Tech Tips

The graphics viewing options in Mastercam for Solidworks have been expanded to include the Gview system used by standalone Mastercam. In previous versions, only the native Solidworks graphic views system could be used. Now, in Mastercam for Solidworks 2017, the Mastercam Command Manager tab features a pull-down to command graphics views that are directly driven by the Mastercam WCS. Get a part ready this is ready to be programmed with features to cut on multiple [...]

In today’s blog post we will review the settings in the converters section of the Mastercam 2017 configuration file. Mastercam can read and write files in several different native formats, as well as some neutral and kernel specific ones. The converter settings let you set your initial preferences for these functions. First, click on the File tab at the upper left corner of the screen to access the backstage area. From there, click on Configuration [...]

The new Mastercam 2017 Transform Gnomons include new dynamic enhancements to the Translate and Rotate Transforms. In previous versions, only the full dynamic tool offered onscreen handles and grips that allowed users graphic interaction. Now, in Mastercam 2017, both Rotate and Translate offer onscreen controls in addition to the traditional dialog box controls. The dynamic transform interactive gnomon is capable of translating, rotating, snap aligning, and trace following geometry in many ways and while it [...]

The Mastercam 2017 Radial Chip Thinning Factor can be applied with high-speed machining techniques in selected Mastercam milling operations. In previous versions, you would have to calculate this adjustment manually when using a machining stepover of less than 50%. Now in Mastercam 2017, a simple checkbox labeled RCTF found on the Tool page calculates and updates the operation automatically. To use this function, pick a machining operation from a toolpath gallery. Once the geometry and [...]

There is a new option in Mastercam 2017 for adjusting milling tools and holders. In previous versions, you had to edit tool projection on the holder branch of an operation by typing in a value. Now, in Mastercam 2017, you can dynamically edit tool projection in the graphics window by snapping the tool to part geometry and dragging the holder along the tool to align it. The file below requires varying ‘stick out’ lengths for the [...]

There’s a powerful new solids function in Mastercam 2017 that gives you quick results with far less effort. In previous versions, if you wanted to make derivative models of your part for things like nested fixturing or electrode geometry you had to use Boolean commands. Keep reading to find out how this process has been improved. Two example files are shown below. We will make an electrode to finish the fins and slots on the [...]

Collision detection in Verify has been expanded to include fixtures along with stock and part geometry. Let’s say you have a file open with part geometry and toolpaths displayed. The models of the fixture for this job can be on another level like shown below. The fixtures should not be visible with the part geometry at this point because you don’t want them seen by the simulator as part of the “workpiece” collision checking set. [...]