The following FAQs (Frequently asked Questions) might provide first-step answers to your questions or issues.
If you can’t find the answer to your question/issue here, please contact Product Support.

This page contains the following questions (with accompanying answers):

Installing CAM Assist

How do I install CAM Assist?

For step-by-step instructions, refer to Installing CAM Assist.

How to correct the installation directory for CAM Assist?

If you have multiple versions of NX installed on your computer and need to ensure that CAM Assist works on a specific supported version (such as NX 2206.9140), you can take the following steps to remove the CAM Assist plug-in from other installations:

  1. Locate the custom_dirs file for the NX version want to remove for CAM Assist. 

    • For example, if you want to remove CAM Assist from NX2306, find the following file:  C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX2306\UGII\menus\custom_dirs.dat

  2. Open the custom_dirs file and scroll to the bottom of the file.

  3. If found, delete the following text from the bottom of the custom_dirs file: C:\Program Files (x86)\CloudNC\Siemens NX\Add-ins\CloudNC CAM Assist

  4. Additionally, to ensure that CAM Assist is installed and active on the desired version of NX (such as NX 2206)

    1. You need to add the path to the CAM Assist plugin to the custom_dirs file for that version.

    2. Locate the custom_dirs file for NX 2206 then add the path to the CAM Assist plugin at the bottom of the file.

How do I uninstall CAM Assist?

For step-by-step instructions, refer to How to Uninstall CAM Assist.

CAM Assist administration

How to reset the permissions for CAM Assist?

Take the following steps:

  1. Locate the file:

    • C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX2206\UGII\menus\custom_dirs.dat

  2. Right-click on the file and select Properties.

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In the ‘Properties’ dialog:

  1. Open the Security tab (see the screenshot to the right).

  2. Click Advanced.

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Adding a User:

  1. Type a valid username in the box and click Check Names.

  2. Click on the added user and ensure they have the relevant permissions

    • The user needs ‘Write’ access to the file.

  3. With the relevant permissions set, click OK.

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Where is CAM Assist’s Log file?

The CAM Assist Log file is at the at the following location: 

C:\Program Files (x86)\CloudNC\Siemens NX\Add-ins\CloudNC CAM Assist\install-log.txt

Using CAM Assist

How to set obstructions in CAM Assist?

Users can specify obstructions by selecting the part as the model and then choosing additional obstructions within the setup (as shown in the screenshot to the right).

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I've selected a tool library and CAM Assist says its "analyzing" the toolset, but it doesn't load the tool library. What do I do?

You need to wait for a response from the server.
Due to the manner in which the NX Open API works, even when the response is ready, CAM Assist is unable to update the UI. You need to do something manually to force the UI to refresh, such as keep moving a slider or switching to other tabs and back.

General questions

What is CAM Assist?

CloudNC's 'CAM Assist' is a cloud-based software solution for CAM programming of 3-Axis and 3+2 Axis prismatic parts.

CAM Assist is currently available as an add-on to users on macOS or Windows with a Fusion 360 license.

CAM Assist can instantly produce machining strategies, support reduction in CAM programming time, enable resource efficiency, and support new CAD/CAM users with onboarding.

What languages are supported by CAM Assist?

Currently, CAM Assist supports only those characters associated with the English language.

Should I always review CAM Assist recommendations?

Our recommendation is to treat CAM Assist as your junior CAM programmer. It is a very powerful and smart tool, but as the name suggests, it is CAM Assist. Therefore, you are ultimately responsible for the final result. Therefore, please always review each toolpath and the result.

Is CAM Assist ITAR-Compliant?

Currently, CAM Assist for NX is not ITAR-compliant as we are still in the beta testing phase.
We are actively evaluating this aspect to ensure compliance in the near future. We strongly advise against testing CAM Assist on parts or environments subject to ITAR guidelines.

Does CAM Assist store my parts?

No, CAM Assist does not store your parts. We adhere to strict data protection and compliance protocols.

Does CAM Assist learn from my CAM programming?

As part of the beta program, we engage with users of varying machining and CAM programming expertise to gather feedback.
CAM Assist itself does not possess learning or reinforcement capabilities; instead, learning occurs through communication with our team and sharing feedback.

Does CAM Assist support turning operations?

Currently, CAM Assist is only available for milling operations in NX.

Can I use CAM Assist in a custom environment in NX?

We understand that many users operate in custom environments; our team is actively addressing this requirement.
Please refer to the release notes and the latest download page to stay updated on whether this feature has been released yet.