What's new​

• Editable, line-by-line estimates. Edit, add, duplicate, reorder, or disable any machining, setup, material, or custom line. Totals update in real time, and your changes save automatically and stick as you move around Toolpath.
• Flexible setup costs — fixed or hourly. Charge a one-time fixed amount for a setup, or set an hourly rate and the time it takes.
• Flexible material pricing — fixed or auto. Enter a fixed price with an optional markup, or let Toolpath calculate cost automatically from stock weight.
• Quantity-break pricing. Define quantity tiers and apply volume discounts, with a cap so you never discount past your limit. Top-level setup and material costs can be amortized into the per-part price.
• Customer-ready quotes. Turn any estimate into a quote and deliver it as a PDF, an email, or a share link.

Price the way the job actually works​

Not every job prices the same way. With quantity-break pricing, you can show a customer their per-part price at 10, 100, and 1,000 units in a single quote — discounts applied automatically and capped where you want them — instead of rebuilding the numbers by hand for each volume.

Send a quote in a click​

When the estimate looks right, generate a quote with your customer and company details, pick a standard or by-quantity layout, and send it. The share link opens a clean, customer-facing page — no login required — that shows your pricing without exposing the internal cost breakdown behind it.

Flexible quoting and estimating is rolling out now. Give it a try on your next job, and let us know what you think — your feedback shapes where it goes next.

The Toolpath community has been growing through our biweekly Community Calls and the upcoming Machining Summit on the Summit, and we hope you join us on the new Discord server. And if you've been considering a last minute trip to Mammoth, there are still a few spots left! Here's what's new 👇

• AI Agent in Cut Configs
• The Toolpath Discord Community
• Vendor Tool Library & Workholding Updates
• Editable Presets Table
• Tool Library Browser, Notes, & Pins

AI Agent in Cut Configs​

When we talk tool libraries with shop managers and programmers, the most common thing I hear is "yeah, we'd like to get them organized, but it's been on the list for 6 years and we haven't done it. We would like to though!" AI Agent automates tedious tool library and cutting preset management, helping you quickly build the Cut Configs to get the right results for your shop.

If you've been putting off:

• tool library filtering and library prioritization
• editing your cutting parameters, or mapping your custom presets to cutting roles
• building Cut Configs for new materials
• creating tools from photos of the boxes in your toolbox

AI agent can help! We'd love to hear about how you put it to work in the Toolpath Discord. Check out the launch video from Pete below, and check out some tips from Paul in this article: Using AI Agent in Cut Configs.

The Toolpath Discord Community​

With the growing engagement in Toolpath Community Calls and planning for the Machining Summit on the Summit, we've launched the Toolpath Discord server. The Discord community is the place to connect with fellow Toolpathers, ask questions, and engage with the Toolpath team.

Join the Discord using this link and see the video below for an overview (and see my messy browser tabs and bookmarks). One day I'll smarten up and just download the app on my phone.

Vendor Tool Library & Workholding Updates​

Scott has been hard at work in organizing tool libraries and vise models. The highlights this week are:

• Harvey keyseats (with Harvey cutting parameters)
• More Skookum tools
• More materials on Kennametal tools
• Vise models from Schunk and Dian Jin (Ben's favorite)

Editable Presets Table​

We usually recommend Toolpathers start with the default presets to quickly run some parts and understand how Toolpath works. One of the next steps in refining Toolpath for your shop is entering your cutting parameters. The new editable presets table in Cut Configs makes it quick and easy. Bonus — you can enter stepdown and stepover as percentages of tool geometry.

Tool Library Browser, Notes, & Pins​

Organization matters. You can now add notes to tool libraries, pin libraries, and get quick tool library summary info through the Library Browser! Learn how below:

Like tool libraries, your favorite vise models can now be pinned in the Workholding Browser:

Many shops use both tools — but the specific workflow can vary widely.

Some shops receive hundreds of RFQs every week. You review parts in Toolpath to quickly evaluate manufacturability and pricing, then only send accepted work to Fusion for programming.

Others are designing and prototyping in Fusion while using Toolpath to quickly iterate on CAM programs.

At Toolpath, we believe planning and programming should work together. No matter how you work, the updated Toolpath add-in keeps data accessible, so you can move between estimating, planning, and programming with less friction and more confidence.

Watch the short video below for an overview.

If you haven't installed the Toolpath Fusion add-in yet, you can download it here.

In this update:

• Chat has moved!
• Cut Config Updates
• Round Stock
• Exclude Tools
• Data Management
• New Workholding (Vises & Library)
• New Vendor Tool Libraries

Chat has moved!​

Sick of dragging the chat icon out of the lower right-hand corner? We were too. The chat icon is now integrated into the left-hand navigation bar. Reach the Toolpath Customer Success team directly by creating a chat — the best time to ask questions is when you have them.

Cut Config Updates​

Cut Configs are your "control center" for Toolpath. Through Cut Configs, you capture machining preferences, define tool eligibility, and dial in your cutting parameters for specific part materials and machines. We've streamlined Cut Config creation by improving the user interface and providing direct access to custom materials, stock defaults, and estimate presets. Whether you are a Cut Config expert or brand new to Toolpath, see the video below for an overview of the new system.

Round Stock​

Toolpath now supports round stock. Round (cylindrical) stock can be enabled as default stock in a Cut Config, or applied individually to a part. Learn how below.

Exclude Tools​

Break a tool and need to find the next best one quickly? No worries — you can now exclude a tool from a Toolpath program directly from the Tools page. Toolpath will regenerate the part and find the next best match.

Data Management​

In the Projects page, you can now move parts between projects and apply tags to parts — giving you more granularity into how your data is organized.

New Workholding (Vises & Workholding Library)​

Toolpath now includes vise models from 5th Axis, Focus Manufacturing, and Orange — as well as a new workholding library to select from. See how to find and enable vises in the video below.

New Vendor Libraries​

As always, the team is working on new vendor libraries to help you with quick tool recommendations. This week, you'll see:

• More Kennametal libraries — including more carbide end mills, an assortment of insert tools, chamfer mills, and drills.
• Skookum General Purpose solid end mills for ferrous materials (4+ flutes).

At Toolpath, we build human-aided manufacturing software for high-mix, low-volume CNC shops. With each update, you should see us mature and improve the mundane aspects of getting the right parts on and off your machines quickly. In this release, we are focused on streamlining how you define workholding and helping you select the correct cutting tools so you can move from quote to cut with more confidence and less friction.

