Today, tool data is usually provided directly by the tool manufacturers. With SolidCAM 2021, this data and the 3D models of the tool and holder provided can be seamlessly transferred to the software. The simple and fast data import into SolidCAM 2021 enables the direct use of tools such as circular segment cutters, special tools or geometrically complex holders including indexable inserts for residual material and collision analysis as well as simulation. This saves the user an enormous amount of time when defining tools and significantly improves process reliability.

Michael Leditzky, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at SolidCAM since 2019: "The new tool catalog is the logical consequence of our vision - simple, intuitive and practical. Our goal is to be able to program even highly complex or multi-channel CNC machining centers up to sliding headstock lathes easily and intuitively. SolidCAM 2021 is a milestone in this respect. The seamless integration into Solidworks and Autodesk Inventor remains an absolutely unique selling point."

New technologies have been introduced in the CAM modules 5-axis simultaneous machining and 3D milling, such as automatic 3+2 axis roughing, automated edge breaking and automatic edge trimming. Numerous improvements have been integrated into the Turbo HSM/HSR module for high-speed machining and high-speed roughing.

The company's own SolidCAM simulator has been significantly enhanced for fast and reliable control of the calculated tool paths. In the simulation, SolidCAM 2021 now provides the user with a configuration manager for various, self-definable simulation configurations - in addition to the option of running the simulation in reverse (including material application), a further step towards achieving the goal even faster and with greater process reliability.

According to Leditzky, the new version is currently undergoing beta testing with numerous customers and should be available in Germany from April.