grid-apps-cmms/docs/kiri-moto/CAM/ops.mdx

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description: Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls
label: ops
---

import { ImageCarousel } from "@site/docs/src/components/carousel.js";

# Operations

Ops—not to be confused with [opps](https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/opp-opps)—are the operations
applied to a model to remove material. The Operations tab also contains meta-operations
that represent parts of the manufacturing process but do not necessarily generate toolpaths.

Each operation has parameters which can be hovered over to reveal their description.  
![](/img/CAM/paramDetails.png)

When an operation's settings are changed, they update the defaults for that operation
when it is created in the future.

These operations include:

- Toolpath Operations
  - Global
    - [Outline](#outline)
    - [Level](#level)
    - [Rough](#rough)
    - [Contour](#contour)
    - [Register](#register)
  - Specific
    - [Drill](#drill)
    - [Trace](#trace)
    - [Pocket](#pocket)
- [Gcode](#gcode)
- Laser Operations
- Indexed Operations

## Global Operations

Operations that apply to all objects in the workspace.

### Outline

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The Outline op generates a toolpath surrounding the edges of a part. It is highly configurable and can select both internal or external edges specifically. The Outline operation is great for:

- Cutting out many objects at once
- Generating a rough/finishing pass on an object
- Easily avoiding specific features like pockets or holes

### Level

<ImageCarousel base="/img/CAM/example/level/" images="level" />

The Level op creates a flat-surface clearing toolpath across a selected area. It is designed to remove material to a consistent depth, making it useful for preparing stock, flattening uneven surfaces, or cleaning up residual material. The Level operation is great for:

- Surfacing raw stock before detail cuts
- Creating uniform faces on complex objects
- Clearing large areas with consistent depth quickly

### Rough

<ImageCarousel base="/img/CAM/example/rough/" images="rough" />

The Rough op removes large volumes of material quickly using a stepped-down toolpath. It is typically the first pass in a multi-step workflow, clearing space for finishing tools without concern for fine detail. The Rough operation is great for:

- Rapid bulk material removal
- Preparing many parts for finishing simultaneously
- Clearing voids or flat faces for many objects at once
- Preparing a part for finish machining
- Preserving tool life by reducing cutting load in later passes

### Contour

<ImageCarousel base="/img/CAM/example/contour/" images="contour" />

The Contour op generates detailed toolpaths for complex organic surface geometries.  
It can trace along the X or Y axis and has configurable precision. It is useful for:

- Carving 3D shapes with organic or curved profiles
- Finishing complex wall geometries
- Cleaning up a part after [roughing](#rough)

### Register

<ImageCarousel base="/img/CAM/example/register/" images="register" />

The Register operation drills holes in the sides of a part,  
helping keep the part in the same place when it is flipped onto its opposite face.  
The operation has options to drill on different sides and can even generate a puzzle-piece-like pattern for registration.

## Specific Operations

Specific operations require selection of individual part features to apply operations to.  
These may overlap with Global operations but are generally more configurable.

### Drill

<ImageCarousel base="/img/CAM/example/drill/" images="drill" />

The Drill op creates pecking toolpaths for a drill tool to follow.  
It can also drill holes of other diameters and even mark holes instead of drilling.  
It is useful for:

- Generating a toolpath for a drill tool
- Selecting specific holes to remove material from
- Marking holes to be drilled manually

### Trace

<ImageCarousel base="/img/CAM/example/trace/" images="trace" />

The Trace operation is likely the most configurable, allowing for generation of toolpaths following loops or lines.  
It can trace on, inside, or outside a line and can take multiple passes to step down to the desired position.  
When the type parameter is set to "clear," it can even act like a [Pocket](#pocket),  
clearing the area above the shape created by the selected lines or loop.  
While the Trace op can do a lot, some specific use cases include:

- Engraving lettering or other text
- Drilling out a hole helically
- Outlining a part with a nonstandard offset
- Outlining only one part on the workspace

### Pocket

<ImageCarousel base="/img/CAM/example/pocket/" images="pocket" />

The Pocket operation takes a selection of polygon faces and generates a pocket toolpath that cuts down to them.  
The operation has options to expand and smooth the pocket selection, and the contour option even allows  
for an approximation of a v-bit carve. Some use cases specific to the Pocket op include:

- Creating one pocket in a part with multiple
- Attempting a v-carve
- Clearing a specific area of a part

### Gcode

<ImageCarousel base="/img/CAM/example/gcode/" images="gcode" />

The Gcode operation does not generate a toolpath but instead adds a line or lines of G-code to the output  
of the file. The Gcode operation is different from [Gcode Macros](/kiri-moto/gcode-macros),  
as it is not tied to any event  
but is output in the order it is included in the operations array.

## Laser Operations

Laser operations become available when "Enable Laser" is selected in the [Machine](/machine) tab.

These operations are specific to certain machines, like the Makera Carvera, and can be safely ignored for other machines.

## Indexed Operations

Indexed operations become available when "Indexed" is selected in the [Process Ops](/processOpts) tab.

These operations are specific to indexed stock and allow a user to create operations on different faces of a part.