X7 Advanced Machining Tutorial

Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial
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Mastercam X7 Training Tutorials - Advanced Multiaxis
Copyright: 1998 - 2013 In-House Solutions Inc. All rights reserved
Software: Mastercam X7
Author: Mariana Lendel
ISBN: 978-1-926955-85-8
Date: June 13, 2013
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Getting Started ........................................................................................................... 1
Tutorials:
Tutorial #1 - Projection Toolpath ..........................................................................................................17
Tutorial #2 - Swarf Milling, Parallel to Multiple Curves Toolpaths & Machine Simulation ..................43
Tutorial #3 - Parallel Cut, Morph Between 2 Curves Toolpaths ............................................................99
Tutorial #4 - Impeller Floor Surface Without Tiltcurve, Morph Between 2 Surfaces, Impeller Blade
Swarf Finish, Parallel to Surface Toolpaths.........................................................................................161
Tutorial #5 Collision Control Strategies ...............................................................................................243
General Notes .........................................................................................................

GETTING STARTED 285
Quiz Answers ........................................................................................................... 349

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ADVANCED MULTIAXIS TRAINING TUTORIAL PROJECTS
Tutorial Toolpath Creation

#1
Projection toolpath from the Tool
Box toolpath family.
#2
Swarf milling toolpath from the Tool Box
toolpath family.
Parallel to multiple curves toolpath from the
Wireframe toolpath family.
Machine Simulation.
#3
Parallel cuts toolpath from the Surface/Solids
toolpath family.
Morph between 2 curves toolpath from the
Advanced Mutiaxis Training Tutorial

MILL LEVEL MULTIAXIS
ADVANCED 3 TRAININGTRAINING
TUTORIALTUTORIAL
PROJECTSPROJECTS
Tutorial Toolpath Creation

#4
Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve toolpath
from the Tool Box toolpath family.
Morph between 2 surfaces toolpath from the
Surface/Solid toolpath family.
Impeller blade swarf finish toolpaths from the
Tool Box toolpath.
Parallel to surface toolpath from the Surface/
Solid toolpath family.
Transform Rotate toolpaths to machine the
entire impeller.
#5
Collision control strategies:
Tilting tool away with maximum angle using side

tilt.
Retracting tool along tool axis.
Moving tool away with retract on +Z.
Advanced Mutiaxis Training Tutorial

GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED


The Student will learn about the Graphics user interface.

You will learn how to navigate through Mastercam.
How to use the Status Bar to set the attributes.
Set the Toolbar States.
Setting the Grid.
Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial Page|1

GETTING STARTED
STEP 1: STARTING MASTERCAM
1.1 Enable the Unified Backplot/Verify System
NOTE: To be able to follow this tutorial you will need to enable the Unified Backplot /Verify System. The
change has to be done in Mastercam Advanced Configuration as shown in this step.
Select the Start button.

Select All Programs and click on Mastercam X7 as shown.
Select Utilities as shown.
Select Advanced Configuration as shown.
Page|2 Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial

GETTING STARTED
Make sure that Mastercam X7 version is selected as shown.

Select Backplot from the list and set the Classic Backplot to Disable.
Select the Apply button to apply the changes.
Select the OK button to exit.
1.2 Start Mastercam X7
To start the software, from Desktop, click on the shortcut icon as shown.

GETTING STARTED
STEP 2: GUI - GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE
Menu Allows you to select all the functions in Mastercam to create geometry and
toolpaths.
Toolbars Can be used instead of the menu to create geometry and toolpaths.
Ribbon Bar Allows you to enter the values and settings that define the entities that you are
currently creating or modifying.
Function prompt Prompts the user for info.
Status Bar Allows you to set the attributes (color, level, style, and width) and the View/
Plane and Z depth currently used.
Toolpaths/Solids Lists the history of the toolpath operations and solids.
Operations Manager
Origin Geometry origin from which the system measures the point coordinates in X,Y
and Z axes in the current plane.
Graphic Area Workspace area in Mastercam where the geometry displays.
MRU Toolbar Lists the most recently used functions.
Quick Mask Toolbar Lets you select all entities of a specific type.
Scale Shows you a scale of the object on the screen.
View Port XYZ Axes Informs you which Graphics view, WCS and Toolplane/Construction plane you
are working in.

NAVIGATE THROUGH MASTERCAM GETTING STARTED
STEP 3: NAVIGATE THROUGH MASTERCAM
In this step you will learn how to use the menu functions in Mastercam to create geometry.
3.1 Using the Menu to select the command Create Line Endpoint
Left click on Create.

Move the cursor on the drop-down menu above the Line function. This will open a flyout menu with all the
commands related to create lines as shown in Figure: 3.1.1.
Left-click on the desired command Endpoint.
Figure: 3.1.1
3.2 Using the Toolbars to select the command Create Line Endpoint
To see the commands which are found under Create Line, in the menu bar choose the drop down arrow to the
right of the icon as shown in Figure: 3.2.1.
Figure: 3.2.1

GETTING STARTED NAVIGATE THROUGH MASTERCAM
3.3 Reorganizing the toolbars
NOTE: Mastercam is fully customizable meaning you can move the toolbars anywhere you desire allowing you
to work more efficiently.
To move a toolbar select the left vertical line in front of the toolbar and drag it to the desired location on the
screen as shown.
NOTE: To customize the toolbars please see the General Notes.
Left Click on the Create Line Endpoint command icon as shown.
3.4 Create Line Endpoint Ribbon Bar example
To create the line, select the first endpoint by sketching a point from the screen (left click). Then enter the
distance and angle if necessary.
To continue making lines choose the Apply button from the ribbon bar or press Enter. To exit the current
command select the OK button or press the Esc button.
To undo the last command use the Undo button. The undo button can be used to go back to the beginning
of geometry creation or to the last point of the saved file. Mastercam also has a Redo button for your
convenience.

3.5 Function Prompt
Prompts the user to execute a command.
Example this prompt is used in the Create Line Endpoint command.
3.6 Status Bar
The Status bar is used to set the drawing attributes, view, plane, Z depth and construction mode.
2D / 3D Construction Toggles between 2D and 3D construction modes. In 2D mode all geometry is

created parallel to the current Cplane at the current system Z depth. In 3D
mode you can work freely in various Z depths, unconstrained by the current
system Z depth and Cplane setting.
Gview Sets the graphics view which you will view your geometry from. You can choose
a different standard Gview, an existing named view, create a new named view
or set the Gview to the current Cplane.
Planes Sets the construction plane in which you create and manipulate your geometry.
You can change the current plane by selecting a different standard plane,
selecting an existing named view, creating a new named view and by setting the
plane to equal the current Gview.
Z Depth Sets the current construction depth. To set this click the drop down arrow and
pick one from the most recently used list or click the Z: label and pick a point in
the graphics window to use the Z depth values based on the selected entity.
Color Assigns the current color. To change the current color click in the color field and
select a color from the color pallet.
Level Sets the main level you want to work with in the graphics window. To change
the current working level type the level number in the box or select the level
using one of the following methods.
Attributes Lets you change one or more drawing attributes.
Point Style Displays and sets the systems point style.
Line Style Shows and sets the system line style.
Line Width Displays and sets the current system line width.

Work Coordinate System Allows you to redefine the WCS. You can choose from a list of stand views,
(WCS) specify origin coordinates, access the view manager or use the named function
to access the view selection dialog box.
Groups Defines a collection of entities or operations that can be manipulated as a single
entity.
3.7 Change the Current System Color
Left click on System Color as shown in Figure: 3.7.1.
Figure: 3.7.1
Select the desired color from the dialog box as shown in Figure: 3.7.2.
Figure: 3.7.2
Select the OK button to exit the command and begin creating geometry in the color of your choice.
NOTE: Any geometry on your screen will remain in the previous system color. This change will only affect the
geometry you create going forward.

3.8 The Toolpath Manager
The Toolpath Manager displays all the operations for the current part. You can sort, edit, regenerate, verify and post any
operations. For more information on the Toolpath Manager, please refer to General Notes.
The Toolpaths Manger can be hidden to gain more space in the graphics area for creating geometry.
Press Alt + O to hide the manager.

