SOLIDWORKS CAM is a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) solution designed to generate CNC toolpaths directly within SOLIDWORKS. It allows machinists, engineers, and manufacturers to:

• Automatically generate 2.5-axis milling, turning, and drilling operations.
• Optimise machining strategies using feature-based recognition.
• Reduce setup times with rule-based machining for standardised manufacturing.
• Improve production accuracy with tolerance-based machining (TBM), ensuring better quality control.

By integrating CAM within the SOLIDWORKS design environment, users can seamlessly transition from CAD to CNC machining without switching between multiple platforms.

SOLIDWORKS CAM supports various CNC machining processes, including:

• 2.5-Axis Milling – Ideal for profiling, pocketing, drilling, and facing.
• Turning – Supports lathe operations like facing, grooving, threading, and boring.
• High-Speed Machining (HSM) – Reduces tool wear and improves efficiency.
• Tolerance-Based Machining (TBM) – Adjusts machining parameters based on dimensional tolerances in CAD models.

These capabilities make SOLIDWORKS CAM suitable for a wide range of industries, from aerospace and automotive to medical and industrial manufacturing.

Feature-based machining (FBM) automatically recognises design features such as holes, pockets, and bosses, eliminating the need for manual programming. With FBM, users can:

• Save time by reducing repetitive CAM programming tasks.
• Apply rule-based automation to enforce machining best practices.
• Ensure consistency across parts by standardising machining processes.

This intelligent automation reduces human error and accelerates CNC toolpath creation, making manufacturing more efficient.

SOLIDWORKS CAM ensures higher accuracy and fewer errors by:

• Synchronising design and machining data – Any changes to the CAD model automatically update toolpaths.
• Tolerance-Based Machining (TBM) – Adjusts cutting strategies based on tolerance specifications, improving precision.
• Simulating machining operations – Users can verify toolpaths and detect potential collisions before sending programs to the CNC machine.

These features lead to higher-quality finished parts and reduced scrap rates, saving time and material costs.

SOLIDWORKS CAM is available in two main versions, each offering different levels of functionality:

• SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard – Includes 2.5-axis milling, automatic feature recognition, and basic rule-based machining.
• SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional – Adds turning capabilities, 3+2 machining, high-speed machining, and assembly machining for more complex manufacturing needs.

SOLIDWORKS CAM is ideal for:

• Manufacturers – To streamline CNC programming and reduce production costs.
• Machine Shops – To improve turnaround times and standardise machining processes.
• Design Engineers – To ensure manufacturability and optimise designs for CNC machining.
• Aerospace, Automotive & Medical Industries – Where precision, efficiency, and compliance are critical.

By integrating CAD and CAM into a single, connected workflow, SOLIDWORKS CAM enables teams to work faster and smarter, ensuring better manufacturing outcomes.

You can purchase SOLIDWORKS CAM through MECAD Systems, an authorised SOLIDWORKS reseller. We offer:

• Custom licensing options to fit your business needs.
• Expert training & support to help you get the most from SOLIDWORKS CAM.
• Free consultations & product demonstrations to show how SOLIDWORKS CAM can improve your machining processes.

Contact MECAD Systems today to discover how SOLIDWORKS CAM can help you achieve faster, more precise, and cost-effective CNC machining.