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Version	Price & Buy
2024 SP4.0 (SolidWorks 2010-2025)	$75
2023 SP2.0 (SolidWorks 2010-2024)	$65
2022 SP0 (SolidWorks 2010-2022)	$60
2021 SP4.2 (SolidWorks 2010-2022)	$50
2020 SP3.1 (SolidWorks 2010-2021)	$45
2019 SP3 (SolidWorks 2010-2020)	$45
2015 SP8 (SolidWorks 2010-2017)	$45

SWOOD 2024 for SolidWorks

SWOOD 2024 for SolidWorks is an integrated CAD/CAM solution designed specifically for woodworking professionals and enthusiasts. The software operates directly within the SolidWorks environment, combining parametric design tools, CNC machining automation, and material optimization into one seamless workflow. SWOOD 2024 introduces enhanced panel joint capabilities, advanced 3D finishing algorithms, and a redesigned reporting system that streamlines the entire process from initial concept to final production.

The suite includes three core modules that work together to handle different stages of woodworking projects. SWOOD Design provides parametric modeling tools for creating furniture and cabinetry with automatic hardware insertion and material management. SWOOD CAM translates designs into CNC programs with woodworking-specific machining strategies and post-processor compatibility for major equipment brands. SWOOD Nesting optimizes material usage by arranging parts on sheets while respecting grain direction and reducing waste.

What's New in SWOOD 2024

The 2024 release focuses on simplifying complex design tasks and improving manufacturing integration. Updates span all three modules with features developed based on industry feedback and real-world woodworking challenges. The enhancements target both design flexibility and production efficiency, making it easier to handle projects with unusual geometries like diamond-shaped reception desks or under-slope dressing installations.

Panel Cut and Joint Features

Panel Cut functionality automates the process of creating accurate cuts between panels at any intersection angle. Users simply select the two interfering panel faces, and the software automatically generates the cut without manual calculations. The feature offers four connection options: miter cuts, one panel cutting through another, or the reverse configuration. Any subsequent modifications to angles or offsets automatically update throughout the 3D design.

Panel Joint introduces two assembly methods: halved joints and tenon-mortise connections. Halved joints reduce each piece's thickness by half at the overlap, allowing pieces to interlock while maintaining continuity. The tenon-mortise option includes CNC-specific parameters for controlling offset, quantity, length, and positioning of joints, along with tool specifications for machining operations.

• Automatic panel cut generation eliminates manual angle calculations for complex intersections and updates all modifications across the entire assembly in real time
• Halved joint creation maintains wood continuity by interlocking pieces with half-thickness reductions at overlap areas
• Tenon-mortise parameters include customizable offset settings, joint quantity controls, and CNC tool specifications for precise machining

Enhanced 3D Finishing Capabilities

The 3D finishing feature uses improved algorithms to generate toolpaths based on surface selection rather than requiring stitched surfaces. Users define machining areas by selecting surfaces directly from the model, then add or remove sketches and areas as needed. Transition paths between different machining zones can be managed in advance, providing better control over tool movement. Protected areas can be defined with specific tool offsets to prevent unwanted material removal.

This approach offers greater stability during toolpath calculation and reduces preparation time. The interface redesign makes it easier to visualize which surfaces will be machined and how the tool will move between them. The beta version in SWOOD 2024 represents a significant algorithmic improvement over previous implementations.

System Report Interface

SWOOD 2024 introduces a web-based reporting interface that consolidates all project information in one accessible location. The system gathers data directly from the SolidWorks model and presents it through customizable views. Users can generate reports that include panel lists, cutting lists, bills of materials, hardware inventories, and machining programs without leaving the design environment.

The interface allows navigation through assemblies and individual panels with filtering options for different information types. Custom layouts can be created to match specific production workflows or documentation requirements. Reports export to multiple formats including PDF, Excel, CSV, HTML, and XML, with any design changes automatically reflected when documents are regenerated.

Parametric Design with SWOOD Design

SWOOD Design operates as an add-in within SolidWorks, providing woodworking-specific tools for furniture and cabinetry creation. The parametric approach allows designs to adapt automatically when dimensions or materials change, with modifications propagating throughout the entire project according to predefined rules. This environment combines standard SolidWorks capabilities with specialized functions for panel management, hardware insertion, and material specifications tailored to wood-based projects.

