Purchase CamWorks for SolidWorks Software

CAMWorks for SolidWorks - x64

Version	Price & Buy
2025 SP3 for SolidWorks 2024-2025	$75
2024 SP5 for SolidWorks 2023-2025	$65
2023 SP5 for SolidWorks 2022-2024	$60
2022 SP5 for SolidWorks 2021-2023	$50
2021 SP5 for SolidWorks 2020-2022	$45
2020 SP5.0 for SolidWorks 2019-2021	$45
2019 SP5.0 for SolidWorks 2018-2020	$45
2018 SP5 for SolidWorks 2017-2019	$45
2017 SP3 for SolidWorks 2016-2018	$45
2016 SP2.1 for SolidWorks 2015-2016	$45

CAMWorks 2025 for SolidWorks: Integrated CAM Software for CNC Programming

CAMWorks 2025 delivers powerful CNC programming capabilities directly within the SolidWorks environment. As the first SolidWorks Certified Gold Product for Manufacturing and CAM Software, it eliminates the need to switch between separate design and machining applications. The 2025 release introduces enhanced machine simulation, expanded automatic feature recognition for turning operations, and new tool options for chamfering and deburring that streamline programming workflows.

What's New in CAMWorks 2025

The 2025 release brings significant enhancements designed to reduce programming time and improve machining accuracy. Machine-aware programming now extends to include loaded turrets and spindle heads in full simulation, with collision detection that prevents costly machine downtime. Users can display machine components during toolpath simulation with material removal, providing instant awareness of table size, travel limits, and available tooling before the part ever reaches the shop floor.

Sync Manager receives a complete overhaul with expanded turret and spindle views that visualize synchronized operations in multi-spindle setups. Operations now sort into columns by turret or spindle-turret combinations, making it easier to coordinate complex mill-turn programs. The interface also adds the ability to reset customized simulation machine data back to its original state with a single button click.

• Display Components toolbar appears during toolpath simulation, allowing optional visibility of machine components including loaded turrets, spindle heads, and fixtures with full collision detection.
• Expanded Sync Manager view organizes operations by turret or spindle-turret combinations, providing complete visualization of synchronized operations for multi-spindle machines.
• Bottom-to-top contour milling option generates toolpaths that machine from the bottom up, particularly useful for tapered slots and keyway features with lollipop or keyway tools.
• TechDB interface enhancements highlight focused parameter dimensions in tool images, making it easier to identify and read tool data while resizing the tool grid for better viewing.

Enhanced Machine Simulation with Component Display

Machine simulation now includes the ability to display loaded turrets in full simulation and step through each operation. The system supports collision detection between tools, tool holders, machine components, and fixtures to identify potential issues before they occur. Programmers can visualize the spindle head in milling operations, creating a complete digital representation of the actual machine setup.

Automatic Feature Recognition for Turn Operations

Users gain control over which turn features are recognized during automatic feature extraction, saving time with part programming. Checkboxes in the Turn Features tab within CAMWorks Options allow programmers to uncheck specific features like cutoff or face features so they are not included when the Extract Machinable Features command executes. This eliminates the need to delete or redefine features after initial recognition, streamlining the programming workflow for lathe and mill-turn parts.

Expanded Tool Options for Chamfering and Deburring

CAMWorks 2025 now supports Ball Nose, Hog Nose, and Lollipop tools for deburring and chamfer machining in contour milling operations. These tool types enable smoother edge breaks on complex 3D curves where traditional chamfer mills may gouge the part due to curve steepness. The expanded tool selection allows programmers to apply edge breaks to intricate geometry, eliminating sharp edges that are dangerous to handle and may present fit issues in assemblies.

Seamless Integration with SolidWorks

CAMWorks operates entirely within the SolidWorks interface, eliminating time-consuming file transfers using standard formats like IGES and STP. The machining tree and commands appear at the click of a button alongside SolidWorks design tools. Programmers generate toolpaths without leaving the familiar SolidWorks environment, using the same geometry to ensure the machined part matches the design model exactly.

Integration extends to both SolidWorks desktop versions 2024 and 2025, as well as 3DEXPERIENCE SolidWorks for cloud-based collaboration. HCL CAMWorks has been officially authorized by Dassault Systèmes to develop, support, and promote add-ins for all SolidWorks applications working with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This authorization ensures seamless operation across desktop and cloud environments with full data compatibility between platforms.

Single File Workflow for CAD and CAM

Managing both design and machining data in a single SolidWorks file streamlines the entire manufacturing process. Changes made in the design model automatically propagate to machining features, eliminating manual updates across separate systems. This unified approach reduces file management overhead and ensures that the latest design revision is always reflected in the CNC program.

