Top 5 CAM Software Webinars 2024

CAM software is critical for modern manufacturing, transforming CAD designs into precise, machine-readable instructions. With advancements like AI tools, cloud collaboration, and automation, staying updated is essential for machine shops and manufacturers. Webinars are a convenient way to learn new skills and improve workflows without disrupting production.

Here are the top 5 CAM software webinars from 2024, each offering targeted training to tackle specific challenges:

• SolidWorks CAM & CAMWorks: Perfect for beginners, focusing on toolpath creation, automation, and G-code generation.
• Verisurf Model-Based Metrology: Ideal for integrating quality control into production workflows with CAD-guided inspections.
• GibbsCAM High-Speed and Multi-Axis Machining: Advanced techniques for multi-axis setups, reducing CNC run times and improving precision.
• ENCY Cloud CAM Workflow: Focuses on cloud-based collaboration to eliminate inefficiencies in 3-axis milling and file management.
• Cimatron CAD/CAM for Moldmaking: Tailored for mold and die manufacturing, with tools to streamline workflows and reduce errors.

Each session is designed to address unique manufacturing needs, from beginners to advanced users, ensuring your shop stays competitive and efficient.

Quick Comparison

These webinars provide actionable insights to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and keep up with industry trends. Dive into the sessions that best match your needs and take your manufacturing processes to the next level.

GibbsCAM Webinar : What's New in GibbsCAM 2024

1. SolidWorks CAM and CAMWorks Getting Started Webinar Series

The SolidWorks CAM and CAMWorks Getting Started Webinar Series is designed to introduce machine shop operators to the basics of CAM programming, particularly those new to CNC programming. This series breaks down complex CNC concepts into manageable steps, helping operators quickly build their skills.

The webinars focus on key topics like tool selection, feature recognition, toolpath creation, simulation, and automation techniques. These lessons aim to reduce programming time while improving overall quality. Building on these essentials, the series also dives into setup and automation strategies to streamline workflows.

Participants learn how to use the Technology Database to create tool cribs, develop machining strategies, and save best practices for consistent application across various projects. Live demonstrations walk attendees through configuring the user interface, setting machine parameters, defining stock and coordinate systems, and arranging workholding setups. The webinars also explore Automatic Feature Recognition for generating setups, features, and operations automatically, as well as Interactive Feature Recognition for situations requiring manual adjustments.

Advanced sessions cover cutting-edge tools like VoluMill™ for high-speed machining, PrimeTurning™ for lathe operations, and 3+2 programming in SOLIDWORKS Assembly Mode for complex, multi-axis tasks. These topics highlight the growing industry demand for faster, more efficient production workflows. Since SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard is included with every SOLIDWORKS subscription, shops already using SOLIDWORKS for design can take advantage of its CAM features without extra software costs. Additionally, the series covers practical post-processing techniques, teaching participants how to generate G-code and fine-tune toolpaths to create a smooth, efficient workflow. These advanced lessons build on the foundational skills, offering a comprehensive path to mastering CAM programming.

2. Verisurf Model-Based Metrology and CAD/CAM Workflow Webinars

The Verisurf Model-Based Metrology and CAD/CAM Workflow Webinars tackle a key challenge in manufacturing: seamlessly integrating machining and quality control. These sessions focus on embedding inspection processes directly into CAM workflows, helping machine shops detect issues early and maintain precise tolerances throughout production. This proactive approach sets the stage for the detailed methodologies discussed later.

At the heart of these webinars is model-based metrology, which leverages CAD models to guide the entire manufacturing process. By doing so, workflows become more efficient, reducing errors and eliminating the need for manual data entry. This is especially critical because errors identified after machining can cut a part's value in half due to costly rework.

The webinars dive into real-world applications, including CMM programming, 3D scanning, reverse engineering, tool building, and guided assembly. Verisurf supports all CAD file types and works seamlessly with a variety of measurement hardware, such as CMMs, portable arms, scanners, trackers, and Renishaw REVO 5‑axis sensors. This flexibility allows machine shops to choose the measurement tools that best suit their specific needs.

