Trusted CAM software for CNC manufacturers and machine shops
SolidCAM Swiss Machining
SolidCAM Swiss Machining is built for the efficient programming of complex Swiss-type CNC machines used to produce small, precise, and intricate components. It gives manufacturers a structured way to program turning and milling operations, manage multiple spindles and turrets, and verify complex machining processes before production begins. For South African shops working with advanced Swiss machines, it helps bring greater control, visibility, and confidence to demanding programming environments.
- Programme complex Swiss-type CNC machines with multiple turrets and spindles
- Manage main and back spindle operations in one machining environment
- Simulate, synchronise, and verify machining processes before production
Trusted by manufacturers and machine shops worldwide
SolidCAM
Swiss Machining
SolidCAM Swiss Machining is built for the efficient programming of complex Swiss-type CNC machines used to produce small, precise, and intricate components. It gives manufacturers a structured way to programme turning and milling operations, manage multiple spindles and turrets, and verify complex machining processes before production begins. For South African shops working with advanced Swiss machines, it helps bring greater control, visibility, and confidence to demanding programming environments.
- Programme complex Swiss-type CNC machines with multiple turrets and spindles
- Manage main and back spindle operations in one machining environment
- Simulate, synchronise, and verify machining processes before production
What Is SolidCAM Swiss Machining?
SolidCAM Swiss Machining is a specialised CAM solution for Swiss-type CNC turning centres. These machines are widely used for machining small, complex, high-precision parts, often in a single setup. Because Swiss machines can perform multiple operations at the same time and involve advanced machine kinematics, they require a more capable programming environment than conventional turning workflows.
SolidCAM Swiss Machining is designed to meet that requirement. It supports offline CNC programming, turning and milling operations on main and back spindles, advanced axis control, and synchronisation of multiple machining actions within one structured workflow. This makes it easier to prepare, test, and optimise complex Swiss machining jobs before they reach the machine. South African manufacturers producing medical device components, precision connectors, and small automotive parts on Swiss-type equipment can speak to Simutron about module suitability and machine compatibility.
Key Capabilities of SolidCAM Swiss Machining
Programming for Complex Swiss Machines
Swiss-type CNC machines continue to evolve in complexity, with more channels, more axes, and more simultaneous operations. SolidCAM Swiss Machining is built to support that complexity, giving programmers the tools to prepare advanced jobs for multiple turret and multiple spindle machine configurations. SolidCAM supports all common Swiss CNC machine and controller brands on the market, and there are no limits on the number of axes or channels.
Main and Back Spindle Operation Management
SolidCAM enables the programming of setup, milling, and turning operations on both main and back spindles within the same environment. This is essential for Swiss machining workflows that rely on coordinated spindle activity, part transfer, and secondary operations to complete complex parts efficiently. SolidCAM’s comprehensive range of turning and C-, Y- and B-axis milling operations are all supported.
Certified Post-Processors
SolidCAM stores machine kinematics, CNC behaviour, and machining know-how in certified post-processors customised to machine requirements. This is especially important for Swiss machining, where machine behaviour and controller logic can vary significantly across different brands and configurations. SolidCAM also states that there are no limits on the number of axes or channels supported. Swiss CNC post-processors come equipped with pre-prepared standard MCO cycles, reducing the need for manual input and saving programming time. Simutron manages postprocessor configuration and support for Swiss CNC machines in South Africa, ensuring the software matches your specific machine and controller setup.
Advanced Tool Management with ToolKit
ToolKit provides a machine-aware tool management environment where users can assemble, store, and manage tools and cutting conditions. The module supports face, axial, angular, and multi-cutter holders, helping users prepare tooling accurately inside the machine environment and reduce setup errors before machining starts. Tool components, including small and custom-shaped inserts, can be imported directly as CAD data from the tool manufacturer’s online catalogue.
Machine Control Operations (MCO)
SolidCAM’s Machine Control Operations allow programmers to define machine actions that are not directly toolpath-based. These include chuck control, spindle and turret movement, coolant control, bar feeder programming, part pick-up with the back spindle, re-clamping, and custom G/M-code output. This gives programmers tighter control over the full machining sequence in advanced Swiss environments.
Benefits of SolidCAM Swiss Machining
Improve Control Over Complex Programming
Swiss machining can quickly become difficult to manage when multiple channels, spindles, holders, and synchronised operations are involved. SolidCAM helps organise these processes more clearly, giving programmers a more structured way to build and manage complex machining strategies. SolidCAM’s Channel Synchronisation Manager guides users through the order of operations, shows clashes, and helps avoid them.
Reduce Risk Before Production
With machine simulation, visual prove-out, and collision detection, SolidCAM helps identify issues before the job reaches the machine. That is particularly valuable in Swiss machining environments, where machine movement, tooling arrangements, and close working clearances can increase programming risk. SolidCAM’s simulation provides full collision detection between machine components, workpieces, fixtures, tools, and holders.
Support More Efficient Production
SolidCAM’s channel synchronisation features help users optimise the order of operations, reduce clashes, and make better use of machine capability. SolidCAM can control an unlimited number of channels, exchange axes within channels, and supports machining patterns and cutting modes. It also supports superimposition and rotary axes and drive unit sharing to reduce machining time. Swiss-type machines represent a significant capital investment. Getting the synchronisation right – and keeping cycle times as low as possible – directly affects the return South African shops see from that equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about SolidCAM software, CNC programming, supported machining modules and pricing in South Africa.
SolidCAM Swiss Machining is used to programme Swiss-type CNC machines that produce small, complex, and precision parts. It supports advanced turning and milling workflows, simulation, synchronisation, and verification for these specialised machining environments.
Yes. SolidCAM supports the programming of setup, turning, and milling operations on both main and back spindles within the same machining workflow, including part transfer and secondary operations on the back spindle.
Yes. The module supports machine simulation, visual prove-out, and full collision detection between machine components, tools, holders, fixtures, and workpieces – before any material reaches the machine.
Machine Control Operations are used to define machine actions that are not purely toolpath-based, such as spindle movement, chuck control, bar feeder programming, coolant control, re-clamping, and custom machine commands. Standard MCO cycles are built into Swiss CNC post-processors, requiring minimum user input.
Yes. SolidCAM supports common Swiss CNC machine and controller brands and is designed to handle advanced machine requirements, including multiple turrets, multiple spindles, and multiple channels, with no limits on the number of axes supported.
Yes. SolidCAM includes a Channel Synchronisation Manager that helps users organise operation order, identify clashes, and optimise machining processes for improved production output. The clash avoidance feature disables the generation of G-code or simulation if there is any clash issue in the defined synchronisation, taking into account machine kinematics, axes sharing, and synchronisation wait-mark rules.
See SolidCAM Swiss Machining in Action
If your business machines small, high-precision parts on complex Swiss-type CNC machines, SolidCAM Swiss Machining gives you a more structured way to programme, simulate, synchronise, and verify those processes before production. Speak to Simutron to explore the module in more detail or request a demo.