CAM Assist by CloudNC is an AI-powered software solution designed to automate and accelerate the computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programming process. It integrates directly with popular CAM packages, allowing manufacturers to generate machining strategies and toolpaths for CNC machines in minutes, rather than hours. The core functionality revolves around leveraging artificial intelligence to handle up to 80% of the repetitive and time-consuming tasks associated with CAM programming.
The product is aimed at CNC programmers, machinists, and manufacturing engineers who seek to optimise their workflow, reduce lead times, and improve efficiency. By automating the generation of toolpaths and machining operations, CAM Assist frees up skilled programmers to focus on more complex, high-value projects. It also helps new programmers get up to speed quickly by simplifying the process of creating production-ready G-code.
CAM Assist works in a four-step process: users first customise the AI with their specific tools, materials, workholding, and machine configurations, which can be saved and reused. Next, they open a CAD part to receive instant machinability feedback, identifying potential issues like missing stock or unsupported features. Users then explore AI-generated strategies and operations, reviewing and adjusting them before sending the toolpaths to their CAM software. Finally, they post the G-code and run the part on their machine, having saved significant manual work.
Key differentiators include its ability to generate precise feeds and speeds using a physics-based AI engine, balancing cycle time, surface finish, and tool life. It also provides instant machinability checks, allowing validation of parts before quoting to ensure profitability. The software supports both 3-axis and 3+2 axis CNC milling and offers integrations with major CAM platforms like Autodesk Fusion 360, Mastercam, Siemens NX CAM, GibbsCAM, and SolidCAM, with Creo coming soon. This broad compatibility ensures it can be seamlessly adopted into existing manufacturing ecosystems.