STEP 4: SETTING THE TOOLBAR STATES

Before starting the geometry creation we should customize the toolbars to see the toolbars required to create
the geometry and machine a 2D part.
Settings
Toolbar States as shown.
From the left column select 4-5 Axis Toolpaths.

Choose the Load button as shown in Figure: 4.0.1.
Figure: 4.0.1
Select the OK button to accept the toolbar states.

The 2D Toolpaths icons will be displayed to the left of the Operations Manager as shown in Figure: 4.0.2.
Figure: 4.0.2

STEP 5: SETTING THE GRID

Before beginning to create geometry you will enable the Grid. This will show you where the origin is.
Settings
Configuration.
Select Screen from the configuration Topics.
Select the plus sign (+) beside screen as shown in Figure: 5.0.1.
Figure: 5.0.1
In Grid Settings enable Visible Grid and change the Spacing to X = 0.25 and Y = 0.25.
Set the Size to 1.0.
Choose the OK button to exit.

Select Yes to save the setting as shown.

The grid will appear on your screen as shown in Figure: 5.0.2.
Figure: 5.0.2


TUTORIAL #11
TUTORIAL #1

TUTORIAL #11 OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:
OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:

Open the CAD Model:
The student will download the file that contains the geometry from emastercam.com.
Create the necessary Toolpath to machine the part:

The student will set up the stock size to be used and the appropriate tool settings.
A Projection toolpath will be created to engrave the letters.
Backplot and Verify the file:

The Backplot will be used to simulate a step by step process of the tools movements.
The Verify will be used to watch a tool machine the part out of a solid model.
Post Process the file to generate the G-code:

The Student will then post process the file to obtain an NC file containing the necessary code for the machine.
This tutorial takes approximately twenty minutes to complete.
Page |16 Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial

SELECT THE GEOMETRY FILE TUTORIAL #11
This tutorial covers Mastercam's 5-Axis toolpath functionality. To apply these toolpaths to a 5-Axis machine tool, a
customized post processor for your machine is required.
There are no default 5-Axis post processors included with Mastercam due to the variation in multi-axis machine
configurations. Contact your Mastercam reseller to request post processor services such as multi-axis post development.
Your post processor may require certain additional programming information not covered in this tutorial. For instance:
You may be required to position your stock in machine space rather than at Mastercam's origin.
You may be required to use the Misc Values.
Your post may also prompt you for tool gage lengths.
The nature of the additional information required depends largely on your machine's configuration. Contact the developer
of your post processor for details.
STEP 1: SELECT THE GEOMETRY FILE

Resources - Download the file from www.emastercam.com/files/.
File
Open.
Select "TUTORIAL 1 PROJECT5 AXIS.MCX-7" from the directory you saved the file in.
Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen.

TUTORIAL #11 SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK
STEP 2: SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK
In Mastercam, you select a Machine Definition before creating any toolpaths. The Machine Definition is a model of your
machine tool's capabilities and features and acts like a template for setting up machining jobs. The machine definition ties
together three main components: the schematic model of your machine tools components, the control definition that
models your control units capabilities and the post processor that will generate the required machine code (G-code). For
the purpose of this tutorial, we will be using the 5 - AXIS TABLE - HEAD VERTICAL machine.
NOTE: If you already have the default machine in the Toolpaths Operations Manager, do not select another
machine. Expand Properties and select Files, and then select Replace button and select the 5 - AXIS TABLE -
HEAD VERTICAL.MMD-7.
2.1 Add the Machine in the short list
Machine type
Mill.
Manage list.
Select the 5 - AXIS TABLE - HEAD VERTICAL.MMD-7.
Select the Add button as shown Figure: 2.1.1.
Figure: 2.1.1
The machine will be added in the Machine Definition Menu.
Select the OK button to exit Machine Definition Menu Management dialog box.

SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK TUTORIAL #11
2.2 Select the Machine type
Machine type
Mill.
Select the MILL 5 - AXIS TABLE - HEAD VERTICAL.MMD-7.
2.3 Make visible Level 2 to be able to select the stock
From the Status bar, select Level.

Click in the Visible column next to Number 2.
Select the OK button to exit Level Manager.
2.4 Set the tool parameters in the Tool settings
Select the plus sign in front of Properties in the Toolpaths Manager to expand the Toolpaths Group Properties.
Select the Tool settings to set the tool parameters.

Change the parameters to match the Figure: 2.4.1.
Figure: 2.4.1
Program # is used to enter a

number if your machine tool
requires a number for a program
name.
Assign tool numbers sequentially
allows you to overwrite the tool
number from the library with the
next available tool number (First
operation tool number 1;
Second operation tool number 2,
etc.).
Warn of duplicate tool numbers
allows you to get a warning if you
enter two tools with the same
number.
Override defaults with modal
values enables the system to
keep the values that you enter.
Feed Calculation set From tool
uses feed rate, plunge rate,
retract rate and spindle speed
from the tool definition.
2.5 Set the stock shape and the size
Select the Stock Setup tab.

In the Shape area, enable Solid and click on the Select button.

[Select an entity]: Select the solid from the graphics window.
The Stock Setup page should look as shown in Figure: 2.5.1.
Figure: 2.5.1

TUTORIAL #11 PROJECTION 5-AXIS TOOLPATH
Select the OK button to exit Machine Group Properties.
2.6 Make invisible Level 2
From the Status bar, select Level.

Click in the Visible column next to Number 2 to remove the X.
Select the OK button to exit the Level Manager dialog box.
NOTE: Remember that the stock is not geometry and can not be selected. You will use the defined stock while
verifying the part.
STEP 3: PROJECTION 5-AXIS TOOLPATH
Advanced Multiaxis provides enhanced 5-Axis multisurface machining strategies. You can work with the full interface that
gives you access to all the available parameters and options. You can also choose from a number of simplified interfaces
that have been customized for specific applications and machining strategies.
These toolpaths work on surfaces. Solid selection is available for most advanced multiaxis toolpath strategies, with the
following exceptions: Toolpaths that require the selection of a defined edge (solid edge) and toolpaths that require the
selection of only a single surface (solid face).

PROJECTION 5-AXIS TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #11
3.1 Create the Projection 5-Axis toolpath with the tool axis oriented normal to the surfaces
Projection is a toolpath that follows a curve that has been projected onto a set of surfaces. This is useful for engraving and
similar applications. Projection curves should lie on or above the surface, within the maximum projection distance.
Toolpath Preview:
Toolpaths
Multiaxis.
Accept the NC name by selecting the OK button.
Toolpath Type
Toolpath Type page allows you to establish the type of multiaxis toolpath to create. Toolpath type controls the options
available as you proceed down the tree structure. The options are based on the toolpath family selected using the
Calculation based on buttons, as well as by selecting the picture of the toolpath you wish to create. The Toolpath Type
dialog box allows you to select between the different toolpath families Classic, Wireframe, Surface/Solids, Drill/Circle
Mill, Tool Box or Custom applications. You can then choose one of the toolpaths inside of that family.

From the Toolpath type select Tool Box button and click on the Projection.
Tool
The Tool page allows you to select a tool, set the feeds and speeds, enter a comment about the operation, and set other
general toolpath parameters.
From the Tree View Area, select Tool.

Right-mouse click in the tool list window and select Create new tool.

As tool Type, select the Taper Mill as shown.

Select the Next button and change the parameters as shown in Figure: 3.1.1.
Figure: 3.1.1

Select the Next button scroll down and change the parameters as shown in Figure: 3.1.2.
Figure: 3.1.2
Select the Finish button to continue.

Make sure that the Tool diameter value is 0.05 and the Corner radius value is 0.025.
Add a comment in the Comment area to identify the toopath in the Toolpath Manager and also in the NC file.
The Tool page should look as shown in Figure: 3.1.3.
Figure: 3.1.3
NOTE: The Feed rate, plunge rate and spindle speed values are the ones you set in the Parameters page of the
Tool definition.
Projection
Projection settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Drive surfaces button allows you to return to the graphics window to select the surfaces.
Projection curves button allows you to return to the graphics window to select the curves. Projection curves should lie on
or above the surface, within the Max. projection distance.
Cut tolerance sets the accuracy of the multiaxis toolpath.
Maximum angle step sets the maximum angle between the adjacent tool vectors generated along the curves.
Engraving depth sets the depth to engrave the selected projection curves.
Apply multiple depth activates multi passes options.
Distances set the distances above the part, as incremental values, where the tool is moving at rapid feed rate or at the
cutting feed rate. It also sets the minimum distance above the part for the tool to travel in the clearance area.