One standout feature covered in the sessions is real-time comparison. Verisurf software enables manufacturers to compare the nominal CAD design with the finished part as production progresses. This allows for immediate adjustments, avoiding the delays and costs associated with discovering discrepancies later. The webinars also demonstrate how to automate 3D scanning workflows, covering everything from inspection planning and data extraction to configuring GD&T requirements and generating comprehensive quality reports.

A great example of Verisurf’s impact comes from Coast Composites, Inc., which used Verisurf with Faro laser trackers to eliminate on-machine inspections. This not only sped up production but also reduced rework while achieving tolerances as tight as four to five thousandths of an inch on aerospace tooling.

The sessions also highlight how integrating on-machine inspection with traditional CMM methods can streamline operations. Machine tool probing systems, for instance, can take over certain inspection tasks, reducing bottlenecks. While manual workpiece setups might take 10 minutes, the probe systems demonstrated in the webinars can complete the same task in seconds.

Nick Merrell, Executive Vice President of Verisurf Software, emphasizes the company’s commitment to education:

"In addition to the webinar series, we are proud to continue to offer free metrology learning experiences for anyone striving to improve their knowledge and skills."
– Nick Merrell, Executive Vice President of Verisurf Software

3. GibbsCAM High-Speed and Multi-Axis Machining Webinars

GibbsCAM's webinars dive deep into advanced programming techniques, offering machine shops the tools to maximize efficiency and accuracy. These sessions are tailored to help manufacturers optimize multi-axis equipment, cut cycle times, and maintain precision when working with increasingly complex parts.

With support for unlimited axes, GibbsCAM handles everything from 2- to 5-axis milling, turning, Swiss machining, and Multi-Task Machining (MTM) setups. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for tackling intricate geometries and multi-setup parts that traditional 3-axis machining struggles to manage efficiently.

The high-speed machining portion of the webinars focuses on strategies to dramatically reduce CNC run times. One standout session, "Slash CNC Run Time with High Speed Machining Strategies," showcases how these techniques are applied in real-world manufacturing scenarios. These sessions also highlight improvements in rest machining, where contouring and pocketing strategies work with 'material only' settings to create more efficient toolpaths with fewer air cuts. Once speed enhancements are covered, the webinars transition to advanced multi-axis coding techniques.

GibbsCAM 2024 introduces enhanced 5-axis features, including optimized stepover, better 3D containment, improved point distribution, and customizable start points, giving programmers even greater control.

The turning-focused webinars reveal methods to cut roughing cycle times by up to 30%. They also explore GibbsCAM 2025's Y-axis Turning capabilities, which improve stability, chip control, surface finish, and cutting speeds.

GibbsCAM's programming efficiency is impressive, achieving a 75% faster pace than traditional methods. Additionally, the up2parts autoCAM plugin speeds up NC programming by as much as 70%.

Joe Lah, General Manager at Slice Mfg. Studios, shared his experience with the software:

"I wholeheartedly recommend GibbsCAM to anyone investing in multi-channel turn-mill centers or upgrading their current software. Thanks to GibbsCAM, we are more efficient and can produce parts that we could never produce before."

This testimonial underscores the practical benefits GibbsCAM delivers to modern machine shops.

Another key focus of the webinars is collision detection and precise machine simulation, which are critical for avoiding costly tool interference in multi-axis setups. GibbsCAM 2025 introduces new Operation Tile Modes, allowing operators to view multiple flows independently of the MTM Sync Manager, enhancing visibility for complex operations. These updates are particularly valuable for shops using Swiss-type machines, thanks to new headstock origin options that simplify the positioning of simulation bodies on the headstock axis.

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4. ENCY 3-Axis Milling and Cloud CAM Workflow Webinars

ENCY's webinars address a critical manufacturing challenge: turning isolated CAM systems into fully connected, collaborative networks. These sessions aim to tackle what CEO Andrei Kharatsidi calls "hidden timewasters" - those inefficiencies that quietly erode productivity in machine shops.

Take the December 5, 2024, webinar as an example. Titled "Cloud CAM workflow done right: eliminate hidden timewasters in your machine shop," this session showcased how ENCY Clouds tackles four major pain points: communication breakdowns, disjointed workflows, messy file management, and inefficient NC-code verification. These issues are especially common in traditional 3-axis milling setups, where teams often rely on outdated methods like USB drives, scattered file versions, and manual handovers between design and production.