Workholding​

For most 3-axis milling, modeling the vise isn't mandatory. But it is a good idea. If it's easy enough, there's really no downside:

• Smashing vises is expensive.
• Clear visualization lets you run tighter.
• Setup changes happen.

See the video below for more information on automatic first setup workholding in Toolpath. What vise models should we add next?

Please note:

• Toolpath does not visualize workholding models for parts sent from existing Fusion documents — yet. If you are starting in Fusion and bringing CAM from Toolpath back into an existing document, you'll continue to use the workflow described in Working with Existing Fusion Documents.
• You may have enabled the previous workholding preview feature and would like to keep using it. While this workflow will not be actively developed moving forward, you can continue using it (and any vises you may have rigged for it) by following the instructions here.

New Tool Libraries from ISCAR, Carbide Cutting Tools, and Maritool Holders​

Thanks to our friends at ISCAR, Carbide Cutting Tools, and Maritool, we've added new vendor recommendation libraries to Toolpath. Tool Recommendations are one of my favorite features — I love having the right tool for the job, but I hate finding it. Here's a quick overview on how to enable and use Tool Recommendations in Toolpath:

From ISCAR:​

• ISCAR Aluminum End Mills (IN and METRIC). 3-flute ball and bullnose end mills from the Flashsolid line.
• ISCAR Ferrous General Purpose End Mills (IN and METRIC). 4–6 flute flat, ball, and bullnose end mills from the Solidmill, Chatterfree, and Flashsolid lines.
• ISCAR General Purpose Drills (IN and METRIC). Solid carbide drills for all materials from the Soliddrill line.
• ISCAR General Purpose TSC Drills (IN and METRIC). Through-spindle coolant drills for all materials from the Soliddrill line.
• ISCAR Ferrous TSC Drills (IN and METRIC). Through-spindle coolant drills for ferrous materials from the Soliddrill line.
• ISCAR High Performance Ferrous End Mills (IN and METRIC). Chatterfree 4+ flute end mills.
• ISCAR HSM Roughing Ferrous (IN and METRIC). 7-flute Chatterfree end mills for high-speed/adaptive/trochoidal roughing.

From Carbide Cutting Tools:​

• Eagle Claw line. 3-flute, carbide-grade end mills with diamond-like coating for both roughing and finishing.

Maritool Holders​

We've also added the Maritool holder library. Toolpath accounts for holders in its tool selection and CAM programming, and we always recommend adding holders to new tools in your library. See the video below for an overview of how to manage holders in Toolpath:

In this update:

• Coming Soon: Workholding
• Fixed Stock Size
• Toolpath and Fusion Cloud Libraries
• Toolpath Visualization in the Strategy Page
• Multiple Ops and Soft Jaws in Fusion
• Chips and Tips — Get to Know Al Whatmough
• Customer Spotlight — Conour MFG

Coming Soon: Workholding​

Fixed Stock Size​

Sometimes it's just easier to use the stock you have on hand. So we made it super simple to tell Toolpath your stock size. You can choose to have it centered or offset from the top of the part. The stock then gets sent to Fusion as a stock body in the setup.

Toolpath and Fusion Cloud Libraries​

Keeping tool libraries synchronized between Toolpath and Fusion eliminates duplicate work and ensures a single source of truth for your tooling data. We are releasing this as a preview feature for now, so make sure to email us at support@toolpath.com if you want us to enable it for you. Check out the help center article for all the details.

Toolpath Visualization in the Strategy Page​

As CAM programmers ourselves, we know it can be challenging to visualize programs without seeing the cutting passes. You can now visualize cutting passes, tools, and holders in the Strategy page.

Multiple Ops and Soft Jaws in Fusion​

Ever wondered how to set up a part across multiple vises and setups and have Toolpath machine the soft jaws for you? This video breaks it all down.

Chips and Tips — Get to Know Al Whatmough​

In this episode of the Chips and Tips podcast, Tim Paul sits down with Al Whatmough, CEO of Toolpath, to unpack a career shaped by machining, teaching, and building manufacturing software that respects the craft. Al shares how his early experiences in machine shops, classrooms, and engineering labs influenced his approach to CAM, automation, and leadership. The conversation covers what Toolpath really does, how to explain toolpaths to both machinists and non-machinists, and why productivity gains only matter when they align with how shops actually work.

Customer Spotlight — Conour MFG​

In this Toolpath Customer Spotlight, Shawn shares how using Toolpath with Fusion helped standardize tool libraries and cut configurations, freeing him from manual programming work and allowing the shop to fully take advantage of automation. The result is more consistent setups, better use of time, and machines that can run unattended for days.

Toolpath is evolving fast, with new features and improvements rolling out every week. To make sure everyone who has already tried Toolpath can see how far it has come, we are giving all past trial users ongoing, limited access to the platform. This is not a one-time reopening — it is a standing invitation to explore the latest updates, see what is new, and experience Toolpath's continuous growth firsthand. Jump back into your account and play around with all the new features waiting for you.

In this update:

• Near Net Stock
• Highlighting Tool Accessibility Issues
• Tool Orientation
• Chips and Tips — Ben Engle of Toolpath
• Chips and Tips — Lauren Fahey

Near Net Stock​

Working with custom stock bodies? Toolpath handles them by understanding what features need machined and what are already complete. In the case of the part in the video below, we have a custom stock that has precision-bored holes which are exactly the same size as the part. Toolpath knows to avoid them.

Tool Accessibility Visualization​

Sometimes it wasn't extremely obvious to a user where a tool accessibility issue was. We have made that a lot easier to visualize now with our most recent update.

Tool Orientation Automatically Applied in Fusion​

For our multi-axis friends: while full 3+2 workflows aren't available just yet, we've streamlined the process of setting up multi-axis operations. Now, you don't have to manually specify tool orientation for each operation. Toolpath will automatically set the correct direction in Fusion's tool orientation tab, saving you valuable setup time.

Chips and Tips — Ben Engle of Toolpath​

Tim sits down with Toolpath's Ben Engle — content manager, maker, and lifelong tinkerer — to talk about the curiosity that drives today's machinists. From building homemade CNCs to launching Black Fox Machining, Ben's story is equal parts engineering, creative chaos, and relentless learning. They discuss how empathy creates better engineers, the value of learning from failure, and how a curious mindset shapes both careers and shops.