Click on the button next to the Drive surfaces, to select them as shown.
[Select surfaces for machining]: Select the surface as shown.
Press Enter to finish the selection.

Select Done to exit Drive srfs Selection dialog box as shown.

Click on the button next to the Projection curves, to select them as shown.
From the Chaining dialog box, select the Window button as shown.
Make a window around the letters as shown in Figure: 3.1.4.

[Sketch approximate start point]: Select the point as shown in Figure: 3.1.4.
Figure: 3.1.4
Select the OK button to exit the Chaining dialog box.

Change the Engraving depth to -0.005 and make sure that the rest of the parameters are set as shown in
Figure: 3.1.5.
Figure: 3.1.5
NOTE: The graphics in all the toolpath parameter pages will change to reflect the parameter that you input.
This helps you visualize the result of the change. Your image might be different than the one shown.
Select the OK button to exit Multiaxis Toolpath - Projection.

TUTORIAL #11 BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATH
STEP 4: BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATH
Backplotting shows the path the tools take to cut the part. This display lets you spot errors in the program before you
machine the part. As you backplot toolpaths, Mastercam displays additional information such as the X, Y, and Z
coordinates, the path length , the minimum and maximum coordinates and the cycle time. It also shows any collisions
between the workpiece and the tool.
Make sure that the toolpath is selected (signified by the green check mark on the folder icon).
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, click on the Backplot/Verify Options icon as shown.
Make sure that the settings are as shown in Figure: 4.0.1.
Figure: 4.0.1
Select the OK button to exit Backplot/Verify Options.

BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #11
Select the Backplot selected operations button.
NOTE: Mastercam launches a new window that allows you to check the part using the Unified Backplot/Verify
System.
Select the Backplot tab and have the following settings enabled as shown.
Select the Home tab and make sure that you have the following settings on as shown.
To see the part from an Isometric view select the Isometric icon.
To fit the workpiece to the screen, select the Fit icon.
You can step through the Backplot by using the Step forward or Step back buttons.
You can adjust the speed of the backplot.

Select the Play button in the VCR bar to run Backplot.
The toolpath should look as shown.
NOTE: The tool axis orientation is normal to the surface at each step along the curves.

VERIFY THE TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #11
STEP 5: VERIFY THE TOOLPATH
Verify Mode shows the path the tools take to cut the part with material removal. This display lets you spot errors in the
program before you machine the part. As you verify toolpaths, Mastercam displays additional information such as the X, Y,
and Z coordinates, the path length , the minimum and maximum coordinates and the cycle time. It also shows any
collisions between the workpiece and the tool.
From the Unified Backplot/Verify System, switch to Verify and change the settings for the Visibility, Colour
Loop and Focus as shown.
Select the Play button to start Verify.
The part should look as shown.
NOTE: To rotate the part, move the cursor to the center of the part and click and hold the mouse wheel and
slowly move it in one direction.
To Zoom In or Out hold down the mouse wheel and scroll up or down as needed.

TUTORIAL #11 VERIFY THE TOOLPATH
Click on the Isometric icon and then the Fit icon to see the part in the original position if needed.
To check the part step by step, click first on the Start icon.
Click on the Step Forward to see the tool moving one step at a time.
To go back to Mastercam window, minimize Verify window as shown.
Press Alt + T to remove the toolpath display from the graphics window.

POST THE FILE TO GENERATE THE NC CODE TUTORIAL #11
STEP 6: POST THE FILE TO GENERATE THE NC CODE

Select Post selected operations button from Toolpath Operations Manager.
NOTE: The active Post Processor is a generic fanuc post processor. Please check the information about the
post processor at page 17.
In the Post processing window, if needed, make any necessary changes as shown in Figure: 6.0.1.
Figure: 6.0.1
Select the OK button to continue.

Enter the same name as the file name in the NC File name field.
Save the NC file to continue.

TUTORIAL #11 SAVE THE UPDATED MCX-7 FILE
A window with Mastercam Code Expert will be lunched and the NC program will appear as shown in
Figure: 6.0.2.
Figure: 6.0.2
NOTE: The G code that you have created will appear on the screen, if the code looks okay you can shut the
window down without saving it. If you need to change the code, make sure you save it before you close the
window down.
How the program is sent to the machine depends on the shop setup.
Select the red "X" box at the upper right corner to exit the Editor.
STEP 7: SAVE THE UPDATED MCX-7 FILE
Select the Save icon.

NOTES: TUTORIAL #11
NOTES:

TUTORIAL #11 TUTORIAL #1 QUIZ
TUTORIAL #1 QUIZ
What type of applications are best suited for the Projection toolpath?
What kind of geometry do you need to generate a projection toolpath?
How should the projection curves be created?

2013-7-2 (Versi on 4.0 2013-06-28
 Automatically sign me into this document in the future.

(Do not select this when using a public computer)   
TUTORIAL #21
TUTORIAL #2

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Open the CAD Model:
The student will download the file that contains the geometry and the surface toolpaths used to create the
stock.

A stock model toolpath will be created from the existing surface toolpaths.
A Swarf milling toolpath will be created to machine the walls.
Switch to Advanced Interface to create a Parallel to multiple curves toolpath to fix the problems with the Swarf
toolpath.
Another Parallel to multiple curves toolpath will be created to machine the fillet surfaces.

The Machine Simulation will be used to check for any collisions between the tool and the part.

This tutorial takes approximately one hour to complete.

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File
Open.
Select "TUTORIAL 2 SWARF.MCX-7" from the directory you saved it in.
NOTE: The file contains four surface toolpaths that will be used to generate an intermediate stock which can
be used when checking the 5-Axis toolpaths.

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TUTORIAL #21 SET THE STOCK MODEL FROM THE ROUGH OPERATION
STEP 2: SET THE STOCK MODEL FROM THE ROUGH OPERATION
In this step you will define the Stock model from the surface toolpaths. You will use this stock model to verify the finish
toolpaths in Verify.
Toolpath Preview:
Toolpaths
Stock model.
In the Stock Definition, name the stock model Stock after roughing as shown in Figure: 2.0.1.
Set the Initial stock shape to Rectangle and click on the Stock Setup button to get the values from the stock
setup as shown in Figure: 2.0.1.
Figure: 2.0.1

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SET THE STOCK MODEL FROM THE ROUGH OPERATION TUTORIAL #21
From the Tree view area, select Source Operations and click on the Toolpath Group-1 to enable all operation
as shown in Figure: 2.0.2.
Figure: 2.0.2
Select the OK button to exit Stock model parameters.

The stock model in shaded mode should look as shown.
Press Alt + T to remove the Stock model display.
NOTE: To be able to select the drive surfaces required in the toolpaths, you need to remove the Stock model
display.

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TUTORIAL #21 FINISH THE WALLS - SWARF MILLING
STEP 3: FINISH THE WALLS - SWARF MILLING
Use Swarf milling to machine the wall surfaces with the side of the tool.
Toolpath Preview:
Create the Swarf milling toolpath from the Tool Box toolpath family to machine the walls using the following
parameters:
Create 1/8" Taper Ball Endmill with taper angle of 5 degrees.
Side Tilt Collision Control.
Cutting method set to One way.
Direction for one way machining set to Climb.
Cut Tolerance = 0.0005".
Number of cuts = 1.
Output format set to 5-Axis.
Lead angle to cutting direction = 0.0.
Maximum angle step = 3 degrees.
Side tilt definition set to Follow surface iso direction.
Toolpaths
Multiaxis.

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FINISH THE WALLS - SWARF MILLING TUTORIAL #21
Toolpath Type
Select Tool Box button and click on the Swarf milling.
Tool
From the Tree View list, select Tool.

Right-mouse click in the tool list window and select Create new tool.

