SOLIDWORKS CAM

SOLIDWORKS CAM

What Is SOLIDWORKS CAM?

SOLIDWORKS CAM is integrated CAM software that helps users prepare parts for CNC machining from within the SOLIDWORKS environment. It allows design and manufacturing teams to work more closely by connecting machining preparation directly to the 3D model.

The software supports CNC programming, machining strategy preparation and manufacturing workflows that rely on accurate design data. By using SOLIDWORKS CAM, teams can reduce the disconnect between design intent and production planning, helping manufacturers prepare work more efficiently before parts reach the shop floor.

Highlights:

  • Integrated CAM inside SOLIDWORKS

  • CNC machining preparation

  • Design-to-manufacturing workflow support

  • Toolpath and machining strategy planning

  • Better connection between CAD and CAM

SOLIDWORKS CAM

Why Use SOLIDWORKS CAM?

Manufacturing teams often lose time when design information has to be recreated, transferred or interpreted again before machining. SOLIDWORKS CAM helps reduce that gap by allowing CNC preparation to happen closer to the design model, making it easier to move from engineering to production.

Connect Design
and Manufacturing

SOLIDWORKS CAM helps teams work from the same model used during design. This creates a stronger connection between engineering intent and manufacturing preparation, reducing the need to rebuild information in separate workflows.

Key points:

  • CAD and CAM connection

  • Design model used for machining preparation

  • Reduced workflow duplication

  • Better design-to-production alignment

Prepare CNC
Work Earlier

Machining preparation can begin earlier in the product development process. SOLIDWORKS CAM helps users review manufacturability and prepare machining strategies before design information is handed over too late in the workflow.

Key points:

  • Earlier machining planning

  • CNC preparation support

  • Manufacturing-aware workflows

  • Better production readiness

Improve Manufacturing
Consistency

Consistent CAM workflows help teams reduce manual interpretation and improve repeatability. SOLIDWORKS CAM supports a more structured approach to machining preparation, helping businesses standardise how CNC work is planned.

Key points:

  • More consistent machining processes

  • Reduced manual interpretation

  • Repeatable CAM workflows

  • Stronger production planning

CAM Software

Prepare CNC Machining Workflows

SOLIDWORKS CAM includes tools that support machining preparation directly inside SOLIDWORKS. These capabilities help users move from product design to CNC programming with clearer design data, better manufacturing context and a more connected workflow.

SOLIDWORKS CAM - Integrated CAD_CAM Workflow - Cadmes

Integrated CAD/CAM Workflow

Work with CAM tools inside the SOLIDWORKS environment so design and manufacturing preparation can remain more closely connected. This helps reduce unnecessary file transfer, duplicated setup and disconnected decision-making.

Key points:

  • CAM inside SOLIDWORKS

  • Direct use of design geometry

  • Reduced data transfer

  • Connected CAD/CAM workflow
SOLIDWORKS CAM - CNC Programming Support - Cadmes

CNC Programming Support

Prepare machining operations and CNC-related data from the SOLIDWORKS model. SOLIDWORKS CAM supports users who need to turn design geometry into manufacturing instructions for machining workflows.

Key points:

  • CNC machining preparation

  • Operation planning support

  • Toolpath workflow support

  • Manufacturing data preparation
SOLIDWORKS CAM - Manufacturability Review - Cadmes

Manufacturability Review

Evaluate parts with machining in mind before production begins. SOLIDWORKS CAM helps users consider how geometry, features and manufacturing requirements affect machining preparation.

Key points:

  • Manufacturing-aware design review

  • Feature-based machining support

  • Earlier production planning

  • Reduced late-stage workflow gaps
SOLIDWORKS CAM - Knowledge-Based Machining - Cadmes

Knowledge-Based Machining

SOLIDWORKS CAM includes knowledge-based machining capabilities that help standardise machining strategies and apply repeatable manufacturing rules. This supports more consistent programming and helps teams capture machining knowledge.