Chips and Tips — Lauren Fahey​

Justin chats with mechanical engineer Lauren Fahey about her unconventional journey through aerospace, creative machining, and boundary-pushing projects, all on a desktop mill. From hand-grinding telescope mirrors to tackling complex features on her Carvera, Lauren shares what happens when engineers take machining into their own hands, blending precision, experimentation, and a dash of chaos. Expect sharp insights, genuine enthusiasm, and plenty of shop talk.

Toolpath is evolving fast, with new features and improvements rolling out every week. To make sure everyone who has already tried Toolpath can see how far it has come, we are giving all past trial users ongoing, limited access to the platform. This is not a one-time reopening — it is a standing invitation to explore the latest updates, see what is new, and experience Toolpath's continuous growth firsthand. Jump back into your account and play around with all the new features waiting for you.

In this update:

• Chamfers, Chamfers, Chamfers
• Estimate CSV Downloads
• Stop the Lead Gouging!
• Google Authentication
• Open Pocket Improvements
• Tim's Geek Tips

Did Someone Say Chamfer Deviations?​

We all know how easy it is to click that chamfer button and apply chamfers to our part in CAD, but there are cases where applying a chamfer on the bottom on an open pocket — while easy to do in CAD — will result in a difficult-to-machine or impossible feature. Toolpath always struggled with these "blind" chamfers, until now.

We have just introduced chamfer deviations, where Toolpath will see the chamfer required and then know it can deviate to still machine the chamfer edge even though it won't be able to machine the whole thing.

Before: this blind chamfer required a separate setup.

After: the chamfer is machined in the appropriate setup and shows a Chamfer Deviation.

And Toolpath even programs the blind chamfer now:

Estimate Download via CSV​

Many of you have asked to be able to quickly download a CSV of the estimate. You've got it.

Lead Gouging Improvements​

When exporting to Fusion, leads in 2D contour would sometimes gouge parts. Toolpath now uses conservative defaults (radius and distance at 0.05 * tool_diameter), and straight leads when possible (if entry/exit point is on an exterior corner) and arc leads when it is not.

Before:

After:

Google Authentication​

Easily sign up for Toolpath with your Google account.

Open Pocket Improvements​

In the past, Toolpath had a tough time when it reached a fully unconstrained open pocket. Sometimes the operation wouldn't remove enough material or give bad results. Open pockets are now handled more consistently.

Before:

After:

Geek Tips: Tim and Sandy Go Geek Mode​

Tim teams up with Sandy (engine dev at Toolpath) to take a simple part from first CAD sketch to chips on the floor. We walk through real-world design for machining, review Toolpath CAM, and show Tim's go-to soft-jaw workflow and simulation settings.

If you're into CAM automation, Fusion workflows, or just love crisp surface finishes and tidy deburrs, this one's for you.

Toolpath is evolving fast, with new features and improvements rolling out every week. To make sure everyone who has already tried Toolpath can see how far it has come, we are giving all past trial users ongoing, limited access to the platform. This is not a one-time reopening — it is a standing invitation to explore the latest updates, see what is new, and experience Toolpath's continuous growth firsthand. Jump back into your account and play around with all the new features waiting for you.

In this update:

• Change Feature and Set Up Order
• Cut Configs Revamp
• Experimental Mode
• App Tour Walk Through
• Live Chat with the Team
• Success Story: Subtract
• Success Story: Neff Machine

Define Feature and Set Up Order​

Many of you have been asking for a long time if you can just drag around the order of the set ups in Toolpath when it doesn't program it the way you want it to. Well, now you can do just that. Check out the video below to see our very own Head of Product, Pete, walk through how this all works.

Cut Configs Just Got Easier!​

We have redefined how cut configs work. Now it's more intuitive than ever. Upload your tool library, auto-generate presets, and then tell Toolpath what tools are allowed to be used for each role. You can even star your favorite cutting roles for each tool because we all know you have that favorite rougher 😉.

Experimental Mode: toolpaths in Toolpath!​

Try new features that the team is working on by quickly toggling them on and off in the Tool Bar. The toolpaths shown in Experimental Mode are early-stage and currently hidden by default while we improve their quality, links, and reliability. These previews are powered by our partnership with ModuleWorks, and while they demonstrate what's coming, they don't yet match the toolpaths generated inside Fusion. When you export to Fusion today, Toolpath recreates operations using native Fusion toolpaths for full accuracy and control.

Visualize rendered toolpaths and stock using the experimental features:

App Tour Walk Through​

Forget how to use Toolpath? No worries — we have a fully guided tour that you can turn on anytime. Just click the "?" icon in the top right corner to start the tour.

Live Chat with the Team — NOT Bots​

At Toolpath, we believe automation should never replace human connection. It should make room for it. Our goal is to automate the repetitive and the mundane so people can focus on the work that truly matters — creating, solving, and connecting.

Need help or have a quick question? We got you. Use the chat icon in the bottom right corner to reach a real Toolpath employee, not a help bot. You can drag the chat icon anywhere you want by clicking on the six dots and moving it to your preferred spot.

Conversations with other humans are among the most valuable things we can do. If you want to talk to an AI about Toolpath, that is fine too — the good ones already know plenty about us. But if you want to talk about your shop, your parts, and how Toolpath can actually help you work smarter, chat with us. That is why we are here.

Success Story: Subtract​

AJ shares how automating CAM and quoting completely changed his workflow, cutting quoting time from hours to just minutes and allowing his team to handle jobs for eight shops at once. From running Audacity Micro, his own precision job shop focused on micro-scale components, to leading a growing network of machine shops through Subtract Manufacturing, AJ explains how Toolpath became the "time multiplier" that helped him compete at a whole new level.

Success Story: Neff Machine​

Ty Neff, owner of Neff Machine, serves a variety of industries. With Toolpath, he can spot DFM issues in seconds and cut quoting time from hours to minutes, keeping machines running and projects moving. From custom aluminum keyboard chassis to one-off prototypes, Toolpath helps Ty spend less time behind a desk and more time making parts.

Toolpath is evolving fast, with new features and improvements rolling out every week. To make sure everyone who has already tried Toolpath can see how far it has come, we are giving all past trial users ongoing, limited access to the platform. This is not a one-time reopening — it is a standing invitation to explore the latest updates, see what is new, and experience Toolpath's continuous growth firsthand. Jump back into your account and play around with all the new features waiting for you.

The part in question? A small steel component with tight corner radii, thin walls, and a handful of machining challenges that begged for experimentation.

What followed was a wave of responses, not just answers. They were questions. Smart questions. Questions that reflected how experienced machinists approach problem-solving. This turned into a real-world test bed for a NorCal Machinist Geek Meetup. There, we explored a variety of tooling strategies to compare real-world results.

