Yes, if it's a CNC mill your CAM package can post to. CAM Assist creates ordinary operations in your CAM package, and you post them with the post processor you already use. You don't need a special post, controller or machine option.
Which machines does CAM Assist work with?
Any CNC milling machine you program with your CAM package: vertical and horizontal machining centers, and mills with a 4th axis or a 5-axis head or table.
| Your machine | What CAM Assist can do on it |
|---|---|
| 3-axis mill | 3-axis setups. |
| Mill with one rotary axis (4th axis, tombstone) | 3-axis and 3+1 (indexed) setups. |
| 5-axis mill | 3-axis, 3+1 and 3+2 (indexed) setups. |
| Lathe | Not supported. CAM Assist doesn't create turning operations. |
CAM Assist never creates simultaneous 4- or 5-axis moves, so the machine only needs to index. See What are 3 Axis, 3+1 and 3+2 machining modes?
Do I need a special post processor?
No. There's no CloudNC post to install. CAM Assist adds normal operations to your CAM package, such as facing, roughing, finishing and drilling operations. Post them with your usual post for the target machine, the same way as operations you program yourself.
This means:
- The G-code follows your post's formatting and canned cycles.
- You can edit, simulate and re-post the operations like any others.
- Your existing post approval process still applies.
To see which operations CAM Assist creates in your CAM package, see Which operations and setups does CAM Assist create in my CAM package?
Always simulate or backplot the operations in your CAM package before you post and run them. You're responsible for the program that goes to the machine.
Why does CAM Assist still need my machine's details?
CAM Assist doesn't post, but it uses the machine you choose for the part in the Assessment stage to:
- Calculate cutting parameters within the machine's spindle speed, torque, power and feed limits.
- Estimate cycle times, including tool change and setup times.
- Know which way the part can tilt for 3+1 and 3+2 setups, from the rotary axis limits.
Enter your machine's real values in My Shop > Machines. For example, if a rotary axis has both limits at 0°, CAM Assist can't tilt the part on that axis. See Machine details CAM Assist needs and Add or edit a machine in CAM Assist.
Some CAM packages don't pass a machine to CAM Assist, so check the Machine selected in the Assessment stage before you run.
Does my machine need to be set up in my CAM package?
Yes, as it would be for any program you post: the post processor and machine definition you use in your CAM package are what turn CAM Assist's operations into G-code for your machine.