SolidCAM is a complete, best-in-class CAM solution that runs directly inside SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge and Autodesk Inventor. It is designed to streamline CNC programming by keeping CAD and CAM in one environment, with full associativity between the 3D model and every toolpath. This helps reduce programming time, improve accuracy and maintain a familiar workflow for your design and manufacturing teams.
Trusted by manufacturers and machine shops worldwide SolidCAM is a complete, best-in-class CAM solution that runs directly inside SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge and Autodesk Inventor. It is designed to streamline CNC programming by keeping CAD and CAM in one environment, with full associativity between the 3D model and every toolpath. This helps reduce programming time, improve accuracy and maintain a familiar workflow for your design and manufacturing teams.
Work natively inside SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge, or Autodesk Inventor without switching environments. SolidCAM retains full CAD associativity, meaning any design change updates your CAM operations instantly.
SolidCAM’s patented iMachining calculates feeds, speeds, and cutting angles automatically. It reduces machining time and extends tool life by adjusting cutting conditions dynamically for each material and tool.
Whether you’re cutting 2.5D features, performing advanced 5-axis operations, or programming multi-spindle lathes, SolidCAM provides the exact module you need - all in one interface.
SolidCAM’s advanced simulation tools provide real-time verification, collision detection, and stock removal analysis to prevent costly production errors.
| Technical Overview: SolidCAM Specifications | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Integration: |
Fully embedded in SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge, and Autodesk Inventor |
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Machining Methods: |
2.5D Milling, 3D Milling, 5-Axis Machining, Turning, Wire EDM |
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Toolpath Strategies: |
iMachining, HSR/HSM, AFEB, Multi-Page, High-Speed Surface (HSS) |
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Simulation: |
Full machine simulation with collision detection and material removal |
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Automation: |
Automatic Feature Recognition and Toolpath Optimisation |
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Post-Processing: |
Customisable post-processors for all major CNC controllers |
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Supported Machines: |
Multi-axis, multi-spindle, and mill-turn CNC systems |
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Outputs: |
G-code, toolpath verification, cutting time estimation, and material removal analysis |
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SolidCAM unites CAD and CAM in a single integrated platform inside SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge and Autodesk Inventor.
Engineers can design, programme, simulate and verify machining operations without leaving their CAD system, which reduces data transfer steps and the risk of errors.
With its patented iMachining technology and a full range of milling, turning and mill turn modules, SolidCAM supports everything from rapid prototyping to high volume production across industries such as aerospace, automotive, tooling and general engineering.
SolidCAM unites CAD and CAM into a single platform, removing the inefficiencies of working between separate systems. Engineers can design, simulate, and machine within one familiar interface, reducing programming time and increasing manufacturing accuracy.
With its patented iMachining engine, SolidCAM helps users achieve faster cycle times, reduce tool wear, and improve surface quality – even on the toughest materials. From prototyping to high-volume production, SolidCAM scales effortlessly across industries like aerospace, automotive, tooling, and general engineering.
Watch the Titans of CNC team use SolidCAM in real shop conditions to handle precision machining with ease.
Their real-world results show just how reliable and powerful SolidCAM can be.
If top machinists turn to SolidCAM for serious projects, you can trust it to give your work the same level of performance and accuracy.
Easily programmes complex Swiss type CNC machines with multiple turrets and spindles. Provides optimised turning and milling, full synchronisation and accurate machine simulation for high precision parts on main and sub spindles.
Automates 2D pocketing, profiling and contouring with adaptive feeds and speeds. iMachining’s patented Technology Wizard calculates optimal cutting conditions to shorten cycle times and extend tool life on a wide range of materials.
Applies iMachining’s high performance roughing and rest roughing strategies to 3D parts. Provides efficient step down and step up passes that improve machining time and surface quality on complex geometries.
Automatically recognises prismatic features on 3D CAD models and generates suitable machining operations. Helps reduce setup and programming time while improving consistency for production machining of prismatic parts.
