cam

What I do

• Generate CNC machine toolpaths from CAD models
• Select appropriate machining strategies and tools
• Optimize cutting parameters for efficiency and quality
• Simulate machining operations to detect collisions
• Post-process toolpaths to machine-specific formats

When to use me

• When programming CNC machines (mills, lathes, routers)
• When selecting cutting tools and parameters
• When simulating machining operations offline
• When optimizing manufacturing workflows
• When generating G-code for CNC machines

Key Concepts

CNC Programming Basics

# G-code fundamentals
class GCodeGenerator:
    # Rapid move (positioning)
    def rapid(self, x=None, y=None, z=None):
        coords = self._format_coords(x, y, z)
        return f"G0 {coords}"
    
    # Linear feed (cutting move)
    def linear_feed(self, x=None, y=None, z=None, feed=100):
        coords = self._format_coords(x, y, z)
        return f"G1 {coords} F{feed}"
    
    # Circular interpolation (clockwise)
    def clockwise_arc(self, x, y, i, j, feed=100):
        return f"G2 X{x} Y{y} I{i} J{j} F{feed}"
    
    # Circular interpolation (counter-clockwise)
    def counterclockwise_arc(self, x, y, i, j, feed=100):
        return f"G3 X{x} Y{y} I{i} J{j} F{feed}"
    
    # Tool change
    def tool_change(self, tool_number):
        return f"M6 T{tool_number}"
    
    # Spindle control
    def spindle_on(self, rpm, clockwise=True):
        direction = "M3" if clockwise else "M4"
        return f"{direction} S{rpm}"
    
    def spindle_off(self):
        return "M5"

Machining Operations

Operation	Description	Applications
Facing	Flat surface on top	Stock removal
Roughing	Bulk material removal	Near-net shape
Finishing	Final surface quality	Precision surfaces
Pocket milling	Internal cavities	Molds, pockets
Profile milling	Contour following	Complex shapes
Drilling	Hole creation	Fasteners, passes
Tapping	Thread creation	Threaded holes
Turning	Rotational cutting	Cylindrical parts

Tool Selection

# Cutting parameters calculation
class CuttingParameters:
    @staticmethod
    def calculate_sfm(diameter, rpm):
        """Surface feet per minute"""
        return 3.14159 * diameter * rpm / 12
    
    @staticmethod
    def calculate_rpm(sfm, diameter):
        """Revolutions per minute"""
        return (sfm * 12) / (3.14159 * diameter)
    
    @staticmethod
    def calculate_feed_rate(rpm, chip_load, num_flutes):
        """IPM = RPM × chip load × number of flutes"""
        return rpm * chip_load * num_flutes
    
    @staticmethod
    def calculate_mrr(depth, width, feed_rate):
        """Material removal rate (cubic inches/min)"""
        return depth * width * feed_rate

Post-Processing

# Post-processor configuration
POST_PROCESSOR_CONFIG = {
    "controller": "Fanuc",
    "output_format": "NC file",
    "settings": {
        "line_numbers": True,
        "decimal_places": 3,
        "modal": True,
        "tool_change": "M6",
        "coolant": {
            "on": "M8",
            "off": "M9"
        }
    }
}

CAM Software

Software	Specialty
MasterCAM	General purpose CNC
Fusion 360	Cloud-based CAM
SolidCAM	Integrated with SolidWorks
Delcam	Complex geometries
GibbsCAM	Multi-axis machining
HSMWorks	High-speed machining