Mill-Turn CAM Software
SolidCAM’s Turning and Mill-Turn CAM Software provides a single, fully integrated environment to program everything from simple 2-axis lathes to highly complex, multi-turret, multi-spindle machining centers.
By unifying turning and milling operations, SolidCAM gives programmers the ultimate control to reduce setup times, eliminate scrap, and deliver finished parts faster.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Why Choose SolidCAM for Mill-Turn CAM Software?
Multi-tasking machines require a massive capital investment. If your mill-turn CAM software is a bottleneck, you are losing money. SolidCAM bridges the gap between engineering and the shop floor with a solution built for speed and safety.
- Faster Time to Part: Reduce programming time by working in a single window and eliminating the need to bounce between separate CAM systems for turning and milling.
- Zero-Risk Programming: Live stock tracking and full machine simulation let you validate every toolpath and transfer, preventing collisions, errors, and scrap before cutting a single chip.
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Universal Machine Support: Whether you are programming a basic slant-bed lathe, a complex 5-axis mill-turn center, or Swiss Machining, the same intuitive interface adapts to your exact machine configuration.
Proven Post Processors for Top Machine Brands
A CAM system is only as good as the G-code it generates. SolidCAM offers factory-tested, highly optimized Post-Processors for industry-leading machine tool builders. Whether you are running a Mazak Integrex, Okuma Multus, or a DMG MORI NTX, our post-processors generate clean, error-free code tailored to your exact machine and controller combination.
Live Tooling & Integrated Milling
Transform your lathe into a complete “done-in-one” production center. SolidCAM eliminates the need to bounce between separate CAM systems by injecting our industry-leading milling power directly into your turning workflows. This allows you to machine complex prismatic features and freeform geometries without moving the part to a standalone mill.
- Combine milling and turning cycles in any order, on any spindle
- Full support for C, Y, and B-axis live tooling operations
- Automatic toolpath updates based on real-time stock tracking
Multi-Channel Support
To truly leverage a multitasking machine, software must effortlessly handle the intricate timing of multiple tools engaging a part simultaneously. SolidCAM provides deep multi-channel support to manage complex machines with multiple turrets, spindles, and tool channels.
- Full control over multiple turrets, spindles, and axes
- Support for complex tool definitions and multi-cutter holders
- Optimize machine utilization by machining multiple workpieces concurrently
Synchronized Machining
Keeping multiple channels perfectly timed is critical for efficiency and safety. SolidCAM’s visual sync manager automatically synchronizes machining cycles as you create them, while providing complete manual control for advanced program optimization.
- Visual, drag-and-drop synchronization of multi-turret operations
- Easily insert wait marks to properly time and order operations
- Eliminate idle time and prevent channel conflicts
- Balanced/Pinch turning for drastically faster material removal
Sub-Spindle & Part Transfer Management
True continuous production relies on flawless part handoffs. SolidCAM provides complete turning and back-spindle support, allowing parts to be safely transferred between the main spindle and sub-spindle.
- Automated, crash-free part transfer cycles
- Secondary machining without re-fixturing
- Secondary operations are calculated against remaining material
- Full control of tailstocks, steady rests, and parts catchers
Full Machine Simulation & Verification
SolidCAM provides realistic, kinematic Machine Simulation and Collision Detection to prevent optimized toolpaths from crashing the machine. Our multiple toolpath simulators offer an exact representation of your in-process stock, the target model, and the synchronized motions of all machine components, including cutting tools, turrets, spindles, steady rests, and sheet metal.
- Real-time monitoring for part violations and machine collisions
- Axis limit monitoring and overtravel detection
- Gouge checking against the final target model
Ready to Optimize Your Mill-Turn Production?
Stop wasting time hand-editing G-code and fearing machine crashes. Let our team show you how our mill-turn CAM software, SolidCAM, can drastically reduce your cycle times and simplify your most complex multi-tasking programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mill-Turn Machining?
Mill-turn machining (also known as multitasking machining) is an advanced manufacturing process that combines the kinematics of a CNC lathe and a CNC mill into a single machine tool. By using live tooling (rotating end mills and drills on a turret or milling spindle) alongside traditional stationary turning tools, a mill-turn machine can produce complex parts that require both rotational profiles and milled features in a single setup. This “done-in-one” approach drastically reduces fixturing time, minimizes handling errors, and improves overall part accuracy.
What CAM Software Works Best for Mill-Turn?
The best mill-turn CAM software must offer a unified environment where milling and turning operations share the same stock model and coordinate seamlessly. It requires robust multi-channel synchronization to manage multiple turrets and spindles, alongside highly accurate kinematic machine simulation to prevent collisions. SolidCAM excels in this space because it combines industry-leading milling capabilities with deep machine awareness and proven, reliable post-processors for complex multi-tasking brands like Mazak, Okuma, and DMG MORI.