SolidCAM High-Speed Surface Machining

The only CAM module that take your 2.5d machining way beyond profiles, pockets and faces. Even pumps up 3D machining capability by driving along specific surfaces on prismatic and 3D parts.

Experience total tool control to attack only the areas you choose, without the need of constraint boundaries or time wasting construction geometry. Give yourself the power to use Tapered, Lollipop, or T-Slot tools for undercuts or difficult to cut geometry all in one package.

Features, Functions and Benefits

SolidCAM’s HSS, High Speed Surface machining, is a powerful toolpath to compliment both a 2.5D and a 3D system. The key difference between HSS and our 3D and HSM toolpaths are in the core method of toolpath calculation. The HSS toolpath is focused on single or multiple surfaces, where the others are solid or surface body based. HSS shines in creating a flowing toolpath on a group of surfaces that make up a complex 3D radius. Without the need for containment boundaries and delivering advanced linking and surface extensions, HSS can deliver a knock-out punch with very little work. HSS also supports undercut surfaces using tools such as T-Slot and lollipop cutters.

HSS Strategies

The HSS Module provides numerous surface machining strategies that produce an efficient, smooth, gouge-free and optimal toolpath. Special linking strategies are provided, generating smooth and tangential lead-ins and Lead-outs.

Retracts can be performed to any major plane. The advantages of the HSS Module translate to increased surface quality, less wear on cutters and longer CNC machine life.

Curve following

Curve following strategies allow the definition of a curve to drive the toolpath together with the selected surface(s). The toolpath can either be driven parallel or perpendicular to the curve. Each pass is a true 3D step-over along the surface, to give a accurate scallop regardless of the surface.

Morph between Curves

Provides a beautiful toolpath that seamlessly adapts to both curves. Probably the most popular HSS toolpath, it delivers an aesthetically pleasing toolpath while providing a constant load toolpath.

Advanced Linking

Total freedom to control tool entry and tool exit motion, to remove the need for surface modifications. Toolpaths can be extended or trimmed, gaps and holes can be jumped, and you can choose from 9 different lead-in/lead-out options.

Gouge Checking

Complete user control over toolpath protection. Similar to our Simultaneous 5-axis machining, there are 4 stages of gouge protections to get the job done.

Parallel Cuts

Parallel Cuts strategies allow quick definition, picking only the surfaces and defining the direction (Linear X/Y or Constant-Z). One-Way, Zig-Zag, and Spiral strategies control the toolpath ordering.

Parallel to Surface / Morph between Surfaces

Both are additional strategies similar to above, however they give additional flexibility. By selecting mating surfaces, SolidCAM automatically builds the intersection curves.