Tech Tips

Mastercam 2022 includes some handy new 3D High-Speed Waterline tool path enhancements for spiral patterns, new contour directions, machining flat areas, and optimizing the cut order. Machining with a Spiral Pattern and New Contour Directions The Cut Method drop-down on the Cut Parameters page has been replaced with the Closed contour direction and Open contour direction drop-downs. These new drop-downs allow you to create more efficient cutting motion and include reduced retracts on open contours. [...]

Let’s explore some different methods to control tool motion in the Mastercam High Speed Raster Toolpaths. In this example, we are going to use the Mastercam High Speed Raster toolpath to finish the top face of the angle and radius on the part shown below. Looking at the stock model you will notice that the part is roughed out and ready to be finished. We will start by launching the Raster toolpath from the 3D [...]

This blog post will explain how to apply accelerated finishing concepts in Mastercam 3-axis machining. Let’s explore a new method for machining the radius on the top edge of the sample part below. Traditionally there are two options to machine a radius like this, contouring with an exact size radius form tool or 3D machining with a ball end mill. Both options have their pros and cons. Having a large collection of radius tools can [...]

This blog post will explain how to use the new Mastercam 2021 Reflow UV tool. The Reflow UV tool allows you to fully redefine the flow of a single surface by specifying a rotation angle or using boundary curves. Let’s take a look at how we can use this powerful new surface tool to improve tool motion and eliminate unnecessary retract moves in our UV-driven surface toolpaths. We created a flowline toolpath on each of [...]

This article will cover how to create custom tool databases for use in Mastercam Mill part files. An efficient method of programming in Mastercam is to create custom tool libraries. For specific machines or based on common materials being used in the shop, Feeds and Speeds can be preprogrammed in the library based on the materials as well as the capabilities of the machine. One of the simplest methods for creating a custom tool database [...]

Mastercam 2021 offers some great enhancements for 3D lathe tools. 3D tools now support interchangeable inserts defined for the same holder, multiple cutting definitions for each insert, as well as supporting multi-station toolholders. Let’s take a look at how this all works. In the tool designer, there is now an insert list for each holder. This allows you to simply add an insert definition for all the different inserts that fit this specific holder. This [...]

This blog post will cover how to use the Surface Stock Model feature in Mastercam 2021 when remachining a finished part. In this example, we will walk through remachining the orange pocket shown below in the mold core. We will use Stock Model to create machineable stock only on the walls of the pocket. To get started, we can create some surfaces from the solid model. First, create a new level and name it surfaces. [...]

Let’s take a look at the new chaining enhancements in Mastercam 2021. There have been some improvements made to the wireframe chaining, the biggest one being the addition of the Display All Arrows button. This function allows you to fully control and edit selected chains without disrupting workflow. Let’s say you selected your chains in the wrong direction. You can easily solve this issue with the Display All Arrows tool. When you click the Display [...]