SolidWorks CAM Reviews & Pricing

by Dassault Systemes | Founded 1981, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France

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Overview Pricing Benefits Reviews Features

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What is SolidWorks CAM?

Industry Specialties: Aerospace and defense, business services, high-tech, construction, consumer goods and retail, energy and materials, home and lifestyle, industrial equipment, life sciences, marine and offshore and transportation and mobility.

SolidWorks CAM bridges the gap between virtual designs and physical prototypes, translating 3D models into precise instructions for computer-controlled machines (CNCs). This powerful software caters to professionals like machinists, programmers, and engineers, streamlining workflows and optimizing production. Key benefits include reduced errors through automated toolpath generation, enhanced efficiency with machine simulation, and shorter lead times thanks to streamlined workflows. Popular features encompass 2D/3D machining, 5-axis support, and collision detection, ensuring smooth operation and accurate results. While offering a robust feature set, SolidWorks CAM comes with a premium price tag, typically licensed per seat and requiring annual subscriptions. This makes it ideal for established businesses with high production volumes who prioritize precision and efficiency. Smaller shops or hobbyists might find alternative solutions with more accessible pricing models.

Pros

Seamless SOLIDWORKS integration
Intuitive interface and workflow
Powerful toolpath generation
Accurate simulation capabilities
Comprehensive feature set

Cons

High price point
Steep learning curve
Limited post-processing options
Occasional performance issues
Subscription-based pricing

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COMPANY SIZE

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SolidWorks CAM Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, SolidWorks CAM pricing starts at $995 (Per Seat, Annually).

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Starting From: $995
Pricing Model: Per Seat, Annually
Free Trial: Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

SolidWorks CAM is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for SolidWorks CAM:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

SolidWorks CAM Benefits and Insights

Why use SolidWorks CAM?

Key differentiators & advantages of SolidWorks CAM

NC Editor: Verify and back plot G-codes to evaluate and deliver to the computer numerical control (CNC) with direct numerical control (DNC) tools.
eDrawings: Analyze 3D models with their relevant toolpaths to comprehend machining orders inside of eDrawings.
CAM Probing: Recalibrate coordinate systems for manufacturing critical features with restricted tolerances with CAM probing, permitting users to reset toolpath coordinates for precise product fabrication.
CAM Tab Cutting: Work with larger scrap pieces attached to the finished product with the tab cutting apparatus. It enables users to supervise time for toolpath setup and production after post processing.
Universal Post Generator: Add and maximize procedures such as crafting and editing clients' post processors with the universal post generator.
UserGroups: Carry out conversations with other SOLIDWORKS CAM users with the usergroups community accessory.

Industry Expertise

Dassault Systemes, also known as 3DEXPERIENCE, offers several programs for people and enterprises to work in virtual universes to develop and create sustainable products for today and tomorrow. Products include SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, SIMULIA, 3DVIA, DELMIA and more that aid people in various industries including high tech, life sciences, aerospace and defense, construction, energy and more.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of SolidWorks CAM reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

Seamless Integration: Works seamlessly with SOLIDWORKS models, minimizing data transfer errors and streamlining workflows.
Intuitive Interface: User-friendly interface with clear menus and icons, making it easier to learn and use even for beginners.
Powerful Toolpaths: Generates optimized and efficient toolpaths for various machining operations, reducing cycle times and material waste.
Accurate Simulation: Provides realistic machine simulations to identify potential collisions and optimize programs before actual machining, minimizing errors and rework.
Comprehensive Features: Offers a wide range of features for various machining needs, including 2/3/5-axis machining, wire EDM, and surface milling, making it suitable for diverse projects.

Cons

High Price Point: Requires a significant upfront investment and annual subscriptions, making it less accessible for smaller shops or hobbyists.
Steep Learning Curve: Mastering advanced features and toolpath strategies can be challenging for beginners, requiring dedicated training or experience.
Limited Post-Processing Options: Offers fewer built-in post-processors compared to some competitors, potentially requiring manual customization or third-party tools for specific machine setups.
Occasional Performance Issues: Users report occasional performance issues, especially with complex models or simulations, potentially impacting workflow efficiency.
Subscription-Based Pricing: The subscription-based model can be a disadvantage for businesses with low or unpredictable production volumes, leading to potentially higher costs per use.

