Definition of all the terms used within the CloudNC CAM Assist suite.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Adaptive clearing

A CNC machining strategy that is used to efficiently remove material from a part while maintaining optimal cutting conditions and tool life. The strategy is especially useful for roughing operations where large amounts of material need to be removed.

Axial stock

The material that remains along the tool axis after machining a part.
In CAM Assist, this is specified using the ‘Axial Stock to leave’ parameter in the ‘Roughing’ section of the Advanced tab.

B

Break point

Refers to a designated point in the machining program where the operator inserts a stop command, which instructs the CNC machine to pause at that point. Breakpoints are useful for many purposes, including: debugging a machine program, tool changes, quality control (the part can be inspected during the break), and anticipated manual interventions.

Bulk roughing

A machining strategy that involves removing a significant amount of material quickly and efficiently from a part during the initial stages of the machining process. The goal of bulk roughing is to remove excess stock material and bring the part closer to its final shape before more detailed operations are performed.

Burrs

Undesirable raised edges or small pieces of material that can be left on the part as a result of machining operations, such as milling and drilling.

C

Chamfer

A bevelled edge or corner on a part. The chamfer is a geometric feature that involves cutting away a portion of the material at a specified angle, usually to create a smooth transition between two surfaces or to eliminate sharp edges.

Chip breaker

The chip breaker is used to control the size, shape and direction of the chips generated during the machining process in order to reduce power consumption and vibration. Chip breaking is achieved by bending the chip in specific ways until it breaks.

Chip load

The thickness of the material removed by each cutting edge of a tool during a single revolution. Chip load is typically measured in units of distance (inches or millimeters) per tooth.

Chip Load = Feed rate / (Spindle speed * Number of cutting teeth)

CNC

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is the automated control of machining tools by means of a computer. In CNC machining, a computer converts a digital design or CAD (Computer-aided design) model into instructions that control the movements of cutting tools and other machinery.

Coating

Tool coatings impact the performance, strength, and efficiency of the tool.

CAM Assist provides the following tool coatings for selection:

Contour 2D

A machining operation in which the cutting tool follows a 2-dimensional path along the contour of a parts profile to performs tasks such as profile milling, pocketing (see Pocket 2D), roughing, or finishing the outer perimeter of a part.

Coolant

The substance used to cool and lubricate the cutting tool and part, dissipate heat, and remove chips and swarf during cutting operations.

Corner radius

Due to their cylindrical shape, when tools cut internal pockets, they create a radius. The corner radius refers to the internal radius of the corners of the part to be machined.

Cut parameters

Specific factors ('feeds and speeds') associated with tools, such as spindle speed, cutting feed rate, and surface speed. The parameters can be set within the Mastercam Tool Manager application as Cut Parameters.

Cutting feed rate

The linear speed at which the cutting tool moves along the part during a machining operation; it is measured in ‘unit distance’ per ‘unit time’, such as in/min or mm/min.

Cutting Feed Rate = Spindle speed * Number of cutting teeth * Chip load per tooth.

Cutting speed

see Surface speed.

D

Deburring

An operation used for removing burrs, sharp edges, and irregularities from a machined part. Deburring is essential for improving a part’s safety, functionality, and aesthetics.

Detailed roughing

A machining strategy that involves removing material in a more controlled and detailed manner after the ‘Bulk roughing’ stage. The goal of detailed roughing is to achieve a more precise shape, leaving behind a smaller amount of material for the subsequent finishing operation.

Depth of cut (Ap)

The distance the cutting tool penetrates into the part, along the axis of the tool, during a machining operation; it is measured in 'unit distance', such as inches (in) or millimeters (mm).

Drilling

A fundamental operation used to create holes in a part. The operation involves rotating a tool (called a drill bit), that has one or more sharp edges, while applying axial force to penetrate the material and remove chips.

E

F

Face milling

An operation that removes material from the face, or flat surface, of a part. Face milling is commonly used to achieve smooth finishes, create flat surfaces, or to prepare the part for subsequent operations.

Feed rate

The rate at which the cutting tool moves along the toolpath relative to the part; it is measured in ‘unit of distance’ per ‘unit time’, such as in/min or mm/min.

Feed rate = Depth of cut * Spindle speed

Feed per tooth

The distance the cutting tool advances along the part for each revolution of the tool; it is measured in 'unit distance' per tooth, such as in/tooth or mm/tooth.

Feed per tooth = Feed rate / (Number of cutting edges * Spindle speed)

Finishing

An operation where the final cuts (to the expose the finished surface) are made to the material to achieve the desired surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and overall quality of the machined part.

Flat finishing (Flat)

A machining operation that refers to the process of achieving a smooth and uniform surface on a flat area of a part: the process involves the removal of surface imperfections left behind as a result of previous machining operations.

