Important Information for Users
Please check the Forum area to see if your question may be answered there prior to contacting your reseller.
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In order to receive login access, you must include your CPD # (Copy Protection Device) when you register:
- For hardware dongles, the CPD # is the 5-digit number on the dongle.
- For software licenses, the CPD # is the 6-digit number in the license file (*.lic).
HCL CAMWorks® frequently asked questions
Before contacting your reseller, we suggest reading the following for system requirements and investigating problem areas.
1 Compatibility & CAD Integration
1Which operating systems and CAD platforms are supported by HCL CAMWorks?+
HCL CAMWorks is fully supported on 64-bit Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating systems. It offers seamless, fully associative CAD/CAM integration directly inside SOLIDWORKS®, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS, and Solid Edge®, as well as availability as a standalone CAM solution. Full backward compatibility is maintained across modern releases (including CAMWorks 2024, 2025, and 2026).
2Do I need to purchase a standalone CAD license to run HCL CAMWorks?+
No. HCL CAMWorks runs directly inside your existing installation of SOLIDWORKS or Solid Edge using a unified single-window interface. For CNC shops that do not own a separate CAD license, HCL CAMWorks is also available as a standalone CAD/CAM package.
3Can I run multiple versions of HCL CAMWorks on the same machine?+
Yes. You can install and run multiple versions of HCL CAMWorks side-by-side on the same workstation. This allows your team to test new feature releases or manage legacy projects without overwriting core system databases.
2 Smart Manufacturing & AI Automation
4What is the Technology Database (TechDB™) and how does it automate CNC programming?+
The TechDB™ is the intelligence engine behind CAMWorks' automation. It is a customizable database that links your shop's specific manufacturing capabilities, tooling preferences, and operation strategies directly to the software. Combined with Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR), CAMWorks scans the CAD model, identifies machinable features (such as pockets, holes, or turn profiles), and queries the TechDB to automatically apply your preferred tools, feeds, speeds, and toolpath strategies — cutting programming time by up to 80% to 90%.
5How does CAMWorks use Tolerance-Based Machining (TBM) and MBD to automate programming?+
CAMWorks reads Model-Based Definition (MBD) and Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) data directly from SOLIDWORKS or Solid Edge files. It automatically selects the correct tools, speeds, and feeds based on specified surface finishes and tolerances, capturing your shop floor's best practices and reducing manual programming time by up to 80%.
6Does HCL CAMWorks support high-speed roughing out of the box?+
Yes. CAMWorks natively integrates VoluMill™ high-speed milling and VoluTurn™ technology. These engines generate optimized toolpaths with continuous tangent motion, dramatically reducing cycle times, lowering heat generation, and extending cutting tool life.
3 Advanced Machining, Swiss & Shop Floor
7Does HCL CAMWorks support Swiss-type lathes and complex Mill-Turn centers?+
Yes. HCL CAMWorks includes a dedicated Swiss Machining module (available in Turning Premium and Ultimate packages). Featuring an innovative Segmentation Manager, it allows you to split complex toolpaths and coordinate simultaneous operations across main/sub-spindles, gang slides, turrets, and B-axis rotary attachments.
8What is CAMWorks ShopFloor and how does it prevent errors on the floor?+
CAMWorks ShopFloor provides a digital, read-only 3D model environment for machinists. Instead of relying on static paper setup sheets, operators can visually simulate G-code, view step-by-step toolpath animations, and check dimensions directly on the shop floor to virtually eliminate costly machine crashes.
9Can I simulate full machine kinematics using true G-code before running a job?+
Yes. Through the CAMWorks Virtual Machine module, you can perform full-machine simulation using actual G-code. This digital twin environment detects toolpath collisions, axes over-travel, and fixture interference before code ever hits the physical CNC machine.
10Which major Swiss CNC machine brands and configurations are supported by HCL CAMWorks?+
HCL CAMWorks supports a wide range of industry-standard Swiss-type CNC machine brands, including Star, Citizen, Tsugami, Tornos, Hanwha, and more. It natively handles multi-axis and multi-tasking configurations involving main and sub-spindles, gang slides, turrets, end-working, and back-working tool posts.
11How does the Segmentation Manager simplify the programming of long, small-diameter Swiss parts?+
Programming long parts on a Swiss lathe can lead to deflection issues if the workpiece extends too far past the guide bushing. The Segmentation Manager lets programmers define custom part segments and split complex toolpaths with a single click. If segment lengths or parameters change, all associated operations and toolpaths update automatically — ensuring proper support and overlap during operations like threading or surface finishing.
12What is "Machine Aware Programming," and how does it prevent Swiss machine crashes?+
Machine Aware Programming displays a real-time digital twin of the actual Swiss CNC machine layout, tooling, and fixtures directly within the CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS interface. By displaying true machine kinematics during toolpath generation, programmers can detect over-travels, axis limits, and potential collisions during the design stage — virtually eliminating costly crashes on the physical machine.
13In which HCL CAMWorks product packages are Swiss Machining capabilities included?+
Swiss Machining capabilities and features (including the Segmentation Manager, Sync Manager, and machine-aware simulation) are included natively within the HCL CAMWorks Turning Premium and Ultimate product packages.
14How does HCL CAMWorks leverage AI and TechDB™ to speed up Swiss CNC programming?+
By combining AI-powered automation with the Technology Database (TechDB™), HCL CAMWorks automatically recognizes machinable features on complex parts and applies proven shop-floor strategies, tool selections, speeds, and feeds. This eliminates repetitive programming steps and allows engineers to generate G-code for complex Swiss components in minutes rather than hours.
4 Licensing, Support & Post Processors
15How do I request or edit a custom Post Processor for my CNC machine?+
Every standard CAMWorks license grants access to a broad library of pre-configured post processors, with custom builds available via certified CAMWorks resellers. For in-house adjustments, CAMWorks includes the Universal Post Generator (UPG) — a standalone graphical utility that lets your team quickly customize code generation sequences (like tool changes or canned cycles) without needing advanced programming skills.
16What is required to migrate from a hardware dongle to a software-based license?+
Migrating from a legacy USB hardware key to a modern software license key requires reaching out to your certified CAMWorks reseller or support portal. They will deactivate the legacy dongle, issue a soft license credential, and assist in configuring your software manager for standalone or network floating deployment.
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