Simulate the entire machining process right within Mastercam with the click of a button. G-Code Simulation in Mastercam Mastercam has partnered with CAMWERK to provide customers with the unique and easy-to-use fully-integrated machine solution called NC2Check. Mastercam developers worked closely with CAMWERK to build a solution for G-code simulation within Mastercam. The integration gives Mastercam customers a solution for avoiding machine damage, downtimes, failures, and makes their production and programming even more efficient and error-free. N2Check precisely simulates the CNC machine and the entire process of machining. By verifying the NC code through NC2Check, users have an NC code-based virtual machine simulation of all movements. NC2Check helps users detect errors that lead to machine downtime, damage to the workpiece, or even expensive collisions on CNC machines before the real machining even begins. “We are excited to partner with CAMWERK on a complete mapping of the entire machine tool and simulation of NC programs based on G-code and make it available to over 300,000 users,” said Stas Mylek, Partnership Program Manager, CNC Software, LLC. “The collaborative effort between both companies provides Mastercam users complete machine simulation for detecting issues such as travel limits or potential workpiece collisions before machining takes place,” Mylek [...]

Mastercam Mill Solutions Target a Streamlined Manufacturing Process with Precision and Efficiency from Design through the Production Line Mastercam Mill offers expanded machining flexibility and an increased emphasis on speed and automation. Multiaxis features, 3D enhancements, and 2D high-speed toolpaths combine with dozens of additional new enhancements in a software package intended to improve shop floor productivity. Here are some significant highlights and new functionality in Mastercam Mill: Multiaxis Improvements Morph, Parallel, Along Curve, and Project Curve are no longer individual toolpaths. Instead, users can now find the same functionality inside the Multiaxis Unified toolpath, which allows for more flexibility in cut pattern when programming multiaxis, all within a new advanced feature set and consolidated easy-to-use interface. A new Feed Rate Control page consolidates the feed rate control options, making the options easier to find and simplifying your workflow. 3D Enhancements The Dynamic OptiRough and Area Roughing toolpaths can now be aware of undercut stock conditions, resulting in improvements to the toolpath motion, including less air cutting. Equal Scallop is now a fully stock-aware, semi-finishing toolpath that now identifies material left in corners and will machine with a single pass or with multiple passes to ease into the material. With the new linking [...]

For a small shop or even an individual taking their first step into CNC machining, the initial cost is one of the most important factors in decision-making. When that decision is which CNC machining unit to buy – a milling machine or a lathe – it pays to know which one will be more profitable in the long run. What is milling? Milling is a type of subtractive manufacturing, which means it removes material from a block to “reveal” the part underneath. In a CNC milling machine, the stock material is held still by fixtures within the central part of the unit. A cutting tool, which rotates at very high speeds, then moves into the material to cut the material away. In some units, the stationary material moves towards the spinning tool, but the idea is the same. Milling can shape surfaces as well as drill holes and pockets. When should you use a milling machine? Milling machines are essentially the jack-of-all-trades in the machining world. They may not be the best choice for highly specialized applications, but they can do most of the work on most parts that come through the average shop. Shops that produce basic engine parts, industrial components, and [...]