As your CAD geometry evolves, your CAM strategies need to stay aligned. Onshape’s CAM Studio provides efficient tools for regenerating toolpaths and managing changes, without the overhead of traditional file-based systems.
Learn how to keep your toolpaths accurate and your workflow streamlined.
Efficient Toolpath Regeneration
It is important to understand how Onshape CAM Studio minimizes unnecessary recalculations by caching toolpath operations. When your model changes, you can selectively regenerate affected toolpaths instead of reprocessing everything.
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To update a single operation, click the Regenerate operation button.
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To update an entire setup, use the right-click context menu and click Regenerate all toolpaths.
This focused approach saves time and ensures that your toolpaths stay in sync with the latest geometry.
Versioning and Branching for Process Control
Next, Onshape’s integrated version control system offers a structured way to manage your CAM data.
Use versions to:
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Lock toolpaths to a specific geometry state for simulation of fixtures, design for manufacturing decisions, or prototyping.
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Create branches to explore alternate machining strategies without affecting the main workflow.
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Maintain a complete, traceable history of your design and manufacturing decisions.
With versions and branches, you can confidently manage design changes without the complexity of file copies, check-ins, or duplication.
Release Management for Production Stability
As you move from design iterations to production-ready output, Onshape’s Release Management provides the control and traceability needed for manufacturing.
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Reference only released revisions of parts and assemblies.
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Get notified when relevant components change, avoiding unnecessary updates; for example, when a part changes from Rev A to Rev B.
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Manage metadata and approval workflows across parts, assemblies, drawings, and even G-code.
This enables teams to work concurrently while maintaining control over production deliverables.
In manufacturing, change is inevitable, but Onshape CAM Studio makes adapting to it seamless.
Here's how to manage changes efficiently using three key tools in your workflow.
In CAM Studio, every toolpath strategy, whether it's pocketing, drilling, or contouring, is designed to be fully regenerable.
This fantastic feature means that when you tweak parameters such as step down, feed rate, or tool selection, you won't have to start from scratch. The software intelligently flags any operation that requires refreshing, and with just one click, you can regenerate it effortlessly.
When the need arises to explore new manufacturing strategies, like minimizing setups or considering alternative fixture options, Onshape's branching tools come into play.
You can create a version, branch off, and innovate freely without affecting the original design or process plan.
As your part transitions from Rev C to Rev D, Onshape's built-in release management system meticulously tracks every change.
Once you release the updated part, CAM Studio automatically identifies any components needing revisions, ensuring your machining workflow stays perfectly aligned with the latest updates, eliminating unnecessary manual cleanups or rework. Simply regenerate the necessary steps. With these powerful tools of regeneration, branching, and release management, Onshape CAM Studio empowers you to tackle manufacturing changes with unmatched precision and confidence from the initial strategy right down to the shop floor.
Pro Tips for Using CAM Studio Effectively
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When updating complex setups, regenerate stock models from the last operation upward.
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Use versions to create checkpoints for design or toolpath validation.
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Use release management to ensure stable, documented references for production.
Fewer Errors with Onshape CAM Studio
By combining CAM Studio with Onshape’s versioning and release tools, you gain a reliable, integrated system for managing toolpath updates. The result is fewer errors, faster turnaround, and a more agile manufacturing process.