SWOODBox and Component Libraries

SWOODBox stores reusable components as configurable templates that adapt to project parameters upon insertion. Frames, boxes, and fittings can be saved with embedded rules that control how they adjust to surrounding elements. When inserted into new designs, these templates automatically propose optimized configurations based on the insertion context. The 2024 version adds support for three-dimensional offsets along X, Y, and Z axes, plus dynamic adjustment based on surrounding panel dimensions.

Component libraries include predefined elements from hardware suppliers with complete technical specifications. Users can drag and drop panels, doors, drawers, hinges, handles, and accessories directly into models. The drag-and-drop functionality now includes file saving to libraries, making it easier to build custom collections. Search capabilities have been improved with algorithms that operate four times faster than previous versions.

Hardware and Connector Insertion

The connector system automatically detects contact surfaces between panels and inserts appropriate fasteners based on preconfigured rules. Dowels, cams, and hinges can be placed with precise spacing and orientation according to woodworking standards. The parametric nature ensures that if panel positions or dimensions change, connector placement updates accordingly. This reduces manual adjustments during assembly preparation and maintains consistency across similar projects.

Hardware libraries include components from leading brands, allowing designers to work with actual product specifications rather than generic placeholders. The system tracks hardware quantities and specifications for inclusion in bills of materials and purchasing documentation. Clickable links can now be embedded in SWOODBox messages, and new mathematical script functions including Min, Max, Floor, and Ceil support more complex parametric relationships.

• Automatic contact surface detection places fasteners according to woodworking standards with precise spacing and orientation controls
• Brand-specific hardware libraries include technical specifications that flow directly into bills of materials and purchasing documents
• Parametric connector updates ensure hardware placement adjusts automatically when panel dimensions or positions change

Edge Banding Management

Edge banding features control both visual representation and manufacturing data for edge treatments. Users define edge band shapes, thickness, materials, and application order that apply consistently across all project elements. The visual display in SolidWorks shows edge treatments as they will appear on finished pieces, helping identify potential issues before production. Material assignments for edge bands integrate with the overall project material management system.

Changes to edge banding specifications propagate automatically throughout the design. The application order can be adjusted at any time, which affects both the 3D visualization and the CNC programming output. This ensures that what designers see matches what manufacturing will produce, reducing errors from miscommunication between design and production teams.

CNC Machining with SWOOD CAM

SWOOD CAM converts 3D furniture models into CNC programs using woodworking-specific machining strategies. The software operates within SolidWorks, detecting features like holes, grooves, pockets, and contours, then applying appropriate machining operations automatically. This approach significantly reduces programming time compared to manual methods while maintaining the precision required for furniture production. The system accounts for material characteristics including grain direction and panel composition when generating toolpaths.

Automatic Feature Detection

Geometric recognition algorithms identify machining features directly from SolidWorks models and assign appropriate operations based on customizable rules. The system detects 3-axis and 5-axis machining requirements automatically. When design changes occur, affected toolpaths are detected and updated throughout all associated programs with a single command. This maintains synchronization between design iterations and manufacturing instructions without requiring complete reprogramming.

Toolpaths are optimized according to predefined strategies that can be customized for specific materials or production requirements. The recognition process works with standard SolidWorks geometry, so designers don't need to add special manufacturing features during modeling. Program origin strategies use shape recognition to position parts automatically on CNC worktables, streamlining setup procedures.

Woodworking-Specific Operations

SWOOD CAM includes operations tailored to furniture manufacturing that go beyond generic CAM software capabilities. Dowel insertion, mortise and tenon joint machining, and hinge pocketing are programmed with woodworking methods in mind. Clamex connector machining can now be automated with either 3-axis or 5-axis configurations using standard milling cutters, eliminating the need for manual blade operations that were required in previous versions.

Angle finishing operations machine concave corners using conical milling cutters, while corner notching squares inside corners of through-hole profiles. The 2024 release adds edgeband encoder functionality that integrates edge banding application directly into machine code for B-SOLID and WOODWOP post-processors. This includes operations for contour preparation, blowing, gluing, flush trimming, and scraping.