CNC Machining Test Setup: One Part, Multiple Strategies​

We machined a 1018 steel part (4.75" × 5.625" × 0.75") featuring:

• 8 internal windows with .210" corner radii
• 1 center window (2.125" diameter)
• Thin external (.150") and internal (.125") walls

The tooling strategies were a mix of indexable drills, SwiftCarb RampMills designed to ramp at insanely high helix angles, roughing/finishing tools, and a classic old-school approach using traditional step over, step down pocketing. Our primary question was simple: how do tooling and toolpath strategies impact cycle time and efficiency?

Toolpath strategies compared​

• Indexable drill, SwiftCarb RampMill rough, 7-flute finish
• 1/2" SwiftCarb RampMill rough, rest machine & finish
• 3/8" SwiftCarb RampMill rough, 7-flute finish
• 5-flute rough and finish using traditional step over / step down

Cycle Time Results​

• 3/8" SwiftCarb XT RampMill rough + 7-flute finish: 10m 20s
• Indexable drill + 3/8" SwiftCarb XT RampMill rough + 7-flute finish: 10m 40s
• 1/2" SwiftCarb XT RampMill rough + rest machine & finish: 11m 34s
• Traditional step over / step down: 1hr 10m 43s

That's right — the traditional method was nearly 7× slower than the best-performing adaptive strategy.

Machining Priorities: What Really Matters?​

At the Meetup, the best insights didn't come from the strategies we tested but from the questions people asked:

• What machine are you running?
• What tooling is already in the shop?
• Are we doing a one-off or high volume?
• What are the tolerances and finish requirements?
• Do we have flexibility to order new tools?

But the best question of all was: "What's the priority?"

Having spent years in racing, I naturally approach machining like a race. It's not about having the fastest lap (cycle time). It's about winning the whole race: from receiving the order to shipping the parts. That means optimizing the entire workflow, not just the time the cutter is in the cut. For one-off jobs, simplicity and reliability (like using a single tool you already have setup) might win. But in volume, toolpath efficiency and tool choice become worth the investment of testing and programming.

From Traditional to Adaptive Toolpaths: A Generational Shift​

One realization that hit me hard during this project was generational. Traditional step over, step down pocketing — which I once considered foundational — is becoming a relic. There's a generation of machinists now who will look at those methods the way I look at old belt-driven machines powered by Pelton water wheels.

Strategies like Adaptive Clearing, radial chip thinning, and tapered helical entry aren't just cool tech — they're redefining what efficient machining looks like.

Why Adaptive Toolpaths Matter for Machine Shops​

At Toolpath, we live for this kind of challenge. The evolution from traditional to adaptive toolpaths isn't just about shaving seconds off a cycle time. It's about drastically reducing programming time, automating toolpaths for predictable and efficient machining, and delivering jobs profitably.

Take indexable drills, for example. While they can be incredibly effective for certain operations, their high cost often makes them impractical for lower-volume or prototype runs. Toolpath identifies when alternative strategies — like using a SwiftCarb RampMill designed for aggressive ramping — can achieve similar or even better results with a much lower cost per part.

In the case of our test, the winning strategy wasn't just the fastest to machine. It had the lowest tooling cost, took the least time to program, and aligned perfectly with a scalable and predictable workflow. This is why Toolpath's AI-driven workflows focus on total job efficiency. From automated setup strategies to intelligent toolpath automation, we help machinists and shops of all sizes win the race by optimizing the entire process, not just cutting faster.

👉 Want to see how Toolpath can help you reduce programming time and optimize your shop's workflow? Start a free trial or book a demo.

Keep Learning. Keep Sharing.​

Whether it's through meetups, Instagram threads, or Toolpath's learning community, the key takeaway is this: keep asking questions. Keep testing. Keep sharing. Our Machinist Geek community thrives on curiosity, and the only way to keep up with the rapid changes in CNC machining is to stay connected and keep learning.

FAQs: CNC Machining & Toolpath Strategies​

What's the fastest toolpath strategy for complex steel parts?​

In our tests, the 3/8" SwiftCarb Ramp Mill rough + 7-flute finish strategy delivered the best results, both in speed and efficiency.

Why is adaptive clearing better than traditional step over / step down?​

Adaptive clearing minimizes cycle times, reduces tool wear, and improves reliability compared to older step over / step down pocketing.

How do I decide between one-off and high-volume machining strategies?​

For one-offs, simplicity and reliability often matter more than raw cycle time. For high volume, it's worth investing in toolpath optimization and specialized tooling.

Can Toolpath help reduce programming time?​

Absolutely. Toolpath's AI-driven workflows automate toolpath strategies, reduce setup time, and help machinists focus on efficiency across the entire workflow.

Is investing in new tools always necessary for better machining?​

Not always. Often, existing tools can be optimized with adaptive strategies. The right balance depends on priorities, job requirements, and volume.

The CNC productivity gap explained​

The CNC productivity gap happens when talented machinists spend their days battling spreadsheets, mouse clicks, and messy documentation instead of cutting chips.

Common workflow bottlenecks in CNC shops​

Even the best people struggle when workflows are clogged with waste. For many shops, that looks like:

• Clicking through thousands of repetitive CAM programming steps
• Re-entering data into quoting spreadsheets
• Searching for tribal knowledge or lost documentation
• Fighting with non-standardized workholding setups
• Digging through tool libraries and disorganized files

The issue isn't the talent. It's the system they're stuck in.

Why hiring alone won't fix CNC productivity​

Imagine landing that dream hire — a unicorn programmer. What happens next? They spend half their time copying toolpaths, hunting for missing data, and rebuilding old setups. It's a quick way to burn out great people.

Talent doesn't scale unless systems support it.

The future of CNC isn't just about finding more machinists. It's about giving your current team better tools.

How Toolpath automates CAM and quoting​

At Toolpath, we built our platform to solve the productivity gap head-on. With AI-powered automation, you can:

• Generate accurate quotes in minutes, not days
• Automate repetitive CAM workflows with smarter decision-making
• Standardize tool libraries and setup documentation across jobs

Every mouse click is a decision. Toolpath helps redirect that effort toward solving complex problems and scaling your shop's output.

Small wins that add up​

Change takes activation energy, but even small gains compound over time. If your shop gets just 1% more efficient each week (faster quotes, fewer clicks, better documentation), the year-end impact is transformative. Productivity keeps your machines cutting, your team energized, and your customers coming back.