Associative Machining with Design Changes

True associative machining automatically accommodates modifications to the part model. When designers alter dimensions, add features, or change geometry, CAMWorks updates the CAM data without requiring programmers to rebuild toolpaths from scratch. This capability eliminates time-consuming CAM system rework due to design alterations, a common bottleneck in traditional workflows where CAD and CAM operate independently.

Working Directly in the SolidWorks Environment

Programmers access the CAMWorks machining tree and generate toolpaths using the familiar SolidWorks interface. Commands integrate directly into the SolidWorks ribbon and menus, requiring no context switching between applications. The learning curve shortens significantly for users already proficient in SolidWorks, as they apply existing knowledge of navigation, selection, and visualization to machining tasks.

Automatic Feature Recognition and Smart Machining

Automatic Feature Recognition analyzes SolidWorks part models and identifies over 20 types of prismatic and turned features that require machining. The system recognizes pockets, holes, slots, bosses, grooves, faces, and OD features without manual input. AFR reduces programming time by as much as 90 percent compared to traditional CAM software that requires programmers to manually define every machining operation.

Interactive Feature Recognition complements the automatic approach by allowing programmers to manually select and define features when needed. This combination provides flexibility for complex parts where automatic recognition may need refinement. Users can uncheck specific feature types before extraction, preventing the creation of unnecessary or inappropriate features that would require deletion or redefinition.

• Automatic Feature Recognition identifies over 20 prismatic feature types including pockets, holes, slots, and bosses, automatically creating machining operations without manual definition.
• Checkbox controls in Turn Features options allow programmers to specify which turn feature types to recognize, including cutoff, face, OD, and sub-spindle face features.
• Interactive Feature Recognition lets users manually select and define features for complex geometry where automatic recognition needs refinement or adjustment.
• Knowledge-based machining applies shop best practices stored in the TechDB to automatically select tools, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies based on feature geometry and tolerances.

How Automatic Feature Recognition Works

AFR analyzes the 3D solid model and compares geometry against predefined feature definitions stored in the Technology Database. When it identifies a feature match, the system automatically creates the appropriate machining operation and applies default parameters from the TechDB. For turned features, the system recognizes faces, OD profiles, grooves, and cutoff features based on the rotational geometry of the part.

Controlling Which Features to Recognize

The Turn Features tab in CAMWorks Options provides checkboxes for each turn feature type. Programmers can uncheck cutoff features for large diameter stock that will be transferred to a sub-spindle rather than cut off completely. Face features can be enabled specifically for sub-spindle operations, ensuring the software generates the correct operation type for the intended machining sequence. This control eliminates post-extraction cleanup where programmers previously had to delete unwanted features or convert them to different types.

Knowledge-Based Machining with TechDB

The Technology Database captures shop best practices in a company-owned knowledge base that applies consistently across all part programs. The TechDB stores tool libraries, machining strategies, speeds, feeds, and material-specific parameters that programmers have refined through experience. When AFR identifies a feature, it queries the TechDB to select appropriate tools and strategies, reducing programming time by as much as 80 percent while ensuring consistent quality across different programmers and parts.

Machine-Aware Programming and Simulation

Machine-aware programming transforms the CNC machine into an interactive part of the programming process. Programmers create setups and develop toolpaths on a digital twin that accurately represents the physical machine's table size, travel limits, rotational constraints, and tool configurations. This approach identifies potential issues during programming rather than during setup or production, increasing productivity and improving part quality.

The digital twin includes accurate models of machine components, work holding devices, and loaded turrets that appear during simulation. Collision detection runs continuously, checking for interference between tools, tool holders, spindle heads, turrets, and fixtures. When a collision is detected, simulation can pause automatically, allowing programmers to adjust tool paths or operation sequences before posting G-code to the machine.

Virtual Machine G-Code Simulation

Virtual Machine performs true G-code simulation directly from the G-code that will run on the CNC machine. Unlike CAM systems that simulate using cutter location data, CAMWorks Virtual Machine reads the actual G-code output, ensuring the simulation matches exactly what will happen on the machine tool. This eliminates dry runs for program validation, cutting setup times by 50 percent or more while avoiding collisions and broken tools.

Collision Detection and Component Visualization

The Display Components toolbar appears in the graphics area during toolpath simulation, providing toggles for optional visibility of various machine components. Programmers can display loaded turrets to verify tool clearances in mill-turn operations, show the spindle head during milling to check Z-axis limits, and visualize fixtures to ensure adequate clearance throughout the machining cycle. Collision detection runs against all displayed components, catching interference that might not be obvious from toolpath visualization alone.

Digital Twin for CNC Setup Validation

Creating a digital twin of the CNC machine provides instant graphic awareness of constraints that affect program viability. Programmers see immediately whether a tool configuration will fit within rotational limits, whether the part fits on the table with adequate fixture clearance, and whether tool changes can execute without interference. This front-loaded validation reduces maintenance costs, extends machine life, and verifies G-code with a single click instead of physical setup trials.

