It’s also worth noting that the team at SolidCAM has chosen to provide a basic 3D surface machining operation into the Xpress version too. The system is supplied with basic 2D machining operations that can handle face and pocket machining, profiling and drilling. This can range from a basic billet size (which can be auto-sized), use a configuration of a part (for those parts with machining stock added) or you can even import an STL file for castings and forgings.Īs we’ve already discussed, SolidCAM Xpress is a reduced functionality version of the full system. First task is to define the stock for the part. Once the datum is set-up and any fixtures are in place, the part programming process can begin. So let’s explore what you can actually do with it.Īlongside regular 2D machining,SolidCAM Xpress also supports basic forms of 3D feature machining, allowing you to handle features such as this fillet With this in mind, the team at SolidCAM has introduced SolidCAM Xpress, which brings the basic functionality from its full blown product to market at a much lower cost. The problem is often that the CAM system costs can greatly add to the capital costs when buying machine tools. This lets you work off your 3D CAD geometry and create toolpaths that should be efficient and much less error prone than doing it manually. While it’s perfectly possible to program these machines manually, a much more appropriate method is to use a CAM (or Computer Aided Machining or Manufacturing) system. So, we have a situation where machine tools are being installed into new environments.

Alongside this, economic downturns often have the effect of spurring on displaced staff from larger companies setting up on their own and that’s no less true than in manufacturing. Many are quoting a level of frustration and lack of control over outsourced operations, while others see producing locally as much more sensible. SolidCAM is integrated directly into the SolidWorks users interface, so geometry manipulation and selection will immediately be familiar to any users

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