SolidCAM
What is SolidCAM?
SolidCAM is a CAM software used for programming CNC machining directly within the CAD environment. It is an integrated CAM solution that allows a machinist, machine shop, or manufacturing facility to create toolpaths, simulate machining, and generate NC programs without the need to transfer data between separate CAD and CAM systems. SolidCAM is known especially for its seamless integration with CAD programs such as SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Inventor, along with its powerful machining strategies for demanding CNC operations.
Background and development of SolidCAM
SolidCAM was founded in 1984 by Dr. Emil Somekh. The company's original idea was to create an integrated CAM software where machining planning happens directly alongside the CAD model. This approach differed from traditional, separate CAM solutions and enabled full associativity between CAD changes and CAM toolpaths. Over the decades, SolidCAM has grown into an independent CAM software provider with a broad international user base in the manufacturing industry.
SolidCAM and integrated CAM machining
SolidCAM operates directly inside the CAD program, letting machinists work in a single interface throughout the process. Toolpaths, machining strategies, and simulations are all based directly on the solid model, reducing errors and speeding up adjustments. This is especially important in machine shops where CAD models change during production and CAM programming needs to keep pace without manual rework. The integrated approach supports both one-off parts and series production CNC machining.
iMachining as part of SolidCAM
One of SolidCAM’s best-known features is iMachining, an intelligent milling strategy for demanding machining tasks. iMachining automatically takes into account material, tool, and machine properties, so the cutting parameters adapt throughout the toolpath. The goal is controlled chip removal, constant load, and efficient material removal. For machinists, this translates into more reliable processes, longer tool life, and more productive CNC milling, especially in hard or challenging materials.
SolidCAM and complex CNC machining
SolidCAM supports a wide variety of machining methods, from traditional 2.5-axis milling to complex 5-axis machining, turning, and turn-milling. The software is also used in advanced mill-turn and Swiss-type lathe applications, where machine kinematics and collision detection are especially important. Realistic CAM simulation helps machinists ensure that toolpaths, tools, and workholding function as intended before transferring the NC program to the machine.
SolidCAM in the manufacturing industry
In the manufacturing industry, SolidCAM is used across various sectors, including general machining, aerospace and automotive industries, mold making, and subcontract manufacturing. The scalability of the software allows it to be used in both small machine shops and large production environments. SolidCAM supports standardized CAM programming, helping shops to harmonize machining methods, tool libraries, and postprocessors across different CNC machines.
Summary
SolidCAM is an integrated CAM software designed for efficient and reliable programming of CNC machining directly within the CAD environment. Its strengths are seamless CAD integration, versatile machining strategies, and iMachining technology—all supporting the needs of the modern machine shop. SolidCAM is well-suited for machinists, machine shops, and manufacturing facilities that require a flexible and technically advanced CAM solution for demanding manufacturing industry applications.
