In this TriMech TechTalk interview, Sam Goetz, a TriMech Solutions Consultant and CAM Expert, talked to us about what makes SolidCAM unique and why it’s the best choice for CAM users who need a streamlined process from initial design through CNC programming and manufacturing.
Sam Goetz
What is SolidCAM?
SolidCAM is the premier CAM solution for CNC programming in Dassault Systèmes’ SOLIDWORKS.
The software is easy to learn and easy to use. It provides efficient CAM programming for all CNC manufacturing technologies, with single-window integration with SOLIDWORKS.
SolidCAM bridges the gap between your initial concept and the finished product because of how well it merges CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing).
Why do you recommend SolidCAM?
The CAM specialists on our team have experience in many other CAM software packages, including Mastercam. We recommend SolidCAM as the best-in-class for providing seamless workflow from digital design to the production of physical parts.
TriMech’s manufacturing experts carefully evaluated CAM solutions and chose to partner with SolidCAM based on its user interface, features, and integration with SOLIDWORKS.
CNC machines and parts are getting more complex, and part customization is becoming more common, so a powerful CAM programming solution is critical for success.
Who is SolidCAM best suited to?
SolidCAM is used worldwide by manufacturers of all sizes. Users work in all sectors, from aerospace and defense to medical devices and consumer products. Our SolidCAM clients include small and medium job shops, medium and large engineering and manufacturing businesses, and technical education and training institutions.
Sample SolidCAM machined parts
SolidCAM offers a full suite of capabilities to engineers who need fine control, flexibility, and trusted repeatability. Even if you’re the most experienced user with the most complex designs and machining needs, SolidCAM allows you to machine any part that hits your shop floor.
Can you name a couple of specific benefits of SolidCAM, especially compared to other CAM tools?
I’ll try to keep it to a few!
First, let’s talk about how well it works with SOLIDWORKS. All machining operations can be defined, calculated, and verified without leaving the SOLIDWORKS assembly environment you’re already familiar with.
Design and prep for manufacturing happens without wasting effort on extra clicks and doing the same work twice, and there are no file transfers and conversions between systems.
I also have to mention that all 2D and 3D geometries used for machining are fully associative to the SOLIDWORKS design model. If you make any changes to your SOLIDWORKS model, all of your CAM operations will be automatically updated – no one has to chase the latest CAD drawings or redo a toolpath.
SolidCAM display at the TriMech Technology Showcase
The second thing to point out is the flexibility. A module-based approach allows you to get exactly the functionality you need. From simple 2.5-axis work to complex mill-turn, you pick the toolpath to match your project’s geometry. SolidCAM is scalable for all CNC machine types and applications.
You can use built-in standard elements or customize – it’s your choice. For example, you can leverage the tool library or create tools yourself.
My last point here is that engineering and manufacturing specialists collaborate in the same space, so you’ll benefit from improved communication among designers, CAM programmers, and shop floor CNC operators. This ensures that your final product matches the original design intent.
What is iMachining within SolidCAM?
Using iMachining gives you a huge competitive advantage. You can let SolidCAM do the heavy lifting to automatically optimize feeds, speeds, and depth and width of all your cuts.
The iMachining Wizard eliminates guesswork by optimizing every point of the toolpath based on your specific machine, tool, material, and geometry. Its seven patented technologies save 70% or more in machining time and promote five times longer life of your cutting tool.
Part being cut with iMachining
How does TriMech help with post-processors?
A post processor translates coordinates and settings from the CAM system into a code format that your CNC machine can read.
The post-processors are built and easily customized by our team here at TriMech. We take care of customizing the G-Code output to the needs and requirements of your specific controller and CNC machine.
What do you like about the people behind SolidCAM?
For 40 years, SolidCAM has been led by Dr. Emil Somekh, and he is solely focused on offering the best CAM software out there. Their R&D is customer-driven, listening to the needs of the users to improve, update, and scale the software in all the right ways.
They also partner with the leading CNC machine tool manufacturers to make sure that SolidCAM supports the latest and greatest tools and manufacturing processes.
TriMech and SolidCAM collaboration
Why should I choose TriMech as my SolidCAM provider?
TriMech is North America’s largest provider of SolidCAM software. We have manufacturing specialists and machinists on staff who speak your language and understand your needs.
We’ll collaborate with you up front to determine if your unique application is a good fit. Once you decide to invest, you can take advantage of our SolidCAM Quick Start Service, which includes a half-day of setup support and an optional two days of training. You’ll maximize your return on investment and become proficient with SolidCAM quickly.
And, of course, you’ll have ongoing access to our responsive, expert technical support team.
How does SolidCAM benefit a manufacturer’s overall business?
With ever-increasing demands to keep costs down and increase speed, manufacturers know that every CNC machine must be used for maximum productivity.
Minutes matter. Think about the impact of faster CAM programming and CNC machining when bidding on short-run jobs, for example.
With the functionality and support of SolidCAM, small job shops have grown to manufacturing businesses with hundreds of thousands of square feet of production space. Interest in SolidCAM is growing in North America, and momentum is building.
Ready to leverage SolidCAM in your manufacturing process? Request more information from the TriMech team today!
