Driven by innovation and machinery advancements, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) solutions are evolving rapidly, far beyond the confines of its traditional work envelope. Manufacturers can today leverage an array of advances including extended support of multitasking machine tools, full machine 3D simulation capabilities, and new tool paths for multi-axis and high-speed machining. With over 30 years of expertise in CAM development and applications, SolidCAM provides powerful, comprehensive, user-friendly solutions that support the entire range of manufacturing processes.

The core strategy of SolidCAM focuses on seamless integration with leading 3D computer-aided design (CAD) systems including SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Inventor. SolidCAM’s solution operates directly in existing CAD systems with full path associativity, where design changes initiate automatic tool path updates to the design model. “Featuring single-window integration, all machining operations can be defined and verified inside the parametric CAD assembly environment that you are accustomed to,” explains Emil Somekh, founder and CEO of SolidCAM.

The company’s patented iMachining tool path technology delivers a breakthrough in computer numerical control (CNC) machining, providing significant savings and increased efficiency in milling operations, which leads to higher profits. iMachining enables faster and deeper machining by optimizing tool cutting angles and feed rates extensively. It enables existing CNC machines to run faster and deeper, even with the smallest cutting tools in the hardest materials, while also increasing tool life remarkably.

Coupled with the unique iMachining tool path, iMachining Technology Wizard provides optimal feed and speed values for different materials and CNC machines to ensure first-cut success, eliminating preliminary trial and error processes required to find the desired settings. Technology Wizard uses an advanced, patented “technology algorithm” to compute and maintain ideal cutting conditions. While other solutions on the market also attempt to suggest ideal parameters for cutting values, they lack the ability to control the cutter, which results in a situation similar to “driving in the dark without headlights,” remarks Somekh. The combination of iMachining tool path and Technology Wizard saves more than 70 percent of the CNC machining time and is fully integrated with SOLIDWORKS.

SolidCAM offers a variety of CAM modules that include 2.5D Milling, High-Speed Surfacing, 3D High-Speed Machining, Indexial Multiaxis Machining, Simultaneous 5x Milling, Turning, and Advanced Mill-Turn. The solutions cater to three different levels of customers ranging from small machine shops, engineering and manufacturing companies to large aerospace and automotive enterprises. SolidCAM distributes its solutions through a network of affiliates and resellers present in 50 different countries across the world. This network is complemented by SolidCAM’s dedicated worldwide support and sales teams, which provide the best technical support to guarantee a user-friendly experience. Ravi

When compared to other CAM solutions, SolidCAM’s iMachining trumps any benchmark in terms of ease-of-use, programming time, cycle time, and tool life. Somekh narrates an incident where a client was running a trial between SolidCAM’s iMachining solution with another competitor. With iMachining, the client experienced an 80 percent reduction in machining time, which was significantly greater than what the competitor achieved. Offering best-in-class integrated CAM solutions for efficient and profitable CNC programming, SolidCAM continues to enhance its solutions to keep pace with the advances in CNC machines. Moving forward, the company plans to expand its operations in the U.S., Japan, and China markets.