SolidCAM- Integration, Association & Education

SolidCAM was not originally meant for integration. Of course, now we know about its successful integration with Solidworks, but back in 1995 when Solidworks had just launched, the offer to integrate was refused as SolidCAM was in the process of developing its own CAD system. In fact, when SolidCAM decided to integrate, Solidworks was not its first partner, it was MicroStation by Bentley.

However, after developing a successful integration architecture, SolidCAM decided to integrate with additional CAD systems. This is when Solidworks came into the picture; since its launch it had gained a lot of popularity as one of the finest and easy-to-use CAD systems.

The collaboration, which was finalized in 2002, was an immediate success; so much that the first ever SolidCAM integrated with Solidworks was sold at the very same conference during which it was launched. Eventually SolidCAM also received the Gold-Certified status from SolidWorks and has worked in association with them ever since.

Associativity with Solidworks: 
 

Solidworks is one of the most intuitive CAD systems available, and a great software to start with. Well, so is SolidCAM!

The interface of SolidCAM is made specifically for the CAD tool it is used with, for an easy transition from CAD to CAM. When one uses it with Solidworks, the nuances of the two, such as user touchpoints, illustration style, navigation elements, etc. are made very similar, and that reduces the learning curve by a mile. The entire functionality of the integrated CAD and CAM tools is incorporated in a single window, so one doesn’t have to leave the Solidworks environment to work on SolidCAM.

The two systems work in full associativity with each other. SolidCAM takes into consideration the dynamic and ever evolving nature of designs; if a change is made in the solid model, the toolpath for the part is updated automatically. It uses the design data in a more efficient and systematic way. One can even use Solidworks assembly features for the definition of fixtures, tools and vices while defining a CAM part.

Learn to use, Use to learn: 
 

It is one thing to have all these advantages, and another to utilize them fully. To work on any CAD/CAM software, the sequence of events is of paramount importance. This type of expertise requires training- training that is unfiltered and
unlimited. And this is where SolidCAM helps the most as compared to its competitors.

SolidCAM has the most extensive tutorials library on YouTube to help you with all the fundamentals. We offer ‘professor’ learning- free online tutorials with easy-to-follow step-by-step guidance. SolidCAM university is another YouTube resource for more in-depth study. Webinar recordings that cover a wide range of topics, categorized conveniently in modules are also readily available on our website, without any requirement for registration. There are also paid training programs for anyone wanting to get certified. There is training material for Solidworks and SolidCAM on our forum as well.

When the software is installed, it automatically comes with a library of practice parts with pre-defined operations for new users to explore. We also have highly trained customer support staff to answer your queries anywhere (see the customer reviews on our website). We strive to make the best product for you, one that you can use, one that you can understand,and one that fulfils all your needs in a single neat package.

SolidCAM in education: 
 

There is an inclination towards education that is unique to SolidCAM. Education, training and support are the fundamental
principles at SolidCAM and they have been since it’s foundation.

While SolidCAM has its own training centers, there also exist a lot of affiliations with universities and schools all over the world that use SolidCAM to train students in CAM. When it comes to the training material, SolidCAM provides it, but many organizations develop their own. An interesting trend that emerged from these was that specialists trained in SolidCAM would unwittingly market our technologies like iMachining in their place of work, because they have seen just how powerful and effective it is.

In India, there have been government programs to promote education in CAM, with SolidCAM as the tool. In July 2021, National Small Industries Corporation set up a tool room in Rajpura (Punjab) with the latest machinery and a SolidCAMlicense for local industries to avail. Even teachers in this field have benefitted from these institute affiliations. The National institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research (India) recently purchased 10 SolidCAM licenses to train educators in
this domain.

For anyone to learn and use SolidCAM, there exist multiple options available across various platforms that are easily accessible. Feel free to contact us for any information.

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