Flute length

The flute length refers to the length of the cutting portion (flutes) along the tool’s axis; it is the distance from the tip of the tool to where the flutes end.

G

H

Helix Angle

A helix is a smooth 3D curve that spirals around a linear axis; the ‘helix angle’ is the angle of those spirals against the axis.

Hole making

The process of creating holes of specific sizes, depths, and tolerances in a part using various machining operations, such as drilling, boring, and tapping.

Hole patching

CAM Assist uses ‘Bodies’ to fill in holes to prevent roughing passes from attempting to cut into them. This can be important for efficiency and ensuring surface finish and part tolerances.

I

Inch

An inch is a unit of measurement: 1 inch = 25.4 mm

J

K

L

Lead in feed rate

Feed rate at which the cutting tool approaches the part at the start of an operation (this is a non-cutting movement); it is measured in ‘unit distance’ per ‘unit time’, such as in/min or mm/min.

Lead out feed rate

Feed rate at which the cutting tool moves away from the part after completing an operation (this is a non-cutting movement); it is measured in ‘unit distance’ per ‘unit time’, such as in/min or mm/min.

M

Machining

The process of using computerized controls to remove material from a part to achieve desired shapes, dimensions, and surface finishes.

The machining process follows the toolpath strategy that is computed by CAM Assist.

Machining direction

The path that the cutting tool takes relative to the part during the machining process: the direction is determined by the CNC program that guides the movements of the machine's axes.

CAM Assist provides three ‘Machining directions’ for the ‘3+2 Axis’ Machining mode: ‘Aligned to X, Y, Z’, ‘By setup’, and ‘Automatic' (for details, see General Tab).

Machining mode

CAM Assist provides two modes of machining: 3-Axis and 3+2 Axis.

Material

The raw material of the part to be machined.

Material removal rate

The volume of material removed from the part during a machining operation; it is measured in ‘unit volume’ per ‘unit time’, such as in in³/min or mm³/min.

Material Removal Rate = Feed rate * Depth of cut * Width of Cut

MM (Millimeter)

A millimeter is a unit of measurement: 1 mm = 0.03937 inch

Model

A digital representation of a part that is created using computer-aided design (CAD). The CAD model contains detailed information about the geometry, dimensions, tolerances, and other specifications of the part.

N

Number of cutting edges

The number of sharp cutting edges present on the cutting tool.

Number of cutting teeth

The number of sharp teeth present on the cutting tool.

O

Operation

A specific task or set of tasks performed on a part using a CNC machine. Each operation is a step in the overall machining process and typically involves a specific tool, cutting data parameters, and a toolpath strategy.

Orientation

The positioning of the part or tool relative to the machine’s coordinate system, which involves specifying the orientations at which operations will be performed.

P

Part

A physical object or component, made from a certain material, that is machined using CNC techniques.

Plunge feed per revolution

The linear distance the cutting tool moves along the axis of the part for each revolution of the spindle during a plunge operation; it is measured in ‘unit distance’, such as inches (in) or millimeters (mm).

Plunge feed per revolution = Plunge feed rate / Spindle speed

Plunge feed rate

The linear speed at which the cutting tool moves along the axis of the part during a plunge operation; it is measured in ‘unit distance’ per ‘unit time’, such as in/min or mm/min.

Plunge feed rate = Plunge feed per revolution * Spindle speed

Pocket 2D

A machining process used to create pockets or recessed areas within a part; pockets are typically defined by a 2-dimensional shape or polygonal area.

Pocket clearing

A machining process used to remove material from the interior of a pocket, or enclosed area, within a part with the aim of leaving a smooth surface finish on the bottom and sidewalls of the pocket.

Preset

See Cut Parameters.

Q

R

Radial Rake Angle

A rake angle is the angle of the cutting face relative to the part. The radial rake angle is the angle of the peripheral cutting edge on a cross-section to the axial centerline of the tool.

Radial stock

An intentional margin of material that remains on the radial surfaces of the part after an operation. The excess material is intentionally left to ensure that the final dimensions and tolerances are met during subsequent machining operations or as part of the finishing process.

Ramp feed per revolution

The linear distance the cutting tool moves along the axis for each revolution of the spindle during a ramping operation; it determines the rate at which the cutting tool penetrates the part while moving along a ramped path.

Ramp feed per revolution = Ramp feed rate / Spindle speed

Ramp feed rate

The linear speed the cutting tool moves along the axis for each revolution of the spindle; it is measured in ‘unit distance’ per ‘unit time’, such as in/min or mm/min.

Ramp feed rate = Ramp feed per revolution * Spindle speed

Ramp spindle speed

See Spindle speed.

Roughing

The initial phase of material removal from a part to reduce its overall size and shape roughly to the desired dimensions. The primary goal of roughing is to remove excess material quickly, efficiently, and with minimal tool wear.

S

Sample tool

See Built-in toolset.

