Autodesk Ships HSMWorks 2014 for SolidWorks

Autodesk announced the availability of HSMWorks 2014, its integrated CAM solution for SolidWorks users. "Autodesk's goal is to create the world's best CAM tools and continue to provide users with the power and quality they have come to expect," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, senior vice president of design, lifecycle and simulation at Autodesk. "We are committed to offering customers both the ease-of-use and productivity advantages of professionally integrated CAM no matter what CAD software they use."

According to the company, HSMWorks 2014 offers better control over existing toolpaths to produce high quality surface finishes and optimize use of standard cutting tools, and enhancements to simulation and toolpath calculation capabilities that allow users greater visibility into the machining process and the ability to leverage more computing power across their organization.

Support has been added for a wider range of machine types, including 5-axis machining centers. Utilization of native SolidWorks assemblies means users are able to model their machines inside SolidWorks software without having to import STLs or dumb solids.

The new API provides users with the ability to automate many programming tasks such as toolpath generation and post processing. New options have been added giving users greater control over toolpath creation, including finer controls over leads and transitions, overlaps, roughing, and finishing passes. Additionally, turning toolpaths have been optimized to reduce machining time by improving linking and ordering, as well as control over home and retract positions.

For more information, visit Autodesk.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.