Trusted CAM software for CNC manufacturers and machine shops
SolidCAM iMachining 3D
SolidCAM iMachining 3D is an advanced CNC milling module built for high-performance roughing and rest roughing of moulds, complex 3D parts, and 3D prismatic parts. It combines proven iMachining technology with intelligent analysis algorithms to generate complete CNC programmes with optimised cutting conditions, helping manufacturers machine complex geometry more efficiently.
- Rough and rest rough an entire 3D part in a single operation
- Generate optimal cutting conditions with the iMachining Technology Wizard
- Reduce wasted motion with localised machining, updated stock awareness, and rest-material-only cutting
Trusted by manufacturers and machine shops worldwide
SolidCAM iMachining 3D
SolidCAM iMachining 3D is an advanced CNC milling module built for high-performance roughing and rest roughing of moulds, complex 3D parts, and 3D prismatic parts. It combines proven iMachining technology with intelligent analysis algorithms to generate complete CNC programmes with optimised cutting conditions, helping manufacturers machine complex geometry more efficiently.
- Rough and rest rough an entire 3D part in a single operation
- Generate optimal cutting conditions with the iMachining Technology Wizard
- Reduce wasted motion with localised machining, updated stock awareness, and rest-material-only cutting
What Is SolidCAM iMachining 3D?
SolidCAM iMachining 3D is a 3D CNC roughing solution designed to machine complex geometry more intelligently than conventional roughing methods. It is built to rough and rest rough full 3D parts, using automatic cutting conditions and advanced toolpath logic to determine how material should be removed in the most efficient order. Rather than treating each area in isolation, it analyses the part, updated stock, and machining sequence to produce a ready-to-run CNC programme for complex 3D milling work.
This makes it especially relevant for manufacturers working on moulds, complex surfaced parts, and 3D prismatic components where roughing speed, stock awareness, and controlled tool engagement all matter. SolidCAM also positions iMachining 3D as part of a broader machining workflow, where it can be paired with other SolidCAM technologies for finishing work. South Africa’s mould and die sector – concentrated around Gauteng and the Western Cape – is one of the industries where iMachining 3D’s roughing efficiency has the most direct application. Simutron can advise on module selection and workflow configuration for these environments.
Key Capabilities of SolidCAM iMachining 3D
Automatic CNC Program Generation for 3D Roughing
SolidCAM iMachining 3D automatically produces a complete CNC programme with optimised cutting conditions to rough and rest rough an entire 3D part in a single operation. This gives programmers a more streamlined way to prepare complex 3D machining jobs without having to build multiple disconnected roughing processes. Each Z-step is optimised using proven iMachining 2D technology, with quick solid geometry selection and automatic target model protection.
Technology Wizard for Optimal Cutting Conditions
The module uses SolidCAM’s expert knowledge-based Technology Wizard to calculate optimal cutting conditions. This helps the software generate machining strategies that are aligned to the geometry, tooling, and cutting requirements of the job, improving consistency across the roughing process. The Wizard adjusts feed rates dynamically at each Z-level to maintain constant tool load – a key factor in both cycle time reduction and tool life improvement.
Intelligent Roughing and Rest Roughing Order
iMachining 3D uses advanced analysis algorithms to determine the optimal order of roughing and rest roughing toolpaths. This is important in 3D machining because it helps reduce unnecessary repositioning and ensures remaining stock is handled in a more controlled and efficient way as the operation progresses. Smart positioning between 2D Z-level regions and 3D Z-level linking reduce long position moves, producing what SolidCAM describes as the shortest times in the industry.
Full-Depth Step Down and Intelligent Step-Up
SolidCAM highlights full-depth step down and intelligent step-up as core parts of the iMachining 3D strategy. Deep roughing with the full flute length is designed to shorten cycle times and increase tool life, while upward rest machining in small steps helps optimise scallop height and improve the overall efficiency of semi-finishing preparation. SolidCAM uses true scallop-driven step-up technology with constant scallop height to prepare the part for finishing during the roughing cycle.