Smart Keyword

Used within CAM Assist to represent multiple operation assignments. For example, CAM Assist assigns the smart keyword ‘Side Milling' to Roughing, Wall finishing, and Helical boring (see Smart Keywords).

Spindle power

The amount of power consumed by the spindle motor during a machining operation; it is measured in ‘energy units’, such as horsepower (hp) or kilowatts (kW).

Spindle speed

The rotational speed of the spindle (that holds the cutting tool) relative to the part being machined; it is usually measure in revolutions per minute (RPM).

Stepover

The horizontal distance the cutting tool moves between each pass during an operation. Stepover represents how much of the tool’s diameter engages with the part during each pass and is measured in ‘unit distance’, such as inches (in) or millimeters (mm).

Stepdown

The vertical distance between each successive pass of the cutting tool during an operation; it is measured in ‘unit distance', such as inches (in) or millimeters (mm).,

Stepdown is closely related to Depth of cut, but they are distinct parameters. While ‘depth of cut’ refers to the total depth the tool penetrates the part during the entire machining operation, the ‘stepdown’ refers to the vertical increment between passes.

Stickout

The distance from the tip of the tool to where the tool’s shank enters the tool holder.

Stock material

The raw material of the part to be machined. CAM Assist will select tools, machining strategies, and cutting presets based on the selected ‘Stock material'.

Surface

The external features/geometry of a part being machined: It can be a flat or a curved area.

Surface roughness

The irregularities and deviations from an ideal smooth surface that are present on the part, measured in thousands of an inch (thou) or micrometers (μm).

Surface speed

The speed at which a point on the outermost surface of the rotating cutting tool moves relative to the part being machined. Surface speed is measured in feet per minute (ft/min) or meters per minute (m/min).

Surface speed = π * tool diameter * Spindle speed

T

Tool

A cutting instrument mounted on the machine’s spindle to shape or finish a part. The choice of tool, influenced by material and operation specifics, is crucial for achieving desired part geometry,

Tool deflection

The bending or flexing of the cutting tool caused by forces affecting it during the machining process; it is measured in thousands of an inch (thou) or micrometers (μm).

Tool holder

A device or component used to secure and support a cutting tool during the machining process. It plays a crucial role in the overall performance and precision of the machining operation. The tool holder is mounted on the CNC machine’s spindle and holds its associated tool in place while enabling proper alignment and easy tool changes.

Tool library

Also known as ‘Toolset’. A collection of (Built-in, Local, and Cloud) tools available for machining operations.

Tool Onboarding Manager

The Tool Use tab provides CAM Assist’s Tool Onboarding Manager, which provides at-a-glance information for sets of tools and more detailed information for each individual tool.
This information will help you to decide which tools you want to allow to be used from the selected ‘Tool library’ (toolset) for the selected ‘Stock material’ and specific ‘usages’ (operations).

Tool retention

Refers to the type of tool holder used in the tool assembly. Every type of tool holder grips a tool for precise use, some tool holders have a firm grip for fine-tuned precision, while others allow tools to float to prevent damage and early wear.

Toolpath

The specific trajectory or path that a tool follows while machining a part. The toolpath is a crucial element in CNC programming and determines the route the tool takes to achieve the desired shape, dimensions, and features on the part. The toolpath includes information about the tool’s movement, speed, and depth of cut.

Toolpath strategy

The overall approach or method used to generate the toolpath for machining a specific part. It involves decisions about how the tools will move and engage with the material during the machining process. Toolpath strategies are a crucial aspect of CNC programming that can significantly impact factors such as machining time, surface finish, and tool life.

CAM Assist automates the optimal CAM toolpath strategy, which can then be perfected with the user's unique style, enabling the user to focus on solving more exciting challenges.

Toolset

Also known as ‘Tool library’. A collection of (Built-in, Local, and Cloud) tools available for machining operations.

Tooltip

An section of text that provides additional information about an item when a user hovers the cursor over that item: the tooltip disappears when the cursor is moved away from the item.

U

Usage

Also known as ‘Operation’.

User-defined toolset

Toolsets (also known as user-defined toolsets) are available in CAM Assist and can be configured within the Tool use tab.

V

W

Width of cut (Ae)

The width of material that the cutting tool removes during a single operation; it is measured in ‘unit distance’, such as inches (in) or millimeters (mm).

Width of cut = Part diameter (before operation) - part diameter (after operation)

Workholding

The methods and devices (such as a vise, clamp, fixture, or chuck) used to secure the part within the CNC machine.
CAM Assist uses the sliding control in the General tab to indicate the level of ‘Workholding security’ required.

Workholding security

The stability and reliability of the clamping system used to hold the part securely in place during a machining operation; it is measured as ‘clamping force’, such as pounds per foot (lbf) or Newtons (N).

X

Y

Z