Key points:

  • Knowledge-based machining

  • Repeatable machining strategies

  • Standardised manufacturing rules

  • More consistent CAM output

CNC CAM Software

Where SOLIDWORKS CAM Helps

SOLIDWORKS CAM is useful for businesses that need to connect product design with CNC machining preparation. It supports teams that create machined components, prepare manufacturing workflows, review manufacturability or want a more connected CAD/CAM process.

Machined Parts
and Components

Prepare CNC machining workflows for parts designed in SOLIDWORKS.

Design-to-Manufacturing
Handover

Reduce workflow gaps between engineering design and machining preparation.

Manufacturing
Process Planning

Support earlier planning for machining operations and production requirements.

Feature-Based
Machining Workflows

Use design features to support more structured machining preparation.

Repeatable
CNC Programming

Help teams apply consistent machining strategies across similar parts and projects.

SOLIDWORKS CAM

PACKAGES

SOLIDWORKS CAM
Standard

Rules-Based Machining

Tolerance-based Machining (TBM)

Knowledge-based Machining (KBM)

Associativity with SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD

Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)

SOLIDWORKS CAM
Professional

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Functionality

3 + 2 Programming

High-speed Machining (HSM)

Turning Capabilities

SOLIDWORKS CAM
Machinist Standard

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Functionlity

Part Modelling/Import

SOLIDWORKS CAM
Machinist Professional

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard and Professional Functionality

Part Modelling/Import

Assembly Modelling/Import

SOLIDWORKS CAM

Request a Quote

SOLIDWORKS CAM

Training Recommendations

SOLIDWORKS Essentials Training

Essentials

SOLIDWORKS CAM Training

CAM Standard

Learn more about SOLIDWORKS CAM

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOLIDWORKS CAM?

SOLIDWORKS CAM is a CNC programming tool that works inside SOLIDWORKS. 

You design the part in SOLIDWORKS and then create the machining toolpaths without leaving the software. 

This keeps design and manufacturing closely linked and avoids unnecessary back-and-forth.

Yes. SOLIDWORKS CAM is fully integrated. You do not need to export files or open a separate CAM system. 

When the design changes, the machining setup updates automatically, which helps prevent errors.

SOLIDWORKS CAM supports 2.5-axis and 3-axis milling.

This covers common CNC work such as drilling holes, machining pockets, cutting profiles, facing surfaces, and tapping threads.

Yes. SOLIDWORKS CAM can automatically identify features like holes, pockets, and slots from the model. 

This means you do not need to define every feature manually, which speeds up programming.

Yes. SOLIDWORKS CAM generates G-code using post processors that are matched to your CNC machine and controller. 

This ensures the output code is suitable for running on the machine.

Yes. SOLIDWORKS CAM is relatively easy to learn, especially for users already familiar with SOLIDWORKS. 

The software guides you through the process using features and machining rules, rather than starting from scratch every time.

Knowledge-based machining allows you to define how certain features should be machined and reuse those rules on future parts. 

Once set up, the software applies the same logic automatically, which helps keep results consistent.

Yes. SOLIDWORKS CAM runs inside SOLIDWORKS, so you need a compatible SOLIDWORKS licence.

The level of CAM functionality available depends on your licence and setup.

Yes. Cadmes offers SOLIDWORKS CAM training focused on practical CNC use. Training covers feature recognition, toolpath creation, machining strategies, and everyday best practices.

Yes. Cadmes provides local technical support, helping users with setup questions, machining issues, and general troubleshooting. Support is handled by a local team familiar with real manufacturing environments.

Yes. Cadmes assists with setting up SOLIDWORKS CAM correctly from the start. 

This includes configuration, machining rules, and guidance on how to structure CAM workflows.

Buying SOLIDWORKS CAM through Cadmes means you get local support, training options, and practical guidance. 

This helps ensure the software is used properly and delivers real value on the shop floor.

Discover what SOLIDWORKS CAMcan do for you

SOLIDWORKS CAM helps teams bring design and manufacturing closer together through integrated CAM tools inside SOLIDWORKS. Cadmes can help you choose the right licence, request pricing and implement SOLIDWORKS CAM in a way that supports your CNC workflow.