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As tool Type, select the Taper Mill as shown in Figure: 3.0.1.
Figure: 3.0.1

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Select the Next button to define the tool geometric parameters as shown in Figure: 3.0.2.
Figure: 3.0.2

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Select the Next button and change the parameters as shown Figure: 3.0.3.
Figure: 3.0.3
Select the Finish button to continue.
NOTE: The feeds and spindle speed are based on the tool definition. You can overwrite them with the feeds
and speed that you want to use. You can also let Mastercam calculate the feeds and speed using the Feed
speed calculator.
Add a comment in the Comment area to identify the toolpath in the Toolpath Manager and also in the NC file.

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Figure: 3.0.4
Swarf Milling
Swarf milling settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Wall surfaces are the surfaces that are machined during the 5-Axis Swarf toolpath.
Bottom rail is the edge curve at the bottom of the wall surfaces.
Both wall surfaces and bottom rail have to be selected to generate the 5-Axis Swarf toolpath.
You can also select two sets of check surfaces, one for the floor of the part and another that can represent any other part
feature the tool needs to avoid.
You can also choose the Cutting method and the direction for one way machining. In the Swarf Milling page you can set
the Cut tolerance and the Maximum stepover.
From the Tree View list, select Swarf Milling.

Click on the Wall surfaces button.

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[Select surfaces for machining]: From the Quick Mask toolbar, located to the right side of the graphics window,
select the QM color icon.
Select color gray no. 56 as shown.
Select the OK button to exit the Select All dialog box.

Click on the Show button to see the selected surfaces.

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The surfaces should look as shown.
Press Enter to continue.

Select Done to exit Drive srfs Selection dialog box.

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Click on the Bottom rail button.
Select the magenta curve as shown.
NOTE: Press Alt + S to shade/unshade the surfaces when needed.
Select the OK button to exit Chaining dialog box.

Enable and click on the Floor surfaces button.

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[Please select check surfaces for retracting tool along tool axis]: Select the QM color icon again.
Select the green color no. 42 and hold Ctrl key and select the pink no. 89 as shown.


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Make sure that the Side Tilt Collision is set to On and the Side tilt definition is set to Follow surface iso
direction.
The rest of the parameters should be set as shown.
Select the OK button to exit Multiaxis Toolpath - Swarf milling.

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Verify Mode shows the path the tools take to cut the part with material removal. This display lets you spot errors in the
program before you machine the part. As you verify toolpaths, Mastercam displays additional information such as the X, Y,
and Z coordinates, the path length , the minimum and maximum coordinates and the cycle time. It also shows any
collisions between the workpiece and the tool.
Make sure that the Swarf toolpath is selected (signified by the green check mark on the folder icon).
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, click on the Backplot/Verify Options icon as shown.
Set the Stock to stock model

Enable Stock model and the settings will look as shown in Figure: 4.0.1.
Figure: 4.0.1
Select the OK button to exit Backplot/Verify Options.

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From the Toolpaths Manager, select Verify all selected operation icon.
Enable the vectors and increase their length for a better verification
In the Verify tab make sure that Enable Vectors is selected.
Select the File tab and then Options.

Enable Graphics.
Scroll down and increase the vector length as shown.
Select the OK button to exit Options.

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In the Visibility area make sure that the following settings are enabled.
Click on the Stock until is translucid as shown.

Click on the Play icon and the toolpath should look as shown.
NOTE: There is a lot of unnecessary retract moves and even a dangerous change in the tool axis orientation
that gouges the part. To correct these problems we need to Switch to Advanced Interface on the Misc page.
This will bring your current strategy over to the full interface which gives you much more control over your
toolpaths.

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TUTORIAL #21 SWITCH TO ADVANCED INTERFACE - PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES
STEP 5: SWITCH TO ADVANCED INTERFACE - PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES
Switching from the simplified interface that has been customized for a specific application to the Advanced interface gives
you access to all the available parameters and options. Swarf milling switches automatically to Parallel to multiple curves
interface that is otherwise located in the Wireframe toolpath family.
The Parallel to multiple curves toolpath pattern will align the cut direction with a leading curve. Adjacent cuts are parallel
to each other. It is important to note that the cuts will not simply be copied next to each other. Every new cut is created at
an offset from the previous cut.
The curve must be located exactly on the surface edge, so the best curve would be the edge itself. This is very important for
toolpath generation. If you don't have a proper curve, an incorrect toolpath can be generated.
Toolpath Preview:
5.1 Fixing the toolpath to remove the retract motions and the gouge into the floor
Change the following parameters:

Enable Round corners.
Start margin = 0.01.
Tool axis to Surface with lead/lag.
Change the Tilt angle = 85.0 degrees.

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SWITCH TO ADVANCED INTERFACE - PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES TUTORIAL #21
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, in the Swarf milling select the Parameters.
From the Tree View list select Misc.

Click on Switch to advanced interface button.

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Cut Pattern
Cut pattern settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry. You can select edge
curve and the surfaces to be machined. You can also choose the area type which determines where the tool starts, ends,
and area to be cut. Cut Pattern page also allows you to set the Cutting method and the direction for one way machining. In
the Cut Pattern you can set the Cut tolerance and the Maximum stepover.
From the Tree View list select Cut Pattern.

Enable Round corners to round the surface model to avoid the small radii and internal sharp corners in the
direction of cutting.

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Margins
Margins create additional space so the toolpath is not starting directly on the surface edge. Start margins allows you to
enter a positive distance to offset the first pass from the surface edge. The offset places the tool inside the surface
boundary.
From the Tree View area, click on the plus sign in front of the Cut Parttern to expand the tree.
Select Margins.
Change the Start margins to 0.01 as shown.

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Tool Axis Control
Tool axis control settings determine the tool's orientation in relation to the geometry being cut. You can set the maximum
angle the tool will be allowed to move through between adjacent moves.
The side tilt angle is applied to the tool axis in the direction of the cut, relative to the surface normal. A positive angle tilts
the tool to the left; a negative angle tilts the tool to the right.
From the Tree View list select Tool Axis Control.

Make sure that Tool axis will... is set to Surface with lead/lag and change the Tilt angle to 85.0 degrees as
shown in Figure: 5.1.1.
Make sure that Run tool is set to At radius as shown.
Figure: 5.1.1

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Linking
Linking determines how the tool moves when not cutting material.
First entry is the first approach of the tool towards the part. You can specify from where the tool should approach (enter)
the part and whether there will be a lead-in move when entering the part.
Last exit defines how the tool will leave the part and where it will go after the toolpath is complete. The default setting is
Retract to clearance area. In this exit method, the tool leaves the drive surface, moves to the feed distance, then to the
rapid distance, and finally to the clearance area.
From the Tree View list, select Linking.

Change the Small gap size to 200% of the tool diameter to keep the tool down as shown in Figure: 5.1.2.
Figure: 5.1.2
Select the OK button to exit Multiaxis Toolpath - Parallel to multiple curves.
5.2 Regenerate the toolpath
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, select the Regenerate all selected operations.

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5.3verify the toolpath
Select the Verify selected operations button.
Select the Play button in the VCR bar to run Verify.

NOTE: Although the toolpath is smoother with no rapid retract movements and no gouges, the tool plunges
into the part while entering the part and retracts at the same entry point.
To improve the toolpath you can add lead in/out movements for a smooth entry/exit.
You can also overlap the entry by adding a cutting motion when the tool gets at the end of the edge curve.

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5.4 Add the overlap movement and the lead in/out movements
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, in the Swarf milling toolpath select the Parameters.
Cut Pattern
From the Tree View list, select Cut Pattern.

In the Area Type enable Extend/trim as shown in Figure: 5.4.1.
Figure: 5.4.1

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Extend/Trim
Extend and Trim options determine how the tool behaves when it comes to the end of a surface. A positive value extends
the toolpath, while a negative value trims the toolpath.
From the Tree View expanded list, select Extend/Trim.

Change the Start and End percentages to 25.0 as shown in Figure: 5.4.2.
Figure: 5.4.2

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Linking
Last exit defines how the tool will leave the part and where it will go after the toolpath is complete. The default setting is
Retract to clearance area. In this exit method, the tool leaves the drive surface, moves to the feed distance, then to the
rapid distance, and finally to the clearance area.
From the Tree View list, select Linking.

