Tech Tips

Now, in Mastercam 2018, the Recent Commands Manager can be docked and resized for easier access. When you go to the View ribbon, make sure the Recent Functions Manager is visible. Its default location will be in the stack with all the other Function Manager tabs like Toolpaths, Planes, and Levels. You can hold the left mouse button down on the title tab and move the mouse to tear it off and make it independent as shown below. Hold the left mouse button down on the tab title bar. Hold and drag your mouse to detach and move the dialog box. Then, you can use a docking hotspot to dock it beside the other managers as shown below. You can also hold the left mouse button down on the right-hand edge of the Recent Commands box and resize the manager so that only a single column of icons remains visible. From here you can recall functions quickly without having to browse through the ribbons. Click, hold, and drag the right side of the Recent Functions box to shrink its size. Now, only the icons appear in a single skinny column. As you can see, this will keep your cursor focused [...]

Mastercam 2018 includes a new enhancement to the 3D highspeed hybrid toolpath. In previous versions, sharp corner smoothing was only available in surface finish scallop, which did not take advantage of multithreading calculation. Now, in Mastercam 2018, one simple checkbox makes this option available in the 3D highspeed hybrid toolpath. Let 's take a look at how this works... To begin, let's compare two scallop toolpaths to show the effect this option has on the cut pattern. You can clearly see the effect on the sharp corners here in the highlighted area. From here, let's create a hybrid toolpath on the same model. Based on the initial parameter settings you can again clearly see where the tool motion makes abrupt sharp changes in direction. Now, if we re-open the tool path parameters and go to the cut parameters branch . . . we can simply check the box to enable smoothing. Then set a blend distance and click OK. Now the abrupt direction changes are replaced with smooth transitions. It’s that easy. As you can see, this new smoothing option will help to refine your machined finishes and create more fluid motion in your programs. Please be sure to sign up for our [...]

Let’s go over how to download and install the new Sandvik Prime Turning module for Mastercam Lathe and Millturn. This innovative new system integrates both specialized cutting tools and toolpath engineering to produce phenomenal efficiency gains in material removal rates. The first thing you need to do is log into the Mastercam website and then go to the 2018 Downloads landing page. From here, select the Prime Turning Installation zip file. Once the download is complete, extract the contents and then right-click and select Run as Administrator. Click through all the prompts and in a few moments the installation is complete. Next, start up Mastercam and add the Prime Turning icon on the Lathe ribbon as shown below. Prime Turning uses a specific toolpath operation and a dedicated tool library, both designed to work together to take maximum advantage of this technology. Finally, create a toolpath and select a tool. Since this technology is very specialized we strongly advise that you consult all the data resources available from both Sandvik and Mastercam. As you can see, Mastercam continues to push forward on the cutting edge of CNC technology, helping you maintain the competitive advantage. Please be sure to sign up [...]

There is an interesting new option in the linking parameters for Mill toolpaths in Mastercam 2018. In previous versions there were only two options available on this page – Absolute and Incremental. Now, in 2018, a new option called Associative Linking has been added which takes full advantage of the intelligence built right into the model. And, it will adapt automatically to changes in the model structure. In the example file above there are several operations using varying clearance heights. If you open an operation and go to the Linking Parameters page you will see the new option labeled Associative on each branch of the tree. For this example we have set clearance as an associative elevation relative to the top of the center boss. If that elevation changes on the model, the toolpaths will adapt accordingly. Next, go to the Model Prep tab and select the Push-Pull function. If you stretch the face of the center boss upward by an inch you will notice that the toolpaths have all been marked dirty when you click OK. When you regenerate the toolpaths all the clearance heights will automatically adjust to maintain the same relative distance from the feature. If you [...]

There is a new enhancement to the dynamic turning toolpaths in Mastercam 2018. In previous versions of Mastercam, you had to be careful not to gouge the part with the tool holder. Now in Mastercam 2018, one simple checkbox and an adjustable clearance angle can help prevent upcut motions which fall outside the tools useable cutting angle. If we examine a toolpath in a previous version we can see that, based on the chained geometry, Mastercam will attempt to wrap the insert cutting edge around the entire machining area without regard to the exposed shank angle. This will cause a collision. Now, let’s examine the same toolpath in Mastercam 2018. Open the toolpath parameters and go to the second tab. Here you can see the new checkbox and button. If you click the Non-cutting Region button, you can clearly define the angle of engagement you want for the tool. If you simply check the Prevent Up-cutting box, the toolpath calculates clean with no collisions. It’s that easy. As you can see, this new enhancement makes an already useful tool even more flexible and dynamic. Please be sure to sign up for our 2 Minute Tuesday video series to receive tips [...]

There’s a new option in the Mastercam 2018 Simulator to save full 3D executable presentation files. In previous versions we could capture and save MP4 movies, but viewers could not change the capture perspective or zoom level. Now in Mastercam 2018, the presentation exe files are standalone files that can be run on any computer and they allow full flexibility of the 3D viewing environment. The file below is all set up and ready to go with part geometry, stock, and fixtures. There is also a toolpath ready to go in all three fixture locations. Set the Verify options for how to define the part, stock, and fixture geometry, then go to the Machine Simulation tab and select the machine that you want to see in full simulation mode. You can also edit the position options to bring everything in line with the machine table and then make just the part geometry level visible. Next, click the button to launch Mastercam Simulation. Here you can see the two new buttons on the home ribbon; the first labeled Simulation in the mode section to the right of Backplot and Verify. And the second labeled Save Presentation in the demonstration tools section [...]