NC Shop Floor Programmer

What It Is

NC Shop Floor Programmer is a DELMIA role in the SOLIDWORKS Manufacturing portfolio that puts CNC programming directly in the hands of shop floor machinists — not just CAD engineers. It reads neutral file formats (STEP, IGES) so the programmer on the floor does not need a SOLIDWORKS seat or any CAD experience to generate accurate NC code.

Feature-based machining: recognizes features, proposes operations automatically
Knowledge-based rules capture proven strategies for reuse
Neutral file input: engineering hands off STEP, programming begins same day

Machine simulation validates toolpaths before any chips fly. Axis limit errors, tool reachability problems, and collision risks surface in the software — not on the machine. The result is faster setup, fewer scrapped parts, and NC code your post-processors can use immediately.

Morphos 3D is an authorized SOLIDWORKS reseller with deep CNC manufacturing expertise.

NC Shop Floor Programmer Activities tree showing Haas CNC machine setup and operation sequence

Why Morphos for NC Shop Floor Programmer: We configure the tool for your specific machine catalog and post-processors — not a generic demo environment. When we deploy, your programmers start with feeds, speeds, and tooling strategies that match your actual shop.

Feature-Based Machining

The system recognizes machinable features — pockets, holes, bosses, slots — and proposes appropriate operations automatically. Programmers confirm and adjust rather than build from raw geometry.

Neutral File Input

Works from STEP and IGES — no SOLIDWORKS license required on the shop floor. Engineering hands off the neutral file; programming starts immediately without a CAD handoff bottleneck.

Knowledge-Based Operations

Capture and store your best machining strategies as reusable rules. Every programmer benefits from accumulated shop knowledge — new hires program at the level of your most experienced machinist.

Machine Simulation

Detect axis limit errors, tool reachability problems, and collisions before the program goes to the machine. Simulation time charts help estimate cycle time before setup begins.

Stock Creation Wizard

Guide-driven stock setup walks programmers through the machining checklist step by step. Intermediate stock visualization shows how each operation changes the workpiece — catch fixturing problems before the job starts.

Content Library Search

Search your NC assembly library to find and reuse proven tooling setups and operation sequences. Previously programmed jobs become templates for similar work — fewer hours rebuilding the wheel.

Advanced Features

Programming Environment

PPR Tree and Cutting Tool Management

The PPR tree organizes every operation, feature, and tool assignment in a single structured view. Programmers see the full sequence at a glance and reorder without rebuilding toolpaths.

Features, process steps, resources in one view
Change a tool once, update all operations using it
Real-time toolpath verification before posting
Auto-generated NC code through toolpath reuse

NC Shop Floor Programmer PPR tree with cutting tool list showing operation hierarchy

Morphos setup value: We load your actual cutting tool catalog before go-live — not a generic library your team has to clean up.

Setup Guidance

Stock Creation Wizard and Machining Checklist

The Shop Floor Machining Wizard guides programmers step by step from raw stock through fixturing to operation sequencing. Intermediate stock visualization updates as each operation is defined.

Step-by-step wizard, no prior CAM training needed
In-process part geometry visible at each stage
Surface finishing optimized for specific geometry types
Activities Process View: editable at any time

NC Shop Floor Programmer Stock Creation Wizard with machining checklist sidebar

For high-mix shops: Wizard-driven setup means one-off jobs get done right the first time — no reliance on a single experienced programmer.

Machine Integration

Activities Tree and CNC Machine Simulation

The Activities tree ties each operation to its target CNC machine. Simulation runs the full program virtually — detecting axis limit violations and collision risks before the program goes to the floor.

Per-machine assignment for Haas, Mazak, DMG, or any configured machine
Detect axis limit errors and reachability issues in simulation
Time charts estimate cycle time before setup
Automated hole recognition from part features

NC Shop Floor Programmer Activities machining tree with Haas CNC machine visualization

Post-processor expertise: Morphos configures and validates post-processors for your exact machine models — not a generic post you debug yourself.

Knowledge Capture

Content Library and NC Assembly Reuse

The searchable content library stores accumulated programming knowledge as reusable NC assemblies. Find the proven setup for a similar job and apply it.

Search by feature type, material, machine, or operation
Store proven sequences as reusable company know-how
Cloud-based access via 3DEXPERIENCE platform
Connects NC data to the broader manufacturing workflow

NC Shop Floor Programmer content library search panel for NC assemblies and proven sequences

Building your knowledge base: Morphos works with your best programmers during implementation to structure best practices in the library from day one.

The software is only as useful as the machine catalog, post-processors, and knowledge base behind it — Morphos configures all of it.

Machine catalog: Your actual CNC machines loaded so simulation matches your real floor
Post-processor validation: G-code goes to the machine without manual editing
Knowledge base seeding: Proven strategies captured in the content library before go-live
Training on your parts: Your actual jobs, tools, and materials — not vendor sample files

Already running SOLIDWORKS CAM? NC Shop Floor Programmer complements it — engineers program complex parts in CAM, machinists handle day-to-day jobs from neutral files. Learn more about SOLIDWORKS CAM

No. NC Shop Floor Programmer reads neutral files — STEP, IGES, and other common exchange formats. Engineering uses SOLIDWORKS to design and exports a neutral file. The machinist picks up that file in NC Shop Floor Programmer and begins programming without any SOLIDWORKS license or CAD experience required.

SOLIDWORKS CAM runs inside the SOLIDWORKS environment and is designed for engineers who have access to the native 3D model. NC Shop Floor Programmer is designed for the production floor — it works from neutral files, requires no SOLIDWORKS seat, and is built around a machinist's workflow rather than an engineer's. Many shops use both: engineers program complex parts in SOLIDWORKS CAM while machinists handle day-to-day jobs in NC Shop Floor Programmer.

NC Shop Floor Programmer handles 2.5-axis and 3-axis milling operations as well as wire EDM. Surface machining capabilities generate high-quality toolpaths for 3D contoured surfaces. For full multi-axis programming (4- and 5-axis), additional DELMIA roles are available — talk to us about the right combination for your machine mix.

Yes, and this is precisely where Morphos adds the most value. The software ships with generic machine models and sample tooling. We replace those with your actual machine catalog, your cutting tool inventory, and post-processors validated for your specific machine controllers. When your team starts using the software, it already knows your shop.

NC Shop Floor Programmer is a role on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Platform access enables cloud-based data storage, collaboration between design and production, and access to shared NC assemblies and knowledge bases. Talk to us about how to fit the platform into your existing IT infrastructure.

NC Shop Floor Programmer