In the First entry enable Use Lead-In and in the Last exit enable Use Lead-Out as shown in Figure: 5.4.3.
Leave the rest of the parameters as shown.
Figure: 5.4.3

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Default Lead - In/Out
Lead - In determines how the tool feeds into the material as it approaches the part.
Lead - Out determines how the tool retracts from the material at the end of the toolpath.
From the Tree View area, select the First Entry - Lead In and make sure that the Use default Lead - In is enabled
as shown.
Select the Last Exit - Lead Out and make sure that the Use default Lead - Out is enabled too as shown.
In the Default Lead - in/out page change the parameters as shown.

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Clearance Area
Clearance area settings are used to provide a location for tool retraction at a rapid feed rate. The location is defined by a
shape such as a cylinder or sphere, or by a plane.
From the Tree View list, expand Linking and select Clearance Area.
Leave the settings as they are to retract in the top plane along Z axis.

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5.6 Verify the toolpath

To rotate the part as shown, move the cursor to the center of the geometry, hold down the mouse wheel and
slight move the cursor to the right.
Press Alt + T to remove the toolpath display.

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PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES WITH TOOL AXIS TILTED THROUGH CURVE TUTORIAL #21
STEP 6: PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES WITH TOOL AXIS TILTED THROUGH CURVE
Toolpath Preview:
6.1 Finish the fillet surfaces using Parallel to multiple curves toolpath
Create the Parallel to multiple curves toolpath from the Wireframe toolpath family using the following
parameters:
1/8" Taper ball mill with taper angle of 5 degrees.
Area type = Determine by number of cuts; Number of cuts = 1.
Cutting method set to One way; Climb.
Enable Enforce cutting direction (assume closed contours).
Start margin = 0.0; Additional margin to overcome surface edge inaccuracies = 0.0018; Enable Add internal tool radius.
Output format set to 5-Axis; Maximum angle step = 3 degrees.
Tool axis will = Tilted through curve.
Fixed tilt angle = 0.
Curve tilt type set to Closest point.
Use default Lead in/out just for the Entry and Exit.
Default Lead in/out Type set to Vertical Tangential Arc; Width = 0.2; Length = 0.2; Height = 0.2.

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TUTORIAL #21 PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES WITH TOOL AXIS TILTED THROUGH CURVE
Toolpaths
Multiaxis.
Toolpath type
Select Wireframe button.
Select Parallel to multiple curves.
Tool
From the Tree View area, select Tool.
Select the existing 1/8" Taper mill.
Cut Pattern
From the Tree View area, select Cut Pattern.
Click on the Edge curves button as shown.
Select the magenta color contour as shown.

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Click on the Drive surfaces button.
Select the QM color icon.
Select the pink surfaces color no. 89.


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Leave Drive surfaces offset to 0 as this is a finish toolpath.

Change the Area type to Determine by number of cuts and set the Number of cuts to 1.
direction of cutting.

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Set the rest of the parameters as shown in Figure: 6.1.1.
Figure: 6.1.1

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Margins
Margins create additional space so the toolpath is not starting directly on the surface edge. You are machining the fillet
surfaces with a tool that has the radius the same radius as the fillet surfaces. To move the toolpath to the middle of the
fillet enable add internal tool radius for margins.
Click on the plus sign in front of Cut pattern, if needed, to expand it and select Margins.
Enable Add internal tool radius and leave the rest of the parameters as shown in Figure: 6.1.2.
Figure: 6.1.2
Tool Axis Control
Tool axis set to Chain, allows you to align the tool axis with a tilt curve. There are different options possible for how the
axis will be aligned to the curve. With Closest point, the orientation of the tool axis is the same as the shortest distance
between your present toolpath point and the tilt curve.
Fixed tilt angle tilts the tool axis away from the tilt curve. A positive angle tilts the tool outwards and a negative angle tilts
it inwards.
NOTE: When using Chain make sure that your tilt curve is located above the drive surfaces.
From the Tool Axis Control set the Tool axis will to Chain.
Select the Chain button as shown in Figure: 6.1.3.
Figure: 6.1.3

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Click on the top red color chain as shown in Figure: 6.1.4.
Figure: 6.1.4
Select the OK button to exit from the Chaining dialog box.

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Leave the Fixed tilt angle = 0 degrees and set the Curve tilt type set to the Closest point as shown in
Figure: 6.1.5.
Run tool set to At radius to move the contact point from the tip of the tool to the radius of the tool as shown in
Figure: 6.1.5.
Figure: 6.1.5

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Linking
From the Tree View area, select Linking.

Enable Use Lead - In for the First Entry and Use Lead - Out for Last entry.
Dont use Lead In/Out for any of the other links and make sure that Gaps along the cut and the Links between
slice are set as shown in Figure: 6.1.6.
Figure: 6.1.6

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Expand Linking tree and check the following pages.

Clearance Area
Make sure that the Type is set to Plane, Height to6.0 and In Z.
First Entry - Lead In
Enable Use default Lead - In.
Last Exit - Lead Out
Enable Use default Lead - Out.
Default lead in/out
Make sure that the Type is set to Tangential arc for both Lead - In and Lead - Out and set the values as shown.
Distances
Make sure that the Rapid distance is set to 0.8, Feed distance is set to0.4and Air move safety distance is set to
0.4.

If the Assembly Has Changed dialog box appears, enable Update assembly and all operations that use the
assembly and select the OK button to continue.

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6.2 Verify the toolpath

Press Alt + S to shade the surfaces if needed.
6.3 Verify both 5 Axis toolpaths
From the Toolpath Operations Manager, select the first 5-Axis toolpath.
Hold down the Shift key and select the second 5-Axis toolpath.

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Select the Verify selected operations button as shown.
NOTE: It might take several seconds until the stock is uploaded.
Disable Toolpath and enable the Stock to look as shown.

Select the Play Simulation button to start verify.
Select the OK button to exit Verify.

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MACHINE SIMULATION TUTORIAL #21
STEP 7: MACHINE SIMULATION
Machine Simulation is an advanced verification module capable of backplotting, verifying stock removal, and full machine
tool simulation with collisions check. The machining simulation is visualized in three main simulation modes:
Toolpath Mode (with collision check).
Material Mode (verification with gouge check).
7.1 Simulation startup settings
The machine simulation dialog box allows you to select the machine to be simulated, the work piece to be shown in the
machine simulation, the stock, the fixtures and the tolerances.
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager select only the Swarf milling and the Parallel to multiple curves.
From the Machine Simulation toolbar, select the Simulation startup settings icon.
Select as Machine the 5_5AXGEN_VMCT TAB as shown in Figure: 7.1.1.
As stock enable Use Mastercam stock definition as shown in Figure: 7.1.1.
Figure: 7.1.1
Leave the rest of the settings as shown in Figure: 7.1.1 and click on the Simulate button.

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TUTORIAL #21 MACHINE SIMULATION
7.2 Simulate the toolpath in Toolpath Mode (Backplot)
Enable Toolpath Mode.
Enable Machine Focus.

Select the Fit To Screen icon.
The machine with the part should automatically be loaded.

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Settings
Windows.
Make sure that the following Windows are selected.
NOTE: The windows can be horizontally or vertically aligned and then docked at the desire location.
Figure: 7.2.1 shows you an example of how to set the windows.
Figure: 7.2.1
From the Visibility toolbar, enable the Toolpath, Tool and Workpiece icons to see them displayed while
running the simulation.

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From the Toolpath Rendering toolbar make sure that the Tool Tip, Display Current Operation, Follow, Leads
and Links icons are selected as shown.

Move the cursor close to the center of the part and scroll up the mouse wheel to zoom in.
To control the speed you can use the Simulation Speed bar and drag the speed slider to the right for fast
running.
Select the Run button in the Control bar to simulate the toolpath.
The simulation should look as shown.
NOTE: No collisions are reported in the Report list.

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NOTE: To run the simulation and check the current position you
can also move the slider to the right of the Move list.
7.3 Simulate the toolpath in the Material Mode (verify)
Select as simulation mode, the Material Mode icon.

From the Visibility toolbar make, sure that you display the Toolpath, the Tool, the Stock and the Machine
Housing as shown.

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NOTE: The tool Flute is too small and does not machine the entire wall. You will change the flute height to
1.75".
To exit Machine Simulation select the Exit icon.
7.4 Modify the tool flute
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager select the tool in the first 5-Axis operation as shown.

