CAM Assist uses the name of your cutting data presets to understand which tools can be used for different scenarios.
Before reading this page, it’s best to become familiar with the format for cutting data preset names (see Naming Cutting Data Presets).
This page proposes three approaches to setting up your End mills, as shown in the following table.
Approach | When to use |
|---|---|
Approach 1 - use the same cutting data preset (and tool) for all types of roughing and finishing. This can be achieved by using Smart Keywords. | If you want to spend the minimum amount of time setting up your tools for CAM Assist. |
Approach 2 - use two different cutting data presets: one for roughing, and one for all types of finishing. | A happy medium between the amount of time required to set up and the level of control over your feeds and speeds. |
Approach 3 - use different cutting data presets for all types of machining. | For advanced users who need to use optimal feeds and speeds for wall finishing, flat finishing, and boring/counterboring. This is the approach used for the CAM Assist ‘sample’ tools. |
Points to consider
It's possible to use a combination of the three approaches, but, for now, it’s recommended you pick just one. You can always change your approach later, one tool at a time.
When choosing your approach, think about the level of control you need over your cutting data, and how many presets you already have in your tool database.
The toolpaths and machining operations generated by CAM Assist are the same for each of the three approaches; the only difference is the cutting data preset that is selected.
Approach 1
Method: use the same cutting data preset (and tool) for all types of roughing and finishing.
Use this approach if you want to spend the minimum amount of time setting up your tools in Fusion for use with CAM Assist.
In this approach, you make use of the Smart Keyword phrase ‘Side milling’, which CAM Assist assigns to the operations:
Roughing (R)
Flat finishing (Fl)
Wall finishing (Wa)
Helical boring (HB)
Step 1 - Add one preset
Add or rename one preset, ‘Aluminum - Side milling’, to an end mill.
If you are unsure of how to add/rename a preset, refer to the Fusion Work with tool presets article.
Step 2 - Configure the preset
You may add any of the following, as appropriate:
Cutting data parameters
Stepdown value
Stepover value
Tool holder
Assuming that you’ve ‘allowed’ CAM Assist to use the associated tool (using the Tool Use tab) then, If you specify values for the above in Fusion, they will be used by CAM Assist. If you don't specify values, CAM Assist will automatically assign suitable defaults.
Step 3 - Check the Tool Use tab
The following screenshots show:
Fusion’s Tool Library - tool 22159 is configured with the preset named ‘Aluminum - Side milling’.
CAM Assist’s Tool Use tab - CAM Assist has recognized the smart keyword phrase ‘Side milling’ (for the material ‘Aluminum') and has automatically assigned four operations to tool 22159 (shown abbreviated in the 'Allowed Usages’ column).
If you hover over any button in the ‘Allowed Materials’ and ‘Allowed Operation’ columns, a tooltip is displayed with information on the associated preset that CAM Assist has recognized for the tool.
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Approach 2
Method: use two different cutting data presets: one for types of finishing and one for roughing.
This approach is recommended as a happy medium between amount of time required to set up, and level of control over your feeds and speeds.
In this approach, you make use of the Smart Keywords ‘Roughing' and ‘Finishing’, which CAM Assist assigns to the following operations:
Finishing:
Flat finishing (Fl)
Wall finishing (Wa)
Helical boring (HB)
Roughing (R)
Step 1 - Add two presets
Add two presets to an end mill:
Aluminum - Roughing
Aluminum - Finishing
If you are unsure of how to add/rename a preset, refer to the Fusion Work with tool presets article.
Step 2 - Configure the presets
You may add any of the following to each preset, as appropriate:
Cutting data parameters
Stepdown value
Stepover value
Tool holder
Assuming that you’ve ‘allowed’ CAM Assist to use the associated tool (using the Tool Use tab) then, if you specify values for the above in Fusion, they will be used by CAM Assist. If you don't specify values, CAM Assist will automatically assign suitable defaults.
Step 3 - Check the Tool Use tab
The following screenshots show:
Fusion’s Tool Library - tool 22159 is configured with the preset names ‘Aluminum - Finishing’ and ‘Aluminum - Roughing’.
CAM Assist’s Tool Use tab - CAM Assist has recognized the smart keywords ‘Finishing' and ‘Roughing' (for the material ‘Aluminum') and has automatically assigned three operations to ‘Finishing’ and one operation to ‘Roughing’ (shown abbreviated in the 'Allowed Usages’ column).
If you hover over any button in the ‘Allowed Materials’ and ‘Allowed Operation’ columns, a tooltip is displayed with information on the associated preset that CAM Assist has recognized for the tool.
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Pro Tip
If you prefer to use different tools for roughing and finishing, then add the “Aluminum - Roughing” preset to your roughing tool, and the “Aluminum - Finishing” preset to your finishing tool.
Approach 3
Method: use different cutting data presets for all types of machining.
This approach is recommended when you need to configure optimal feeds and speeds for wall finishing, flat finishing, and boring/counterboring.
In this approach, you create four presets: three for the ‘Finishing’ operations and one for the ‘Roughing’ operation.
Step 1 - Add four presets
Add four presets to an end mill:
Aluminum - Roughing
Aluminum - Flat finishing
Aluminum - Wall finishing
Aluminum - Helical boring
If you are unsure of how to add/rename a preset, refer to the Fusion Work with tool presets article.
Step 2 - Configure the presets
Add the following to each preset, as appropriate:
Cutting data parameters
Stepdown value
Stepover value
Tool holder
Assuming that you’ve ‘allowed’ CAM Assist to use the associated tool (using the Tool Use tab) then, if you specify values for the above in Fusion, they will be used by CAM Assist. If you don't specify values, CAM Assist will automatically assign suitable defaults.
Step 3 - Check the Tool Use tab
The following screenshots show:
Fusion’s Tool Library - tool 22159 is configured with the four preset names.
CAM Assist’s Tool Use tab - CAM Assist has recognized the presets, which are shown abbreviated in the 'Allowed Usages’ column.
If you hover over any button in the ‘Allowed Materials’ and ‘Allowed Operation’ columns, a tooltip is displayed with information on the associated preset that CAM Assist has recognized for the tool.
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Pro Tip
If you prefer to use different tools for any of these operations, simply add the relevant presets on the relevant tools. You do not need to have all 4 presets on every tool.