Post-Processor and Machine Compatibility

SWOOD CAM supports major CNC machine brands through customizable post-processors that generate machine-ready G-code. Compatible systems include HOMAG with WoodWOP, Biesse with BiesseWorks and bSolid, SCM with XILOG and MAESTRO, Felder with TPA and F4Integrate, and Holzher with NC HOPS. Post-processors can be tailored to match specific technical requirements of individual machines, ensuring reliable output regardless of equipment configuration.

The software handles point-to-point CNC machines and nesting routers with appropriate programming strategies for each type. Worktable management includes control of motorized machining tables with rails, pods, clamping systems, and laser positioning systems. This comprehensive machine support means shops can implement SWOOD CAM regardless of their existing equipment, making it a budget-friendly option for home, learning and hobby projects that don't require new hardware investments.

Material Optimization with SWOOD Nesting

SWOOD Nesting is an add-on module for SWOOD CAM that optimizes part placement on sheet materials. The software arranges both rectangular and irregular shapes to minimize waste while respecting constraints like grain direction, material type, and edge spacing. Advanced algorithms calculate efficient cutting layouts that transfer directly to SWOOD CAM for toolpath generation. This creates an unbroken workflow from optimized layout through finished CNC programs.

Grain Direction and Layout Control

Grain direction settings from SWOOD Design models are preserved during nesting, ensuring each part maintains proper orientation on the sheet. This is important for both visual consistency and structural integrity in finished furniture. The software balances grain alignment requirements with material utilization efficiency, finding layouts that respect wood characteristics while reducing waste. Users can define grain direction per material and apply rotation rules including fixed orientation or limited rotation in 90-degree increments.

The 2024 version adds an option to ignore grain direction for non-visible parts, improving optimization when appearance doesn't matter. Small parts can automatically activate four-corners layout mode for better sheet utilization. Milling order is optimized from smallest to largest parts to reduce cutting force impact, and onion skin cutting strategies minimize overall cutting forces during nested sheet processing.

• Grain direction preservation maintains visual and structural consistency while balancing material efficiency across all nested parts
• Selective grain direction control allows optimization of non-visible components while maintaining appearance standards for visible surfaces
• Four-corners layout activation for small parts maximizes sheet utilization without manual intervention
• Optimized milling sequences process parts from smallest to largest, reducing cutting forces and improving machining quality

Multi-Sheet Nesting Strategies

When parts from large assemblies don't fit on a single sheet, SWOOD Nesting automatically distributes them across multiple sheets. The software calculates the most effective arrangement based on material sizes, part geometry, and machining constraints. Users can nest multiple jobs simultaneously or handle assemblies with different material types and panel thicknesses in a single operation. This batch processing capability is particularly valuable for production environments handling multiple projects.

Manual adjustment tools allow users to fine-tune automatically generated layouts. Parts can be repositioned or rotated to different sheets to meet specific production needs or aesthetic requirements. Customizable nesting rules control part spacing, rotation limits, and margin settings according to manufacturing capabilities or design preferences. Staydown contour operations can save up to 20 percent of milling time by optimizing tool engagement.

Offcuts and Filler Management

SWOOD Nesting includes capabilities for detecting, cutting, and reusing offcuts automatically. When sheets are processed, the software identifies usable remnants and tracks them for potential use in future nesting operations. This reduces material costs by making use of pieces that might otherwise be discarded. Fillers are recurring parts that can be incorporated into nesting layouts to fill remaining space on sheets, further improving material utilization.

Automatic bridge insertion prevents parts from separating from the nesting sheet during cutting operations. The 2024 version adds options to disable automatic program recalculation for efficiency in certain workflows, and improved material management streamlines the handling of different stock types and specifications throughout the nesting process.

Production Data and Documentation

SWOOD automatically generates comprehensive production documentation from design models. The software collects parameters from every design element, compiles them into structured datasets, and exports formatted reports for manufacturing teams. This automation eliminates manual data entry and reduces errors that occur when information is transferred between systems. Documentation stays synchronized with design changes, ensuring manufacturing always works from current specifications.