"During the webinar, we showed how ENCY Clouds transforms traditional CAM systems into a connected CAM ecosystem, empowering your entire workflow with seamless cloud collaboration and how eliminating hidden timewasters can elevate your productivity and efficiency."

• Andrei Kharatsidi, CEO of ENCY Software

By adopting ENCY's cloud-based approach, users gain 24/7 access to CNC programs, toolpath templates, simulation tools, and real-time analytics. This eliminates the inefficiencies of creating toolpaths on one workstation and transferring files manually via USB.

The webinars also highlight advanced features like G-code verification and full machine simulation, which help reduce trial-and-error programming. Operators can simulate complete machining sequences in the cloud, identifying potential issues before production even begins.

The sessions cater to a variety of roles in manufacturing. Business owners and managers learn how connected CAM systems can cut costs and speed up production timelines. CAD/CAM programmers discover tools that bridge the gap between design and manufacturing, while machine operators benefit from real-time access to updated programs, reducing downtime and improving precision.

All webinars are led by Andrei Kharatsidi, who shares his vision for reshaping the CAM industry through cloud collaboration. These sessions dive into real-time teamwork, streamlined workflows, and strategies to prevent errors in 3-axis CNC machining [33, 34]. The integration of these elements helps drive more efficient and accurate production processes.

One standout feature of ENCY's system is its ability to integrate design changes directly into production. This ensures all stakeholders have access to the most up-to-date information. By connecting previously standalone systems, ENCY minimizes delays and enhances accuracy across the entire manufacturing workflow.

5. Cimatron CAD/CAM for Moldmaking Webinar

Cimatron's moldmaking webinars tackle the unique challenges faced by tooling and die manufacturers. Unlike general-purpose CAM software, these sessions focus solely on the specific needs of mold and die work, where precision and handling intricate geometries are critical.

The webinars showcase how Cimatron's integrated CAD/CAM system removes common workflow bottlenecks in moldmaking. Traditional setups often rely on multiple software tools, leading to translation errors and file management issues. Cimatron addresses this by combining modeling and manufacturing into a single, streamlined platform.

For example, PTI Engineered Plastics successfully reduced the production time of an EV charging plug prototype from 10–12 weeks to just five weeks. Chris Behring, their toolroom manager, shared:

"Once we moved to Cimatron, we became five times more efficient. We eliminated translation time and file transfer errors while improving overall performance throughout the tooling process."

Cimatron's AI-driven mold feature detection is another highlight, automatically identifying key elements like slides, lifters, and ejector pins. This automation simplifies CNC toolpath generation. Additionally, its hybrid solid and surface modeling ensures precision in critical areas like parting lines, runoff surfaces, and shutoff zones - factors essential for mold quality.

Electrode manufacturing, a key aspect of EDM operations, also takes center stage in these webinars. VMR GmbH & Co. KG demonstrated how they produce 10,000 electrodes annually with Cimatron, cutting design and manufacturing time by 70%. The software's electrode tools automate tasks that traditionally required hours of manual effort.

The 2024 version of Cimatron introduces an AFC routine that optimizes stock removal during roughing, leading to smoother tool motion and longer tool life. During live tests with Sandvik Coromant, this feature reduced cutting times on CNC machines by over 10%.

For handling complex geometries, the webinars emphasize Cimatron's 5-axis machining capabilities. The auto-tilting feature now calculates up to 25 times faster than before, and the software intelligently uses remaining stock from 3-axis operations during 5-axis roughing. This allows operators to use shorter, more stable cutters, improving surface finishes.

The return on investment (ROI) metrics are impressive. Users typically recover their investment within six months, with delivery times reduced by up to 70%. Productivity increases by 75%, while the software also helps reduce carbon footprints.

Antonio Parisse, Vice President of Cimatron, highlighted the company's dedication to the mold and die industry:

"Cimatron's focus is clear: we exclusively target the Mold and Die sector. Every tool at our disposal is tailored precisely to serve this industry."

