Mastercam 2025 Quick Reference Card
Mastercam 2025 was recently released and we hope you are enjoying some of the enhancements. There are many new features in the software to make you more efficient. Click the button below to download an additional tool to boost your productivity – the Mastercam 2025 Quick Reference Card. This handy desktop reference can save you lots of time by referencing keyboard shortcuts to get to all the most commonly used Mastercam functions. Download Here
Digital Manufacturing Tools Are Enabling Growth in Patient-specific Design
There are significant advantages to using patient-specific medical devices, from improving patient outcomes1 to lowering healthcare costs2. But for a long time, expensive and complicated production processes presented a major obstacle to the wider adoption of this approach. That's changed with the advancement of digital manufacturing. Novel technologies, such as 3D printing, 3D scanning and software for organic 3D design – to name a few – have taken the efficiency and speed of patient-specific design to a whole new level. Another thing that these diverse technologies have made possible is the consolidation of all stages of the patient-specific design workflow into a streamlined process. The outcome: a rapid rise of patient-specific design. In this article, we dive into this burgeoning area. We examine the digital tools that play a central role in patient-specific design, their place in the workflows, and developments on the horizon. 1. Data collection With respect to patient-specific design, data collection refers to acquiring data about the patient’s anatomy or physiology through medical imaging and 3D scanning. Medical Imaging Medical image segmentation is essential for creating the accurate 3D models that allow physicians to perform surgical planning, create patient-specific product designs, recognize complex patterns or isolate regions of interest. These [...]
Programming your CMM from within Mastercam
Most CMM’s will ship with a language-based CMM programming software package that is powerful but very time-consuming to learn and challenging to master. It is therefore very common for job shops and manufacturing facilities to have just a single CMM programmer who has gone through the painstaking efforts of becoming proficient with the software. But what happens when that person goes on vacation, is out sick, or leaves the company? Many shops own very expensive CMM’s that are either very underutilized due to the challenges associated with CMM programming or worse, are sitting completely idle. Introducing the Universal CMM (UCMM) from Verisurf Corporation The UCMM enables any CMM to be programmed and run from within the Mastercam Design environment, thereby opening the doors to convert any Mastercam CNC Programmer into a CMM programmer in no time at all! All of the CMM’s functionality is fully supported through the UCMM, including; probe calibrations, multiple part alignment techniques, Indexing heads, probe changers, joysticks, tactile scanning, and more. The UCMM is also a ‘codeless’ CMM programming system. Therefore all programming and execution of a CMM program takes place from within the graphical Mastercam environment. Post Processors, as required for CNC programming, are not needed for CMM [...]
What’s New in Geomagic Design X 2024.2
A new version of Geomagic Design X has been release and is now available for you to download and try out. Here are the most important changes and new feature highlights in Geomagic Design X 2024.2: Important notice about plug-ins The following plug-ins have been removed from the built-in plug-in list: Geomagic Capture AICON Konica Minolta VIVID Konica Minolta RANGE5/RANGE7 You can find the instructions for using these hardware plug-ins for scanning on the Oqton Software Support Community and the instructions for the PMT Probe Plug-Ins here. Auto Sketch improvements There are a few updates to make sketching more intuitive and user-friendly. Improved precision in Sewing and Fitting Auto Sketches The algorithm for connecting and sewing Line-Line and Line-Arc auto sketches has been enhanced, ensuring greater accuracy in the precise alignment of sewing results. Now, sewing auto sketches center the results between two connection points, prioritize initial fitting results, apply constraints, and prevent the insertion of new sketches. Additionally, the criteria for fitting arcs at lower angles into lines has been readjusted for improved fitting accuracy. Sewing results in Geomagic Design X 2024.2.0 (left) compared to the sewing results in Geomagic Design X 2024.1.0 (on the right) Please note that these [...]
MAG Orthotics: Transforming Insole Production with 3D Printing Technology
MAG Orthotics, based in Sheffield, UK, is at the forefront of revolutionizing the orthotic and podiatry industry through the adoption of advanced 3D printing technology. By partnering with Additive-X and Fit360, the company is moving away from traditional manufacturing methods, aiming to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and product quality through a fully digital workflow. Challenges in Traditional Orthotics Manufacturing The orthotic industry has long relied on conventional manufacturing processes, which are often labor-intensive and time-consuming. Traditional methods typically involve manual casting and molding, which not only require significant time and labor but also produce substantial material waste. This approach has made it difficult for companies to scale their operations efficiently and sustainably. Some orthotists and podiatrists still send a physical foam impression box (FIB) to MAG Orthotics. FIBs must first be scanned, adding time over a purely digital workflow. Moreover, the bespoke nature of orthotic products means that each insole must be custom-made to fit the unique contours of a patient’s foot. This customization adds another layer of complexity and potential for error in the traditional manufacturing process. MAG Orthotics uses Fit360 software to design their insoles. Embracing 3D Printing for Efficiency and Precision Recognizing the limitations of [...]
Introducing Ultimaker Factor 4 Print Process Reporting
This UltiMaker Factor 4 feature is game-changing Print Process Reporting is included with every UltiMaker Factor 4, bringing users a new level of confidence through precision and validation. That sounds good. But what is Print Process Reporting? And how does it work? In a nutshell, this feature provides detailed, post-print reports within 15 minutes of job completion. It also monitors and evaluates critical print parameters to ensure each print adheres to predefined quality standards. Tracking data on extrusion factors, nozzle performance, build volumes, build plate temperatures and more, Print Process Reporting compiles everything into an easy-to-read, locally accessible report. Any deviations are clearly broken down with metadata, event locations, 3D images, and graphs, enabling quick and precise validation of each part before deployment. Below is an example first page of a print process report: Print Process Report This insight can also save money by identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. Its transparency about part integrity and manufacturing processes shines a new light on the inherent variances in additive manufacturing. Up until now, such granular reporting is usually only possible with a lot of manual effort, or going into a completely different price bracket of 3D printers. This sets Factor 4 apart [...]