIDWORKS CAM?
No, the hardware requirements are the same as those for SOLIDWORKS.
What version of SOLIDWORKS CAD is
required for SOLIDWORKS CAM?
SOLIDWORKS CAM is compatible with any of the three levels of SOLIDWORKS
CAD: Standard, Professional, or Premium. SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard is
included free with any of those license types active on subscription.
What file types can I program with
SOLIDWORKS CAM?
You can program any file type that can be brought into SOLIDWORKS as solid
bodies or surfaces.
Can SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard do real
work?
Yes. Historically, the functionality of SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard was
available in the 2.5-axis CAMWorks software and is ideally suited to
programming many CNC milling jobs.
What’s the best way to learn
SOLIDWORKS CAM?
Hawk Ridge Systems offers courses ranging from self-paced, on-demand
training with SolidProfessor, to live online or in-person instructor-led
classroom training, to onsite consulting. No matter your schedule or
preferred learning style, we have a training option for you.