You don't need more people — you need more leverage​

Every shop owner wants the same thing: to do great work, hit deadlines, and protect their team from burnout. Recruitment is important, but the leverage point is modernizing workflows today. Toolpath helps CNC shops scale productivity through AI-powered quoting, CAM automation, and connected workflows.

Ready to close your productivity gap? Start a free trial or book a demo.

FAQ​

What is the biggest bottleneck in CNC machine shops?​

The biggest bottleneck in CNC machine shops isn't a shortage of skilled people — it's a productivity gap. Too often, machinists and programmers spend more time on low-value tasks like data entry, repetitive CAM work, and searching through disorganized files than they do on actual machining. These inefficiencies slow down quoting, setup, and job prep, creating delays that ripple across the shop.

What really holds shops back is the lack of streamlined, standardized processes. Without consistent tool libraries, clear documentation, and automation to eliminate repetitive steps, valuable time and expertise get wasted. Addressing these productivity issues — especially in the early stages of quoting and setup — unlocks far greater throughput than simply hiring more people.

How can AI improve CNC productivity?​

AI reduces repetitive tasks in quoting and CAM programming, standardizes documentation, and frees machinists to focus on higher-value work.

Why is CAM automation important?​

CAM automation eliminates wasted clicks and rework, accelerates programming, and creates consistency across parts and setups.

How can CNC shops quote faster?​

With AI-powered tools like Toolpath, shops can generate accurate quotes in minutes instead of days, helping them win jobs and stay competitive.

Like all new systems, this can take some getting used to, and it's important that you trust the results. We've linked some sample parts below and included videos showing how the Toolpath Customer Success team uses Toolpath, where it provides value, and our favorite tips and tricks. Download the files below, follow along in Toolpath, and use what you learn to analyze and program your own parts. Please see How to Upload Parts if you are unsure of how to import CAD files in Toolpath.

Download the sample parts:

• C1 Toolpath Sample
• C2 Toolpath Sample
• C3 Toolpath Sample

C1 Toolpath Sampler​

C2 Toolpath Sampler​

C3 Toolpath Sampler​

Have questions? Hit the chat icon in Toolpath (orange, in the bottom right by default). We're here 9 am Eastern to 8 pm Pacific, and will get back to you ASAP when we aren't.

Atlanta, Georgia — August 21, 2025 — Toolpath, the AI company creating tools that optimize the machining business, today announced a new strategic investment by Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK), the creator of cloud-based product design and manufacturing software Fusion, and a globally-recognized design software leader.

Autodesk is participating in Toolpath's recently-announced strategic investment round, which already includes Kennametal, ModuleWorks, and Leaders Fund. Autodesk joining this roster of industry leaders sends a clear message: Toolpath's applied AI technology is being recognized and endorsed by some of the most trusted, innovative names in manufacturing.

"We are committed to providing our customers with tools that enable them to be more efficient and innovative. Our investment in Toolpath achieves just that. Together, we can help manufacturers achieve substantial productivity gains through the practical application of AI. We have much admiration for the Toolpath team and are excited to work side by side with them."

— Stephen Hooper, VP of Design & Manufacturing at Autodesk

For Toolpath CEO Al Whatmough, this investment is highly strategic, as well as transformative. Whatmough joined Toolpath after more than a decade working at Autodesk, directing the CAM capabilities in Fusion.

"I know firsthand the craftsmanship, innovation, and sheer engineering excellence that exists within Fusion, and I'm thrilled to be working again with friends at Autodesk to create the next generation of outstanding tools for machining. On multiple levels — from the drastic increases in efficiency we can bring to industry by working together, to the productivity that comes from building with people you've known and trusted for years — this investment marks the start of multiple powerhouses collaborating for the benefit of industry."

— Al Whatmough, Toolpath CEO

Toolpath's software integrates AI into the CAM process, optimizing operations, tool selection and toolpath strategies based on the machines and tools a manufacturer already owns. The platform intelligently analyzes machining processes for a part, providing manufacturers with insights on which jobs to quote, how much to charge, and any additional tools they'll need for the job. Toolpath's applied AI and proprietary Part Comprehension Engine address critical workflow steps, from initial job evaluation to machining plan, including tooling and operations. Much like how autopilot capabilities have reshaped and elevated the role of pilots in the cockpit of a plane, Toolpath's technology enhances the work of professionals rather than replacing it.

The timing of this partnership comes as the manufacturing industry faces unprecedented pressure to increase throughput, reduce costs, and address skilled labor shortages — all while tackling increasingly complex part geometries and shorter product cycles. By combining Fusion's design precision with Toolpath's AI-powered estimating and production optimization capabilities, small and mid-sized manufacturers can bridge the gap between engineering intent and shop floor execution faster and more accurately than ever before.

With Autodesk joining Kennametal, ModuleWorks, and Leaders Fund as strategic investors, Toolpath is backed by a coalition of manufacturing's top innovators.

"When leaders across multiple facets of the manufacturing ecosystem line up behind a single vision, you know something important is happening. This is more than validation — it's a signal that Toolpath is creating something genuinely valuable and impactful for our industry."

— Al Whatmough

About Toolpath​

Toolpath is an AI-focused start-up focused on new solutions for the manufacturing industry. Our mission is to help manufacturers achieve greater efficiency and profitability through the practical application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and decades of real-world experience.

About Autodesk​

The world's designers, engineers, builders, and creators trust Autodesk to help them design and make anything — from the buildings we live and work in, to the cars we drive and the bridges we drive over; from the products we use and rely on, to the movies and games that inspire us. Autodesk's Design and Make Platform unlocks the power of data to accelerate insights and automate processes, empowering our customers with the technology to create the world around us and deliver better outcomes for their business and the planet. For more information, visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk. #MakeAnything

Contact​

Jason Love, Communications Toolpath PR@toolpath.com

In this update:

• Project Level Cut Configs
• Custom Stock
• Visual Tool Geometry & Tool Holder Support
• Section View
• New Tool Library Filters
• Cut Config Role Grouping
• 📺 Machining Minutes — Full Workflow on YouTube

Project Level Cut Configs​

Set your Cut Config at the project level. No need to spend time changing each one manually. This feature works great when you have a job with multiple parts that are all going to run on the same machine with the same material.

Custom Stock​

Got multiple bodies in a single file? Toolpath now supports custom stock, allowing you to define stock directly from specific geometry. This is especially useful for castings, 3D prints, or customer-provided solids. Check out How to use Solid Bodies as Custom Stock to get started.

