“Unmachinable surfaces” or “no tools in library available” in Mastercam

Overview

In CAM Assist for Mastercam, you may see either:

• “Unmachinable surfaces” (CAM Assist can’t complete machining on certain regions), and/or
• “No tools in library are available for the current selection” (CAM Assist can’t find a suitable tool for the operation).

These issues are commonly caused by tool availability, tool access/collision avoidance, or the current setup/machine assumptions.

Step 1: Check whether the failure is tool-selection related

1. In CAM Assist, open the Prepare stage.
2. Look for the message indicating no tools in library are available for the selection.
3. Open the Tool Availability Report (available from the left of the Run CAM Assist button) to identify which tools are missing or unsuitable for the operation.

Step 2: Fix the tool library gaps

• Add/Import tools that match the pocket/surface geometry and the required sizes.
• Verify usable length/reach (some tools can be too short to reach the depth you need).
• Ensure tool definitions are complete (diameter, point/geometry attributes for the tool type, and holder/reach as applicable).

Step 3: Verify setup and tool access (collision avoidance / workholding)

Even for “simple” pockets, Mastercam setups can block tool access. CAM Assist may mark pockets unmachinable if it detects likely collisions.

• Check whether the selected workholding/avoidance geometry blocks access to the pocket.
• If needed, adjust the setup model so the machining faces have proper tool access.
• Consider representing fixtures/clamps as avoidance geometry (keep-out zones) rather than overly restrictive full solid fixtures, when appropriate.

Step 4: Check strategy/feature support for the current configuration

• Confirm the feature type (pockets in this case) is supported by the selected CAM Assist configuration and operation mode.
• If the issue persists, try generating a smaller scope (one pocket/region) to confirm the exact failing region and then adjust tooling/setup only for that region.

What to send Support (optional)

• CAM Assist version and Mastercam version.
• The exact message text (unmachinable surfaces / no tools in library).
• Which region(s) fail and whether they are pocket-like features.
• The Tool Availability Report screenshot/details.