Researcher's Summary:

SolidWorks CAM gets high praise for its seamless integration with SOLIDWORKS models, streamlining workflows and minimizing errors. One user says, "It's like working with one program instead of two." The intuitive interface and powerful toolpath generation are also popular, with another user reporting, "I was able to program my first part within hours of installing it." However, the high price tag is a major sticking point for many. "It's definitely an investment," one user admits, "but it saves us time and money in the long run." The learning curve can also be steep, especially for complex features. As one reviewer puts it, "Mastering some of the advanced functions takes dedication, but the online resources and community are helpful." Compared to competitors, users appreciate SolidWorks CAM's accuracy and reliability. "The simulations are incredibly realistic," one reviewer notes, "it helps us avoid costly mistakes." However, limited post-processing options compared to some competitors like Mastercam can be an inconvenience. "We had to purchase a third-party post-processor for our specific machine," one user mentions. Ultimately, SolidWorks CAM shines for its tight integration, user-friendliness, and powerful features, ideal for businesses with high production volumes and complex machining needs. While the cost and learning curve can be barriers, the accuracy and time-saving potential make it a worthwhile investment for many users. As one reviewer concludes, "It's not perfect, but for integrated CAM with SOLIDWORKS, it's the best option on the market."

Key Features

Rules-Based Machining: Utilize rules-based machining to superintend programming operations concurrently with implementing tolerances allocated to specific parts. This accessory pinpoints critical areas when crafting a piece instead of touching every individual feature that requires machining.
Tolerance-Based Machining: Amend asymmetric tolerances to mean tolerances for various cutting tool tactics with the tolerance-based machining appliance.
Knowledge-Based Machining: Establish machining strategies and tools needed for particular shapes and workpieces with the automatic or interactive feature recognition tools in the knowledge-based machining appliance. This function also automatically sets recurring machining operations per specific company regulations.
Automatic Feature Recognition: Recognize prismatic parts such as holes, pockets, bosses and more with the automatic feature recognition module.
Automatic Machine Times: Cipher and compare machine times to traditional techniques to verify each part's aspects are present before pledging to productions.
3+2 Programming: Execute machining styles with a three-axis milling platform utilizing two rotational axes on a five-axis machine within a tilted cutting machine through the 3+2 programming apparatus.
High-Speed Machining: Sustain consistent tool pressure across the cutting process with the high-speed machining appliance. Users may implement several feed rates for tools to cut at full depth to decrease cycle times while prolonging the life of their tools and machinery. The machining route extension merges with standard cutting machinery to diminish overhead costs for machining parts.
Turning: Carry out various forms of turning such as face rough and finish, groove rough and finish, OD threading and more via the turning feature.
Part Modeling and Importing: Draft and input parts to effectively communicate with designers, study MBD data and apply vital manufacturing modifications with the part modeling and importing apparatus.
Assembly Modeling and Importing: Verify fits and tolerances in parts with the assembly modeling and importing accessory. This tool can import clamps and vises to guarantee workpieces are made correctly the first time and provide users with the required clearances to remove the product upon completion.

Limitations

Notable limitations of SolidWorks CAM include:

2.5-Axis Focus in Standard Version: Limited to 2.5-axis milling in the base version, requiring Professional or CAMWorks for more advanced 3- and 5-axis machining.
Learning Curve for Complex Features: Steeper learning curve for mastering complex feature recognition and toolpath strategies, especially for intricate parts or operations.
Post-Processing Customization: Offers fewer built-in post-processors compared to some competitors, potentially requiring manual customization or third-party tools for specific machine setups.
Simulation Accuracy for Complex Setups: Simulation accuracy can be less reliable in highly complex machining setups, requiring careful verification and potential adjustments.

Suite Support

Email: For email support, users may email [email protected].

Phone: For phone support in the U.S. and Canada, users may dial 1-800-693-9000. For phone support outside of the U.S. and Canada, users may dia 1-781-810-5011.

Training: Users may utilize the search knowledge base with the right subscription plan to review articles on various topics concerning SOLIDWORKS CAM. Users may also access classroom training courses and files. There are also local user groups and the SOLIDWORKS forum.

Tickets: Ticket support is not available at this time.