Trusted CAM software for CNC manufacturers and machine shops
SolidCAM 2.5D Milling
SolidCAM 2.5D Milling is built to create 2.5D CNC milling toolpaths with a balance of interactive control and automation. It supports common milling tasks such as profiling, pocketing, and drilling, while also extending into more advanced operations that help manufacturers handle variable levels, rest machining, engraving, wrapped geometry, and specialised slot machining more efficiently.
- Combine interactive programming control with automated feature recognition
- Create profiling, pocketing, and drilling toolpaths more efficiently
- Recognise pockets and holes directly from the CAD model
Trusted by manufacturers and machine shops worldwide
SolidCAM
2.5D Milling
SolidCAM 2.5D Milling is built to create 2.5D CNC milling toolpaths with a balance of interactive control and automation. It supports common milling tasks such as profiling, pocketing, and drilling, while also extending into more advanced operations that help manufacturers handle variable levels, rest machining, engraving, wrapped geometry, and specialised slot machining more efficiently.
- Combine interactive programming control with automated feature recognition
- Create profiling, pocketing, and drilling toolpaths more efficiently
- Recognise pockets and holes directly from the CAD model
What Is SolidCAM 2.5D Milling?
SolidCAM 2.5D Milling is a CAM module designed for programming 2.5D CNC milling operations inside an integrated CAD environment. It gives users the flexibility to work directly on parts, assemblies, and sketch geometry while defining machining operations and visualising fixtures and components in context. That makes it well suited to manufacturers that want a practical, streamlined way to create 2.5D milling strategies without switching between disconnected systems.
A key strength of the module is that it supports both fully interactive machining and automated feature recognition. This allows programmers to either control geometry, parameters, and strategies manually, or speed up the process by using automated pocket and drill recognition where it makes sense.
Key Capabilities of SolidCAM 2.5D Milling
Interactive 2.5D Milling Operations
SolidCAM 2.5D Milling supports the core 2.5D operations manufacturers rely on most, including profiling, pocketing, and drilling. Beyond these standard workflows, it also provides tools that allow users to adapt geometry, set variable levels, and define machining strategies with a high degree of control.
Chain Modification Without Changing the CAD Model
The module includes chain modification options such as offsetting, trimming, and extending. This allows programmers to adjust machining geometry without having to edit the CAD model itself, which can save time when small programming changes are needed for manufacturing purposes.
Automatic Rest Material Machining
SolidCAM 2.5D Milling includes automatic rest material machining so that smaller tools can remove only the material left behind after larger tools have completed the initial cut. This helps create a more efficient workflow and improves machining access in tighter areas.
Drill Recognition and Pocket Recognition
The module can automatically recognise and group holes from the solid model, including groups at different levels and depths. It can also identify pockets directly from the CAD model while carrying across the strategies and options used in the standard pocket operation. These recognition tools help reduce manual geometry selection and simplify programming on parts with repeated or varied features.
Expanded Machining Options for Specialised Features
SolidCAM 2.5D Milling also supports chamfer machining, thread milling, engraving on flat and wrapped faces, contour 3D machining along a 3D curve, wrapped geometry around rotation axes, multi-depth drilling for deep and cross-hole drilling, and T-slot machining for side slots with undercut. This gives the module wider flexibility than a basic 2.5D package.
Benefits of SolidCAM 2.5D Milling
Improve Programming Flexibility
Because the module supports both interactive programming and automated recognition, it gives manufacturers the freedom to choose the workflow that best matches the part. Simpler jobs can be programmed quickly, while more complex parts can still be controlled in greater detail where required.
Reduce Manual Geometry Preparation
Automatic pocket and drill recognition can significantly cut down the amount of manual geometry selection needed during programming. This is especially useful on parts with multiple holes, pockets, levels, and repeated features.
Handle More 2.5D Milling Scenarios in One Module
With support for profiling, pocketing, drilling, chamfering, thread milling, engraving, wrapped machining, contour 3D, T-slot machining, and multi-depth drilling, the module gives manufacturers a broader set of tools within one 2.5D milling environment.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about SolidCAM software, CNC programming, supported machining modules and pricing in South Africa.
SolidCAM 2.5D Milling is used to create 2.5D CNC milling toolpaths for operations such as profiling, pocketing, drilling, chamfering, thread milling, and engraving.
Yes. It includes both drill recognition and pocket recognition to identify holes and pockets directly from the CAD model.
Yes. The module supports variable levels in pockets and profiles, and drill recognition can machine groups of holes on varying levels and depths.
Yes. It includes automatic rest material machining so smaller tools can remove the material left behind after larger tools.
No. In addition to standard 2.5D operations, it supports chamfer machining, thread milling, contour 3D, wrapped machining, engraving, T-slot machining, and multi-depth drilling.
Yes. Chain modification tools such as offsetting, trimming, and extending allow geometry changes for machining without altering the CAD model.
See SolidCAM 2.5D Milling in Action
If your business needs a more capable and efficient way to create 2.5D CNC milling toolpaths, SolidCAM 2.5D Milling provides the flexibility, feature recognition, and machining control needed to support a wide range of milling tasks. Speak to Simutron to request a demo, discuss your requirements, or get a quote.