SOLIDCAM VS CAMWORKS SOFTWARE

SOLIDCAM VS CAMWORKS SOFTWARE

The software has saved me from many problems that plagued previous CAM systems. Users can even send entire project into SolidCAM all at once. Visual instructions show what has already been programmed, so operators need not rethink problems. These sheets contain instructions on the position of raw stock and clamps. Users can document projects in SolidWorks and then print fully dimensioned setup sheets for operators. Users can model complete projects, including machine pad, fixturing, vises, and several nested parts, in one run. The close coordination between CAD and CAM means users can send more than just parts to CAM. This comes in handy when using multiple coordinate systems. The CAM software also has a visually intuitive layout. These CNC layouts are visually displayed in SolidWorks so users can verify that a cutting tool won't gouge into a nested piece or a clamp won't interfere with a cut. For example, the program module in the package lets users define raw stock, fixtures, and target parts before a project goes to the shop floor. Other great features come from combining the software with SolidWorks. above the part to make sure there are no bugs in the programming. There's no need to review the G-code or perform a dry run 2 in. Users need only send a model through SolidCAM to the machine tool, set up the material, and hit Go. In terms of production efficiency, the software's programmability and ease of use is almost priceless. The CAM software lets users modify posts for each machine. For example, they have different canned cycles and use various M-codes to execute certain operations.

This comes in handy because the CNC machines in our shop, like most machine tools, have slightly different nuances. Also, other CAM programs often use proprietary languages, which makes it hard for me to program with much success.Īnother useful SolidCAM feature: It lets users edit common tasks.

Although the results were close to what I wanted, they weren't great. In fact, before acquiring this CAM package, I paid consultants to write custom procedures. This is not always the case with other CAM software. In fact, when it comes to posts, SolidCAM lets users easily program commonly used cuts and calculations. Without posts, it would be necessary to have station operators who understand G-code (raw CNC machine language) manually fix a part's program. SolidCAM works inside of SolidWorks 3D MCAD software, which accurately imports many 2D and 3D file formats that let SolidCAM efficiently generate CNC programs for them.Īnother important CAM consideration is a program's ability to generate 'posts.' These are subroutines for often-repeated machining actions specific to a particular CNC machine. Customers send us a variety of file formats for parts they want us to manufacture, so it's useful to have a system that quickly converts data into usable form, and without demanding a lot model repair or drawing conversions. It's the second-largest such machine in the Colorado region.įor instance, SolidCAM is excellent when considering how well it contributes to work on the production floor. SolidCAM lets users easily program custom procedures unique to the nuances of machines such as the horizontal boring machine at Alpha Engineering & Design.

Solidcam vs camworks