SolidCAM AFRM(Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining) automates the identification and machining of pockets, chamfers, and drilled holes directly from the 3D CAD model. Instead of programming each feature individually, AFRM recognises geometry, depth, and Z-levels automatically and machines them in fewer operations – helping manufacturers reduce programming time and move parts to the machine faster.
SolidCAM AFRM (Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining) automates the identification and machining of pockets, chamfers, and drilled holes directly from the 3D CAD model. Instead of programming each feature individually, AFRM recognises geometry, depth, and Z-levels automatically and machines them in fewer operations – helping manufacturers reduce programming time and move parts to the machine faster.
SolidCAM AFRM is an automation module that recognises machinable features directly from the 3D CAD model and generates the corresponding CNC operations with minimal user input. It covers three key areas: advanced pocket recognition, chamfer recognition, and drill recognition – each designed to reduce the manual geometry selection and operation setup that slows down conventional 2.5D CAM programming.
The module works alongside SolidCAM’s standard 2.5D milling operations, using the same strategies and cutting options but automating the feature detection and depth identification that normally requires manual input. The user retains control over tool selection, technology, and cutting strategy – AFRM automates the geometry side, not the machining decisions. For South African machine shops running a high mix of prismatic parts, AFRM directly addresses the bottleneck that most shops already know: the programmer, not the machine, is usually the constraint. Automating feature recognition means fewer hours spent on repetitive geometry work and more time available for the jobs that need genuine programming attention.
SolidCAM automatically recognises all 2D pockets on the part. All pockets – whether open, closed, blind, or through – are identified with their corresponding depth and Z-level and machined in one operation. All strategies and options of the standard pocket operation are available, combined with variable upper levels and depths recognised from the model faces. The module also includes automatic recognition and machining of fillets on the pocket floor, and automatic rest material recognition on each pocket.
SolidCAM automatically recognises all sharp edges where a chamfer can be applied. The user only sets the depth of the chamfer, the cutting diameter of the tool, and a safety offset. SolidCAM’s chamfer recognition automatically avoids vertical walls and machines as much as possible, while protecting the part from collisions with the shank.
SolidCAM automatically identifies all drills on the solid model and generates the necessary CNC operations. Powerful filter tools allow selection by diameter, Z-level, or drill depth. Spot drills can be generated on all drill positions, where the depth relates to the diameter of the drill tool being used.
SolidCAM’s Hole Wizard with drag-and-drop machining processes optimises the task of programming multiple operations for complex holes. All holes in the CAD feature, including subordinate patterns, are recognised. A complete machining process – selected from a standard library or user-defined – can be dragged onto a single feature or the complete part. SolidCAM then automatically generates all necessary operations.
Parts with many pockets, holes, and chamfers are common in production machining – but programming each feature individually is time-consuming and repetitive. AFRM automates the geometry detection and groups features into fewer operations, freeing the programmer to focus on strategy and tooling rather than manual feature selection.
Full fixture protection is built into AFRM’s pocket, chamfer, and drilling operations. This helps prevent tool-to-fixture contact during automated machining, reducing the risk of fixture damage and scrapped parts. Fixtures are expensive to replace, and a single collision can shut a machine down for hours. Having protection built into the automated recognition workflow – rather than relying on the programmer to add it manually – is a practical safeguard for busy South African production environments.
The Hole Wizard’s drag-and-drop approach allows a complete machining process to be applied to individual holes or the entire part at once. By recognising all holes – including subordinate patterns – and generating the operations automatically, it removes a significant amount of manual programming work from parts with complex or repeated hole features.
Find answers to common questions about SolidCAM software, CNC programming, supported machining modules and pricing in South Africa.
SolidCAM AFRM is used to automate the recognition and machining of pockets, chamfers, and drilled holes directly from the 3D CAD model, reducing manual geometry selection and programming time.
AFRM recognises 2D pockets (open, closed, blind, and through), chamfers on sharp edges, and drilled holes on the solid model. It also recognises fillets on pocket floors and rest material on each pocket.
Yes. SolidCAM states that the user controls the choice of the tool, technology, and cutting strategy. AFRM automates the geometry recognition and depth identification – the machining decisions remain with the programmer.
Yes. SolidCAM states that full fixture protection is available in pocket recognition, chamfer recognition, and 2D drilling, allowing parts to be machined while protecting fixtures from tool contact.
The Hole Wizard uses drag-and-drop machining processes to programme complex holes. All holes in the CAD feature – including subordinate patterns – are recognised, and a complete machining process from a standard or user-defined library can be applied to individual features or the entire part at once.
Yes. SolidCAM automatically recognises all sharp edges where a chamfer can be applied. The user sets the chamfer depth, cutting diameter, and safety offset. The software avoids vertical walls automatically and protects the part from shank collisions.
SolidCAM AFRM is available as a module within the SolidCAM platform. Contact Simutron to discuss licensing, module configuration, and whether AFRM is the right fit for your shop’s part mix and programming workflow. Simutron can also arrange a demo using your own parts so you can evaluate the time savings directly.
If your business programmes prismatic CNC milling parts with pockets, holes, chamfers, and repeated features, SolidCAM AFRM can help reduce manual setup work and improve programming consistency. Speak to SolidCAM SA to request a demo or get a quote.
