SolidCAM
Trusted CAM software for CNC manufacturers and machine shops

SolidCAM

SolidCAM is an integrated CAM software solution for CNC programming, simulation and machining, built to run directly inside SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge and Autodesk Inventor. It helps manufacturers, toolrooms and machine shops in South Africa move from CAD to production faster with associative toolpaths, advanced machining strategies and modules for milling, turning, mill-turn, Swiss machining, 5-axis machining and more. SolidCAM states that its patented iMachining technology can reduce cycle times and extend tool life under suitable applications.

Integrated
CAD/CAM

Faster CNC Programming

Accurate
Toolpaths

Smarter Machining Workflow

SolidCAM Trusted by manufacturers and machine shops worldwide

SolidCAM

SolidCAM is an integrated CAM software solution for CNC programming, simulation and machining, built to run directly inside SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge and Autodesk Inventor. It helps manufacturers, toolrooms and machine shops in South Africa move from CAD to production faster with associative toolpaths, advanced machining strategies and modules for milling, turning, mill-turn, Swiss machining, 5-axis machining and more. SolidCAM states that its patented iMachining technology can reduce cycle times and extend tool life under suitable applications.

Integrated CAD/CAM

Faster CNC Programming

Accurate
Toolpaths

Smarter Machining Workflow

What SolidCAM Can Do for Your Business

SolidCAM gives your team a practical way to program CNC parts inside the CAD environment you already use.

Because it runs directly inside supported CAD platforms, your programmers can create, update and verify toolpaths without jumping between disconnected systems or re-importing files. Full associativity means that when the model changes, the machining data updates with it, helping reduce rework and keeping programming aligned with design revisions.

From day-to-day 2.5D milling to advanced mill-turn, Swiss machining and simultaneous 5-axis work, SolidCAM is built for manufacturers that need flexibility across different machines, materials and job requirements. This makes it relevant for subcontract machine shops, production environments, tooling operations and engineering-led manufacturers looking for a more connected CNC workflow.

See Why Titans of CNC Rely on SolidCAM

Watch the Titans of CNC team use SolidCAM in real shop conditions to handle precision machining with ease.

Their real-world results show just how reliable and powerful SolidCAM can be.

If top machinists turn to SolidCAM for serious projects, you can trust it to give your work the same level of performance and accuracy.

Explore SolidCAM’s Key Machining Modules

SolidCAM Swiss Machining

Easily programmes complex Swiss type CNC machines with multiple turrets and spindles. Provides optimised turning and milling, full synchronisation and accurate machine simulation for high precision parts on main and sub spindles.

SolidCAM iMachining 2D

Automates 2D pocketing, profiling and contouring with adaptive feeds and speeds. iMachining’s patented Technology Wizard calculates optimal cutting conditions to shorten cycle times and extend tool life on a wide range of materials.

SolidCAM iMachining 3D

Applies iMachining’s high performance roughing and rest roughing strategies to 3D parts. Provides efficient step down and step up passes that improve machining time and surface quality on complex geometries.

SolidCAM Prismatic Parts Machining

Automatically recognises prismatic features on 3D CAD models and generates suitable machining operations. Helps reduce setup and programming time while improving consistency for production machining of prismatic parts.

SolidCAM 2.5D Milling

Combines user friendly toolpath control with advanced strategies for drilling, pocketing and contouring. Ideal for prototypes and production parts that need reliable 2.5D machining directly from the CAD model.

SolidCAM Turning and Mill-Turn

Supports advanced mill turn centres with multiple spindles and turrets. Enables synchronised turning and milling operations, including multi channel and Swiss type machines, with full machine simulation.

SolidCAM HSR and HSM (High-Speed Roughing & Machining)

Delivers efficient, high speed toolpaths for complex 3D shapes, using roughing and finishing strategies that improve material removal rates while maintaining accuracy and surface finish.

SolidCAM HSS (High-Speed Surface Machining)

Specialised module for finishing individual surfaces and shallow areas with precise control over tool contact. Ideal for mould and die work, undercuts and local surface improvements.

SolidCAM Multi-Sided Machining

Simplifies multi sided operations by allowing several coordinate systems and setups on a single part. Supports indexial 4 and 5 axis machining for parts with multiple orientations.

SolidCAM 5-Axis Machining

Offers simultaneous 5 axis toolpath control with advanced collision detection and machine simulation. Supports a wide range of multi axis strategies for blades, impellers, ports and other complex components.

SolidCAM Mould and Die Manufacturing

Combines iMachining, high speed machining and 5 axis capabilities to achieve smooth finishes and accurate details in moulds, dies and complex forming tools.

SolidCAM Solid Probe

Integrates on machine probing for set up, in process measurement and final inspection. Supports automatic work offset setting, part verification and adaptive machining based on measured data.

