hyperMILL
hyperMILL is a modular CAM software solution providing high-performance CNC programming strategies for complex milling, turning, and drilling operations to optimize your manufacturing precision and reduce overall machining cycle times.
SolidCAM
SolidCAM is a powerful computer-aided manufacturing software that integrates directly into SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Inventor to provide advanced CNC programming solutions for milling, turning, and mill-turn operations.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | hyperMILL | SolidCAM |
|---|---|---|
| Website | openmind-tech.com | solidcam.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Custom |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1991 | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Wessling, Germany | Schramberg, Germany |
Overview
hyperMILL
hyperMILL gives you a comprehensive CAM environment to program everything from simple 2D shapes to complex 5-axis simultaneous machining. You can manage your entire manufacturing process within a single interface, whether you are working with integrated CAD systems like SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Inventor or using the standalone hyperCAD-S platform.
The software helps you solve difficult machining challenges through specialized strategies for impellers, blisks, and turbine blades. You can reduce your programming time significantly using automated feature recognition and macro technology while ensuring maximum process safety with advanced collision detection and machine tool simulation. It is designed for precision-heavy industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical engineering.
SolidCAM
SolidCAM provides you with a complete CNC programming solution that lives directly inside your existing CAD interface. By eliminating the need to export files or manage different versions between design and manufacturing, you can maintain a single-window workflow. This integration ensures that any changes you make to your 3D model automatically update your toolpaths, saving you significant time and reducing manual errors on the shop floor.
You can handle everything from basic 2.5D milling to complex 5-axis machining and multi-turret mill-turn centers. The software is particularly well-known for its patented iMachining technology, which automatically calculates optimal feeds and speeds based on your specific machine, tool, and material. This helps you reduce cycle times by up to 70% while significantly extending the life of your cutting tools.
Overview
hyperMILL Features
- 5-Axis Machining Program complex geometries with automated tilt-angle calculation and collision avoidance to ensure smooth, continuous tool movement.
- High-Performance Turning Optimize your turning operations with specialized strategies for roughing and finishing that extend tool life and reduce cycle times.
- Virtual Machining Simulate your actual G-code on a digital twin of your machine to catch errors before they reach the shop floor.
- Feature Recognition Automatically identify holes, pockets, and slots in your CAD models to apply standardized machining strategies in seconds.
- Additive Manufacturing Control directed energy deposition processes and hybrid machining within the same environment to combine 3D printing with milling.
- Automated Programming Create your own database of manufacturing knowledge to standardize processes and ensure consistent quality across all your projects.
SolidCAM Features
- iMachining Technology. Save up to 70% in cycle time with a patented wizard that automatically calculates optimal cutting conditions for your specific CNC machine.
- Full CAD Integration. Program your parts directly inside SOLIDWORKS or Autodesk Inventor to maintain full associativity between your design models and toolpaths.
- 2.5D Milling. Automate your pocket and profile machining with advanced feature recognition that identifies holes and slots on your 3D models instantly.
- High-Speed Surface Machining. Create smooth, gouge-free toolpaths for complex 3D surfaces and molds to achieve superior finish quality without manual polishing.
- Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling. Control complex multi-axis movements with collision detection and specialized strategies for impellers, ports, and turbine blades.
- Mill-Turn Support. Synchronize multiple turrets and spindles on complex CNC centers with full machine simulation to prevent expensive crashes.
Pricing Comparison
hyperMILL Pricing
SolidCAM Pricing
Pros & Cons
hyperMILL
Pros
- Exceptional 5-axis strategies for complex aerospace and medical components
- Highly reliable collision detection prevents expensive machine damage
- Seamless integration with popular CAD platforms like SOLIDWORKS
- Excellent technical support from knowledgeable application engineers
Cons
- Significant learning curve for users new to 5-axis programming
- Higher initial investment compared to entry-level CAM tools
- Hardware requirements demand high-performance workstations for simulation
SolidCAM
Pros
- Seamless integration eliminates file translation errors between CAD and CAM
- iMachining significantly reduces cycle times and tool wear
- Excellent support for complex multi-tasking mill-turn machines
- Associative toolpaths update automatically when the CAD model changes
Cons
- Significant learning curve for advanced multi-axis modules
- Requires a high-performance workstation for complex simulations
- Initial setup and post-processor tuning takes time