They’re also very useful for thinking about Feeds and Speeds (our G-Wizard Calculator’s CADCAM Wizards are built around toolpaths) and CNC Job Quoting (our G-Wizard Estimator also uses the same CADCAM Wizards for job estimation and quoting so the results match what you’ll get on your Shop Floor).īefore delving into specific CAM Operation and Toolpath Categories, I want to talk briefly about Dimensions. This article is all about teaching you what those Operations and Toolpaths are so you’ll have an idea of how to go about choosing them as you use your CAM Software. But not always–“2D Profiling” cuts “Vertical Walls” around the outside of a part, for example. This is typically done by selecting various CAM Operations or Toolpaths.Īn Operation or Toolpath is typically aimed at machining a particular Feature on the part, and we often refer to the Toolpath and the Feature by the same name, such as a “Hole” or a “Pocket”. The task of CAM software is to carve the block until you have set your part free. You have a vision of the part that needs to be made in the form of a CAD model or drawing.

You’ve got a piece of raw stock, perhaps a block of 6061 aluminum. Much the same could be said of what goes on when using CAM software.

When asked about his statue of David, Michelangelo said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” CAM Toolpaths and Operations have a lot in common with sculptureĬAM Programming is the process of using CAM Toolpaths and Operations to set your part free from the block of material it resides in.

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