What machining Modes does CAM Assist support?
CAM Assist supports two primary machining modes: 3-Axis and 3+2 Axis (indexed 5-axis). In 3-axis mode, all toolpaths are generated without requiring any table or head rotation (just X, Y, Z moves). In 3+2 mode, CAM Assist can handle setups where the part is rotated to fixed angles (using 4th/5th axis) and then machine in 3-axis at each orientation. Within 3+2, it supports different strategies (like user-defined orientations, automatic orientation selection, and axis-aligned orientations, as discussed in earlier questions). CAM Assist currently does not support full 5-axis simultaneous machining – only indexed (positional) multi-axis. Additionally, CAM Assist does not yet support turning (lathe) modes or mill-turn continuous B-axis turning; its focus is on milling modes.
Why do supported machining modes matter
It’s important to know what modes are supported so you use CAM Assist appropriately. If you have a 5-axis CNC, CAM Assist can utilize it in a 3+2 capacity, which means it can greatly reduce setups by tilting to machine various faces. However, if your part truly requires continuous 5-axis interpolation (for example, an impeller with sweeping 5-axis toolpaths), CAM Assist wouldn’t handle that, and you’d know to program that portion manually. Similarly, if you have a 2-axis lathe job, CAM Assist wouldn’t apply. For most prismatic parts and even moderately complex 3D parts, 3-axis and 3+2 cover the majority of needs, so CAM Assist is very useful there. Understanding that turning and simultaneous 5-axis are out- of-scope prevents misapplication. It also highlights how you might approach a part: you could divide it into a milling portion for CAM Assist and a turning portion outside of it, if it’s a combined part. Additionally, knowing that 3+2 is supported encourages you to use your 5-axis machine in indexed mode to let CAM Assist reach more faces automatically, which is a big productivity boost over multiple 3-axis setups.
Where can I find / adjust machining modes in CAM Assist?
When you run CAM Assist, you pick the Machining Mode in the 'Prepare' phase on the top navigation bar – a toggle or dropdown between “3-Axis” and “3+2 Axis.”
How else could machining modes in CAM Assist be known?
- Supported axis modes (3-axis vs 5-axis)
- Indexed 5-axis support
- Milling modes (no turning)
Related articles to machining modes in CAM Assist
- What is 3+2 automatic mode?
- What turning parts does CAM Assist support?
- What parts are suitable for CAM Assist?