SolidCAM is a long-standing player in the field of computer-aided manufacturing. Its iMachining module significantly reduces manufacturing time, increases tool life and productivity for all CNC machine users, and provides iMachining wizards automatically calculate optimal cutting conditions for all stock materials, cutting tools and CNC machine types.
Emil Somekh (Photo credit: Sidney Eisner)
October 2022 – SolidCAM has entered the additive manufacturing market, particularly in the area of metal 3D printing, Antarctic Bear has learned. The company recently launched a desktop metal 3D printing solution that combines both additive and subtractive production methods. For SolidCAM, additive manufacturing is an excellent complement to subtractive CNC manufacturing and as such, it wants to solve all the complex manufacturing problems and provide real added value to its customers.
SolidCAM’s founder and CEO, Dr. Emil Somekh, notes that since 1984, SolidCAM has been revolutionizing the way CNC machines operate through CAM software solutions and patented iMachining technology.
Why is SolidCAM moving to additive manufacturing?
Emil Somekh notes that SolidCAM sees additive materials as a complement to its subtractive CNC manufacturing customers. Over the past few years, SolidCAM has seen incredible innovation in metal 3D printing and is committed to being one of the leading resources in the field. Now, even the smallest CNC machine shop can print complex metal parts quickly and reproducibly.SolidCAM Additive was founded to help customers adopt additive technology and harness its full potential with the same level of world-renowned technical support that SolidCAM is known for.
Why did you choose to work with Desktop Metal?
On this question, Emil Somekh shows that through their shop floor system, Desktop Metal pioneered the introduction of metal additive manufacturing, utilizing adhesive injection technology that is available to all shops. They have invested heavily in streamlining complex processes to increase the productivity and yield of metal parts without having to use a lot of manpower. desktop Metal is the perfect partner for SolidCAM’s expansion into additive manufacturing.
Live Sinter allows users to obtain defect-free parts from the sintering furnace
What are the key benefits of Desktop Metal’s technology?
Desktop Metal has invested in a holistic approach to developing additive manufacturing, from the manufacture of proprietary metal powders to sintering parts in its advanced Furnace solution. At SolidCAM, the hardware is as good as the software that supports it, and Desktop Metal offers the first-ever Live Sinter application. developed in collaboration with Desktop Metal’s world-class materials science team, Live Sinter uses a unique multi-physics model that can simulate the complex force and deformation part experience of the sintering process and generate “negative deflection” parts in Generate “negative offset” geometries in minutes, and when sintered, remove defect-free parts directly from the furnace.
How does SolidCAM see the complementary nature of AM and CNC machining?
Both additive manufacturing and CNC machining have their advantages and limitations. By combining these two technologies, companies can solve complex manufacturing problems in an innovative way. Metal 3D printing still requires post-processing using CNC machining to ensure the part meets the customer’s required finish specifications and tight tolerances.SolidCAM is positioned as a CAM solution leader by adapting its software technology to effectively post-process the growing market for additive parts.
By combining CNC machining and additive manufacturing, very complex geometries can be obtained (image credit: SolidCAM)
How do you see the future of metal additive manufacturing?
It’s an exciting time for metal additive manufacturing. As companies begin to understand the benefits that 3D printing brings in terms of productivity and capability, SolidCAM sees the industry evolving rapidly in ways that were not possible before CNC manufacturing. SolidCAM will take the lead in providing customers with the knowledge and resources necessary to take full advantage of the potential of additive manufacturing.
