Design X Essentials for Mastercam – Part 2
Reverse Engineering Process Overview From a mesh or point cloud created by essentially any scanner with adequate accuracy and resolution, a Design X Essentials and Mastercam user can process this data to create a fully-featured Step or Parasolid model that would act as if it came from any history-based CAD solids modeler. Users would step their way through a modeling process much as if they were creating the part in a history-based CAD modeler. But Best Fit Features are extracted from the mesh instead of getting created from scratch. This process would hold true for simple, prismatic shapes as well as extremely complex, 3-axis, or multiaxis complex models. The key to our CNC Programming success with these derived solid models is that all model features are preserved. In traditional reverse engineering software products designed to reverse engineer from mesh or point cloud data, the resultant models are “scan-based” and not terribly usable in CAM software. Cylinders and fillets, for example, wouldn’t derive “true circles” but rather hundreds to thousands of tiny facets would combine to approximate the shape of the radius. This type of point-to-point machining process would lead to a very large and inefficient G-Code programs that also wouldn’t be very editable. [...]
Explore New Mastercam 2024 CAD Features
Mastercam Design is a computer-aided design solution that simplifies the creation of even the most complex parts with a robust suite of CAD tools. Mastercam 2024 is here and elevates your machining experience with powerful toolpaths, flexible tool motion, and our most intuitive interface yet. Here are some top CAD features—and how they can help your shop. 1. Note Workflow Improvement Mastercam 2024 improves efficiency with a simple change to the Note workflow. In previous versions, you would have to interact with the panel every time you wanted to add or delete a leader line to a note. Now, you can simply indicate the new position in the graphics window to add additional leader lines. 2. Enhancing MCO Conversion Options for Component Models Typically, the solid models in .machine files and component libraries are converted to Mastercam’s proprietary MCO format before being released. This is an encrypted mesh format that prevents the models from being edited, preserving the intellectual property of the person/company who supplied the models. In Mastercam 2024, this functionality has been enhanced so that models can be converted to either regular Mastercam mesh entities or MCO entities. 3. Controlling the Orientation of Disassembled Solids or Mesh Bodies Mastercam orients disassembled [...]
Meltio Metal Additive Manufacturing Technology Gets Recognition from US DOD
A reprint from 3D Printing Industry Metal 3D printing company Meltio has been recognized as a “strategic technology partner” by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for its metal 3D printing technology. This move strengthens Meltio’s relationship with the U.S. Army, opening opportunities with other U.S. defense departments and international armies. Additionally, out of 300 participants, Meltio received a fifth-place achievement with Phillips Corp. in the U.S. Army’s xTechInternational program showcasing its unique manufacturing and materials capabilities, positioning them for potential cash prizes and follow-on contracts. “The award we have received is a recognition to Meltio’s professionals and gives reliability to our technology. For us, the military sector is a sector that allows us to bring together all the applications of our disruptive metal 3D printing technology. And it is an opportunity for Meltio to develop a dual application for the civil and military sector. Our technology has the potential to transform different sectors thanks to metal additive manufacturing such as supply chains, logistics, repair and manufacturing of metal parts compared to other conventional techniques such as forging and machining. There are currently many armies in other countries that have Meltio’s metal additive manufacturing technology and we want to stand out as a [...]
Design X Essentials for Mastercam Users
What is Reverse Engineering for Mastercam? Design X Essentials for Cimquest’s Mastercam users provides an outstanding reverse engineering mechanism to go from a mesh or point cloud to a fully functional (machine-able) Step or Parasolid model. That model is then imported into Mastercam and used for toolpath generation and functions as if it came from a mechanical CAD system! From Mesh to Code! And it’s not just for simple, prismatic parts! Scans of complex models that include Lofts, Sweeps with Guide Curves trimmed surfaces, may also be reverse-engineered into fully machine-able models. Or, how about this propeller blade mold cavity? This extremely complex model was built in Design X Essentials from a point cloud captured by a popular portable arm laser scanner. The mold cavity doesn’t have a single flat surface in it. Once imported, generation of the 3-axis multi-surface machining toolpaths are painless in Mastercam. Reverse Engineering for Mastercam – When is it needed? When there is no CAD model or drawing to use for CNC Programming. For designing fixtures from physical parts. For reproducing broken parts when no engineering documentation is available. For producing fully 3D Printable models when a solid model isn’t available. For measuring part and feature sizes when [...]
New Mastercam 2024 Multiaxis Features
As more and more shops adopt multiaxis practices, Mastercam has invested more in improving their Multiaxis product. Explore these three new Mastercam 2024 Multiaxis tools, created with users like you in mind. Colored Selection Display Multiaxis In Mastercam 2024, many geometry selections are now viewable in the graphics screen immediately upon entering a multiaxis path. Things like Machining geometries, Collision Control selections, and Pattern entities are colored and presented to the user depending on the page they are on and the preview control settings they’ve chosen. Similar to 3D HST geometry selection, all non-selected surfaces are colored in the white “remainder” color. Users do not have to enter the selection step of a specific area of the toolpath to understand what selections the toolpath is using to calculate with. All selections are color-coded with the type of selection and presented all at once on the graphics window while the user is editing a toolpath, reducing time going in and out of selections to verify proper selection. Unified Straighten Cuts on Boundary Enabling straighten cuts on boundaries will allow Unified Guide to deviate when necessary, from a constant stepover to preserve the pattern shape relative to the initial curve input. These results more closely [...]
Reproducing Legacy Auto Parts with 3D Scanning
The Audi Sport Quattro road and rally car has captivated many automotive enthusiasts since its first launch around 40 years ago. Some even call it the “legend of motorsports”. That’s why two companies passionate about motorsports decided to recreate it with the help of 3D scanning and 3D printing. On one hand, LCE Performance led the way with its long-standing experience in automotive tuning and engine technology. On the other, Downforce Racing brought its carbon-brazed part development services to the table. The teams collaborated to reproduce the Audi Sport Quattro with carbon parts and CFD simulations. Their replica looks stunning: A replicate of Audi Sport Quattro by LCE Performance The main challenge of improving the performance of the racing car In this project, the main challenge was dealing with legacy parts. Many of the race car’s original parts are no longer in production as a result of its lengthy history. Even if second-hand parts were available, they were expensive to buy and difficult to renovate. “They’re 40 years old and look shabby. I pretty much can’t refurbish them at all.” Steven from LCE Performance said. For a company wanting to focus on providing high-quality, durable parts for its customers, these poor [...]