Visualize Tool Geometry & Tool Holder​

You'll now see visual representations of tool geometry directly in the tool library. This means it's easier than ever to edit flute length, gauge tool stickout, or any tool parameter.

Section View is Here!​

Now you can enable section view in the part viewer to slice through geometry and analyze internal geometry, deep pockets, or overlapping bores. This is extremely helpful for inspection and examining blind features.

New Tool Library Filters​

The new filtering system in the tool library helps you quickly narrow down by type, diameter, material, or custom tags.

Tool Grouping by Role in Cut Config​

Cut configs are now easier to understand and manage thanks to Tool Grouping by Role. Quickly view what tools have the same preset. You can always toggle this view by unchecking the "Group by Role" check box to simply view the tools in each library.

📺 Machining Minutes — Full Workflow on YouTube​

Want to see Toolpath in action from start to part? Our Content Manager Ben walks through the full workflow — from loading a solid model to analyzing, programming, and machining the part. You can find these videos on our YouTube channel under the Machining Minutes playlist. It's perfect for new users, training team members, or just seeing the latest features in context.

Check out a recent video below where we machine a Datron window bracket to display our sticker-bombed window from IMTS. We even show a new preview feature that lets you import your CAM automation into a current Fusion document instead of opening up a new instance.

We'd love to hear how you're using these new features — and if you're testing something cool, tag us or drop a line in the community.

Download the sample parts below:

• Ray's Putter
• Ben's Flange
• Al's Bar

Then upload to Toolpath to follow along with the videos below.

Ray's Putter​

Summer is here and we've got our new intern, Ray, working hard — but he still gets to the links from time to time. Learn more about how Tool Recommendations helped us catch features to avoid quoting mistakes below. Then make your own and see if your short game improves.

Ben's Flange​

Ben said this part needed more t-slot features. See how to use the DFM Cut Config to find tools — or create your own recommendation tool library to find one:

And check out the CAM results below:

Al's Bar​

Al is still an expert sample-part modeler — some things never change. Toolpath results, however, will change based on new capabilities. Learn more about tool recommendations, tool interrogation, and how Toolpath creates setups based on your tooling below:

Have questions on these parts? Want to share your own Toolpath story? Reach the team at support@toolpath.com anytime.

In this update:

• Part Interrogation Improvements
• CAM Automation is graduating beta soon
• Create your own Tool Recommendation Libraries
• Edit tools and presets in Toolpath
• Specify Finishing Tools
• Toolpath & ModuleWorks visit Saunders Machine Works

Part Interrogation Improvements​

The development teams have been working hard to make Toolpath think like a machinist and have delivered seriously impressive updates on how the Part Interrogation handles interrupted profiles and t-slot features. Al shows how Toolpath now thinks about these features like a machinist, rather than a computer, below:

CAM Automation is graduating beta soon​

We've been running more AI-programmed parts than ever before, and are nearly ready to graduate Toolpath CAM Automation for Fusion from beta. See the current state of CAM Automation in this video from Ben, where he programs and machines a business card holder (with the help of the part interrogation updates and tool prioritization 😉):

Create your own Tool Recommendation Libraries​

The Tool Recommendation Engine is one of our favorite new features in Toolpath, helping you avoid hours of catalog time:

We've added vendor libraries from Kennametal, Harvey, and Haas. Toolpath also gives you the option to create your own vendor libraries. Justin shares this workflow below — which looks faster than the time it takes to find the catalog.

Edit tools and presets in Toolpath​

Previously, to create a new tool or make edits to a tool or preset, there was a bit of back and forth between Toolpath, Pretool, and Fusion. This gave some of you (and me) a real headache. So we went ahead and added the ability to edit tools and presets directly in Toolpath. It's now easier than ever to dial in your tool libraries — hear the excitement in my voice:

Change Finishing Tools​

With well-built presets and a dialed cut config, you can prioritize tool selection based on your preferences and capabilities. But there is no one-size-fits-all preference across all parts, features, or operations. You now have the option to override Toolpath's selection for finishing operations. Roughing is on the way.

Toolpath and ModuleWorks visit Saunders Machine Works​

Al and Yavuz (ModuleWorks Founder and Managing Director) visited Saunders Machine Works this week to talk CAM programming and automation. Check out the video below for a recap of this exciting visit (and keep an eye out for more).

We kicked things off last week with a fantastic board meeting at Saunders Machine Works. It's always refreshing and inspiring to step onto a shop floor, especially one that's buzzing with energy and innovation like it always does at Saunders. There's just something about being in that environment that refuels my passion for the industry. Conversations were deep, strategic, and laser-focused on the future of manufacturing automation and AI.

Directly following the board meeting, we had the privilege of touring the Kennametal Technology Center. Talk about a kid in a candy store. It's places like this, packed with cutting-edge tooling solutions and the brightest minds in the industry, that validate why our partnership with Kennametal and ModuleWorks is so critical for our industry. Touring the facility and connecting with the broader Kennametal team reinforced just how aligned our three companies (Toolpath, Kennametal, and ModuleWorks) are in pushing forward the Toolpath mission. A big shout-out to the Kennametal team that provided insight, hospitality, and even more importantly, inspiration.

This week was spent engaging with global tech and engineering journalists, sharing the Toolpath story, discussing the recent strategic investments, and spreading the message about our mission of empowering machinists through practical, AI-driven solutions. It was truly energizing to see the broader industry take notice and embrace our vision.

Of course, yesterday was a milestone with Kennametal announcing its lead role in our current investment round. It's a huge validation of our shared vision to bring smarter machining solutions directly to the shop floor.

Speaking of insightful coverage, if you haven't yet read Kenneth Wong's excellent summary of yesterday's funding round and partnership news, it's worth a quick look. It clearly and effectively captures the exciting developments happening at Toolpath.

ModuleWorks: A Key Partner in This Journey​

ModuleWorks joined the investment round yesterday, further cementing its commitment to Toolpath. Without a doubt, ModuleWorks is one of the most innovative and influential companies in our space. Its CAD/CAM software solutions are integrated into millions of CNC and CAD/CAM installations worldwide. Think about that reach.

ModuleWorks brings to Toolpath — and most importantly, to our users — a profound level of machining expertise and industry-proven technologies. The unique, collaborative integration of their APIs with our AI and machine learning technology ensures Toolpath's AI capabilities are backed by best-in-class machining logic and simulation tools. It's not just about making our software smarter; it's about creating solutions that machinists trust and can rely on every day.

