Exploring the Latest Updates to CAM Assist: Tools for Smarter, Faster Mastercam Programming

Earlier this year, we were thrilled to announce the launch of CAM Assist, a groundbreaking plugin for Mastercam that harnesses the power of AI to make programming parts more efficient than ever. From the beginning, we’ve been impressed by its capabilities and how it enhances productivity. Now, just a few months later, CAM Assist has evolved significantly, with updates that refine its functionality and push it to the next level.
With Version 1.6, CAM Assist continues to blend innovation and ease of use, making it an indispensable tool for modern machinists. In this article, we’ll highlight some of our favorite updates since launch, showcasing how they can streamline your workflow and improve outcomes.

What are the latest updates in CAM Assist for Mastercam?
The latest updates to CAM Assist for Mastercam, including enhanced cycle time estimation, multiple tool library support, and basic tapping toolpaths, significantly improve machining efficiency. With features like adjustable tool parameters and expanded material support, CAM Assist streamlines programming, reduces cycle times, and ensures more accurate outputs.

6 Key Updates to CAM Assist

1. Cycle Time Estimator adds Tool Change Time and Scale Factor to Estimates

For shops that use CAM Assist to aid in quoting, the Cycle Time Estimator has become even more accurate. Incorporating tool change times into its calculations provides a realistic prediction of cycle times, especially for programs with multiple tools or machines with slow tool change speeds. Additionally, the inclusion of a scale factor allows users to account for discrepancies caused by machine acceleration and deceleration, ensuring precise planning.

2. Toolpath Generation Options

Flexibility is crucial when working with complex parts. Each time CAM Assist runs, there is a results window that shows that CAM Assist has completed its work and shows how many surfaces it machined. In previous versions of CAM Assist, you would just click OK here and it would continue to generate the toolpaths. However, some users would prefer to look over the toolpaths before committing to generating them, especially for complex parts where regeneration may be a time investment.
To address this, CAM Assist 1.3 introduced a new option on the Advanced page, allowing users to choose between automatic generation, leaving operations “dirty,” or receiving a yes/no confirmation dialog. This update This enhancement saves time and ensures users can carefully review their work before proceeding, providing greater flexibility to accommodate varying user preferences and workflows.

3. Support for Multiple Tool Libraries

Starting with version 1.3, CAM Assist now supports multiple tool libraries, enabling users to access a broader range of tools for programming. This update is particularly helpful for users with extensive libraries, providing more comprehensive results with fewer manual adjustments.

4. Adjustable Tool Parameters in Setup

Recently, we made a video talking about the Cutting Parameters Explorer for CAM Assist. (Oh you haven’t seen that? Check it out!)
In that video, we showed how to use the Cutting Parameters Explorer to adjust speeds and feeds for the toolpaths to shorten cycle time or to improve tool life. Starting in version 1.4 the tool life/productivity slider is now also part of the options in the Tool Use page and affects all tools in the program. Whether your focus is shortening cycle time or extending tool life, this feature simplifies the process and improves efficiency.

5. Basic Tapping Added as a Toolpath Type

Starting in version 1.5 you can now tap holes with CAM Assist! This is currently limited to coarse taps but can tap in metric or imperial units. It works by looking at the hole sizes that are being drilled in the program. If the hole size falls within the range given for each tap size then that hole is assumed to be tapped, the correct tool is loaded, and the toolpath is set to tap the hole. If a given hole was not intended to be tapped, you can always simply remove the selection from the toolpath.
While this feature is still developing, it’s a promising addition that reduces programming time for standard tapping operations.

6. Expanded Material Support

Running 7075 instead of 6061? CAM Assist has added some additional alloys for aluminum and stainless steel to the material selection fields for better tool selection and speed/feed settings for those specific materials. While not all alloys are available, many of the most popular ones are still included. You can always adjust your speeds and feeds after if needed, or use your own from your tool library. Flexibility is key, and CAM Assist provides lots of that!

The Future of CAM Assist

It’s exciting to see how far CAM Assist has come in such a short time. These updates represent only a fraction of its ongoing development, just the ones we found most interesting. This is a rapidly evolving space, and we expect to see more changes down the line that help you get your work done faster. CAM Assist is one of the strongest tools available to programmers since CAM was invented, and we can’t wait to see what they do next!
Are you ready to see what CAM Assist can do for your shop?
Check out our product page to learn more, or contact our Sales Team or call 503-653-5332 for a customized demo with your parts. Let us help you take your programming to the next level!

Key takeaways (TL;DR)

• Enhanced Cycle Time Accuracy: CAM Assist now includes tool change times and a scale factor in the Cycle Time Estimator, ensuring more precise predictions for quoting and scheduling.
• Flexible Toolpath Generation: New options allow users to review toolpaths before committing, providing better control and efficiency when programming complex parts.
• Streamlined Optimization: Adjustable tool parameters, like the tool life/productivity slider, simplify speed and feed adjustments, saving time and enhancing performance.
• Expanded Capabilities: Features like basic tapping toolpaths and support for additional alloys make CAM Assist more versatile, catering to a wider range of materials and machining needs.

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