Trusted CAM software for CNC manufacturers and machine shops
SolidCAM iMachining 2D
SolidCAM iMachining 2D is an intelligent CNC milling module designed to make 2D and 2.5D machining more efficient, more controlled, and easier to programme. It uses patented toolpath technology, automatic feed and speed optimisation, and integrated feature recognition to help manufacturers remove material more effectively while improving programming productivity. For South African machine shops and production environments looking to get more from their existing CNC equipment, it offers a practical way to reduce cycle times and extend tool life without adding complexity.
- Intelligent toolpaths with automatic feed and speed optimisation
- Combined roughing, rest machining, and finishing strategies in one job
- Feature recognition that simplifies geometry definition and machining setup
Trusted by manufacturers and machine shops worldwide
SolidCAM iMachining 2D
SolidCAM iMachining 2D is an intelligent CNC milling module designed to make 2D and 2.5D machining more efficient, more controlled, and easier to programme. It uses patented toolpath technology, automatic feed and speed optimisation, and integrated feature recognition to help manufacturers remove material more effectively while improving programming productivity. For South African machine shops and production environments looking to get more from their existing CNC equipment, it offers a practical way to reduce cycle times and extend tool life without adding complexity.
- Intelligent toolpaths with automatic feed and speed optimisation
- Combined roughing, rest machining, and finishing strategies in one job
- Feature recognition that simplifies geometry definition and machining setup
What Is SolidCAM iMachining 2D?
SolidCAM iMachining 2D is a CNC milling solution for machining 2D and 2.5D features using a more advanced approach than conventional offset-based toolpaths. Instead of relying on fixed cutting behaviour, it adjusts cutting angles and feed rates throughout the toolpath to keep machining conditions more consistent. SolidCAM positions it as a patented milling technology built to support faster, deeper, and more efficient material removal while also improving tool life and programming productivity.
For manufacturers, that means iMachining 2D is not just another roughing strategy. It is a module focused on helping the machine spend more time cutting material effectively, with less wasted motion and more controlled tool engagement throughout the job. iMachining 2D works across the full range of 3-axis CNC mills common in South African machine shops and production environments – no specialist equipment is required to benefit from the technology.
Key Capabilities of SolidCAM iMachining 2D
Patented Morphing Spiral Toolpaths
One of the defining features of SolidCAM iMachining 2D is its patented morphing spiral toolpath. Rather than using a conventional offset strategy, the toolpath gradually adapts to the feature geometry. This helps maximise tool-to-stock contact and keeps the cutter engaged in a more efficient way during material removal. For larger areas and stand-alone islands, iMachining’s patented Moating technology subdivides regions into smaller sections to maximise continuous spiral cutting.
Automatic Feeds and Speeds Along the Toolpath
SolidCAM highlights automatic, optimal feeds and speeds on every toolpath position as one of the module’s core strengths. This allows the software to adapt machining conditions dynamically instead of forcing the programmer to rely on a single static cutting value for the whole operation. The Technology Wizard provides synchronised values of feed rate, spindle speed, axial depth of cut, cutting angles, and chip thickness – based on the material being cut, the mechanical properties of the fixture and tool, and the technical limits of the CNC machine.
Combined Roughing, Rest Machining, and Finishing
iMachining 2D includes iRough, iRest, iFinish, and Multi-Tool technologies. These allow users to combine roughing, rest material handling, and finishing within a single machining job, while tracking remaining stock automatically. Geometry and levels can also stay synchronised when multiple tools are used. iFinish is specifically suited to hard materials and precise machining, with separate finishing tools for floors and walls.
Feature Recognition for Faster Geometry Definition
The module includes feature recognition technology that detects machinable features from solid model data with minimal user input. SolidCAM provides several recognition modes, including face-based recognition, chain-based recognition, outside feature recognition, and standard chaining without recognition. This helps simplify setup and reduces the amount of manual geometry preparation required, making it particularly useful in high-mix production environments where new jobs are programmed regularly.
Recognition and Protection
SolidCAM iMachining 2D also uses recognition and protection logic based on stock, updated stock, and target models. It can detect undercut areas, identify and extend stock in open pocket areas, track rest material throughout the machining process, and protect solid geometries against tool collisions. iMachining toolpaths only cut the stock that needs to be removed, eliminating air cuts. The tool moves from one cut to another at the cut depth, only retracting when absolutely necessary.
Benefits of SolidCAM iMachining 2D
Improve Milling Efficiency
Because iMachining 2D continuously optimises cutting angles and feed rates along the toolpath, it is designed to support faster and deeper machining than conventional methods. SolidCAM also states that the module improves productivity through shorter cycle times. SolidCAM states that iMachining provides 70% or more in cycle time savings and increases tool life by 5 times or more.
Increase Tool Life and Cutting Stability
SolidCAM positions iMachining 2D as a solution that can dramatically increase tool life while maintaining more stable cutting behaviour. Its focus on controlled tool engagement, dynamic cutting conditions, and efficient stock contact helps support a more balanced machining process. iMachining maintains constant cutting force on the tool, enabling full tool depth of cut and reducing multiple passes and tool wear. For South African shops where imported tooling costs are a significant overhead, extending tool life has a direct impact on per-part economics.
Reduce Programming Effort
The combination of feature recognition, automatic rest material tracking, multi-tool job management, and integrated roughing and finishing strategies gives programmers a more streamlined workflow. SolidCAM also describes iMachining as having high programming productivity and a short learning curve. The Technology Wizard takes the guesswork out of setting feeds, speeds, step-overs, and depth of cut – providing optimal values automatically for first-part success.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about SolidCAM software, CNC programming, supported machining modules and pricing in South Africa.
SolidCAM iMachining 2D is used for intelligent CNC milling of 2D and 2.5D features. It is designed to improve material removal efficiency, automate cutting conditions, and simplify programming for common milling applications.
A key difference is its patented morphing spiral toolpath and its ability to optimise feed rates and cutting angles throughout the toolpath. This gives it a more adaptive machining approach than conventional offset-based strategies. SolidCAM states that iMachining uses variable cutting angles and variable feed to maintain constant spindle load, enabling high-speed cutting with minimum load on the tool and CNC machine.
Yes. The module includes iRough, iRest, iFinish, and Multi-Tool technologies, allowing users to combine roughing, finishing, and rest material machining within one structured job. Remaining stock is tracked automatically, and geometry and levels stay synchronised across multiple tools.
Yes. SolidCAM iMachining 2D includes feature recognition technology that detects machinable features from the solid model with minimal input from the user. It supports several recognition modes depending on the part geometry and machining need.
Yes. SolidCAM states that iMachining toolpaths cut only the stock that needs to be removed, helping eliminate unnecessary air cuts and improving cutting efficiency throughout the operation. The tool moves between cuts at depth, only retracting when absolutely necessary.
SolidCAM states that the module supports hard material machining, and its iFinish strategy is specifically positioned for hard materials and precise machining with separate finishing tools for floors and walls.
SolidCAM iMachining 2D is available in South Africa through Simutron. Contact Simutron to discuss which iMachining configuration suits your machines, materials, and production requirements, or to request a personalised demo on your own parts.
See SolidCAM iMachining 2D in Action
If your business wants a more intelligent approach to CNC milling, SolidCAM iMachining 2D gives you a practical way to improve toolpath efficiency, automate cutting conditions, and simplify part programming. Speak to Simutron to explore the module in more detail or request a demo.