Autodesk HSMWorks – Ultimate

HSMWorks – Ultimate is an advanced CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) solution that seamlessly integrates with SOLIDWORKS, enabling CNC programmers and machinists to generate high-quality toolpaths directly inside their CAD environment. It supports everything from 2.5-axis to full 5-axis machining and is optimized for efficiency, precision, and productivity.

Fully Integrated with SOLIDWORKS

HSMWorks works natively inside SOLIDWORKS, allowing users to generate and simulate toolpaths within the same interface. This ensures associative toolpaths that automatically update with CAD model changes, reducing rework and improving design-to-manufacturing accuracy.

High-Performance Multi-Axis Machining

The Ultimate edition includes full support for simultaneous 5-axis machining, 3+2 positional milling, multi-axis turning, and mill-turn operations. It enables the production of complex geometry with fewer setups and smoother finishes.

Efficient Toolpaths and Simulation

Take advantage of adaptive clearing, intelligent step-down strategies, and rest machining to reduce cycle times and extend tool life. Built-in simulation and customizable post processors ensure safe and reliable NC code output for a wide range of machines.

Key Features

• Native SOLIDWORKS integration with associative toolpaths
• Support for 2.5D, 3D, and simultaneous 5-axis machining
• Advanced mill-turn and multi-tasking support
• Adaptive clearing and high-efficiency roughing strategies
• Toolpath simulation and customizable post-processors
• Cloud-connected tool libraries and machine configurations

Who Uses HSMWorks – Ultimate?

HSMWorks – Ultimate is ideal for CNC programmers, toolmakers, and high-precision manufacturers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, mold and die, and medical device production. It’s perfect for teams that rely on SOLIDWORKS and demand advanced machining capabilities within a streamlined workflow.

⚠️ IMPORTANT:

SolidWorks Plugin: HSMWorks is an integrated CAM add-on that runs inside SolidWorks. It is not a standalone application.

Windows Only: Because SolidWorks is Windows-only, HSMWorks is also Windows Only. There is no macOS version.

Dependency: Your system must primarily meet the requirements for SolidWorks first.The requirements below are the additional needs for running complex CAM toolpaths effectively.

2026 Version: As of late 2024/early 2025, the 2026 version generally supports SolidWorks 2023–2026 (Subject to official release confirmation).

⚙️ System Requirements: HSMWorks Ultimate (2023–2026)

🔌 SolidWorks Compatibility Matrix

You must use a compatible version of SolidWorks for your HSMWorks version.

💡 Performance Advice for HSMWorks Users

CPU Strategy (Cores vs. Speed):

Toolpath Calculation: Many HSM strategies (like Adaptive Clearing) are multi-threaded, meaning they can use multiple cores.

SolidWorks Core: However, SolidWorks itself is largely single-threaded.

Recommendation: A modern Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 with high clock speed and 8-12+ cores is the sweet spot. Avoid low-speed Xeon server chips.

RAM is Key for Simulation:

When you run "Stock Simulation" for a complex 3D part, the data is loaded into RAM. If you have only 16 GB, SolidWorks + HSMWorks will likely max it out and crash. 32 GB is the safe production standard.

Graphics Card (The SolidWorks Factor):

HSMWorks uses the SolidWorks viewport. If your graphics card is not certified for SolidWorks (e.g., an Intel integrated GPU or a cheap gaming card), you may experience "ghosting" or disappearing toolpaths.

Always use an NVIDIA RTX Professional (formerly Quadro) card.

Mac Users:

Not Supported.

Since SolidWorks does not run on macOS, HSMWorks cannot either.

Parallels Desktop: Running SolidWorks+HSMWorks in Parallels is possible on M-Series Macs but not supported officially. Performance for heavy toolpath generation will be significantly slower than a native PC due to the translation layers.