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VisualCAM for SolidWorks 2010-2018 x32+x64
| Version | Price & Buy |
|---|---|
| 2018 7.0.426 | |
| 2017 6.0.507 |
VisualCAM 2018 for SolidWorks is a Gold Certified CAM solution that operates entirely inside your existing SolidWorks environment. You can program CNC toolpaths for mills and lathes without leaving your design workspace, eliminating the frustration of file exports and data translation errors.
What Is VisualCAM 2018 for SolidWorks?
VisualCAM 2018 brings professional CNC programming directly into SolidWorks, where your designs already live. The software runs as a native add-in, which means you work with the same interface and commands you know. Your CAM toolpaths stay connected to your 3D models, updating automatically when you modify designs.
This version introduces assembly document programming—a breakthrough that lets you generate toolpaths for multiple parts at once. Machine shops that build fixtures, jigs, or multi-component assemblies can now program entire projects without breaking them into individual files. The 2018 release also delivers automatic feature detection and machining capabilities that recognize common geometries like pockets, holes, and bosses, then generate appropriate toolpaths with minimal input.
MecSoft designed VisualCAM 2018 for manufacturers who need reliable CAM functionality without the complexity or expense of high-end systems. You get 2½-axis through 5-axis milling plus 2-axis turning in a single platform that works directly with your SolidWorks parts and assemblies.
What Are the Key Benefits of VisualCAM 2018?
Seamless SolidWorks Integration
VisualCAM 2018 eliminates the traditional CAD-to-CAM workflow bottleneck. You select faces, edges, or features from your SolidWorks model and apply machining operations immediately. No export to STEP or IGES, no reimporting into separate CAM software, and no wondering whether your toolpaths match the latest design revision.
When you update a dimension or modify a feature in SolidWorks, your toolpaths recognize the change. The software flags affected operations, letting you regenerate them with a single click. This associative behavior saves hours of rework when design changes happen late in a project—which they always do.
Automatic Feature Detection & Machining
The 2018 version includes Automatic Feature Detection (AFD) that scans your solid models and identifies machinable features. VisualCAM recognizes pockets, holes, slots, and bosses without manual selection. You review the detected features, make adjustments if needed, then trigger Automatic Feature Machining (AFM) to generate complete toolpath strategies.
AFM applies proven machining knowledge to each feature type. Pockets get roughing passes followed by finishing. Holes receive drilling or boring operations based on diameter and depth. The system selects appropriate tools from your library and calculates feeds and speeds. You're not locked into these automated choices—every parameter remains editable—but the initial programming happens in minutes instead of hours.
Assembly Document Programming
New in VisualCAM 2018: you can now open a SolidWorks assembly and program machining operations for multiple components without switching to part files. Select parts within the assembly, apply fixtures or vises, and create toolpaths that account for the full assembly context. This matters when you're machining parts that must fit together precisely or when you need to see clearances between workpieces and fixtures.
Assembly programming also simplifies multi-part jobs where you run several components on a single machine setup. Program all parts in the assembly view, verify tool clearances, then output G-code for the entire job. No more jumping between part files and trying to visualize how everything fits on your machine table.
| VisualCAM 2018 Advantage | What It Means for Your Shop |
|---|---|
| Native SolidWorks integration | Zero file translation errors, instant design updates to toolpaths |
| Assembly document support | Program multi-part jobs without switching files, verify fixture clearances |
| Automatic Feature Detection | Reduce programming time by letting software identify machinable features |
| Automatic Feature Machining | Generate proven toolpath strategies automatically, edit as needed |
| Real-time simulation | Catch collisions and verify toolpaths before sending code to machines |
What Can You Do with VisualCAM 2018?
Milling Operations (2½ to 5-Axis)
The MILL module handles everything from simple drilling to complex 5-axis surfacing. For 2½-axis work—the bread and butter of most job shops—you get face milling, pockets with islands, contour operations, and drilling cycles. The software generates efficient toolpaths that minimize air cutting and optimize tool engagement.
3-axis capabilities include horizontal finishing strategies that follow part contours smoothly. VisualCAM 2018 improves containment boundary handling, so your finish passes stay within intended areas even on complex surfaces. For 4-axis jobs, the 2018 version adds helical milling and a new round stock creation method that simplifies cylindrical part programming. You can even use 5-axis continuous toolpath methods for 4-axis machines, expanding your programming options without buying new equipment.
- Rapid prototyping: Turn SolidWorks design models into physical prototypes quickly
- Mold and die work: Machine intricate 3D surfaces with multi-axis strategies
- Sign making and engraving: Convert artwork into precise toolpaths with VisualART module
- Fixture and jig production: Program multiple components in assembly context
Turning Operations (CNC Lathe)
The TURN module brings the same integrated approach to lathe programming. You work with SolidWorks solid models or imported 2D profiles, defining turning operations that cut material radially. VisualCAM 2018 supports roughing, finishing, grooving, threading, and drilling for 2-axis CNC lathes.
