Onshape is a cloud-native product development platform that combines CAD and data management, and Onshape CAM Studio is its fully integrated, cloud-native manufacturing solution for CNC machining. Onshape has introduced CAM Studio, a cloud-native Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) solution that integrates directly into its CAD platform. This integration allows you to transition from design to manufacturing without switching software or managing file transfers.
The table below summarizes the core capabilities of CAM Studio:
| Feature Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Core Machining | 2.5-axis and basic 3-axis milling operations (e.g., facing, adaptive clearing). |
| Advanced Machining (Coming Soon) | Advanced 3-axis, 4-axis, and simultaneous 5-axis milling in CAM Studio Advanced. |
| Simulation & Verification | Interactive machine simulation with collision detection to prevent machine damage. |
| Libraries & Post-Processing | Customizable libraries for tools, machines, and post-processors to generate ready-to-use G-code. |
| Data & Process Management | Version control for CAM strategies alongside CAD models; branching/merging for exploring different machining approaches. |
☁️ Advantages of a Cloud-Native CAM-:
Integrating CAM into the cloud-based Onshape platform unlocks several key benefits:
No Local Hardware Strain: Computationally intensive tasks like toolpath calculation are offloaded to the cloud, allowing you to work on complex parts even with standard office hardware.
Instant Collaboration and Version Control: Manufacturing engineers can see design updates as they happen, enabling early feedback on manufacturability. All CAM data is versioned and managed alongside the CAD model, creating a single source of truth.
Simplified IT and Access: There is no software to install or update, as everything runs in your browser and is updated automatically by Onshape. You can access full manufacturing capabilities from any workstation with an internet connection.
🗓️ Availability and How to Get Started-:
Current Availability: As of its beta release, CAM Studio is available to users with Onshape Professional and Enterprise subscriptions. An advanced version with multi-axis support, CAM Studio Advanced, is announced for future release.
Trying Onshape: Qualified CAD professionals can explore these features through the Onshape Discovery Program, which offers access to the Professional plan for up to six months at no cost.
Educational Access: CAM Studio is planned for Education Enterprise plans, with discussions ongoing about expanding access to other educational tiers.
Onshape with CAM Studio is an excellent choice if you want a modern, integrated system that streamlines the entire process from design to manufacturing. For professionals working with 3-axis CNC mills who also value collaboration and cloud benefits, it offers a compelling and efficient workflow.
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