Save Programming Time with Mastercam Stock Models
Hundreds of CNC programmers, CNC machinists, 3D scanning experts, 3D printing specialists, and other manufacturing professionals came together at this year’s Xpand3D event to discuss new technologies. Speaker Tom Kryger, Application Engineer and Mastercam Technical Specialist here at Cimquest, used his breakout session to explain how stock models can be invaluable tools for the CNC programmer. For Kryger, using stock models is a consistent part of his regular workflow, as these visual aids help to make more intelligent programming decisions, save time, and even assist with Verification. Stock models are generated in the Toolpath Operations Manager and saved within Mastercam; there’s no need to connect with an outside CAD model. When Kryger begins with a new stock model, the first thing he does is name it appropriately. He recommends following a set system for the whole shop so that any employee can find a file quickly and easily. Kryger then selects colors for the different components within the model to quickly identify toolpaths used on each. The Translucent function in View is perfect for hiding non-target components. Kryger never uses OptiRough, an advanced roughing tool powered by Dynamic Motion technology, without a stock model. “OptiRough is the best toolpath for roughing by far [...]
Limited Time MakerBot Promo
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What Is 5-Axis Machining?
As more advanced CNC machining takes the manufacturing industry by storm, some shops are hesitant to take the leap into 5-axis machining. For those who want to succeed in a world dominated and determined by progress, though, ignoring 5-axis could mean leaving money on the table. What is 5-axis Machining? The term 5-axis machining refers to a type of multiaxis subtractive manufacturing in which the machine that cuts away stock material can move in five axes. In machining, the number of axes a machine uses determines the different directions either its tool or its table can move. There are three basic axes that any CNC milling machine uses: X, Y, and Z; or left-right, towards-away, and up-down. A 3-axis machine can use only these three linear axes. A 5-axis machine, however, can use two additional axes: A and B. The A-axis describes movement (or rotation) around the X-axis, while the B-axis refers to movement around the Y-axis. What are the Differences Between Simultaneous 5-axis Machining and 3+2 Axis Machining? In 5-axis machining, the machine’s tool or table is able to move along all five of the previously mentioned axes simultaneously. There is no need for multiple setups with 5-axis machining; the tool can [...]
Autoscan Inspec from Shining 3D
The Autoscan Inspect structured light scanner has remarkable parameters at an extremely affordable price point. At just $13,200 complete, the Autoscan holds incredible accuracy of 10 microns (+/-.0004”) and has an equally incredible resolution of 50 microns (.0019”) making this an excellent choice for a customer in need of scanning small, precision geometry. The single-click calibration and scanning routines make this a simple scanner to use yet produce unbelievable results that today’s scanning professionals demand. Having a Field-Of-View of about a 4” cube, the scanner can handle a significant small part size range, making it a perfect solution for inspection, reverse engineering, or capturing models for 3D Printing applications. The built-in software takes care of scan alignment, global alignment, and scan merging, offering 100% complete part scans with virtually no human interaction required. Contact Cimquest today to find out more or to receive a demonstration of the Autoscan Inspec. More details by clicking below. More Details
Mastercam Multiaxis Machining: How It Works and Its Benefits
The spindle tile type 5 axis CNC milling machine cutting the automotive part. As automation and Industry 4.0 take the manufacturing world by storm, multiaxis machining is becoming a common topic of discussion in shops globally. The reason? Multiaxis machining enables faster, more complex machining with less human labor. What is Multiaxis Machining? Traditional milling has been around for over 200 years, but 3-axis milling was not invented until 1861, when Brown & Sharpe created the Universal Milling Machine. This machine, as with all traditional 3-axis milling machines, could move in three linear directions. Machining was made even more efficient in the 1950s with the debut of numerical control machining. The latest technological innovation, multiaxis machining, expands on the traditional 3-axis machine’s motion abilities. Instead of moving along three simple linear axes, multiaxis machines can move in four or more directions by adding rotary axes and parallel linear axes. Some modern multiaxis centers can use nine axes, but most use only four or five. How do Multiaxis Machines Work? The three axes of a traditional vertical 3-axis machine are X, Y, and Z: left-right, towards-away, and up-down. Most 3-axis milling centers have a stationary table and a moving cutter that travels [...]
Metrology Minute Cylindricity
Cylindricity – Similarities & Differences Between Related Callouts While this month’s segment is focused on Cylindricity we will also review several of the GD&T Callouts discussed previously (and a few not previously discussed but relevant to this month’s discussion) along with some of the similarities, as well as subtle differences between them. Cylindricity is a form of control tolerance that dictates both the roundness and center-axis straightness of a cylindrical part. If you consider the shaded cylinder below, the thin purple curve represents the “perfect cylinder” and the green represents the acceptable tolerance zone for that cylinder’s cylindricity callout. A sample callout is shown as well. Cylindricity is similar to Circularity (not discussed yet) however the latter relates to a single cross-section of the cylinder whereas Cylindricity refers to the entire length of the cylinder. This is very similar to the relationships of Flatness to Straightness where Flatness relates to the complete surface and Straightness is to a single cross-section, across the flat surface. You will also notice a similarity of Cylindricity to Total Runout (described in a previous Metrology Minute). Circularity and Runout are also very similar as they both deal with the form of curves and not surfaces. The most obvious [...]