What is an unmachinable surface?
An unmachinable surface is a part face that CAM Assist determines cannot be milled with the current machine setup or tool accessibility. This could be because the surface is physically unreachable due to geometry (like a hidden undercut or a cavity that a 3-axis tool can’t get into) or beyond tool capabilities (e.g., a very narrow slot with no tool small enough). In CAM Assist’s analysis, such surfaces are flagged as “unmachinable,” meaning it will not attempt to create toolpaths for them under the given conditions. For instance, a surface on the underside of an overhang would be unmachinable in a 3-axis setup. Likewise, a deep interior face that exceeds tool reach might be considered unmachinable. These are essentially the areas the AI identifies as impossible to machine with the provided setups, tools, and machining mode.
Why is identifying unmachinable surfaces important?
Identifying unmachinable surfaces is important because it informs you, the programmer, that the current approach won’t produce a complete part. If CAM Assist calls out a surface as unmachinable, you know you might need to change something: maybe add another 3+2 setup from a different angle, use a longer tool or smaller tool, or accept that feature as is (maybe it was intended to be left). It prevents silent failures – rather than just leaving a face unfinished without explanation, CAM Assist conceptually marks it as unmachinable so you understand it wasn’t oversight but a limitation. It’s a cue to either reposition the part (if possible) or handle that feature outside of CAM Assist. In design for manufacturing terms, it might even highlight to a designer that a feature is impractical. From a CAM perspective, knowing which surfaces are unmachinable with 3- axis vs which require multi-axis is huge; CAM Assist makes that clear, possibly in a report or by highlighting them. This saves time because you don’t chase why a toolpath is missing – you know CAM Assist purposely omitted it. Addressing unmachinable surfaces might involve using a 5-axis machine (if you only had 3-axis), or simply secondary operations (like EDM for an internal sharp corner). In summary, it keeps you informed and avoids false expectations of 100% completion when geometry forbids it.
Where do I see or adjust unmachinable surfaces in CAM Assist?
CAM Assist
How may unmachinable surfaces in CAM Assist also be known?
- Unreachable face
- Non-machinable area (with current setup)
- Inaccessible geometry
Related articles to unmachinable surfaces in CAM Assist
- What causes CAM Assist to not finish certain faces? (those faces might be unmachinable ones)
- What are undercuts? (a common cause of unmachinable surfaces in 3-axis)
- What is maximum corner radius? (small corners might make a surface effectively unmachinable if no
tool fits)