SolidWorks CAM
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$2,820 per user per year
Free Trial
Free version unavailable
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- Professional services (engineering, legal, consulting, etc.)
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Education and training
What is SolidWorks CAM
SOLIDWORKS CAM is an integrated CAM add-in for SOLIDWORKS that supports CNC programming directly from the SOLIDWORKS CAD environment. It is used by manufacturing engineers, CNC programmers, and machinists to generate toolpaths, simulate machining, and post-process G-code for milling workflows. The product emphasizes feature-based machining and associativity so CAM operations can update when the SOLIDWORKS model changes. It is typically deployed in organizations that already standardize on SOLIDWORKS for mechanical design and want CAD-to-CAM continuity.
Native SOLIDWORKS integration
The CAM environment runs inside SOLIDWORKS, reducing context switching between CAD and CAM. Toolpaths and setups stay associated to the SOLIDWORKS model, which helps keep manufacturing data aligned with design revisions. This integration can simplify data management compared with exporting neutral files for downstream programming. It also supports using SOLIDWORKS assemblies and configurations as inputs for machining setups.
Feature-based machining workflow
The product supports feature recognition and rule-based machining strategies that can automate common operations such as pockets, holes, and bosses. This approach can shorten programming time for prismatic parts and repeatable manufacturing patterns. It also helps standardize machining methods across programmers by applying consistent rules and templates. For teams with defined best practices, this can improve repeatability of NC output.
Post processing and simulation
SOLIDWORKS CAM includes post-processing to generate machine-specific NC code and provides simulation to review tool motion and material removal. These capabilities support verification before sending programs to the shop floor. The ability to manage tools, feeds/speeds, and operations within the same environment supports end-to-end programming for supported milling scenarios. This can reduce reliance on separate verification steps for basic jobs.
Capability varies by license
Functionality depends on the specific SOLIDWORKS CAM package and licensing (for example, standard vs. more advanced options), which can affect available strategies and machine support. Organizations may need upgrades to cover additional axes, advanced roughing/finishing, or more complex workflows. This can complicate standardization if different users have different entitlements. It also makes total cost and capability comparisons harder without a detailed license review.
Best for SOLIDWORKS users
The product is tightly coupled to SOLIDWORKS, so it is less suitable for teams using multiple CAD systems or needing a CAD-agnostic CAM environment. Interoperability is possible via imported geometry, but the strongest associativity benefits depend on native SOLIDWORKS models. Companies with heterogeneous CAD stacks may still require additional CAM tools or translation processes. This can add process overhead for supplier/customer data exchange.
Complex machining may require alternatives
For highly complex multi-axis machining, specialized machine kinematics, or advanced automation requirements, organizations may find they need additional modules, customization, or different CAM solutions. Post processors and machine simulation accuracy can require setup effort to match specific controllers and shop standards. New users may also face a learning curve in defining rules, templates, and technology databases to get consistent results. These factors can extend time-to-value for advanced use cases.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard | Included with SOLIDWORKS Subscription Services (no standalone price listed on official site) | Rules-based machining, Tolerance-Based Machining (TBM), included with active SOLIDWORKS subscription. See official "Subscription Services" page. |
| SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional | Not listed on official site — contact SOLIDWORKS sales / request a quote | Adds High-Speed Machining (HSM), turning, 3+2 and 4/5-axis support; listed as a separately purchasable product (price not shown on product pages). |
| SOLIDWORKS CAM Machinist Standard | Not listed on official site — contact SOLIDWORKS sales / request a quote | CAM Standard functionality plus part-only modeling environment and import of neutral file formats. |
| SOLIDWORKS CAM Machinist Professional | Not listed on official site — contact SOLIDWORKS sales / request a quote | CAM Professional capabilities with parts & assemblies support for fixtures and automatic toolpath clipping. |
Notes:
- SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard is explicitly stated as included with a SOLIDWORKS Subscription Services membership on the official SOLIDWORKS website. (See SOLIDWORKS "Subscription Services" and "SOLIDWORKS CAM" product pages.)
- The SOLIDWORKS site provides "Buy now" / "Request a quote" / "Contact sales" flows for CAM products rather than published standalone prices.
- Related official offerings: SOLIDWORKS Design (CAD) subscription pricing is listed on SOLIDWORKS official pricing pages (e.g., SOLIDWORKS Design starts at $2,820 USD/year for a single-user license), which is the documented paid entry on the site that includes subscription benefits (including CAM Standard).
Seller details
Dassault Systèmes SE
Vélizy-Villacoublay, France
1981
Public
https://www.3ds.com/
https://x.com/3DS
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dassaultsystemes/
