Solidcam Programming
Anthony Small
Just in case you don't know, you MUST have Solidworks for CAD in order to use Solidcam. If your using another CAD system, you will have to incorporate Solidworks as Solidcam works "inside" Solidworks' interface. This combo(CAD/CAM) does not compare to UGNX3 in cost or ability. It does not have the features, toolpaths, or complexity of UG, nor the costs. The associativity is very nice, as making changes to a model and updating the toolpath all inside one system is so sweet. The ability to keep everything associated with the part, tools, holders, fixtures, etc.. all inside one system as assembly's using Solidworks' PDM works is awesome.
Solidcam is one of only two "Gold Partners" with Solidworks. This enables the user to not only access the geometry, but also includes the feature tree, dimension tolerances, GD&Ts, surface finish symbols, sketch entities, notes, and other items related to the product definition. As a "Gold Partner", Solidcam maintains a close relationship with Solidworks product development. Alpha and Beta versions of new Solidworks releases are provided to Solidcam so that necessary mod's or additional features can be added to Solidcam to take advantage of new Solidworks functionality.
Solidcam is written in C++. Users can customize certain aspects of the Solidcam system, such as machining processes, technological database for hole recognition and machining, however Solidcam does not provide API-based customization using tools such as "Visual Basics".
SolidCAM is relatively easy to learn and use. We were able to apply simple toolpaths on our models relatively quickly compared to most other CAM systems we tried. However, with this ease, comes some downsides. The ability to "get the best possible toolpaths" either wasn't possible, or took alot of "side steps".
Solidcam does not support NURBS, Mill-Turn simulation, sub spindle's, "pinch turning", constant cutter load, but does offer some of the newer "trochoidal" and "plunge milling" toolpaths. Solidcam supports 2 axis, 2 + 3 axis, all the way to full 5 axis toolpaths.
Solidcam offers several different simulation options including 3D simulation which is supported by MachineWorks. MachineWorks is an outside vendor that supplies several CAM systems with toolpath verification. In MachineWorks, simulation occurs BEFORE posting and BEFORE G-codes are computed in the post processor. Not exactly the most accurate simulation(ala Vericut).
Solidcam uses and developed its own post processer as opposed to using an outside vendor(ala ). Unlike most CAM systems, a CL-file(cutter location file) is NOT directly generated in Solidcam. It can be generated from a post processor. Instead, Solidcam employs its own internal code that is unique to Solidcam. It is referred to as a "parameter code or P code". Solidcam believes that their "P code" is more efficient than the use of a "CL file". Sub-routines are built into this "P code". If an operation is to take place at multiple levels the commands are only created once, as compared to being generated for each level. The Solidcam program output is very efficient. If the same operation is performed several times the commands are only recorded once in the output, thereby minimizing the program length. In many other systems the commands are often repeated.
I could ramble on and on, but I hope I gave you a few things to consider. You can read all about the "good and bad" concerning Solidcam, and for that matter, almost all the CAD/CAM products from CIMDATA. They are an independent company that reviews products similar to "Consumer Reports". They have reviews on almost all the CAD/CAM companies out there. Some of the points I spoke of above are directly quoted from CIMDATA'a report on Solidcam. You can request it from either Cimdata or Solidcam. Good luck!!!
I have used both SolidCAM and MasterCAM and my advice is to skip SolidCAM. Our company had MC9 mill level 1 and instead of paying 9k to upgrade to level 3 when we needed to do 3D work, we bought S-CAM for this work. This was a mistake. SolidCAM runs very slowly, crashes often, and doesn't allow fine toolpath control. Now, we have purchased MCX2 level 3 and this has been working awesome for us.
My boss was just asking me to look into SolidCam the other day. We do programming almost exclusivly from Solidworks files, and to be able to work inside of SW with associativity sounds awesome. I know Mastercamdirect is supposed to be able to directly import SW files, but if part has been built in an assembly, or heavily modified, Mastercamdirect will not work.
RICHMOND, Va., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TriMech has a new partnership with SolidCAM, known worldwide for its CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) solution for efficient, user-friendly programming for all CNC manufacturing technologies, as well as its single-window integration and associativity with SOLIDWORKS.
Shawn Devaney, Chief Revenue Officer for TriMech, said TriMech's manufacturing experts carefully evaluated CAM solutions and chose to partner with SolidCAM, based on its ease of use, features, and seamless integration in Dassault Systmes' SOLIDWORKS CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software.
For 40 years, SolidCAM has focused its R&D on CAM innovation, providing advanced solutions for CNC machining that deliver smooth integration and time-saving automation within SOLIDWORKS. All machining operations can be defined and verified without leaving the CAD environment; when a user changes a design, machining toolpaths recalculate automatically. Using SolidCAM improves communication among SOLIDWORKS designers, CAM programmers, and shop floor CNC operators.
