Integrated programming workflow
Effortlessly work with parts, assemblies, and sketch geometry to define CNC machining operations within a single environment. Easily position fixtures and components for complete machine setup visualisation, helping streamline programming and improve accuracy before machining begins.
SolidCAM 2.5D Milling
Feature recognition and automation
Automatically identify pockets on the CAD model while retaining the strategies and options available in the standard Pocket operation. Recognised model faces can supply variable upper levels and depths, reducing repetitive geometry definition.
Automatically recognise and group holes from the solid model. A single operation can address holes on varying levels and depths, while the resulting geometry remains available for modification.
Use recognised CAD hole features and their dimensional information as the basis for machining processes covering common simple, countersunk, counterbored and tapped hole sets.
SolidCAM 2.5D Milling
10 Interactive 2.5D toolpaths
Build the machining process operation by operation, with clear control over geometry, tools, levels, allowances and cutting strategy.
1. Face Milling
Create a controlled planar surface at the start of the job. Face Milling is ideal for removing stock from the top face and establishing the reference level for later pocket, profile and drilling operations.
2. Profile Milling
Machine outside shapes, walls, ledges and open boundaries from selected chains. Step-down cutting, wall allowances and finishing passes give the programmer control over how the final outline is produced.
3. Pocket Milling
Remove material from open or closed regions, including pockets with islands and features at different levels. Standard pocket strategies can be combined with allowances, finishing and rest machining for a complete rough-to-finish process.
4. Drilling and Multi-Depth Drilling
Programme standard holemaking cycles or customise the sequence at each depth. Multi-Depth Drilling is particularly suited to deep drilling and cross-hole drilling where the cutting process must be controlled step by step.
5. Slot and T-Slot Machining
Machine standard slots and undercut side slots using dedicated T-slot tools. This gives specialist slot features their own controlled operation rather than treating them as a general pocket.
6. Chamfering
Create consistent edge breaks using geometry from Profile and Pocket operations or a dedicated Chamfer operation. Multi-step chamfering supports larger chamfers by removing material in controlled passes.
7. Thread Milling
Create standard internal and external threads with a milling process, providing a flexible alternative where thread milling is preferred to tapping.
8. Engraving
Machine text on flat or wrapped faces, including middle-line engraving for multi-line text. This supports part identification, instructions, serial information and decorative marking.
9. Contour 3D
Drive the tool along a three-dimensional curve while cutting at changing depths. It extends the 2.5D workflow to features whose controlling path is not confined to one planar level.
10. Wrapped Machining
Transform linear motion into rotary movement to machine geometry around a rotation axis. This supports profile, pocket and engraving-style work on suitable cylindrical components.
The versatility in the finished parts from the impressive Siemens 828D control to the Y axis and driven tooling, all without which we could not have produced this part. Going from simple turning to complex multi axis milling to create an amazing bat out of some tough material.
Will Kearse
Manufacturing Application Engineer
Frequently Asked Questions
SolidCAM 2.5D milling uses toolpaths in which the cutter generally machines at defined Z levels while moving in X and Y. It is widely used for prismatic features such as faces, profiles, pockets, slots and holes.
The module covers standard profiling, pocketing and drilling, plus face milling, chamfering, thread milling, engraving, variable-level features, Contour 3D, wrapped geometry and T-slot machining.
Yes. Pocket Recognition identifies pockets from the CAD model and Drill Recognition identifies and groups holes. Recognised features can include varying levels and depths, while the programmer retains control of the tool and cutting strategy.
Yes. SolidCAM combines automated recognition with interactive control, allowing the programmer to select geometry, parameters and strategies directly when the job requires a deliberate approach.
Multi-Depth Drilling provides control at each step and depth and is intended for applications including deep drilling and cross-hole drilling.
Wrapped machining transforms linear movement into rotary movement for suitable geometry around a rotation axis, subject to the CNC machine, controller and post-processor configuration.
SolidCAM supports programming on parts, assemblies and sketch geometry, and fixtures and components can be placed for setup visualisation.
Yes. SolidCAM uses a modular approach, so 2.5D Milling can form the basis of a wider solution that includes feature-based automation, iMachining, 3D machining, indexed or simultaneous multi-axis machining and additional verification tools.
Solid Solutions provides SolidCAM training and develops bespoke post-processors for CNC machines and controllers. Marketing should link this answer to the current training and post-processor service pages.