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Change the Flute to 1.75 as shown in Figure: 7.4.1.
Figure: 7.4.1
Select the OK button to exit the Define Tool dialog box.

Select the Yes button to accept the warning that changing the tool will update the operations.
Select Regenerate all dirty operations button to regenerate both multiaxis toolpaths.

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7.5 Run again the 5-Axis toolpaths through the machine simulation
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, hold down the Ctrl key and select the two 5-Axis toolpaths.
Click on the Simulate button.
NOTE: The settings in the Machine Simulation are maintained from last session.

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NOTE: The active Post Processor is a generic fanuc post processor.
Figure: 8.0.1


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Figure: 8.0.2.
Figure: 8.0.2
window down.

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NOTES: TUTORIAL #21
NOTES:

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TUTORIAL #2 QUIZ
What type of surfaces does a Swarf milling toolpath machine?
What kind of geometry you need to generate a Swarf milling toolpath?
How is the Parallel to multiple curves toolpath generated?
Where should the curve, used to generate the Parallel to multiple curves toolpath, be located?

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TUTORIAL #31
TUTORIAL #3

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Open the CAD Model:


A Parallel cuts toolpath will be created to finish the blade surfaces.
A Morph between 2 curves toolpath will be created for a better finish of the blade surfaces.
Two Parallel to multiple curves toolpaths will be created to machine the ends of the blade.
Backplot and Machine simulation:

Machine simulation will be used to check for any collisions between the tool and the part or any other machine
components.

This tutorial takes approximately one hour and half to complete.

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Resources - Download the file from www.emastercam.com/files/
File
Open.
Select "TUTORIAL 3 FINISH BLADE SURFACES.MCX-7" from the directory you saved it in.

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If you already have the default machine in the Toolpaths Operations Manager, do not select another machine.
Expand Properties and select Files, and then select Replace button and select the Mill 5 - AXIS TABLE - HEAD
VERTICAL.MMD-7.
Machine type
Mill.
Select the MILL 5 - AXIS TABLE - HEAD VERTICAL.MMD-7
2.2 Set the tool parameters in the Tool settings
Select the Tool settings to set the tool parameters.

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Change the parameters to match the Figure: 2.2.1.
Figure: 2.2.1
2.3 Make the new Tool settings parameters your defaults
To make these parameters in the Tool Settings your default parameters, from the Machine Group Properties
select Files tab.
Click the Options button inside of the Operation Defaults.
From the Edit Operations Defaults, scroll above the operations list and expand Properties, and then select Tool
settings.
Enable Assign tool numbers sequentially as shown in Figure: 2.2.1.

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TUTORIAL #31 FINISH THE BLADE USING PARALLEL CUTS TOOLPATH
Select the OK button to exit Edit Operations Defaults.
NOTE: When starting a new file or starting a new session of Mastercam, the parameters that you set in the
Edit Operations Defaults will be automatically provided. You can also use this dialog box to set other machine
group defaults, such as a stock material or to set the defaults for all the toolpaths provided in the operations
list.
STEP 3: FINISH THE BLADE USING PARALLEL CUTS TOOLPATH
The Parallel cuts toolpath will create tool motion with cuts that are parallel to each other. The direction of the cuts is
defined by the two angles: the Machining angle in X, Y and the Machining angle in Z. The toolpath is located in the
Surface/Solid toolpath family.
Use Parallel cuts to finish the blade surfaces.
Toolpath Preview:
Create the Parallel cuts toolpath from the Surface/Solid toolpath family using the following parameters:
1/2" Ball Endmill.
Machining angle in X, Y = 0.0.
Machining angle in Z = 90.0.
Area type = Full avoid cuts at exact edges.
Cutting method set to One way; Counterclockwise.
Maximum stepover = 0.05".
Output format set to 4 Axis; Maximum angle step = 3 degrees.
Tool axis will = Surface with lead/lag.
Tilt angle at side of cutting direction = 0.0.
Side tilt definition set to Ortho to cut dir at each pos.

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FINISH THE BLADE USING PARALLEL CUTS TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #31
Toolpaths
Multiaxis.
Select the OK button to accept the NC name.
Toolpath Type
dialog box allows you to select between the different toolpath families Classic, Wireframe, Surface/Solids, Drill/Circle Mill,
Convert to 5x or Custom applications. You can then choose one of the toolpaths inside of that family.
Select Surface/Solids button and click on Parallel cuts.

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Tool

To select the tool, click on the Select library tool button.
Select the Filter button.

Select the None button to unselect any previous tool selection as shown.

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Select the Endmill Sphere in the Tool Types list.

Select the drop down arrow in the Tool Diameter field and select Equal.
Enter 1/2 in the Tool Diameter value box as shown in Figure: 3.0.1.
Figure: 3.0.1
Select OK button to exit Tool List Filter.

Make sure that the tool in the Tool Selection window is highlighted, otherwise select it.
Select the OK button to exit from the Tool Selection dialog box.
NOTE: The feeds and spindle speed are based on the tool definition. You can overwrite them with the feeds
and speed that you want to use. You can also let Mastercam calculate the feeds and speed using the Feed
speed calculator.

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Figure: 3.0.2
Cut Pattern
Cut pattern settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
The direction of the cuts is defined by the two angles: the Machining angle in X, Y and the Machining angle in Z. You can
also choose the Area type which determines where the tool starts, ends, and area to be cut.
Cut Pattern page also allows you to set the Cutting method and the direction for one way machining. In the Cut Pattern
you can set the Cut tolerance and the Maximum stepover.

Set the Machining angle in X, Y to 0.0 and the Machining angle in Z to 90.0.
NOTE: These settings will create parallel cuts to the Y-Axis of the current plane (top in our case). If the XY angle
was set to 90.0 degrees, the resulting cuts are parallel to X-Axis.

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Click on the Drive surfaces button to select the surfaces you want to machine as shown.
Select color green no. 30 as shown.


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The surfaces should look as shown in Figure: 3.0.3.
Figure: 3.0.3

Select Done to exit Drive srfs Selection dialog box as shown.

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The rest of the parameters are set as shown in Figure: 3.0.4.
Figure: 3.0.4
From the Tree view area, click on the plus sign in front of the Cut Pattern to expand it.

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Select Parameters For Surface Edge Handling and ensure that the Merge surfaces if distance is smaller than is
set as a value to 0.04 as shown in the following picture.
Tool Axis Control
You can also apply a lead/lag angle to the tool axis in the direction of the cut, measured relative to the surface normal.
The side tilt angle is applied to the tool axis in the direction of the cut, relative to the surface normal. A positive angle tilts
the tool to the left; a negative angle tilts the tool to the right.
From the Tree View area, select the Tool Axis Control.

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Set the Output format to 4-Axis and leave the rest of the parameters as shown Figure: 3.0.5.
Figure: 3.0.5
4th Axis
From the Tree View area, click on the plus sign in front of the Tool Axis Control to expand it.
Select 4th Axis.
Make sure that the axis is set to X-Axis as shown.

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Linking

Leave the defaults as shown in Figure: 3.0.6.
Figure: 3.0.6

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Clearance Area
Click on the plus sign in front of Linking to expand the tree and select Clearance Area.
Set the Type to Cylinder and Radius to 2.
Enable Parallel to X.
Select the OK button to exit Multiaxis Toolpath - Parallel cuts.
coordinates, the path length , the minimum and maximum coordinates and the cycle time.
Backplot the toolpath
System.

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NOTE: The extra rapid movements at the beginning and end of the toolpath. This is the result of the parallel
pattern and of the size of the small move in the Links between slices.
In the next step we are comparing this toolpath with the Morph between 2 curves. This toolpath has a better
pattern that uses two curves created at both ends of the surface and then approximates the passes between
them creating a smooth transition.
To go back to Mastercam window, minimize Backplot window as shown.

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TUTORIAL #31 FINISH THE BLADE USING MORPH BETWEEN CURVES TOOLPATH
STEP 5: FINISH THE BLADE USING MORPH BETWEEN CURVES TOOLPATH
The Morph between 2 curves will create a morphed toolpath between two leading curves. A "morphed" toolpath is one
that is approximated between the tilt curves and evenly spread over the surface. This toolpath will ensure a better finish
with less retraction moves. The toolpath is located in the Wireframe toolpath family.
Toolpath Preview:
5.1 Finish the blade surfaces using Morph between 2 curves
Create the Morph Between 2 Curves toolpath from the Wireframe toolpath family using the following
parameters:
1/2"Ball Endmill.
Cutting method set to One way; Counterclockwise.
Tilt angle at side of cutting direction = 0.
Links between slice set the Small move size to 400%.

