Mastercam Celebrates 40 Years of CAD/CAM Innovation
2023 marks the 40th anniversary of Mastercam CAD/CAM software! How did it all begin? In 1983, two brothers, Mark and Jack Summers, developed a new concept for programming CNC (Computer-Numerical-Control) machine tools. A third brother, Brian Summers, soon joined and together developed a PC-based CAD/CAM software package that laid the foundation for what is Mastercam, the world’s most widely used CAD/CAM software. Mark Summers, Advisor of Mastercam, says, “It started out as a simple idea. I was a machinist. My brother was a mathematician. We combined our experience to put what was out of reach for most shops – NC programming software – right onto their desktops.” In the 40 years that followed, Mastercam has advanced dozens of important new technologies for those shops, including “smart” toolpaths, hybrid machining, mill-turn, multiaxis, their proprietary Dynamic Motion technology, as well as basic packages for milling, turning, and wire EDM. The Evolution of Mastercam We first called the software program “Meghan,” after Mark Summers’ eldest daughter. It was later changed to “Mastercam” as a clearer descriptive of the software’s primary function. Currently, Meghan is the President and CEO of the company, and Mastercam is the most widely used CAD/CAM software in the world, closing in on [...]
A MIM-Based Approach to Metal 3D Printing from Entry to Production: Session 4 – Desktop Metal
A MIM-Based Approach to Metal 3D Printing from Entry to Production: Session 4 – Desktop Metal Replayed from a live webinar held on June 8, 2023 Check out the fourth of our 4-part webinar series, A MIM-Based Approach to Metal 3D Printing from Entry to Production. This time we were joined by Desktop Metal! During this webinar, we explore the benefits of the Studio System, and demonstrate how it can help you streamline your process, reduce costs, and enhance your overall workflow. We also showcase several customer applications and success stories, highlighting the diverse range of industries and use cases that have already benefited from the power of the Studio System.
Deploying Design X Essentials for Reverse Engineering and CNC programming
Geomagic Design X Essentials can take a scan or point cloud from a scanner and use it as a template for reverse engineering the shape into a completely machinable Neutral or Kernel file (Step, ACIS or Parasolid). 2D Pockets that require 2-axis machining that include G02/G03 circular tool motion, G81/G83 point-to-point applications, etc. are all fully achievable, using Design X Essentials to create the model. The all-too-common Autosurface created by most reverse engineering software tools from mesh data is now a thing of the past. Autosurface algorithms generally create enormous, poor-performing models for machining that are somewhat unusable and not editable. They certainly cannot be used to machine analytic features that produce linear and circular motion for basic milling and turning operations. Design X Essentials produces fully usable neutral and kernel files. Resultant models will appear as if they were built using a CAD system. What about more complex machining? In the world of 3D surface machining, Lofted and Swept surfaces and the like, including Guide Curves may be built and 3-axis simultaneous tool motion can be created. In fact, full 4 and 5-axis parts or parts to be machined using 4th or 5th-axis positioning may also be created using Design X Essentials. [...]
A MIM-Based Approach to Metal 3D Printing from Entry to Production: Session 3 – DSH – Webinar on Demand
A MIM-Based Approach to Metal 3D Printing from Entry to Production: Session 3 – DSH TechnologiesReplayed from a live webinar held on June 6, 2023 Check out the third of our 4-part webinar series, A MIM-Based Approach to Metal 3D Printing from Entry to Production. This time we were joined by DSH Technologies! The mission of this session is to help people understand what debind and sinter technology is all about. Let’s turn the black box into a glass box. DSH will walk through what the processing steps are, and how it functions and share some examples of successes and failures.
How to Remove Xact Metal DMLS Supports
This blog post will cover how to remove Xact Metal Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) supports from completed 3P-printed parts. It will explain the process of safely and effectively separating supports from the build plate, removing supports from your metal 3D-printed part, and cleaning up support touchpoints. You will first need to have the necessary tools ready, including a cutting tool such as a bandsaw or hacksaw to separate the part from the build plate and small handheld tools like needle nose pliers and flush cutters to remove the supports from the part. Safety is crucial when working with metal parts. Be sure to use safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from debris and metal particles during this process. Using a bandsaw or a hacksaw, you will need to carefully cut the part off of the build plate, leaving the supports attached to the part. Once the part is cut off, use needle-nose pliers to grip the supports and gently twist or wiggle them to break them away from the part. Be cautious not to apply excessive force that could cause damage. After removing the supports, you may notice some residual material or sharp edges on the part. Use a file, rough [...]
Mastercam 2024 is Now Released
Mastercam 2024 has recently been released and offers dozens of features and enhancements to keep your shop running at its best. Mastercam held a public Beta program where users got to test out all the latest features and many of the new improvements were driven by this feedback. If you haven't already downloaded and tested the Beta, it's time to try out Mastercam 2024. Here are some of the highlights. Mill-Turn Additions and Enhancements. Users can now use turret-mounted angled milling heads in Mill-Turn operations, allowing you to create toolpaths on angled planes using turret-mounted tools which results in enhanced productivity and ease of use for both milling and turning operations. B-Axis Contour Turning also sees three major enhancements—the ability to manually edit tool axis vectors, manually edit usable insert area, and adjust stock function— which allows for more in-process control and understanding of the motion of the B-axis head from within the toolpath interface. Process Hole and Holemaking Enhancements. The Process Hole toolpath applies previously defined processes to a part’s solid hole features, which consists of one or more holemaking operations’ built-in functions library. The ability to import applicable processes into the working part file saves time and money while maintaining consistency with [...]