With ModuleWorks by our side, we're able to significantly accelerate the speed at which we deliver transformative features to our customers. The seamless integration of ModuleWorks' proven technologies into our AI-driven platform means quicker deployments, better performance, and genuinely smarter workflows. Our collaboration exemplifies what we strongly believe at Toolpath: true innovation happens when leaders collaborate openly and ambitiously.

So, as I reflect on this amazing couple of weeks, the common thread through it all is people — talented, passionate people pushing manufacturing forward. It's about partnerships like those with Kennametal and ModuleWorks, where we're aligned, ambitious, and collaborative.

Here's to continuing this incredible journey together, shaping the future of machining and manufacturing one bold step at a time.

— Al Whatmough, CEO of Toolpath

Atlanta, Georgia — May 22, 2025 — Toolpath, the company creating AI tools that optimize the machining business, today announced closure of a strategic investment round led by industrial machine tool manufacturer and strategic partner Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT). Existing Toolpath partner ModuleWorks also invested, deepening its partnership toward the eventual integration of the full range of ModuleWorks functionalities into the Toolpath platform. Additional investors in this round include Leaders Fund.

Investment by this group of manufacturing industry leaders validates Toolpath's innovative approach to providing accessible, functional AI technologies that increase efficiencies, reduce mundane work, and solve real-world problems that are common in the machining business.

Toolpath's software integrates AI into the CAM process, optimizing tool selection and toolpath strategies. Our platform intelligently analyzes machining processes and the parts a process will make, providing manufacturers insights to make better decisions about which jobs to quote, estimate costs accurately, and optimize machining operations. Our approach addresses critical workflow steps, from initial job evaluation to machining plan, including tooling and operations. Toolpath's applied AI and proprietary Part Comprehension Engine empowers professionals at critical stages of the machining business, enhancing their work rather than replacing it — much like the auto-pilot has supported and reshaped the role of pilots in aviation.

"This partnership represents a bold step in our digital transformation journey. Toolpath's platform amplifies our industry-leading application engineering expertise through its intuitive, intelligent software. It's a smart, scalable solution that brings the power of AI to the shop floor in a practical and impactful way."

— Carlonda Reilly, Chief Technology Officer of Kennametal

"The industry-leading caliber of these investors underscores that our AI-powered tools bring genuine, immediate value to machining businesses and manufacturers. Enabling shops to use modern technology to improve results for their customers, while increasing productivity and profits, is a vision we have in common with all our investors. It's fantastic to all be rowing in the same direction."

— Al Whatmough, Toolpath CEO

"Deepening our partnership with Toolpath reflects our shared commitment to accelerating innovation in AI-driven manufacturing software. By combining our proven machining technologies with Toolpath's advanced AI platform, we're able to deliver powerful solutions into users' hands faster. This investment naturally extends our mission to advance the manufacturing ecosystem through open collaboration, cross-industry partnerships, and software innovation."

— Dr. Yavuz Murtezaoglu, Founder & Managing Director of ModuleWorks

"Toolpath has shown itself to be effective and efficient at producing practical AI technology that solves the time-intensive, day-to-day challenges that bog down manufacturing. We find it truly inspiring to see Toolpath's solutions in action, cutting hours of work down to minutes so machinists, estimators and CNC programmers can focus on the fine points of a project that really make a difference that customers see in the end product."

— Stephen DeBacco, Managing Partner at Leaders Fund

This investment will fuel Toolpath continuing to expand its platform to assist shop owners, estimators and CNC programmers, as well as integrate it with existing, industry-leading tools, and take those tools to market.

About Toolpath​

Toolpath is an AI-focused start-up focused on new solutions for the manufacturing industry. Our mission is to help manufacturers achieve greater efficiency and profitability through the practical application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and decades of real-world experience.

About Kennametal​

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,400 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2 billion in revenues in fiscal 2024. Learn more at kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About ModuleWorks​

ModuleWorks is at the forefront of digital manufacturing software, playing a key role in enabling the efficient production of increasingly complex parts in an environmentally sustainable way. As a strategic partner to leading CAD/CAM vendors, CNC control makers, machine tool builders and cutting tool manufacturers, ModuleWorks develops software that powers solutions throughout the manufacturing industry which contributes to 16% of global GDP worth $16 trillion per year.

Founded in 2003, ModuleWorks has grown to over 250 employees and already invested 2,000 person-years of software development in toolpath and simulation technologies that form the core of manufacturing processes. In the CAD/CAM area alone, ModuleWorks has a market share of 90%, enhancing the performance and quality of over 500,000 installed seats of CAD/CAM and CNC software worldwide. With a comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge software components and the capacity to address emerging and niche technologies like AI, cloud, automation, additive, robotics and digital dentistry, ModuleWorks is committed to shaping the future of digital manufacturing with its partners, empowering the industry to Get There Faster.

Contact​

Jason Love, Communications Toolpath PR@toolpath.com

Ben Weber, Head of Corporate Development ModuleWorks ben@moduleworks.com

In this update:

• Tool Recommendation Engine
• Magic Uploads for Tool Libraries
• Banana for Scale
• Cut Configs Redesign
• Part Overview Facelift
• Quality of Life Updates

Tool Recommendation Engine​

We're excited to release the Tool Recommendation Engine. This feature is truly game-changing when it comes to finding the right tool for uncommon geometry, and also works great as your go-to source if you're just starting with a small tool library. When you upload a part to Toolpath, the engine can now search through a catalog of thousands of tools to find the best match for any unmachinable geometry. It analyzes key parameters — like diameter, reach, and corner radius — to identify the optimal tool, then determines the most efficient way to resolve as many features as possible using that tool.

At launch, we've included libraries from Kennametal, Haas Tooling, and Harvey Tool for every Toolpath user. These libraries come already complete with reliable starter feeds and speeds, generated by PreTool.

To enable recommendations, navigate to your Cut Config, select the Recommendations tab, and enable libraries from your go-to vendors.

To use tool recommendations in a program:

• Click a recommended tool in the right-hand side inspector on the overview tab to highlight the associated features.
• Press the "+" icon to import a tool to the current part.
• Click the Regenerate button (orange) once you have made all desired changes.

Magic Uploads for Tool Libraries​

When you upload a tool library that doesn't contain presets, Toolpath now automatically calls on PreTool to populate any missing presets so the tools can be used in programs and estimates immediately, without any manual applying of presets. If you want to edit these values later, you can still edit in PreTool or Fusion as you normally would — magic uploads won't touch any presets you've modified yourself.