SolidCAM is used across all industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, machine design, optics, consumer products, and mold, tool, and die. Clients range from small job shops to large manufacturing businesses and include technical training institutions.
"Manufacturers face ever-increasing demands to keep costs down and increase speed, so every minute counts. With faster CAM programming and shorter machining cycle times, every CNC machine is operating to the fullest."
SolidCAM's partnerships with CNC machine manufacturers ensure that the software supports the latest equipment and manufacturing processes. SolidCAM supports all CNC technologies, including the most advanced multi-channel mill-turn and Swiss-type CNC machines. Its patented iMachining technology saves 70% or more in machining cycle time and dramatically increases the lifespan of the cutting tool. The unique iMachining Wizard provides optimal feeds and speeds for every point of the toolpath.
TriMech is part of TriMech Group, a collection of established brands serving designers, engineers, and manufacturers, and operating in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Europe's Nordic regions. The Group's footprint in North America is unparalleled, with TriMech in the U.S. and Javelin in Canada.
"TriMech's client base includes thousands of manufacturers, machine shops, machinists, and CNC programmers and operators. SolidCAM can improve their day-to-day work, their department's performance, and their overall business success. Interest in SolidCAM is growing in North America and momentum is building. It's the perfect time to spread the word about SolidCAM through TriMech and Javelin."
In the UK, TriMech Group's Solid Solutions is an established, successful reseller for SolidCAM. TriMech CEO Alan Sampson explained that through collaboration among the manufacturing/CAM experts at TriMech, Solid Solutions, and SolidCAM, a wider team of people can come together to solve client challenges.
"As always, clients of TriMech Group have access to more people, products, and services and can trust that TriMech will bring the right combination of tools to the job, along with timely, top-notch service and support."
"We evolve and grow just as our clients do," Sampson said. "SolidCAM is scalable as client applications evolve or production increases. And new partnerships like this one broaden the range of solutions TriMech can offer to clients, who are increasingly seeking more depth of expertise and expert guidance."
TriMech Group is a collection of established brands operating in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Europe's Nordic regions. Its global team includes hundreds of engineers who excel in areas including design, collaboration, simulation, analysis, process and workflow optimization, product data management, lifecycle management, manufacturing, and production floor solutions.
As a leading technology and business solutions partner for designers, engineers, and manufacturers, TriMech Group works with top software and hardware partners, including Dassault Systmes, SOLIDWORKS, Stratasys, Artec, and Zeiss, and its experts provide design and engineering software, advanced manufacturing solutions, and associated training, consulting, implementation, and staffing services for clients across a variety of industries.
SolidCAM's growth is driven by its dedication to successful user experiences and its support for the most advanced CNC machining technologies. SolidCAM has revolutionized how advanced mill-turn and Swiss-type CNC machines are programmed for best machining results. Its superior, patented iMachining technology provides immense productivity gains to all types and sizes of CNC manufacturers.
SolidCAM has more than 300 developers, CNC applications and sales staff, and an international reseller network that spans the globe. The company, led by its founder, Dr. Emil Somekh, provides the ultimate CAM tool for CNC manufacturers.
SolidCAM is the perfect solution for multi-channel Mill-Turn and Swiss-Type CNC machines. Get powerful, yet easy-to-use, CAM programming that supports full multi-channel Mill-Turn synchronization, which enables you to optimally program your multi-turret and multi-spindle CNCs, then watch full machine simulation of your operations.
POWERFUL TOOL FOR YOUR CNC OPERATOR CAM Programmers are technologists that determine the strategy for machining a part on the shop floor. Usually well acquainted with CNC technology and capabilities, a CAM Programmer uses SolidCAM to define the machining process, using a variety of machine operations. At each stage, the Programmer can use the SolidCAM simulation capabilities to check the operations and then produce a G-Code file. CNC Operators get the G-Code file, list of tools, a setup sheet showing the part clamping and locations of work offsets. They then perform a step-by-step dry run at the CNC of the machining operations, to verify that the G-Code prepared by the Programmer is error-free, with no collisions. This then ensures that they can run the machine with a real part without concerns. SolidCAM for Operator LEVEL 1 CAM PROGRAMMERS LEVEL 2 CNC OPERATORS Often the Operator lacks a clear understanding of the machining process, and minor changes may be required in the G-Code, such as changing cutting conditions or offsets of the tools. This forces a return to the Programmer for clarification and minor editing, generally leading to delays in the workflow. SolidCAM for Operator bridges the work of CAM Programmers and CNC machine Operators, and greatly assists to streamline the Machine Shop process. With SolidCAM for Operator, the Programmer and Operator use the same software allowing the Operator to see what the Programmer sees. In many machine shops, there is a complete separation between CAM Programmers and CNC Operators. 2
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