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FINISH THE BLADE USING MORPH BETWEEN CURVES TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #31
Toolpaths
Multiaxis.
Toolpath type
Select Wireframe button and click on the Morph between 2 curves.
From the Tree View area, select Tool and change the parameters as shown in Figure: 5.1.1.
Figure: 5.1.1

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Cut Pattern
Cut pattern settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry. The direction of the
cuts is approximated between the two curves and evenly spread over the surface.
You can also choose the Area type which determines where the tool starts, ends, and area to be cut. Cut Pattern page also
allows you to set the Cutting method and the direction for one way machining. In the Cut Pattern you can set the Cut
tolerance and the Maximum stepover.

Select the First button.
Change the Graphics View to Isometric.

Select the green color curve at the left end of the turbine blade in CCW direction as shown.

Select the Second button.

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Select the green color curve at the right end of the turbine blade in the same CCW direction.
NOTE: Select the chains in the same direction and align their starting locations.

Use the QM Color icon to select the green color no. 30 as previously shown.

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Change the Cutting method to One way and set the Direction for one way machining to Counterclockwise.
From the Tree view area, select Parameters For Surface Edge Handling and ensure that the Merge surfaces if
distance is smaller than is set as a value to 0.04 as shown in the following picture.

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Tool Axis Control
From the Tree View area, select Tool Axis Control.

Make sure that the Output format is set to 4-Axis and leave the rest of the parameters as shown.

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Linking
From the Tree View area, select Linking and change theSmall move size to 400.
NOTE: Making the Small move size value bigger will keep the tool down avoiding unwanted retract
movements between steps.
The Clearance Area parameters should be the same as set in the previous operation.
Select the OK button to exit Multiaxis Toolpath - Morph between 2 curves.

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5.2 Backplot the toolpath

Press Alt + S to un shade the surfaces if needed.
Change the Graphic view to Top.

NOTE: The slices are morphing between the two curves and the rapid movements are gone.
Click close to the left fixture and scroll up the mouse wheel to zoom in.
Hold down the mouse wheel to slightly rotate the part to observe the stepover moves as shown.

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NOTE: To zoom in, move the cursor close to

the focal point and scroll up with the mouse
wheel.
To zoom in, move the cursor close to the
focal point and scroll up with the mouse
wheel. The stepover moves are set to direct
lines which will leave scallops on the part.
Changing the cutting method from one way
to spiral will make the transition smoother
and leave no scallops on the part.

Modify the Cutting method to Spiral.
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, select the Parameters in the second operations.

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Cut Pattern
From the Tree View list, select Cut Pattern and change the Cutting method to Spiral.
5.4 Backplot the toolpath again

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NOTE: The direct lines between the steps are gone.
Select the Fit icon to fit the geometry to the screen.

From the Backplot VCR bar, select the Previous Operation button to restart the toolpath backplotting.
Press Alt + S to shade the geometry.

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From the Backplot VCR bar, click on the Step forward button several times, until the tool position is as
shown.
NOTE: The tool collision with the fixture. To fix this problem you will change the Area Type to Full, start and
end at exact surface edges. This option allows you to add Margins at both the start and the end of the
toolpath to compensate for the tool radius.
5.5 Add Margins in the toolpath to avoid tool collisions with the fixtures

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Cut Pattern
From the Tree View list, select Cut Pattern and change the Area Type to Full, start and end at exact surface
edges.
From the Tree View area, click on the plus sign in front of Cut Pattern to expand it.
Select Margins and enable Add internal tool radius.
Leave the Additional margin to overcome surface edge inaccuracies to 0.001180.
5.6 Regenerate and Backplot the toolpath

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NOTE: Although the tool is moved from the surface edges it might
still gouge into the fixture. A solution to this problem is to approach
the part with the tool axis tilted away from the fixture. In the next
step, you are going to gradualy tilt the tool.
To go back to Mastercam window, minimize Backplot window as

shown.
5.7 Change the output format to 5-Axis; use lead and tilt angle with gradual side tilt angle

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Tool Axis Control
Lead angle sets the angle applied to the tool axis in the direction of the cut, relative to the surface normal.
Tilt angle at side of cutting direction sets the angle applied to the tool axis in the direction of the cut, relative to the
surface normal. A positive angle tilts the tool to the left; a negative angle tilts the tool to the right.
From the Tree View list, select Tool Axis Control and change the Output format to 5-Axis.
Set the Lead angle to 10.0 and the Tilt angle to -15.0 as shown in Figure: 5.7.1.
Figure: 5.7.1
Advanced Options for Tilting Relative to Cutting Direction
From the Tree View area, expand the Tool Axis Control if needed and select the Advanced Options for Tilting
Relative to Cutting Direction.

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Set the Gradual Side tilt angle to 30 degrees.
NOTE: The angle change is applied gradually over the series of cuts created for the operation. The first cut will
use only the side tilt angle. The last cut will use the side tilt angle plus the change value. Cuts in between will
use side tilt angle plus a percentage of the change value.

Regenerate and Backplot the toolpath
NOTE: The gradual change in the side tilt angle.

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TUTORIAL #31 FINISH THE FILLETS - PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES WITH LIMITS
STEP 6: FINISH THE FILLETS - PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES WITH LIMITS

Toolpath Preview:
6.1 Finish the left side fillet surfaces using Parallel to multiple curves toolpath
parameters:
1/16" Ball Endmill.
Area type = Determine by number of cuts; Number of cuts = 10.
Cutting method = Spiral.
Lead angle to cutting direction = 10 degrees.
Limits; Contain tool within conical angles; W1 =80; W2 =80; Cone axis set to X-axis.
Toolpaths
Multiaxis.
Toolpath type
Select Wireframe button.

Select Parallel to multiple curves.

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FINISH THE FILLETS - PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES WITH LIMITS TUTORIAL #31
Tool

Click on the Select tool library and using the Filter options select the 1/16" Ball Endmill as previously shown.
Add a comment in the Comment area.
Cut Pattern
Cut pattern settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry. You can select the
Edge curves and the surfaces to be machined. You can also choose the area type which determines where the tool starts,
ends, and area to be cut. Cut Pattern page also allows you to set the Cutting method and the direction for one way
machining. In the Cut Pattern you can set the Cut tolerance and the Maximum stepover.

Click on the Edge curves button.
Change the Graphics view to Isometric.

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Select the Fit icon.

Press Alt + S to un shade the surfaces if needed.
Select the red color contour in the CW direction as shown.

Click on the Drive surfaces button and using QM Color icon, hold down Ctrl key and select the green color no.
30 and color blue no. 9.


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The surfaces should look as shown in Figure: 6.1.1.
Figure: 6.1.1


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Set the Area type to Determine by number of cuts and set the Number of cuts = 10 as shown in Figure: 6.1.2.
direction of cutting as shown.
Set the Cutting method set to Spiral and Direction for one way machining set to Clockwise.
Set the Cut Tolerance to 0.0005 and Maximum stepover = 0.0375.
Figure: 6.1.2

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From the Tree view area, select Parameters For Surface Edge Handling and ensure that the Merge surfaces if
distance is smaller than is set as a value to 0.04 as shown in the following picture.
Margins
Margins create additional space so the toolpath is not starting directly on the surface edge. You are machining the fillet
surfaces with a tool that has the radius the same radius as the fillet surfaces. To move the toolpath to the middle of the
fillet enable add internal tool radius for margins.
Click on the plus sign in front of Cut pattern to expand it and select Margins.
Enable Add internal tool radius and leave the rest of the parameters as shown in Figure: 6.1.3.
Figure: 6.1.3

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Tool Axis Control
The Limit parameters allow you to limit your tool axis orientation along the toolpath.
From the Tree view area, select the Tool Axis Control.
Set the Run tool to At radius to move the contact point from the tip of the tool to the radius of the tool and
enable Limits as shown in Figure: 6.1.4.
Figure: 6.1.4

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Limits
Contain tool within conical angles limits the tool axis orientation by two angles starting from toolpath slice normal vector.
As an example, imagine two cones with different opening angles w1 and w2. The tool axis direction must be between these
two cones.
From the expanded Tool Axis Control, select Limits and enable Contain tool within conical angles as shown in
Figure: 6.1.5.
Set both angles W1 and W2 to 65 and set the Cone axis to X-Axis as shown in Figure: 6.1.5.
Figure: 6.1.5
Leave the rest of the parameters as previously set.


