I have been away from general CNC miling for about 7 years, and now I am again in possession of a small 4 axis router/mill.
Having a look at the CAM softwares that exist, I'm a little surprised that there are no 'smart' solutions out there.
Here is what I believe should be happening in some shape or form by now, in a CAD integrated CAM :
I specify the characteristics of my machine.
I specify the tools that I have, ie some end mills, ball nose, flat, different sizes, etc.
I specify the stock as well as how it's being held.
Now the CAM software calculates the tool paths for the best tools it sees.
Why should I need to tell it every individual pocket, surface, level, when it has all that data of the part in front of it?
It should first do roughing , using all axis available, and then choose a different toll for finishing.
Now, I know that choosing tools and paths is somewhat an art, and to get the best possible results nothing beats doing everything the old way, but for something quick it seems that something more intelligent would be possible.
Having to tell it where each feature seems so 'dumb' , for lack of better words.
Is anyone working on such a thing ? Seems like the direction to go to me.