SolidCAM 2026 for SOLIDWORKS is a professional Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) solution that operates directly inside the SOLIDWORKS design environment, providing a seamless CAD/CAM workflow for CNC programming. Developed by SolidCAM, the software enables manufacturers, CNC programmers, machinists, mold makers, and production engineers to create, simulate, verify, and optimize machining operations without leaving SOLIDWORKS. The integrated approach eliminates file translation, maintains associativity with CAD models, and automatically updates machining operations whenever the design changes, improving productivity and reducing programming errors.

Built as a fully integrated SOLIDWORKS add-in, SolidCAM 2026 supports the complete spectrum of CNC machining operations, including 2.5D milling, high-speed machining (HSM), high-speed roughing (HSR), 3D milling, simultaneous 5-axis machining, turning, advanced mill-turn, Swiss-type machining, wire EDM, and probing. Its patented iMachining technology automatically calculates optimal cutting conditions to reduce machining time, improve tool life, and increase material removal rates while maintaining high-quality surface finishes.

Version 2026 introduces numerous workflow enhancements focused on improving programming efficiency. Key additions include smarter Feature Group–based programming for 2.5D milling, reduced repetitive geometry selection, improved Feature Recognition workflows, enhancements to MCO (Machine Control Operations), TCP (Tool Center Point) machining, improved inter-operational movements, and general performance and usability improvements throughout the CAM environment. These updates help CNC programmers create machining operations more quickly while increasing automation and reducing manual intervention.

Key Features

• Fully integrated CAM solution for SOLIDWORKS
• Associative CAD/CAM workflow with automatic model updates
• Patented iMachining 2D and 3D technology
• 2.5D milling
• 3D High-Speed Machining (HSM)
• High-Speed Roughing (HSR)
• Simultaneous 5-axis machining
• Indexed (3+2) machining
• CNC turning
• Advanced Mill-Turn machining
• Swiss-Type machining
• Wire EDM programming
• CNC probing and inspection
• Feature Recognition and automatic machining
• Toolpath verification and machine simulation
• Collision detection and machine kinematics simulation
• Post Processor customization
• Tool library and machining templates
• CAM Assist AI-assisted programming (optional module)
• Support for multi-channel CNC machines

What’s New in Version 2026

• Feature Group-based operation creation for faster programming
• Reduced repetitive geometry selection in 2.5D machining
• Improved automatic Feature Recognition workflows
• Enhanced Machine Control Operations (MCO)
• Tool Center Point (TCP) machining improvements
• Better inter-operational movement optimization
• Improved CAM Tree workflow
• Enhanced machining automation
• Performance optimizations for large machining projects
• User interface refinements
• Stability improvements and bug fixes

Professional Applications

SolidCAM 2026 is ideal for:

• CNC milling
• CNC turning
• Multi-axis machining
• Precision manufacturing
• Aerospace component production
• Automotive manufacturing
• Mold and die machining
• Medical device manufacturing
• Tool and fixture production
• General mechanical engineering
• High-speed production machining
• Prototype manufacturing

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 (64-bit), compatible with the supported SOLIDWORKS release
• Processor: Intel Core i7 or AMD equivalent (64-bit)
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: SSD recommended with at least 20 GB free space
• Graphics: Certified NVIDIA RTX/Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro graphics compatible with SOLIDWORKS
• Display: 1920 × 1080 resolution or higher
• Software: Compatible supported version of SOLIDWORKS installed