Banana for Scale is Here to Stay​

We originally introduced the "Banana for Scale" button in the 3D viewer as an April Fool's Day gag, but it turned out to be a beloved way to get a sense of a part's scale in Toolpath, so we're keeping it permanently.

Cut Configs Redesign​

We've revamped the Cut Configs editor to make it easier to use and faster to navigate.

Overview Tab​

On the overview tab, you define how you want Toolpath to program your parts in this cut config. This includes things like stock-to-leave and smoothing tolerance, as well as defining engine behaviors like geometry deviations and bullnose substitution.

💡 About Geometry Deviations

• Ignore Deviations Under — Helpful when a model has imperceivable modeling errors. Toolpath will automatically correct for model deviations under an amount you set.
• Suggest Radius Deviations Up To — Allows Toolpath to select a tool of a greater size than the modeled radius, up to a certain amount. Helpful in cases where a radius smaller than any available tool is present, but a larger machined radius is acceptable.

💡 About Bullnose Substitution

Enabling Bullnose Substitution tells the Toolpath engine that it may treat square floor edges as if they have a floor radius, and choose a corresponding bullnose tool for roughing. Note: when a floor radius is modeled, Toolpath will make no change and instead respect the radius as defined in the model.

Tool Libraries Tab​

On this tab, select the libraries you want Toolpath to primarily use to program your parts. In this example, we've set the mill's carousel tools to preferred priority. New: you can now see a full searchable list of tools enabled in this cut config. This list is an aggregate of every enabled library in the cut config.

Recommendations Tab​

This tab defines what tools the Tool Recommendation Engine has access to. In this example, we've enabled the built-in Harvey Tool and Kennametal libraries, plus a few generic drill and tap libraries. If there are features not satisfied by your main library, Toolpath will suggest tools from these.

Don't be afraid to enable a large amount of tools in this tab. A range of 500–3,000 tools is a good starting point to make sure the Recommendation Engine can find the optimal tool. In the example above, we are machining aluminum, so we've selected 3-flute tools for Kennametal and Harvey Tool.

Roles Tab​

The roles tab auto-populates with all your tools. If anything is missing, it will now display the "unassigned" flag so you know you may want to assign a tool. All of the pre-baked vendor tools already have roles assigned, so as long as auto-assign is enabled, there is no need to adjust.

QOL Improvement: "Make Default" Button​

Make a cut config your user default by clicking the "make default" button.

Part Overview Facelift​

We've updated the part overview tab with a more streamlined look. Our intent with this new look is to greatly simplify the page and give you faster access to the information that matters. If the part is "good to go" — you just have a nice green check. Otherwise, your warnings will be there to resolve, neatly categorized.

QOL Updates​

• UI facelift on libraries lists (Tools, Cut Configs, Stock Settings, & Estimate Presets).
• Deviation settings are now defined in the Cut Config, rather than by a user preference.
• "Tool Compaction" is now called "Tooling Capacity".

As CEO my job is not to be in every room. It's to build a company where the right people can thrive and where the culture takes over when I'm not there. That's exactly what this episode captured.

The Ohio Offsite: Designed by Leaders, Owned by the Team​

Justin, our CTO, organized the experiences that shaped the week — from the machines we ran to the late-night shop sessions. He made sure the team wasn't just together but learning through doing.

Scott, our Chief of Staff, built an agenda that left room for magic. It wasn't a packed itinerary — it was a structure that gave the team just enough direction while still leaving space for spontaneous collaboration, real conversations, and some surprisingly emotional moments.

If you want to see what I mean, Adam Morley captured the week beautifully in this short film:

You'll see people breaking tools, sharing ideas, staring way too hard at a string-powered bowling lane. It's the most honest view I've ever seen of what we're trying to build here.

Why It Mattered​

Pete said it was emotional. I believe him. He came from running a shop. He stepped away from the grind but somewhere in that week he fell back in love with the small things — deburring a part, loading the saw, figuring out the right way to file a corner.

Ben did what Ben always does — he took it seriously. He designed a utility knife for the team to machine together, then ignored Justin's instructions and mushroomed a pin into the aluminum. That part's on his desk now. A permanent reminder that the best lessons come from screwing up.

More than anything I saw a group of people who weren't just collaborating. They were proud. That's the real test of culture.

The Roadmap: Golden, Otter, Armadillo​

Pete laid out three product initiatives in this episode — and they've stuck with me. We're calling them Project Golden, Project Otter, and Project Armadillo. Each one captures a trait we're building into the product and a quality we expect from ourselves.

Golden — Smart, obedient, reliable. Like a golden retriever. Not a black box, not a new CAM system — just software that understands what you're trying to do and improves every time you give it guidance.

Otter — Easy, playful, welcoming. Onboarding in industrial software usually feels like getting a root canal. Otter flips that. Pete and Paul turned a 14-minute manual tool setup into a one-second action. It's not magic — it's just thoughtful software.

Armadillo — Battle-tested, no excuses. Every two weeks we pick a real part. Toolpath must generate G-code that cuts — no edits allowed. If it breaks we fix it. This is how we push from helpful to truly hands-free.

Tool Recommendations That Actually Help​

Pete gave Toolpath nothing but a tap and a STEP file — no tool library, no setup — just to see what would happen.

Toolpath solved the entire part.

It searched across vendor catalogs, recommended tools with proper geometry, and built a machinable program. It was fast, transparent, and 100 percent aligned with the part's features.

This wasn't a demo. This was Pete trying to break the product.

It worked anyway.

That's not just helpful for programmers — it's a game-changer for design engineers doing DFM. You can now gut-check a part and know what tools exist to cut it without ever opening a catalog or waiting on someone in the shop to weigh in.

Workholding That Just Works​

Workholding setup in Fusion used to be a fragile ritual. Now with one checkbox — Import Workholding — Toolpath can bring in your vise, your stock, your origins, and even your parametric references.

What used to take half a dozen steps is now one click. This is where having real machinists on the team pays off — because we don't just build features. We build the workflows we wish we had when we were cutting parts full-time.

Why I'm Writing This​

Not just because of what we're building. But who's building it. And how.

Justin created the space. Scott set the tone. Pete and Ben carried the torch. The team showed up, made it real, and shared it with the world.

This is the culture I get to represent. This is the team I get to serve. That's what makes my job worth doing.

And we're just getting started.

— Al