In this article, we will discuss Cartesian coordinates along with X,Y,Z orientation in Mastercam’s Planes Manager. When working with Mastercam, it is helpful to remember that we are working in a Cartesian coordinate system with regard to an X,Y,Z origin. The Mastercam X,Y,Z coordinates system also follows right-hand rule whereas X positive moves from the left to the right of the origin.
This is also represented by the motion in common vertical CNC milling machines. The X positive direction would typically go to the operator’s right and the Y positive direction would be away from the operator or toward the back of the machine. We must also consider this behavior when creating tool and construction planes in Mastercam.
When working with parts that may have more than one operation based on the side of the part we are working on, the tool / construction planes need to be oriented based on how the part is being positioned in the machine. When adjusting the X,Y,Z positioning remember that their orientations are fixed to each other. This will always result in 2 of the axes rotating around the third.
In this sample, the part is being setup to work with 4 operations using the Top, Front, Right and Angled Face of the part. The X,Y,Z origin is being located on the upper right hand corner of the stock material in the machine with the exception of the Angled Face that is being set to a location on the fixture.
The orientation of the part relative to the axis combinations of the machine should also be taken into consideration when using tool planes for rotary positioning.
Based on the axis combinations of the machine the X,Y,Z orientation can be used to control the rotary output for the machine.
In this example tool / construction planes have been used to position a B/C trunnion rotary in a vertical milling machine to work on 4 sides of the part.
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