Bills of Materials and Cut Lists

Bill of materials generation includes complete hardware inventories with part numbers, quantities, and supplier information. The system tracks every component used in a design, from panels and fasteners to edge banding and finishes. Cut lists provide detailed specifications for each panel including dimensions, material type, grain orientation, and edge treatment requirements. These documents flow directly to purchasing departments and cutting operations without manual compilation.

Panel lists include stock requirements and material production information that help coordinate inventory management. The level of detail captured ensures that production teams have everything needed to manufacture designs exactly as specified. Any changes to component specifications or quantities in the design automatically update associated documentation.

Machining Reports and Tool Lists

Machining reports detail every CNC operation required for a project. Tool lists specify cutting tools, bits, and accessories needed for each operation, including spindle speeds and feed rates. Job sheets bridge the gap between engineering and shop floor by presenting machining information in formats that CNC operators can readily use. SWOOD 2024 consolidates this information in the new report interface where users can access all operation details including contour, pocket, drill, sawing, and edgeband aggregate operations.

The software tracks tool usage across projects, helping shops plan tool inventory and maintenance. Detailed operation documentation supports quality control by providing reference information for verifying that parts were machined according to specifications. Program lists include label information that can be used for tracking parts through production workflows.

Label Export and Tracking

Custom part labels can be printed with barcodes or QR codes to enhance tracking and organization throughout production. Labels connect physical parts to digital project data, making it easier to match components during assembly. Export formats include options that integrate with inventory management and production scheduling systems. This tracking capability is valuable even in smaller shops where keeping parts organized across multiple projects can be challenging.

The label system works with the broader documentation framework, pulling information directly from design models. Part identification, material specifications, and assembly location can all be encoded into labels, reducing confusion during production and assembly operations. This represents one-time setup effort that pays dividends across all future projects.

SWOOD for Home Workshops and Learning

SWOOD 2024 serves makers, students, and DIY builders who want to develop furniture design and CNC programming skills. The software's integration with SolidWorks provides access to professional-grade modeling tools while woodworking-specific features simplify tasks that would otherwise require extensive experience. This makes it practical for learning environments where students are building foundational skills, and for home workshops where projects may not justify complex software investments with ongoing costs.

Designing Custom Furniture Projects

The parametric approach allows individuals to create custom furniture that adapts to specific spaces or requirements. Cabinets, shelving, workbenches, and storage solutions can be modeled with precise dimensions that match available materials. Component libraries reduce the learning curve by providing starting points for common elements like drawer assemblies and door frames. Hobbyists can focus on design intent rather than technical modeling details.

Projects benefit from automatic hardware placement and material management features that handle details professionals take for granted but beginners often overlook. Edge banding visualization shows how finished pieces will appear, helping makers evaluate designs before committing materials. The ability to export cut lists and machining programs means home workshops can produce consistent results even without extensive woodworking experience.

Practice-Ready Features for Skill Building

SWOOD's automatic feature detection and machining operation assignment provide learning opportunities by showing how designs translate to manufacturing steps. Students can examine generated toolpaths to understand how different operations sequence together and how tool selection affects results. The simulation capabilities allow practice with CNC programming concepts without requiring access to actual machines, reducing material costs during the learning process.

The parametric modeling environment teaches design principles that apply across many CAD applications. Working with configurable components and rule-based systems builds understanding of how professional furniture design is structured. These skills transfer to other software platforms and professional contexts, making SWOOD a valuable tool for career development in woodworking, industrial design, or manufacturing engineering.

• Automatic hardware placement and material management guide beginners through details that professionals handle intuitively
• Machining simulation allows CNC programming practice without material costs or machine access
• Parametric modeling principles learned in SWOOD transfer to other CAD platforms and professional design contexts

Workshop Integration Without Subscriptions

Operating within SolidWorks means makers who already have access to that platform can add woodworking capabilities without entirely separate software. For educational institutions and makerspaces, this consolidated approach simplifies licensing and training. The software works with a wide range of CNC equipment through customizable post-processors, so home workshops can use whatever machines they have available rather than requiring specific brands.

This represents a budget-friendly option for home, learning and hobby projects because the modular structure lets users implement only the components they need. A maker focused on design might use only SWOOD Design and export cut lists for manual cutting, while someone with CNC equipment could add SWOOD CAM for programming capabilities. The pay once and keep using the software as long as you need model avoids recurring costs that can make professional tools prohibitive for personal projects.

