Tool profile
SolidCAM: cost, fit and limits
SolidCAM is a computer-aided manufacturing software package made by SolidCAM Ltd. that generates milling, turning, mill-turn and Swiss-type toolpaths inside CAD systems such as SOLIDWORKS, with iMachining technology and AI helpers named CAM Assist and a documentation chatbot.
What to know first
SolidCAM is sold as a subscription on quote, with no printed price on the pages we read. Two free routes exist: a Maker version and a three-month evaluation of any module. The vendor describes iMachining as AI-driven toolpath logic, says CAM Assist built with CloudNC finishes roughly 80 percent of a program, and lists a chatbot trained on its learning materials. The site notice shows a US address for SolidCAM Inc.
SolidCAM at a glance
| Maker | SolidCAM Ltd. (US office: SolidCAM Inc.), United States (SolidCAM Inc. address on the site notice; the Ltd. entity country is not stated on the pages read) |
|---|---|
| Free plan | Free trial only |
| Entry price | Free SolidCAM Maker version; subscription on quote |
| API access | No |
| Category | Best AI CAM Software in 2026, rank 1 of 11 |
| Website | solidcam.com |
Who SolidCAM is best for
SOLIDWORKS-centered job shops
SolidCAM lists CAD integration with SOLIDWORKS, NX and Autodesk Inventor, so a shop whose models already live there can program without exporting neutral files.
Shops testing before they buy
A free three-month evaluation of any module and a free Maker version let a programmer try real parts before a quote conversation starts.
Training programs and makerspaces
The Maker version and the documentation chatbot with video tutorials give learners a way to practice without a commercial license.
SolidCAM plans and pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| SolidCAM Maker | Free | A free version offered on the site; the details of its limits were not read in full. |
| SolidCAM Subscription | Custom quote through a Get a Quote form | Latest updates, premium technical support, documentation, Academy access, webinar recordings and access to the chosen modules. |
| Modules Evaluation Program | Free for 3 months | A free trial of any module chosen through the program, intended for testing before a purchase. |
Checked November 2026.
What SolidCAM does
- iMachining toolpaths
- The vendor describes iMachining as AI-driven 2D and 3D toolpaths that adjust feeds, speeds and step-downs to the tool and material, which is aimed at reducing cycle time on roughing.
- CAM Assist
- Powered by CloudNC, CAM Assist is described as completing about 80 percent of a CAM program using AI tools, with the programmer reviewing and finishing the rest.
- SolidCAM chatbot
- An AI assistant with access to the learning materials and video tutorials, so a programmer can ask how to use a function instead of searching the documentation.
- Machining modules
- Modules for milling 2.5D, 3D high-speed machining and 5-axis simultaneous milling are listed on the site, along with separate mill-turn, Swiss-type turning and probe modules for other machine types.
- Academy and webinars
- The subscription includes Academy access and webinar recordings, which matters when a new hire has to learn the system without a trainer on site or a classroom week.
How SolidCAM handles your data
The privacy policy says the website is hosted at Hetzner, without naming the provider's location, and the site publishes a security page. The pages we read did not say whether customer files, prompts or chatbot questions train any AI model, where CAM Assist processes data, or how long it keeps it. CAM Assist is credited to CloudNC, so a buyer with confidential part drawings should ask in writing which party receives the files. No certification is stated on the pages read.
Where SolidCAM falls short in practice
- Subscription price is hidden. The subscription runs through a quote form, so a shop cannot compare its cost with printed prices such as the yearly BobCAD-CAM tiers until after a sales conversation.
- 80 percent is a vendor claim. The pages describe CAM Assist as completing about 80 percent of a program, not full automation, and we did not run it, so a buyer should test it on parts from its own shop.
- Country of the Ltd. entity unclear. The site notice names a US address for SolidCAM Inc., but the country of SolidCAM Ltd. was not stated on the pages read, which matters for contract and data questions.
Works with
Alternatives to SolidCAM
SolidCAM: common questions
Is SolidCAM Maker really free?
The site offers a free SolidCAM Maker version with no price. We did not read the details of its limits, so check whether it covers your machines and modules. Separately, the Modules Evaluation Program gives a free three-month trial of any module, and the paid subscription is quoted through a form.
What does SolidCAM CAM Assist do?
The vendor says CAM Assist, powered by CloudNC, uses AI tools to complete about 80 percent of a CAM program inside SolidCAM. It describes this as partial automation, not full automation, so the programmer reviews and finishes the rest. We did not run it, so test it on your own parts.
Which CAD systems does SolidCAM work with?
The site lists CAD integration with SOLIDWORKS, NX and Autodesk Inventor, and refers to technology partners on its CAD Integration page. A shop working in another CAD system should ask the vendor whether it imports that model format cleanly and whether associativity survives model changes.
Does SolidCAM publish a price?
No price appeared on the pages we read. The subscription, which includes updates, premium support, documentation, Academy access and webinar recordings, is quoted through a Get a Quote form. The free Maker version and the three-month module trial are the two zero-cost entry points the vendor describes.
Where does SolidCAM host data?
The privacy policy states the website is hosted at Hetzner, though it does not name the provider's location. The pages we read did not say where CAM Assist or the chatbot process files or questions. Ask the vendor in writing before sending client drawings through the AI features.