NX CAM Reviews & Product Details

I use NX CAM primarily for machining parts, especially in R&D. It's very easy to use and lets me control almost every aspect of the machining program. I appreciate that I can make a lot of changes to the tool path and create unique operations, which makes it easy to create complex geometries and machine operations that might otherwise be impossible. This capability helps me get products from research into production faster. I also enjoy that, once we got it up and running, it's been very easy to continue using. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I think NX CAM needs to be more open to user adjustments. Machine simulation costs a fortune, as well as the post-process editor. Even the simple design tools are paid and very expensive. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I like how NX CAM solves the disconnect between design and manufacturing by working hand in hand with NX CAD, allowing design changes to reflect automatically in machining operations without the need for rework. It reduces machining errors and trial runs through its built-in simulation feature, which helps validate toolpaths and machine movements, preventing collisions and reducing material wastage. This leads to improved confidence on the shop floor. The advanced strategies provided by NX CAM improve surface finish and reduce cycle time, which is crucial for high precision industries, bolstering overall productivity and collaboration. I also find feature-based machining impressive as it automatically recognizes part features like holes, pockets, and slots, suggesting machining strategies that save programming time and help maintain consistency across different jobs. Its advanced simulation capabilities further help avoid collisions and errors before reaching the shop floor, minimizing risk and rework. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The biggest challenge is the learning curve. Though it is feature-rich, it is quite complex for new users. Understanding the workflows, menus, and advanced strategies takes time, and without proper training, it can feel overwhelming. Post Processing can also be a bit tricky. Setting up and customizing post processors requires a good level of expertise, and sometimes you need external support to get it perfectly aligned with specific machines. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

How powerful the software is. You can go off the deep end and get infinitly accurate tool path results. Or you can make simplistic tool paths and do it quickly Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Pricing, I know the software is power and the best of the best. I just wish there was a user friendly option that wasnt for business use. Something more affordable twards regular people Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I really appreciate the fully integrated CAD-to-CAM workflow of NX CAM, which removes ambiguities and ensures that manufacturing always starts from authoritative design data. I love that design changes can be quickly absorbed without having to restart CAM work, making the process more efficient. The production-ready output is predictable and behaves sensibly on machines, giving me confidence in achieving the required surface finish, especially on high-value parts. I also find that the toolpaths react to model changes in a controlled way and that the post-process outputs remain consistent. This reliability is invaluable for complex multi-axis work. The integration of simulation and verification functionality is something we like a lot, as it helps identify potential collisions early, verifying complex multi-axis movements and giving operators confidence in the program. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

While it's very capable, we find the learning curve and user experience as the biggest issue. Many functions expose a large number of parameters, not all of which are relevant. New users can struggle to understand which settings are genuinely relevant and so this can impact productivity. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

NX CAM stands out for its full CAD/CAM associativity, advanced multi-axis capabilities, and true G-code simulation. The automation features also help cut down rework significantly, especially when you’re programming complex parts. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

There’s a steep learning curve, the cost is high, and the setup overhead feels like overkill for simple parts. It’s undeniably powerful, but also heavyweight, and it ends up being very dependent on the postprocessor. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

We can make changes "on the go"

Synchronous Technology is included in the CAM

It is integrated with the CAM, so, when an Engineering Change is made, most of the time it is not needed to do the program again

Scallop: I can get very good finishes in a Z Level Profile with Scallop instead of fixed Z Levels Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

It is VERY complicated to do simple strategies (like to follow a profile)

It is almos impossible to do a strategy without a 3D model (unlike Surfcam, where I can do a profile with just a 2D line)

Not very good with facing and that kind of "simple" strategies (unlike Mastercam) Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I love that NX CAM is easy to use and is a very powerful software. It goes along with SE, which is our best benefit. The fast programming and easy setups it provides mean we spend less time programming and more time machining. We can switch parts easily and do less work on the software. The initial setup was super easy, which was a great start for our team. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I think NX CAM needs to improve on the import of SE files because some are corrupt. Also, it would be really helpful if the version that comes with 2.5 axis + 3 axis included design options. This way, we could make edits like drill holes on a part without having to go back into SE for basic design features, but Siemens blocks it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I like the 'make machining suggestion' feature in NX CAM. It allows me to simply select the face of the component and it generates the complete machining process for validation. This feature saves me time on every job. I also appreciate the smart machine kit solutions that help simulate the tool path before we actually start machining, making it risk-free to make decisions about starting the actual machining process. Additionally, the initial setup of NX CAM was easy because of the tool tips and the meaningful icons on the toolbar. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The Machine Kit Suite doesn't have all the machine models listed. In our tool room, we still use older CNC machines that aren't included, so adding more machine models like VMC, HMC, CNC 5 axis, and UCAM 4/5 axis indexer on the VMC would really help us simulate the machining process better. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

NX CAM is valuable because it brings design and manufacturing together in a single system, which helps reduce rework and makes it easier to push updates through when designs change. It performs especially well for complex machining, and its automation and simulation tools are strong, helping teams work more efficiently while avoiding costly mistakes. Overall, it’s a solid fit for companies that want to standardize their processes and scale up advanced manufacturing capabilities. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The main downsides of NX CAM are its higher cost and steeper learning curve compared to simpler CAM tools. It can also be overkill for shops doing basic machining, where the advanced features aren’t fully utilized. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I appreciate the interoperability of modules and seamless integration with NX CAM. The templates are really useful for a quick start in programming, especially when creating a tool path by easily attaching the geometry. It's great that no extensive expertise is needed in the organization for this. Also, the machine tool kit is helpful for simulation and crash testing before actual testing on the machine. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Certainly on 5-axis programming, it should alert the programmer what methods are not compatible to make a tool path. Variable contour method and sequential milling need to be simplified more. It is also difficult to learn for new users, and NX resellers struggled to show the straight approach. The initial setup was a little harder than Mastercam. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.