Advanced Machining Features

SWOOD CAM provides capabilities that extend beyond basic CNC programming into complex machining scenarios. Multi-axis support handles operations that require tool angle adjustments during cutting. Simulation tools verify programs before running them on actual equipment. Integration with CNC edgebanding systems automates edge treatment application that would otherwise require separate machinery or manual processes.

3-Axis and 5-Axis Capabilities

The software supports CNC machines ranging from 3-axis point-to-point equipment to 5-axis milling centers. For 3-axis machines, SWOOD generates toolpaths for drilling, routing, pocketing, and contour operations. Five-axis algorithms handle compound angles and complex surface machining specific to woodworking applications. The 2024 release includes automatic orientation strategies based on groove recognition that position parts optimally on machine worktables.

Five-axis toolpaths for 3D milling are optimized for wood materials rather than using generic metal-cutting strategies. This accounts for grain structure, cutting force distribution, and chip evacuation requirements specific to wood. Tool angle management prevents collisions between spindle assemblies and workpieces, which is particularly important for furniture components with complex geometries or assembly features on multiple faces.

Machining Simulation and Collision Detection

Visual simulations show exactly how material will be removed during CNC operations. Users can preview complete programs with material removal visualization before sending code to machines. This helps identify problems like incomplete cuts, excessive material removal, or inefficient tool sequences. Collision detection checks for interference between cutting tools, spindle heads, machine tables, and workpieces during all phases of machining operations.

Pre-production simulation reduces setup time and material waste by catching errors before they reach the shop floor. The visual feedback helps operators verify that programs will produce intended results and that tool changes occur at appropriate points. For learning environments, simulation provides safe practice opportunities where students can experiment with programming approaches without risking equipment damage or material waste.

CNC Edgebanding Integration

The edgeband encoder feature in SWOOD 2024 integrates edge banding operations directly into CNC machine code for systems using B-SOLID or WOODWOP post-processors. This manages edge banding aggregates that apply treatments during CNC processing rather than requiring separate equipment. Operations include contour preparation, blowing to clean surfaces, glue application, edge material placement, flush trimming, and scraping for final finishing.

Edge banding order defined in SWOOD Design flows through to these CNC operations, ensuring machines apply treatments in the correct sequence. This automation eliminates manual coordination between design intent and machine setup. For shops with CNC edgebanding capability, this integration represents significant time savings and improved consistency compared to manual programming of these operations.

Integration and Workflow

SWOOD operates entirely within the SolidWorks environment, eliminating file transfers and format conversions between design and manufacturing systems. This tight integration means changes in design models immediately affect downstream documentation and programs. The unified workflow reduces opportunities for errors and miscommunication that occur when information moves between disconnected software applications.

SolidWorks Native Environment

Running as a SolidWorks add-in means SWOOD users work within a familiar interface without learning entirely new software. Standard SolidWorks commands, file management, and display controls all function normally with SWOOD active. Woodworking-specific tools appear as extensions to existing functionality rather than separate applications. This approach reduces training time and allows designers to combine standard SolidWorks features with wood-specific capabilities in single projects.

The current SWOOD version maintains backward compatibility with the previous two versions of SolidWorks, providing flexibility for shops that don't update software annually. Integration with SolidWorks PDM supports revision control and change management for teams working collaboratively on furniture designs. Multi-material projects can combine wood components with sheet metal, weldments, plastics, or other materials within unified assemblies.

Design to Manufacturing Pipeline

The workflow from initial concept to finished CNC programs occurs within one connected system. Designs created in SWOOD Design automatically carry all necessary manufacturing information including material specifications, grain orientation, hardware details, and edge treatments. When designs move to SWOOD CAM, this information drives machining decisions without manual data entry. Nesting optimization in SWOOD Nesting respects design intent while improving material efficiency.

Documentation generated from designs stays synchronized automatically as projects evolve. Changes to dimensions, materials, or assembly methods propagate through programs and reports without regenerating everything manually. This pipeline efficiency benefits production environments where design iterations occur frequently, and it provides a one-time purchase instead of an ongoing subscription model that makes professional capabilities accessible for smaller operations and individual makers.