The machining mode sets which directions CAM Assist machines a setup from. You choose it per setup in the Setups stage using Mode on the setup card. Every setup offers all three modes, whatever machine you've selected, except in SolidCAM: there, CAM Assist programs in 3-axis only.
| Mode | What CAM Assist does | You also choose |
|---|---|---|
| 3-axis | Machines from one direction using X, Y and Z. Best for prismatic parts where every feature is reachable from one direction. | Nothing |
| 3+1 | Indexes the part around one rotary axis to fixed positions, then machines each in 3 axis. | Select Axis of rotation: X-Axis or Y-Axis. See Set the rotation axis for 3+1 machining. |
| 3+2 | Tilts the part to several fixed orientations using two rotary axes, then machines each in 3 axis. | Roughing directions and Finishing directions. See Choose machining directions for a 3+2 setup. |
Hover over a mode for a short description.
3+2 directions
| Option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Automatic | CAM Assist picks the directions. This is the default. |
| X, Y, Z aligned | From the top and the four sides of the setup's coordinate system. Never from below. |
| Select | You pick directions by clicking faces on the part. Shift + click reverses one. |
| Same as roughing | Finishing only: use the roughing directions. |
Your machine's rotary limits
In My Shop > Machines, a machine's Machining modes list the modes it can run (3 Axis, 3+1 - Defined axis, 3+2 - Automatic, 3+2 - Aligned to X, Y, Z axes, 3+2 - User defined). For 3+1 and 3+2 modes, also set its Rotational axis limits. If an axis has both limits set to 0°, the machine dialog warns that 3+1 or 3+2 output may be limited, because CAM Assist can't tilt the part on that axis. See Machine details CAM Assist needs.