Everything You Need to Know About SolidCAM Milling

With its flexible modules to quickly solve your most complex milling and turning challenges, SolidCAM makes it easy to have a intuitive interface and easy to learn workflow.

SolidCAM’s milling capabilities are further broken into modules, allowing users to get exactly what they need from a CAM software package. Working with 2-axis routers up to complex 5-axis machines, this CNC programming tool provides time-saving features such as automatic feature recognition to quickly detect hole patterns and chamfers, plus the power of iMachining.

2.5D SolidCAM Milling

SolidCAM 2.5D Milling provides the fastest, most powerful, and easiest to create 2.5D CNC milling toolpaths that integrates seamlessly into SOLIDWORKS.

Define your SolidCAM toolpaths using supported parts, assemblies and sketch geometry.

Fixtures and components are fully visualized during setup to your programs, so there’s no guesswork involved.

In addition to standard 2.5D milling operations like profiling, pocketing, and drilling, SolidCAM also offers the following toolpath options:

• Automatic Rest Machining: Allows you to cut the remaining material leftover from using larger tools.
• Chamfer Machining: Machine chamfers and edge breaks using the same geometry defined in the main operations.
• Thread Milling: Machining standard internal and external threads.
• Variable Level Milling: Mill multiple pockets and profiles in a single file.
• Engraving: You can engrave on flat or wrapped faces.
• Contour 3D: Automatically drives the tool along a 3D curve, cutting the model at different depths.
• Wrapped Geometry Around Rotation Axes: Allows flat geometry to be selected, then the software wraps it to create a 4-axis toolpath.
• T-slot Tool Path: Generate and machine a toolpath using a T-Slot cutter.

iMachining Modules for Milling

iMachining is a patented technology that redefines roughing toolpaths by optimizing cutting conditions in real time. SolidCAM enhances iMachining performance by reducing cycle time and increasing tool life, allowing you to cut deeper and faster with optimized cutting angles, feeds, and speeds on every toolpath.

iMachining 2D

The iMachining 2D module takes the power of SolidCAM a step further by reducing cycle times, increasing tool life, and maximizing performance with optimized feeds and speeds. It also improves programming productivity thanks to its ease of use, and the ability to optimize 4-axis operations alongside Mill-Turn machining.

iMachining 2D programming dialog

• Combined Toolpaths: Linking roughing and finishing toolpaths, taking rest material into account.
• Multi-tool Selection: Select multiple tools, and it will process all the selected tools in a single operation.
• iRough + iFinish: Roughing and finishing with the same tool without the need to define a secondary finish toolpath.
• iFinish: Precise machining of hard materials, allowing for multiple tools for finishing walls and floors.

iMachining 3D

iMachining 3D uses a knowledge-based Technology Wizard to create optimal motion, combined with step-overs and step-downs to rough out your whole part in one toolpath. Parts can be roughed, rest machined, and finished with different tools in a single toolpath. These capabilities help decrease the time needed to program while increasing machining efficiency.

iMachining 3D Technology Wizard

iMachining 3D analysis algorithm gets the most optimal order for roughing and rest roughing. With full-depth step-downs, intelligent step-ups, and smart positioning, iMachining 3D delivers unmatched performance, cutting machining cycle time by 50% or more.

Additional benefits to using iMachining 3D include:

• Whole Flute Roughing: Roughing uses the entire flute length, resulting in shorter cycle times and increased tool life.
• Dynamic Updated Stock: Programmed stock stays up to date to help eliminate air cutting.
• Automatic Collision Avoidance: Toolpaths automatically adjust to avoid collisions between the tool holder and the workpiece at every stage of the machining process.

Automatic Feature Recognition & Machining (AFRM)

SolidCAM’s AFRM is another powerful feature for automating recognition and machining. Adding this module to your toolset can increase the speed at which you can program while reducing errors with automation.

SolidCAM automatic hole recognition

The AFRM module includes recognition for a multitude of feature and operation types, including:

• Pocket Recognition: Automatic recognition of all pockets on your part, regardless of type. The features are identified by depth and Z-level and are to be machined in a single operation.
• Chamfering and Deburring: Automatic recognition of sharp edges to create deburring toolpaths. SolidCAM intelligently avoids vertical walls and collisions while making it simple to add this to your workflow.
• Drill Recognition: Automatic recognition of all drills on the machined parts. Simplifies the creation of drilling and spot drilling operations across your entire part.
• SolidCAM Hole Wizard: Automatic recognition of all holes and hole patterns on the machined part to optimize complex machining operations. Geometry and dimensions are pulled directly from the CAD data to ensure accurate programming.

High-Speed Surfacing (HSS)

SolidCAM HSS is a high-speed 3D surface machining module designed for smooth and efficient machining of surfaces or faces, including undercuts. This module supports both standard and non-standard tool shapes, helping to significantly increase surface quality.

SolidCAM HSS module toolpath options

Indexial 4/5-Axis Milling

Indexial 4/5-Axis Milling provides you with 3+2 or 3+1 positioning support. This module allows you to position your rotary axis in order to machine a complete part in a single setup. With SolidCAM, creating coordinate systems is simple, just select the face you want to machine, choose an origin, and you’re ready to go.

5th axis prepositioning support

Turbo High Speed Roughing (THSR) and Turbo High Speed Machining (THSM)

SolidCAM’s Turbo 3D HSR (THSR) and Turbo 3D HSM (THSM) are advanced High Speed Roughing (HSR),and High Speed Machining (HSM) modules designed for significantly faster calculations compared to the standard modules. The 3-Axis calculation engine recalculates the tool path at incredible speeds by utilizing all the cores for tool path calculations.

SolidCAM HSM toolpath options

Benefits of using THSR and THSM include:

• Fewer Options: Streamlined interface allows you to create the toolpath much faster.
• Advanced Gouge Checking: Additional strategies when calculating toolpaths reduce errors in machining.
• Lightning-fast Calculation: Multi-core processing means spending less time waiting for toolpaths to generate.

Simultaneous 5x Milling

SolidCAM has the most tested and proven 5-Axis machining tool paths in the industry. With an intuitive user interface and collision checking combined with machine simulation, you can be sure it will run safely on your machine.

SolidCAM 5-axis machining simulation

Benefits of using the Simultaneous 5x Milling module include:

• Multiple Strategies: Leverage a multitude of 5-axis cutting strategies to tailor toolpaths to your needs.
• Automatic Collision Detection: Toolpath calculations take both the tool and holder into account to avoid crashes.
• Tool and Side Tilting: Control tool and side tilts with leading and lagging angles.
• Rest-Rough Machining: Utilize large cutters to clear out bulk material before following with a smaller tool to machine what is left over.

Solid Probe

Solid Probe operations allow you to create probing cycles offline and simulate them to check for gouges before they go on the machine. Solid Probe supports a variety of probe cycles coupled with easy geometry selection and visual verification, so you can be sure it will run the way you programmed it on the machine.

Along with SolidCAM’s toolpaths, probing operations are fully associative with the part file. This means that any changes to the model will be automatically recognized by SolidCAM, and operations will be adjusted accordingly.

Probing operations on a part

Why Pick SolidCAM?

SolidCAM is a trusted CAM solution for manufacturers looking to improve efficiency, precision, and ease of use. Fully integrated with SOLIDWORKS, it supports all major CAD formats and offers an intuitive workflow with a short learning curve. Patented iMachining technology delivers optimized roughing, reducing cycle time and tool wear. With flexible modules for a wide range of CNC machines, SolidCAM is a reliable, high-performance choice for modern manufacturing.

To see how SolidCAM can improve your current milling processes, contact us today!