Advanced Milling and Turning Capabilities

VoluMill delivers high-performance roughing for complex 3D shapes and prismatic parts through intelligent toolpath algorithms. The system maintains consistent chip load throughout the cut, extending tool life by up to 500 percent while reducing cycle times by as much as 80 percent. VoluMill works particularly well with difficult-to-machine materials like titanium, nickel-based alloys, and stainless steel where conventional roughing strategies cause excessive tool wear.

Mill-turn capabilities synchronize milling and turning operations across multiple spindles and turrets. The enhanced Sync Manager visualizes operations sorted by turret or spindle-turret combinations, making it easier to coordinate synchronized machining on multi-spindle machines. Programmers can define tool orientation for milling tools in mill-turn tool cribs, ensuring unused tools appear in the correct orientation and improving the user experience when building complex mill-turn programs.

• VoluMill intelligent toolpaths reduce cycle times up to 80 percent while increasing tool life by 500 percent through consistent chip load maintenance and optimal material removal rates.
• Sync Manager expanded view displays synchronized operations organized by turret or spindle, with complete visualization of main spindle and sub-spindle coordination.
• Tool orientation settings for mill-turn machines allow programmers to define whether milling tools orient left, down, right, up, or undefined in tool cribs.
• Contour milling from bottom to top machines tapered and keyway slot features using lollipop, keyway, and specialized tools that work best with upward cutting motion.

VoluMill High-Performance Toolpaths

VoluMill algorithms create more intelligent toolpaths for pockets, slots, and arbitrary shapes by calculating optimal material removal rates for any combination of part geometry, material, machine, and cutting tool. The high-performance roughing module allows programmers to determine the ideal balance between material removal and tool life. Results include reduced programming times up to 50 percent alongside the dramatic cycle time and tool life improvements, making it a budget-friendly option for home, learning and hobby projects that need to maximize limited resources.

Mill-Turn Machining with Sync Manager

Programming mill-turn machines requires coordination between multiple turrets and spindles operating simultaneously or in sequence. The Sync Manager expanded view organizes operations into columns representing each turret or spindle-turret combination assigned to the tools used for operations. This visualization helps programmers understand the synchronization sequence, identify opportunities for parallel machining, and ensure proper handoffs when transferring parts between main and sub-spindles.

Contour Milling and Edge Break Operations

Contour milling operations now generate toolpaths from bottom to top for 2.5 axis mill features, particularly beneficial when machining tapered slots and keyways. Combined with the new tool options for chamfer machining, programmers can apply Ball Nose, Hog Nose, or Lollipop tools to break edges on complex 3D curves. These tools maintain proper contact with vertical curves while keeping consistent material removal, producing smoother finished edges than traditional chamfer mills on intricate geometry.

Tool Management and Work Holding Enhancements

Collet support provides a new work holding option for turn and mill-turn machines. Programmers can create and manage a centralized library of collets within the Technology Database, then assign the desired collet to specific machines. Collets produce high clamping force and accurate alignment, making them ideal for parts where concentricity and precision are critical. The TechDB library approach ensures consistent collet definitions across all part programs.

Tool orientation settings for mill-turn tool cribs allow programmers to define whether milling tools present in left, down, right, up, or undefined orientations. This definition ensures unused tools display in the correct orientation during simulation and setup visualization. The capability improves the programming experience when working with complex mill-turn machines that have multiple turrets and tool positions.

• Collet support enables programmers to define collets as work holding devices on turn and mill-turn machines, with centralized TechDB library management for consistent definitions across programs.
• Tool orientation settings specify how milling tools in mill-turn tool cribs are oriented, displaying unused tools correctly and improving visualization during programming.
• Bar break chamfering option adds chamfers to cylindrical stock edges during turn toolpaths, preventing burrs that can damage guide bushings and machine components.
• TechDB enhancements highlight focused parameter dimensions in tool images and allow resizing of the tool grid for easier viewing and identification of tool specifications.

Collet Support for Turn and Mill-Turn Machines

Defining a collet as the work holding device provides greater flexibility in part setup and fixturing strategies. CAMWorks 2025 allows users to create collet definitions specifying dimensions, clamping characteristics, and available sizes within the TechDB. When programming a part, the user selects the appropriate collet from the library and assigns it to the turn or mill-turn machine. The system then uses the collet geometry during simulation to verify clearances and detect potential interference.

Tool Orientation Settings for Mill-Turn Cribs

Mill-turn machines often hold milling tools in specific orientations depending on turret configuration and spindle arrangement. The ability to define tool orientation ensures that simulation and visualization accurately represent the physical machine setup. Programmers specify whether each tool orients to the left, down, right, or up position, matching the actual turret configuration. Undefined orientation remains available for tools where orientation does not affect the operation.

