Key concepts when using CAM Assist
In session machines, materials and tools
By default CAM Assist will use machines, materials and tools defined in the CAM package. This provides smoother program creation when required information is available.
When a machine, material or tools are not defined in the CAM Package, then CAM Assist will not run and these must be selected from cloud storage before processing past the Prepare stage.
Program, operations and toolpaths
In a CAM package, the program is formed by a series of toolpaths grouped by setup. Each toolpath includes tool selection, cutting parameters and a set of cutting instructions.
Toolpaths are output of CAM Assist into the CAM Package.
Toolpath types are a key differentiating feature of CAM Packages, each of which require different properties to define and result in subtly different programs. CAM Assist smooths over these differences by using Operations: an abstract representation of the toolpath strategy. These also include tool selection, cutting parameters and a set of cutting instructions, and can be refined in a similar way within the CAM Assist user interfaces.
Operations are a representation of toolpaths within CAM Assist.
In CAM Assist, operations are a more abstracted representation of the eventual toolpath output. Moreover, there are variations of operations (for example the representation of a roughing operation and a finishing operation vary considerably). When CAM Assist operations are converted into toolpaths in the CAM package, there may be slight differences in the number and ordering of operations, based on the CAM package functionality. This should be expected.
Maintained and custom machines and tool libraries
CloudNC maintain example machines and tool libraries that are free to use but cannot be edited (they can be duplicated though)
CloudNC maintains a list of general machines and tool libraries that can be used in CAM Assist. These are intended to demonstrate capabilities and do not correspond to any specific commercial items. They are represented in the Configuration pages with a CloudNC logo.
These machines and tool libraries cannot be directly edited and are subject to change over time. They may be duplicated and then edited to create custom machines and tool libraries to match your specific needs.
Favorite machines, materials and tool libraries
Machines, materials and tool libraries marked as favorites are shown in the menus of the Prepare stage.
Secure cloud storage enables all machines, materials and tool libraries to be stored within CAM Assist. Modern factories may include many instances of each with different usage patterns.
The most commonly used machines, materials and tool libraries can be favorited within the configuration pages so they are easier to find, both in the configuration pages and within the Prepare stage.
Onboarding with the CAM Assist Apprentice
The CAM Assist Apprentice tool can be used create new machines, materials and tool libraries from historic CAM programs
Many users wish to use specific information from their factory but do not have curated details of the machines, materials and tools used. The onboarding process smooths the adoption of CAM Assist by automatically generating specific machines, materials and tool libraries from historic CAM programs.