SolidCAM Turning

Provides flexible strategies for roughing, finishing, threading and grooving on CNC lathes. Supports single spindle and multi spindle turning, with full control over toolpaths and stock.

SolidCAM Wire EDM

Supports 2 axis and 4 axis wire cutting, with control over tapers, corner strategies and offsets for a wide range of materials and part geometries.

SolidCAM AFEB (Automatic Feature Recognition)

Detects 2.5D features automatically and creates optimised toolpaths based on predefined machining templates. Reduces repetitive programming steps on similar part families.

How SolidCAM Compares to Other CAM Software

When companies compare CAM software, the biggest differences often come down to workflow continuity, associativity and how easily the system fits into existing CAD and CNC processes. SolidCAM stands out through its direct integration inside supported CAD platforms, which helps eliminate unnecessary file transfers and keeps machining data linked to the original model.

How to Get SolidCAM for Your Business

Step 1: Schedule Your Demo
Speak to the team about your machines, materials, CAD platform and machining requirements. This is the best place to identify the SolidCAM modules that suit your production environment.
Step 2: Test with Your Own Projects
Review how SolidCAM performs against your own parts and workflows. Testing your own components makes it easier to assess programming speed, machining strategy fit and simulation requirements.
Step 3: Implement and Optimise
Deploy SolidCAM in your CAD environment, configure the right modules and build a workflow that supports faster, more consistent CNC programming across your operation.

Is SolidCAM included in SOLIDWORKS?

SolidCAM is not a standard feature included with SOLIDWORKS licences. It is a CAM solution that runs directly inside SOLIDWORKS as an integrated add-in, giving users a single-window CAD/CAM workflow with associative toolpaths.

Can SolidCAM handle 5-axis machining and simulation?

Yes. SolidCAM includes dedicated 5-axis machining capabilities, and the platform also supports simulation and toolpath verification across its machining workflows. The exact simulation depth can depend on the selected modules and machine setup.

Can SolidCAM handle 5-axis machining and simulation?

Yes. SolidCAM includes dedicated 5-axis machining capabilities, and the platform also supports simulation and toolpath verification across its machining workflows. The exact simulation depth can depend on the selected modules and machine setup.

What is SolidCAM iMachining and how does it improve performance?

iMachining is SolidCAM’s patented high-performance milling technology. It uses an intelligent toolpath strategy and technology-driven feed and speed calculations to improve cutting efficiency. SolidCAM states that, in suitable applications, iMachining can significantly reduce cycle times and extend tool life.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about SolidCAM software, CNC programming, supported machining modules and pricing in South Africa.

SolidCAM is a CAM software platform for CNC programming that runs inside supported CAD systems such as SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge and Autodesk Inventor. It is used to create, calculate and verify machining operations in an integrated environment.

SolidCAM is used to program CNC machining operations for milling, turning, mill-turn, Swiss machining, 5-axis machining, Wire EDM and related manufacturing workflows. It helps manufacturers move from CAD geometry to machine-ready toolpaths more efficiently.

SolidCAM supports a wide range of machining applications, including 2.5D milling, high-speed machining, turning, mill-turn, Swiss machining, mould and die work, simultaneous 5-axis machining, probing and Wire EDM.

SolidCAM runs directly inside supported CAD software, which allows programmers to define and verify machining operations without leaving the CAD environment. It also maintains associativity, so toolpaths can update when the model changes.

iMachining is SolidCAM’s patented milling technology designed to optimise tool engagement, feeds and speeds for more efficient cutting. SolidCAM promotes it as a major productivity feature for suitable machining applications.

SolidCAM is used by CNC programmers, machine shops, toolrooms, production manufacturers, mould and die operations and engineering businesses that need CAD-integrated CAM software for machining workflows.

SolidCAM supports efficiency by keeping CAD and CAM in one workflow, reducing manual transfer steps, maintaining toolpath associativity and offering advanced machining modules for different production needs.

Yes. SolidCAM offers modules for simultaneous 5-axis machining, advanced mill-turn operations, Swiss machining and complex 3D machining strategies, making it suitable for more demanding parts and production requirements.

SolidCAM fits between CAD design and machine execution by turning model geometry into machining operations, toolpaths and verified CNC programs inside a connected software environment.

The best route is to request pricing based on your CAD platform, required modules, machine type and production needs. That gives you a more accurate recommendation than using generic package assumptions.

Experience SolidCAM in Action

See how SolidCAM can fit into your CNC programming workflow, evaluate the right modules for your machines and explore pricing based on your production requirements. Request a personalised demo and assess the software against your own projects.

Experience SolidCAM in Action

See how SolidCAM can fit into your CNC programming workflow, evaluate the right modules for your machines and explore pricing based on your production requirements. Request a personalised demo and assess the software against your own projects.