CAM Assist only uses tools that are valid, turned on, allowed for the stock material and, when cutting parameters come from presets only, have a preset. When none qualify, Run CAM Assist is disabled, or the run fails with a tool message. This article covers each cause.
Find out why a tool can't be used
- Open the Tools stage. The status banner lists problems, for example "library has no usable tools for the current inputs." Each chosen library shows how many of its tools are usable.
- Expand a library. A tool that can't be used has a status icon: hover over it for the reason.
- Click the tool to open its details. Availability for this part shows each check it passed or failed.
| Status | Reason | Go to |
|---|---|---|
| Has errors | The tool's data is invalid. | Is a tool turned off or invalid? |
| Disabled | The tool is turned off in its library. | Is a tool turned off or invalid? |
| Not for this material | The tool isn't allowed for the part's material. | Is the tool allowed for this material? |
| No usable preset | Cutting parameters come from presets only, and the tool has none for this operation and material. | Does the tool need a preset? |
| No toolpath types allowed | The tool allows no toolpath types, so CAM Assist can't use it for any operation. | Set a tool's allowed usages |
Is a tool turned off or invalid?
Tooltip on Run CAM Assist: "All selected tools are disabled." or "The selected tools are not valid. Resolve the warnings before running CAM Assist."
- In the Tools stage, expand the library and turn on the switch next to each tool you want CAM Assist to use. This changes the tool in its library, for every part that uses it.
- For a tool marked Has errors, open its details and fix the value shown under Tool is valid. If a stickout change fixes it, click Set stickout to length. See Tool library requirements.
Is the tool allowed for this material?
Tooltip: "No tools are available for the selected stock material."
Each tool's allowed stock materials must include the material chosen in the Assessment stage, or be left empty (all materials). Open the tool's details and click Allow material under Applicable stock material, or choose another material. See Set a tool's allowed usages.
Does the tool need a preset?
Tooltip: "No tools have available presets for the selected stock material. Add presets or change the cutting-parameter generation selection."
When cutting parameters come from presets only, CAM Assist only uses tools that have a preset for the operation and material. The tool's details show where its cutting parameters come from under Cutting parameters. Add presets for this material. See Add or edit cutting parameter presets.
Do the tools fail for a mix of reasons?
If the tooltip says "No tools are available for the current selection. Please review the selected stock material and cutting-parameter mode.", or the banner says "Review the selected libraries, stock material and cutting-parameter mode before continuing.", your tools fail for a mix of these reasons. Work through each section above, or add a library with suitable tools. See Add or remove tool libraries for a part.
Did the run fail with a tool message?
| Message | Fix |
|---|---|
| No valid tools were provided / Every tool in the toolset failed to convert to the internal engine tool model / Tool library conversion failed, leaving no available tools / The request contained no tools | No tool in the selection could be used. Check the tool types and geometry against Tool library requirements, or re-import the library. |
| Could not generate cutting parameters for any tool in the selection / A tool had no cutting parameters available for any of its supported usages / Generation of cutting parameters failed for a tool usage / Creating a cutting mode for a tool usage failed validation | CAM Assist couldn't work out feeds and speeds. Add presets for this material, and check the material has an ISO classification (Material is invalid). |
| The tool type is not supported by CAM Assist / The tool cannot be adapted for the requested usage / A tool assembly contained nested assemblies, which are not supported / An arc segment was found in the non-cutting region of a tool/holder swept profile | One tool can't be used. Turn it off with its switch in the Tools stage, or fix its type, assembly or holder profile. |
Why are some tools never used?
CAM Assist chooses tools itself, so a valid tool may simply not be the best fit. It also skips tools without telling you when:
- The tool type isn't supported. See Tool library requirements.
- The tool was left out at import. A file showing Partial imported only some tools. See My tool library won't import.
- Cutting parameters come from presets only, and the tool has no preset for that operation and material.
Still not working?
If you've checked all of the above, contact CloudNC support. Include the part file, the tool library file and your CAM Assist log files: see Find your CAM Assist log files.