Updated Stock Awareness and Collision Avoidance
The module uses a dynamically updated stock model and a “cut only the rest material” mode to eliminate unnecessary air cutting. It also automatically adjusts the toolpath to avoid collisions between the tool holder and the updated stock model during the machining process, giving programmers more control over complex 3D roughing conditions. Automatic target model protection ensures that large tools can safely be used in confined spaces without gouging the finished part.
Benefits of SolidCAM iMachining 3D
Shorten Cycle Times on Complex 3D Jobs
SolidCAM positions iMachining 3D as a high-efficiency roughing solution that can dramatically reduce machining time on 3D parts. Its localised machining logic, optimised toolpath ordering, and reduced repositioning are all designed to help achieve shorter cycle times in demanding 3D milling applications. SolidCAM states that iMachining provides 70% or more in cycle time savings and increases tool life by 5 times or more. SolidCAM also notes that many planned purchases of new machines have been cancelled by iMachining owners who were able to get more output from their existing equipment. That is a meaningful consideration for South African manufacturers weighing the cost of importing a new CNC machine against improving the productivity of what they already have on the floor.
Improve Tool Life During Deep Roughing
By using the whole flute length for deep roughing and maintaining more intelligent cutting conditions through the machining process, iMachining 3D is designed to increase tool life while maintaining productive material removal. This is particularly valuable when machining complex shapes that would otherwise place inconsistent load on the cutter. SolidCAM states that iMachining uses the full length of tool cutting – for example, achieving a 70 mm depth of cut with a 16 mm diameter tool in tool steel – and that this reduces the need for large diameter tools and minimises rest material operations.
Reduce Air Cutting and Unnecessary Movement
The updated stock model, rest-material-only cutting mode, and localised machining approach remove wasted motion from the roughing process. For manufacturers, this means less non-cutting movement, fewer long positioning moves, and a more efficient roughing cycle overall. SolidCAM states that rest-material machining and finish cuts eliminate air cutting and unnecessary tool retracts, ensuring the tool is cutting only what is left.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about SolidCAM software, CNC programming, supported machining modules and pricing in South Africa.
SolidCAM iMachining 3D is used for advanced 3D roughing and rest roughing of moulds, complex parts, and 3D prismatic components. It is designed to improve material removal efficiency and manage remaining stock more intelligently throughout the roughing process.
It is primarily focused on roughing and rest roughing. Its role is to remove material efficiently and prepare the part for later semi-finishing or finishing operations. SolidCAM positions iMachining 3D as part of a complete machining solution when combined with other SolidCAM technologies, such as 3D HSM for finishing moulds and complex 3D parts, or iMachining 2D for finishing 3D prismatic parts.
Yes. The module is designed to improve roughing efficiency through intelligent toolpath sequencing, stock-aware machining, and automatic cutting conditions, all of which help reduce non-productive movement. SolidCAM states that iMachining provides 70% or more in cycle time savings.
Yes. SolidCAM iMachining 3D uses an updated stock model during machining so that the toolpath can focus on the remaining material that still needs to be removed. With smaller tools, any number of rest machining operations can be performed – taking into account the updated stock model, only the tight areas and corners will be machined.
Yes. It is well suited to moulds and other complex 3D parts where efficient roughing, stock control, and stable cutting conditions are important. SolidCAM specifically lists moulds as a primary application for iMachining 3D, and positions the module alongside 3D HSM for finishing as a complete mould machining workflow.
Yes. By using stock-aware logic and rest-material-focused machining strategies, the module helps reduce unnecessary air cuts and improve overall roughing efficiency. SolidCAM states that iMachining toolpaths eliminate air cuts and that the dynamically updated stock model ensures every toolpath actually cuts material.
SolidCAM positions iMachining 3D alongside 3D HSM for finishing moulds and complex 3D parts, and alongside iMachining 2D for finishing 3D prismatic parts. Simutron can help South African manufacturers select the right combination of modules to build a complete roughing-to-finishing workflow that suits their machines and part types.
See SolidCAM iMachining 3D in Action
If your business needs a more efficient way to rough complex 3D parts, SolidCAM iMachining 3D provides a practical solution for intelligent material removal, stock-aware toolpaths, and improved machining productivity. Speak to Simutron to request a demo, discuss your requirements, or get a quote.