Combines user friendly toolpath control with advanced strategies for drilling, pocketing and contouring. Ideal for prototypes and production parts that need reliable 2.5D machining directly from the CAD model.
Supports advanced mill turn centres with multiple spindles and turrets. Enables synchronised turning and milling operations, including multi channel and Swiss type machines, with full machine simulation.
Delivers efficient, high speed toolpaths for complex 3D shapes, using roughing and finishing strategies that improve material removal rates while maintaining accuracy and surface finish.
Specialised module for finishing individual surfaces and shallow areas with precise control over tool contact. Ideal for mould and die work, undercuts and local surface improvements.
Simplifies multi sided operations by allowing several coordinate systems and setups on a single part. Supports indexial 4 and 5 axis machining for parts with multiple orientations.
Offers simultaneous 5 axis toolpath control with advanced collision detection and machine simulation. Supports a wide range of multi axis strategies for blades, impellers, ports and other complex components.
Combines iMachining, high speed machining and 5 axis capabilities to achieve smooth finishes and accurate details in moulds, dies and complex forming tools.
Integrates on machine probing for set up, in process measurement and final inspection. Supports automatic work offset setting, part verification and adaptive machining based on measured data.
Provides flexible strategies for roughing, finishing, threading and grooving on CNC lathes. Supports single spindle and multi spindle turning, with full control over toolpaths and stock.
Supports 2 axis and 4 axis wire cutting, with control over tapers, corner strategies and offsets for a wide range of materials and part geometries.
Detects 2.5D features automatically and creates optimised toolpaths based on predefined machining templates. Reduces repetitive programming steps on similar part families.
| Feature Area | SolidCAM | Mastercam | Fusion 360 | hyperMILL |
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Integration |
Integrated directly in SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge and Autodesk Inventor |
Standalone CAM software |
Cloud-based CAD/CAM platform with desktop components |
Runs as a plug-in within multiple CAD platforms |
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Deployment |
Local installation inside supported CAD systems |
Local installation |
Cloud-connected application with online licensing |
Local installation with CAD integration |
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CAD Associativity |
Full associativity with SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge and Inventor models |
Associativity within its native environment |
Associativity between Fusion CAD and CAM |
CAD associativity via plug-in integration |
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Simulation |
Machine simulation, stock simulation and toolpath verification (based on module selection) |
Toolpath and machine simulation (based on product level) |
Toolpath simulation with machine configuration options |
Machine simulation with multi-axis support (based on configuration) |
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Supported Workflows |
Milling, turning, mill-turn, Swiss-type machining, 5-axis, probing, Wire EDM |
Milling, turning, multi-axis (varies by package) |
CAD/CAM modelling, machining, generative tools |
Multi-axis milling and machining, including 5-axis |
Yes. SolidCAM runs directly inside SOLIDWORKS as an integrated CAM add in. It uses the same interface and design tree, and all toolpaths remain fully associative to the CAD model. When the SOLIDWORKS model changes, SolidCAM automatically updates the machining operations to match the new geometry.
Yes. SolidCAM includes powerful 5 axis modules for both indexial and simultaneous 5 axis machining. Its Advanced Machine Simulation shows machine kinematics, axes and components, enabling realistic toolpath verification and collision checks before you cut any material.
Yes. SolidCAM includes powerful 5 axis modules for both indexial and simultaneous 5 axis machining. Its Advanced Machine Simulation shows machine kinematics, axes and components, enabling realistic toolpath verification and collision checks before you cut any material.
iMachining is SolidCAM’s patented high performance milling technology.
It uses an intelligent toolpath generator and Technology Wizard to calculate optimal feeds, speeds and depths of cut.
This provides significantly faster, safer toolpaths and improves tool life.
SolidCAM states that iMachining delivers 70% and more savings in cycle time and increases tool life five times and more, under suitable conditions.
See how SolidCAM can improve your CNC programming and machining efficiency. Book a personalised demo, run your own components and find the best configuration for your workflow.
See how SolidCAM can improve your CNC programming and machining efficiency. Book a personalised demo, run your own components and find the best configuration for your workflow.
