What is 3+2 automatic mode?
3+2 automatic mode is a CAM Assist feature where the software’s AI chooses the optimal tool orientations for 3+2 machining without user input. In this mode, you simply enable 3+2 and select “Automatic” as the machining direction, and CAM Assist will calculate and pick various tilt angles to machine the part efficiently. It essentially means the AI is deciding which sides of the part to approach (and at what angles) to best machine all features, rather than you having to define those setups yourself.
Why does 3+2 automatic mode matter in CAM Assist?
This mode is a major time-saver and one of the selling points of CAM Assist’s AI. For users who are less experienced with 5-axis or who want to speed up programming, letting CAM Assist automatically determine orientations can produce a good result without manual trial-and-error. It matters because finding the right tilt angles to reduce tool reach or avoid collisions can be complex – the AI can evaluate many possibilities quickly. Automatic mode can increase the automation level from 80% to closer to 100% of the programming in some cases. Also, with the Automatic 3+2 mode now generally available (it moved from preview to full release), it signifies the maturity of the AI: it can handle not just 3-axis but also intelligent multi-axis positioning choices. In summary, it matters as a convenience feature that potentially improves cycle time or surface quality by picking better angles than a user might guess, and it lowers the barrier to using 3+2 strategies.
Where can I find / adjust 3+2 automatic mode in CAM Assist?
You’ll find this setting in the CAM Assist interface where you choose the machining mode. Set the Machining mode to 3+2 Axis, and then for the machining direction (or strategy), select Automatic. Once selected, there aren’t many “knobs” to turn – CAM Assist will handle it. However, note that using Automatic 3+2 may work best in combination with certain roughing strategies (CloudNC recommends using it with Next Generation Roughing for best results ). If needed, you can impose some limits; for example, you might still define avoidance geometry or exclude certain areas, and the AI will respect those while choosing angles. If you want to override or influence its choices, you’d switch to user-defined mode. But in pure automatic mode, there’s no manual orientation input – just trust the AI. Keep your machine’s kinematic limits updated (swivel ranges, etc.) so that CAM Assist doesn’t propose an angle your machine can’t reach.
What other terms would 3+2 automatic mode be known by?
- Automatic 5-axis positioning
- AI-chosen 3+2 orientations
- Auto orientation mode
Related articles to 3+2 automatic mode
- What is 3+2 user defined mode?
- What is 3+2 aligned to x,y,z mode?
- What machines is CAM Assist compatible with?