Mastercam Launcher Utility
The Mastercam Launcher utility helps you set up desktop icons and give them special properties. If you work in a company using a Network license of Mastercam this will help ensure that you activate only the licenses you need while leaving others available on the system. To access this utility, go to the Start menu/All Programs, and find the Mastercam Program Group. Inside here, look for the Mastercam Launcher icon. You may find the icon in a subfolder labeled Utilities in earlier versions of windows. Note there are two primary areas of the launcher window: the upper portion designates what Platform (for example Lathe or Mill) is available for checkout. This also will determine what product level, such as Mill 2D or Mill 3D is to be used, and if that item is to be suppressed, made available, or made active at startup. Once you have your products and levels selected, you can move on to the Add-on section and set what licenses you want to have checked out when you use this shortcut. Options like Art, Mill Turn, and Productivity + can be enabled in here. Then you go to the middle of the page and select the Create Shortcut option. You [...]
Making Fluid Tight Parts with HP 3D Printing
This article will discuss the fluid tightness of HP Multi Jet Fusion parts and show some real-life examples. HP MJF parts have been proven to be watertight without any additional post-processing, therefore parts can be used to have liquids or gases flow through designed channels. There are several variables that can be looked at to determine what a part can withstand. Using these variables, HP has conducted multiple tests with HP’s 3D High Reusability PA 12, tests that prove spherical shapes will hold higher pressures. Additionally, the design freedom of 3D printing helps to improve the efficiency of these components. For example, ducts can be unified and optimized for better product space due to geometries not possible with other technologies. There is also a greater level of customization possible among assemblies. Along with the structural strength of HP MJF parts, PA12 has a high chemical resistance, making it ideal for interaction with many fluids. This chart shows some of the fluids that have been tested. Now, let's take a look at several examples of MJF parts that are in use today: First, inside the JF 4200 there are over 60 MJF parts and one of these is this air duct. This is several [...]
Mastercam 3D Lathe Tools
Did you know that you can export your lathe tool assemblies from Machining Cloud and turn them into 3D Tools in Mastercam? Well, you can and this article will show you how to do it. First, go into the Machining Cloud app and then into the My Workshop section. From here, select the My Tools tab up at the top. In here you will be able to find all of your tool assemblies that you have created. Once you find the tool that you want to create in Mastercam, just select it and go to the Download Model option, then select the 3D Rendered Model selection. Next, go into Mastercam and launch the Lathe package. From here, click on the Turning tab at the top and then into the Lathe Tool Manager. Now you can right-click and select the Create 3D Tool option. This will now launch the new 3D Lathe Tool Manager and allow you to import your STP Models into the software. After going through the handful of steps of importing your insert and holder you will get a true rendering of your tool. In this new tool design manager, you can set the orientation of the tool in the turret, which spindle [...]
New High Efficiency Milling Training Class
The latest Cimquest Dynamic High Efficiency Milling course is set to run November 6-8 at Cimquest Headquarters, Branchburg, NJ. If you are looking for more ways to stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing manufacturing environment it is imperative that you stay on top of new and emerging technologies. This Manufacturing Training series will take you to the next level and improve your machining production. The training course will teach you how to implement, evaluate, and select components for high efficiency milling to get shorter cycle times, reduce tool wear and extend machine life. You will learn guidelines for selecting key components with hands-on interactions to build your ability in identifying and creating an efficient milling process. Here are some comments from folks that have already taken the class: "Content and information exceeded my expectations" - Rich Marchese "I would recommend this class to others; it really makes you think of every aspect of the process, not just the programming side of it. I didn't think of work holding and tool holding before or if the machine could even handle these specific operations." - David Adams Limited seating is available so don't delay and register today by clicking the button below. More Info
Rename Linked Machine Files in Mastercam
This article will explain how to rename your linked machine files in Mastercam 2019. The MD_CD_PST_Rename C-Hook will automatically make backups of your original files and update the links between the new files that it creates. Here’s how it works . . . In this example, we have a set of machine files loaded in Mastercam. Imagine that your shop has three similar machines with slightly differing attributes. You can use the renaming utility to make three copies, then edit each one to have the unique properties that you want. First, go to Home/Add-ins/Run Add-in. A file open dialog opens pointing to C:\Program Files\Mcam2019\Chooks folder. Scroll down and select the MD_CD_PST_Rename.dll and click OK. Next, a caution panel pops up to assist with backup files. Since you already loaded a machine in the Mastercam file, that machine and its component files are shown in the source panel on the left. But, you could easily browse to any other machine, or machine type that you might want. The right panel has three boxes you can click in to set the names for the new copies. Note that you can click the configuration button at the upper right to set the data paths and preserve [...]
New Masters of CAM Website Announced
2018 marked two important milestones for Mastercam. This year they celebrated 35 years in business, as well as selling their 250,000th software installation. To celebrate and commemorate these successes, they just launched a new website called Masters of CAM. This new site is for the community that has helped Mastercam achieve 35 years of success. It celebrates the skills and accomplishments of Mastercam users all over the world. Watch the video below to learn more about this exciting new program. Any Mastercam user can submit stories about their experiences using Mastercam. You can also check out the work other people are sharing and watch the some of the Featured Stories for inspiration. Mastercam will even send you exclusive Masters of CAM merchandise when your stories are published. Your first submission scores you a t-shirt! Check out the new site and join Masters of CAM today by clicking the button below. Visit Now