CAM operations are the machining instructions — routes, dados, bores, and holes — that tell the shop how to cut a part. For connector hardware, ENGINEERING creates most of these for you automatically. You can also draw your own CAM operations on a part face and fine-tune them.
Good to know: Most connector machining is created for you. When a hinge, pull, or other connector is placed, ENGINEERING adds the matching bores and routes to the part automatically. You only need this article when you want to add a custom operation or change an existing one. |
Two ways CAM is created
• Automatic — generated for you from your construction schedule and joinery settings. These are managed by ENGINEERING.
• Manual — you draw an annotation on a part face and assign it a CAM type.
Open a part face
1. Select the product in the model space.
2. Switch to Part Face mode using the mode bar (Plan, Wall Elevation, 3D, Product Face, Part Face).
3. Select the part face you want to machine.
Draw a CAM operation
1. With the part face open, set Context to Annotations.
2. Use a Draw tool — Single Line or Polyline for routes and dados, Circle for a hole.
3. With the new annotation selected, open the CAM section in the Properties panel.
4. Set the Type and fill in the settings for that type.
CAM operation types
Type | Use | Draw with |
Route | A toolpath cut along a line | Line / polyline |
Dado | A groove along a line | Line / polyline |
Blind Dado | A groove that stops short of the end | Line / polyline |
Line Bore | A row of holes along a line | Line / polyline |
Hole | A single bore | Circle |
Annotation | A plain drawing with no machining | Any shape |
Common settings
Field | What it does |
Machine on | Which part is cut — This Part, Touching Part, or Both |
Depth | How deep the cut goes |
Adjustment | Shifts the toolpath onto or off the face it is attached to |
Tool | The shop tool used for the operation |
Deleted | Suppresses the operation without removing the drawing |
Routes and dados add Side, Width, Extend, and Auto Ramp. Line Bore adds Spacing, Diameter, and a drill pattern. A Hole uses its Diameter.
Note: Automatically generated (system) CAM operations can be suppressed with the Deleted toggle, but their other settings are read-only — ENGINEERING manages them from your connector and joinery setup. |
Adjust or remove connector machining
To change machining that came from a connector, update the connector or joinery settings it is based on. To remove a single operation from a part, turn on its Deleted toggle.
Quick checklist
• Most connector machining is automatic — only draw CAM when you need a custom cut.
• Open the part in Part Face mode and set Context to Annotations.
• Draw the shape, then set the CAM Type and its settings.
• Use Deleted to suppress an operation without deleting the drawing.