Bar Break Chamfering to Protect Components

Bar break chamfering eliminates burrs on cylindrical stock edges that can damage guide bushings and other machine components. The option is available for turn roughing and finishing, groove roughing and finishing of OD features, and face roughing and finishing operations. Adding a small chamfer at the end of a turn profile protects collets, improves collet life, and prevents burrs that would otherwise require manual deburring after machining.

CAMWorks for Home Workshops and Learning Projects

Home workshops and learning environments benefit from CAMWorks' automation capabilities that reduce the manual work typically required in CNC programming. Automatic Feature Recognition eliminates the tedious process of defining every pocket, hole, and contour individually. The TechDB approach allows beginners to capture basic machining strategies as they learn, building a personal knowledge base that speeds up subsequent projects without requiring professional-level CAM expertise.

Working within SolidWorks provides a unified environment for learners practicing both design and manufacturing skills. Students and hobby machinists model their parts, apply dimensions and tolerances, then generate toolpaths without switching to a separate CAM application. This integration shortens the learning curve and reinforces the connection between design decisions and manufacturing outcomes, making it a budget-friendly option for home, learning and hobby projects.

Automating CNC Programming for Small Batches

Small batch production and one-off projects benefit from CAMWorks' automation even more than high-volume manufacturing. Home workshops typically lack dedicated CAM programmers who can spend hours optimizing every toolpath. Automatic Feature Recognition and TechDB-driven strategy selection generate reasonable toolpaths in minutes, allowing makers to focus on design iteration and project completion rather than programming minutiae.

Reducing Setup Time on Single-Machine Shops

Virtual Machine simulation eliminates dry runs and setup validation cycles that consume valuable machine time in single-machine shops. Home machinists can verify programs completely in software, catching errors, collisions, and programming mistakes before ever loading material. This verification represents a budget-friendly option for home, learning and hobby projects where machine time is limited and material waste impacts project feasibility directly.

Building Skills with Feature-Based Machining

Feature-based machining helps learners understand the relationship between part geometry and manufacturing strategy. Instead of programming individual tool moves, students think in terms of features that need machining. This conceptual framework matches how professional manufacturers approach part programming while remaining accessible to beginners. As skills develop, users can override automatic selections, refine strategies, and eventually build sophisticated TechDB entries that encode their growing expertise.

Getting Started with CAMWorks in SolidWorks

Getting started begins with opening a SolidWorks part and accessing the CAMWorks commands from the integrated toolbar. The machining tree appears alongside the SolidWorks feature tree, displaying setups, operations, and tools in a hierarchical structure. New users typically start by defining a machine from the available library, specifying stock geometry, then running Extract Machinable Features to let AFR identify what needs machining.

After feature extraction, the CAMWorks tree displays recognized features grouped by operation type such as holes, pockets, and contours for milling or faces, OD profiles, and grooves for turning. Users can accept the automatically generated operations or refine them by changing tools, adjusting speeds and feeds, or modifying machining strategies. Generating toolpaths takes a single click, with visual verification available immediately in the SolidWorks graphics window.

• Define a machine setup by selecting from the TechDB machine library, which includes pre-configured definitions for common mill, lathe, and mill-turn machines.
• Specify stock geometry using standard shapes like rectangular or cylindrical stock, or import custom stock models when working with castings or forgings.
• Run Extract Machinable Features to let Automatic Feature Recognition analyze the part and create initial machining operations based on TechDB strategies.
• Customize the Technology Database by adding your own tools, materials, and machining strategies that reflect your specific machines and preferences.

Using the CAMWorks Machining Tree

The machining tree organizes all CNC programming elements in a logical hierarchy. Machine setups appear at the top level, followed by operations grouped by feature type. Expanding an operation reveals the specific tools, feeds, speeds, and strategies assigned. Right-clicking on tree items provides context menus for editing parameters, regenerating toolpaths, or viewing operation details. This tree-based organization matches SolidWorks' feature tree structure, making navigation intuitive for users familiar with the design environment.

Generating Your First Toolpaths

After Extract Machinable Features identifies what needs machining, generating toolpaths requires clicking the Generate Operation Plan button. CAMWorks queries the TechDB for each recognized feature, selects appropriate tools and strategies, then calculates toolpaths. The generated paths appear in the graphics window, showing tool motion in different colors to distinguish rapid moves, cutting feeds, and lead-in/lead-out motions. Users can simulate the complete machining process with material removal to verify the program before posting G-code.

Customizing the Technology Database

The TechDB stores all the knowledge CAMWorks uses to automate programming decisions. Users can add custom tool definitions matching their actual tool inventory, create material entries with shop-proven speeds and feeds, and define machining strategies that reflect their preferred approaches. Building a customized TechDB transforms CAMWorks from a general-purpose tool into a system that programs parts the way you would program them manually, capturing your expertise and applying it consistently across all projects.