Toolpath simulation shows material removal in real time, revealing potential collisions between cutting tools and part geometry. The software includes post-processors for popular lathe controls, outputting G-code that machines can read immediately. Like the MILL module, TURN operations stay associative with your SolidWorks models, updating when you change part dimensions.
How Does VisualCAM 2018 Improve Your Workflow?
Programming Time Reduction
Automatic feature detection cuts initial programming time significantly. Instead of manually selecting each pocket, hole, and contour, you scan the model and review detected features. AFM then applies machining strategies to all features at once. Even complex parts with dozens of features can be programmed in a fraction of the usual time.
Design changes become routine rather than catastrophic. When engineering modifies a part dimension, VisualCAM flags affected toolpaths. You regenerate those operations without touching unaffected areas. This associative relationship between CAD geometry and CAM toolpaths protects hours of programming work every time a design revision arrives.
Error Prevention & Accuracy
VisualCAM 2018 simulates toolpaths using solid material removal algorithms. You watch virtual cutting tools remove virtual material, revealing problems like tool collisions, insufficient clearances, or missed features before you touch actual stock. The simulation accounts for tool holders and machine kinematics, catching issues that simpler verification systems miss.
Working directly with SolidWorks geometry eliminates translation errors that plague traditional CAD-to-CAM workflows. You're machining the actual design file, not an exported approximation. Dimensions stay exact, tolerances remain intact, and you know your G-code matches the engineer's intent.
- Catch collisions during simulation instead of on the machine
- Verify toolpaths match design intent before generating G-code
- Eliminate file translation errors between CAD and CAM systems
- Update toolpaths automatically when designs change
What Makes VisualCAM Integration Different?
Native SolidWorks Environment
VisualCAM 2018 appears in your SolidWorks interface as a standard add-in. The Machining Browser sits in the Feature Manager panel where you normally access design features. Toolpath commands populate the SolidWorks Command Manager toolbar. You don't switch applications or learn a completely different interface.
This native integration means you can mix design work and CAM programming freely. Modify a part dimension, regenerate affected toolpaths, check the simulation, then continue with design changes. CAD and CAM become parts of a single workflow instead of separate departments.
File Format Compatibility
While VisualCAM works best with native SolidWorks parts and assemblies, it also reads standard CAD formats. Import DXF, DWG, IGES, STEP, or STL files and machine them using the same toolpath strategies. This flexibility matters when you receive customer files in various formats or need to machine purchased components alongside your own designs.
| Integration Feature | Practical Benefit |
|---|---|
| Runs inside SolidWorks | Use familiar interface, no separate CAM application to learn |
| Associative toolpaths | Design changes propagate to toolpaths automatically |
| Assembly document support | Program multiple parts in fixture context, verify clearances visually |
| Multiple file format support | Machine customer files and purchased components without conversion hassles |
| Included post-processors | Generate G-code for popular machine controls immediately |
Frequently Asked Questions
What modules are included in VisualCAM 2018 for SolidWorks?
VisualCAM 2018 includes the MILL module (2½-axis through 5-axis) and the TURN module (2-axis lathe). Both modules run inside SolidWorks and share the same interface. You can switch between MILL and TURN browsers depending on your current programming needs, and both modules support assembly document programming.
How does Automatic Feature Machining work?
AFM uses a knowledge base of proven machining strategies matched to common feature types. When you trigger AFM, the software analyzes detected features—pockets, holes, slots, bosses—and applies appropriate operations. Pockets get roughing and finishing passes, holes receive drilling operations, and the system selects suitable tools from your library. You retain full control to modify any automatically generated operation.
Can I program multiple parts at once in assembly mode?
Yes, VisualCAM 2018 introduces assembly document support. Open a SolidWorks assembly, select the parts you want to machine, and create toolpaths in the assembly context. This capability simplifies multi-part jobs and lets you verify tool clearances between components, fixtures, and workholding devices before generating G-code.
What CNC machines does VisualCAM 2018 support?
The software includes numerous post-processors for popular mill and lathe controls. These translate VisualCAM toolpaths into machine-specific G-code. MecSoft also provides a post-processor customization service if you need support for uncommon or modified machine controllers.
Does toolpath simulation show actual material removal?
VisualCAM 2018 uses solid-based simulation that models material removal accurately. You watch cutting tools remove stock and see the exact part geometry that will result from your programmed operations. The simulation accounts for tool geometry, including holder dimensions, so you can identify potential collisions before running code on actual machines.
What file formats can VisualCAM 2018 import?
The software works with native SolidWorks parts and assemblies, plus standard formats including DXF, DWG, IGES, STEP, and STL. This flexibility allows you to machine customer-supplied files and purchased components without format conversion or geometry reconstruction.