Control, Monitor and Maximise Manufacturing Productivity with SolidShop
Written by: Tom Buxton
Published: May 9, 2025
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SolidShop is the ultimate platform for verifying machine code, managing shop floor data and monitoring machine utilisation.
Underpinned by technology developed by CIMCO, SolidShop streamlines operations and accelerates digital transformation through a suite of globally-established software modules with seamless integration to SolidCAM and SOLIDWORKS.
What is SolidShop?
SolidShop is a suite of applications designed to extend SolidCAM’s reach beyond CNC programming, enabling small and medium-sized companies to unlock the benefits of shop floor digitisation.
Affordable, easy to implement, and integrated with SolidCAM, SolidShop can even evolve into a comprehensive MES (manufacturing execution system) solution.
While SolidCAM serves CNC programmers, SolidShop addresses other critical functions within the CNC manufacturing environment, expanding SolidCAM’s role and making it indispensable for customers.
How SolidShop helps Manufacturers
SolidShop helps manufacturers achieve a fully digitised shop floor experience, offering tools for GCode verification, document management, CNC machine communication, real-time monitoring, and production scheduling.
For years, manufacturers have sought a proven, affordable solution to shop floor digitisation, one that’s compatible with both older and newer CNC machines, offers rapid implementation, and meets modern production needs.
SolidShop is SolidCAM’s answer to these demands, providing a seamless, integrated solution that’s easy to deploy and supports your entire shop floor workflow.
- SolidShop is built to improve productivity, provide actionable insights, and streamline operations across CNC machine shop management.
- Its modules include G-Code Editing, Machine Simulation, PDM (Product Data Management), DNC (Direct Numerical Control) and Real-Time Machine Monitoring.
- These tools empower CAM programmers, operators, and managers to be more productive, precise, and efficient, delivering Industry 4.0 capabilities tailored for small and medium sized businesses.
Manufacturing Industry Challenges in 2025
Machine shops today face challenges like rising operational costs, the need for real-time data, and the pressure to improve efficiency.
SolidShop meets these challenges head-on, offering tools to reduce machine downtime, improve quality control, and seamlessly integrate workflows.
Manufacturers using SolidShop can benefit from simplified vendor management, optimised costs, and reduced complexity, all from a single trusted provider in SolidCAM.
Every SolidShop Product Explained
SolidShop contains a variety of software tools to help manufacturers improve their efficiency across departments. There are 5 core products within SolidShop, so let’s break down what each piece of SolidShop software can do:
SolidShop Editor
SolidShop Editor is an advanced CNC editor designed to enhance NC code manipulation, automate programming tasks, and optimise your workflow.
It allows you to simulate parametric code using solid models, providing a real-time view of how program variables change during execution.
Compare files, create complex cycles, and perform mathematical transformations like mirroring, rotation, scaling, and plane transpositions in just a few clicks!
Additionally, SolidShop supports simulation of various cycles for milling, turning, probing, and conditional logic across leading CNC controls.
G-code Machine Simulator
The G-Code Machine Simulator is an essential add-on that verifies G-code for 2- to 5-axis CNC machines and lathes equipped with C-axis turrets.
It identifies potential collisions, axis overtravel, and facilitates work envelope analysis and offline training. Featuring an advanced syntax checker and lightning-fast material removal simulation, it ensures your G-code is ready for production.
When integrated with SolidShop DNC, it provides complete bi-directional protection for both your processes and machines.
SolidShop PDM?
SolidShop PDM is a Product Data Management module tailored for manufacturing that accelerates shop floor digitisation.
Fully-integrated with SolidShop Editor, SolidShop PDM centralises all CAM, CNC, CMM files, setup sheets, tool lists, drawings, and more into a single, accessible source of truth available via both desktop and web.
By eliminating paper, managing program relationships, controlling access, and tracking all activities, it ensures full compliance with standards such as ISO 9001 and AS9100.
When paired with SolidShop DNC, it streamlines program transfers with a single click, creating a secure, paperless environment that’s perfect for highly regulated industries.?
SolidShop DNC
SolidShop DNC facilitates seamless communication with CNC machines for uploading, downloading, and capturing signals from PLCs and sensors.
It supports a wide range of protocols, from RS-232 to Ethernet, including FANUC Focas, Heidenhain LSV2, OPC UA/DA, MTConnect, MQTT, and more.
When integrated with SolidShop PDM, it ensures comprehensive bi-directional communication, full traceability, and precise version control throughout your shop floor operations.
SolidShop Machine Monitoring
SolidShop Machine Monitoring provides real-time tracking with seamless integration to ERP, FMS, Power BI, Graphana, SQL databases, TCP connections, and text-based protocols.
It streamlines the management of production orders and execution status, transforming SolidShop PDM and Machine Monitoring into a comprehensive MES solution.?
Where does SolidShop fit within Manufacturing Workflows?
- Level 1 – SolidShop G-Code Machine Simulator
- Powerful editing capabilities and lightning-fast, GPU-driven simulation.
- Level 2 – SolidShop PDM
- Store manufacturing and CAM process data.
- Control versions react to design changes with full traceability.
- Prepare for industry certifications.
- Level 2 – SolidCAM for Operators
- Integrated to the PDM module.
- Bring the operators to a digital, paperless workflow.
- Complete control & traceability, no matter where the change occurs.
- Level 3 – SolidShop DNC
- Send/receive programs and documents to the CNC control.
- Collect PLC information for the monitoring and planning modules.
- Level 4 – SolidShop Monitoring
- Monitor the shop in real-time from anywhere.
- Get detailed reports about all metrics that matter.
With SolidShop, manufacturers can confidently embrace digital transformation at a pace that suits, enhancing shop floor productivity, quality, and efficiency while reducing downtime and complexity.
By integrating seamlessly with SolidCAM and SOLIDWORKS, SolidShop offers the tools needed to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving manufacturing industry.
Categorised as: SOLIDWORKS CAM | Tech Tips
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