As some of you may already know, Solid Edge has its own manufacturing product called Solid Edge CAM Pro. Prior to ST10 we used NX CAM Express. In ST10, they renamed this to Solid Edge CAM Pro, to ensure that our customer base knew that this manufacturing package was for Solid Edge.

On their web page, Siemens describes Solid Edge CAM Pro as follows:

“Designed with Solid Edge users in mind, Solid Edge CAM Pro features a rich set of tools to help you finish the job right the first time. Solid Edge CAM Pro is a modular, flexible configuration of numerical control (NC) programming solutions that allows you to maximize the value of your investments in the latest, most efficient and most capable machine tools. Easy to deploy and easy to learn, it provides powerful NC programming with a low total cost of ownership.”

What they fail to say is that Solid Edge CAM Pro is built on NX CAM technology. Meaning that users get the same high end, powerful, and efficient, machining tools that NX users have access to. However, since Solid Edge CAM Pro is CAD neutral, and modular, its cost is in line with less advanced CAM systems. Plus, and perhaps more important, is that it has tight integration with Solid Edge. As Siemens states:

”Sending files from Solid Edge Mechanical Design to Solid Edge CAM Pro is a one-button click. Send a single file or a whole manufacturing assembly. Data retains associativity, so that when late-stage design changes occur, they can be easily incorporated into the manufacturing plan.”

If you are using another CAM system, you are already aware of the process that you must go through when the model is revised. Often this means that you have to reload the model and redo all the tool paths in the CAM package. With Solid Edge CAM Pro, you update the model in CAM, much like you would update your draft views in Solid Edge. You can then re-generate your tool paths. Depending on the extent of the revision, a simple re-generation of tool paths, and a reposting of the machine code, may be all that is required. But, if you are anything like me, seeing is believing. So,the following video will illustrate how this integration works:

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The integration between Solid Edge and Solid Edge CAM Pro, simplifies the issue of dealing with design modifications or revisions. This time savings alone would justify the cost of switching to Solid Edge CAM Pro. Plus, Solid Edge CAM Pro is built on NX CAM technology, arguably the world’s most powerful and efficient CAM package. This will increase your ROI by providing proven reliable, and efficient, tool paths, saving machine time and cutter wear.

If you are interested in learning more about Solid Edge CAM Pro, please visit our website at: https://www.designfusion.com/cam-pro. You can also contact your Account Manager, or contact us at 1-888-567-3933 or info@designfusion.com.

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