These webinars are particularly beneficial for shops specializing in automotive, medical, and consumer product tooling, where high-quality standards and tight deadlines are the norm. By integrating design and manufacturing functions, Cimatron ensures that engineers and production teams work seamlessly from the same data, boosting efficiency and quality across the board. This targeted approach underscores how specialized CAM solutions can transform productivity in demanding manufacturing environments.

Comparison Table

Here’s a clear breakdown of the webinars, highlighting their focus, audience, advantages, and ideal applications to help you decide which one aligns best with your manufacturing needs.

Each webinar is designed to address specific manufacturing challenges, offering tailored training for diverse industry scenarios.

When choosing the right webinar, think about factors like the software’s ease of use, how well it integrates with your workflow, and the unique demands of your operations. Rick Schultz, aerospace program manager for FANUC America, emphasizes:

"For five-axis simultaneous contouring, a quality CAD/CAM system is critical".

Conclusion

U.S. machine shops are turning to CAM webinars as a critical tool to stay ahead in a fast-moving manufacturing industry. As Ben Mund from CAD/CAM explains, continuous improvement is non-negotiable for shops aiming to remain competitive:

"Shops can never stand still in doing things better, faster, and more efficiently. CAD/CAM developers need to be just as aggressive in making sure the software they deliver lets them do that in as easy a way as possible".

These webinars go beyond technical training - they deliver real, measurable improvements in operational efficiency.

The 2024 lineup of webinars highlights how modern CAM tools can revolutionize manufacturing workflows. With the computer-aided manufacturing market expected to hit $3.62 billion in 2023, its growing adoption reflects its immense value. Shops that engage with these sessions can learn strategies to slash programming time by up to 90% and reduce machining cycle times by as much as 85%.

CAM automation is a game-changer, simplifying processes, enabling real-time collaboration through cloud-based platforms, and leveraging AI to adapt to shifting production needs. For precision machining and custom fabrication shops, these advancements lead to tighter tolerances, less waste, and quicker project turnarounds.

Investing in regular staff training on the latest CAM technologies equips machine shops for long-term success. Each webinar addresses specific challenges, offering solutions that range from basic CAD/CAM integration to advanced multi-axis machining techniques. This ensures shops remain flexible and forward-thinking in their operations.

The most forward-thinking shops see continuous learning as more than just an option - it’s a strategic investment that drives efficiency, innovation, and growth.

FAQs

How do these CAM software webinars cater to the unique needs of industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing?

CAM software webinars in 2024 focus on tackling the unique challenges faced by industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. These sessions offer targeted solutions, cutting-edge techniques, and practical examples to help professionals refine their processes and maintain a competitive edge.

For instance, aerospace webinars often delve into methods for machining complex components with precision. Automotive-focused sessions center on breakthroughs in digital transformation and boosting production efficiency. Meanwhile, webinars for the medical sector explore topics such as precision machining for implants and advancements in additive manufacturing. These events deliver practical insights and industry-specific knowledge to help manufacturers streamline workflows and improve product quality.

What are the key benefits of using cloud-based collaboration in CAM workflows, as discussed in the ENCY Cloud CAM Workflow webinar?

The ENCY Cloud CAM Workflow webinar highlights the ways cloud-based tools can streamline CAM workflows. By addressing common issues like slow communication, messy processes, and outdated file management, the webinar shows how these tools can create a more efficient working environment.

With real-time project updates and easy collaboration between CAD/CAM programmers and machine operators, teams can ensure smoother operations and speed up production cycles. The result? Better workflow efficiency, sharper manufacturing accuracy, and stronger team collaboration - all leading to less downtime and improved productivity for machine shops.

How does Cimatron's CAD/CAM system help moldmakers work faster and more efficiently than traditional methods?

Cimatron's CAD/CAM system streamlines the moldmaking process by bridging the gap between design and manufacturing. By reducing workflow bottlenecks, it helps save time and ensures a smoother transition from concept to production, cutting down on delays and mistakes.

Moldmakers using this system have seen impressive results, with many reporting reductions in design and production cycles ranging from 40% to 70%. Some even achieve up to a 75% increase in productivity. On top of that, businesses often recover their investment in just six months, making it an efficient choice for meeting tight deadlines and boosting overall output.