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6.3 Finish the right side end of the blade
From the Toolpaths Operation Manager select the last operation only.
Right mouse click on the last toolpath and select Copy.
Right mouse click on the last toolpath and select Paste.
Click on the Parameters in the last toolpath (fourth operation).

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Cut Pattern

Click on the Edge curve button.
In the Chain Manager dialog box, right mouse click and select Rechain all to reselect the chain.
Select the red curve at the right side end in the CW direction as shown.
Select the OK button to exit Chaining Manager dialog box.

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In the Drive srfs Selection dialog box, click on the Remove all button to remove the existing surfaces as shown
in Figure: 6.3.1.
Figure: 6.3.1
Select the Add button as shown in Figure: 6.3.1.

Using the QM color icon as shown before, then hold down the Ctrl key and select color 108 and color 30.
Select the OK button to exit Select All dialog box.

Press Enter to end the selection.
From the Drive srfs Selection dialog box click on the Show button to see the selected surfaces.

Select Done to exit the Drive srfs Selection dialog box.

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Limits
From the Tree view area, expand Tool Axis Control and select Limits.
From Limits change the w1 and w2 to 100.

Select Regenerate all dirty operations button to regenerate the 5-Axis toolpaths.

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Machine simulation is an advanced verification module capable of backplotting, verifying stock removal, and full machine
tool simulation with collisions check.
The machine simulation dialog box allows you to select the machine to be simulated, the work piece that will be shown in
the machine simulation, the stock, the fixtures and the tolerances.
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, hold down the Ctrl key and select only the last three 5-Axis
toolpaths.
Select as Machine the 9_5XBOSTO_VMCHTAB.
As Workpiece Geometry select All elements.
Click on the drop down arrow next to Position and select Translation in XYZ to set the location of the part.
Change the X value to 8.0 and the rest of the parameters as shown.
Click on the Simulate button as shown above.

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7.1 Setting the windows in the machine simulation
Settings
Windows.
Make sure that the following Windows are selected.
Select the Isometric icon.
Select the Fit icon.

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NOTE: The windows can be resized and can be horizontally or vertically aligned and then docked at the desire
location.
Figure: 7.1.1 shows you an example of how to set the windows.
Figure: 7.1.1

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7.2 Simulate the toolpath in Toolpath Mode (backplotting)
Select as simulation mode, the Toolpath Mode icon.

From the Visibility toolbar, enable the Toolpath, Tool and Workpiece icons to see them displayed while
running the simulation.

Move the cursor close to the center of the part and scroll down the mouse wheel to zoom in.

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NOTE: To run the simulation and check the current position you can also move the slider to the left of the
Move list.
A warning that there are collisions between tool and workpiece appears.
Select the Yes button to continue.

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NOTE: The second operation has collisions between the tool and the workpiece reported in the Report list as
shown in Figure: 7.2.1.
Figure: 7.2.1
Click on the first collision in the Report to check it.

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TUTORIAL #31 MODIFY THE MORPH BETWEEN 2 CURVES TOOLPATH TO REMOVE COLLISIONS
To rotate the part, left mouse click, hold down and drag it.
NOTE: To fix the problem you will need to increase the gradual tilt angle.
To exit Machine Simulation select the Close icon.
STEP 8: MODIFY THE MORPH BETWEEN 2 CURVES TOOLPATH TO REMOVE COLLISIONS

From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, select Parameters in the Morph between 2 curves toolpath.

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MODIFY THE MORPH BETWEEN 2 CURVES TOOLPATH TO REMOVE COLLISIONS TUTORIAL #31
From the Tree view area, expand Tool Axis Control and select Advanced Options For Tilting.
Change the Gradual Lead angle change to 35.0 as shown.
Restart Machine simulation and run again the three toolpaths. No collisions should appear in the Report
window.

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TUTORIAL #31 POST THE FILE TO GENERATE THE NC CODE

Hold down the Ctrl key and select the last three toolpaths.
post processor at page 1-3.
Figure: 9.0.1

We are post process just the last 3 toolpath, please select No to post all operations warning.

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SAVE THE UPDATED MCX-7MCX-7 FILE TUTORIAL #31
Figure: 9.0.2.
Figure: 9.0.2
window down.
STEP 10: SAVE THE UPDATED MCX-7MCX-7 FILE

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TUTORIAL #31 NOTES:
NOTES:

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TUTORIAL #3 QUIZ TUTORIAL #31
TUTORIAL #3 QUIZ
How is the Parallel cuts toolpath generated?
How is the Morph between curves toolpath generated?
When would you use margins in a Multaxis toolpath?
How does the Gradual side tilt angle work?

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TUTORIAL #41
TUTORIAL #4

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Open the CAD Model:


An Impeller Floor Surface toolpath will be created to rough the area between two consecutive blades.
An Impeller Floor Surface toolpath will be created to finish the floor area between two consecutive blades.
An Impeller Blade Swarf Finishing toolpath will be created to semifinish one blade.
A Parallel to multiple curves toolpath will be created to finish one of the blades.
Transform by Coordinate - Rotate toolpaths will be created to complete the machining.


This tutorial takes approximately two hours to complete.

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File
Open.
Select "TUTORIAL 4 IMPELLER WITHOUT TILTED CURVE.MCX-7" from the directory you saved it in.

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NOTE: If you already have the default machine in the Toolpaths Operations Manager, do not select another
machine. Expand Properties and select Files, and then select Replace button and select the MILL 5 - AXIS
TABLE - HEAD VERTICAL.MMD-7.
Machine type
Mill.
Select the MILL 5 - AXIS TABLE - HEAD VERTICAL.MMD-7.
2.2 Setup the Stock
NOTE: The Tool settings parameters were set as defaults in the Tutorial #3.
From the Status Bar, select Levels.

Click on the Number column in front of Level 30 to make it the main level.
Make Level 22 invisible by clicking, in the Visible column, on the X.

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Select the Stock setup as shown.
In the Stock Setup, enable as Shape the Solid and then click on the Select button as shown.

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Click on the solid as shown.
The Stock Setup dialog box should look as shown.

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2.3 Make Level 25 the Main Level, and make invisible the rest of the levels
From the Ribbon Bar, select Levels.

Click in the Number column in front of Level 25 to make it main level.
Make Level 30 invisible by clicking, in the Visible column, on the X.
Select the OK button to exit the Level Manager.
Select the Fit icon to fit the geometry to the graphics window.
The geometry will be used to generate the roughing toolpath used to machine the area between to blades and
it should look as shown.

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TUTORIAL #41 ROUGH OUT THE IMPELLER USING IMPELLER FLOOR WITHOUT TILTCURVE
STEP 3: ROUGH OUT THE IMPELLER USING IMPELLER FLOOR WITHOUT TILTCURVE
Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve toolpath creates a toolpath to finish the floor between two impeller blades. This
application does not require a tiltcurve to guide the tool axis.
You should create an operation to rough one floor region, and then use Mastercam's Toolpath Transform features to
machine the floors between the other blades.
Toolpath Preview:
Create the Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve toolpath from the Custom Application toolpath family using
the following parameters:
3/8" Flat Endmill.
Cutting method = Zigzag; Standard.
Stock remaining = 0.05".
Lead angle = 0.
Tilt angle = 0.
Axial shift = 0.
Maximum angle step = 3.
Clearance area and Distances set to default values.
Lead in/out set to Tangential line; Fixed; Length = 0.3"; Height = 0.2".

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ROUGH OUT THE IMPELLER USING IMPELLER FLOOR WITHOUT TILTCURVE TUTORIAL #41
3.1 Create the Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve toolpath
Toolpaths
Multiaxis.
Toolpath Type
Select the Tool Box button.

Select the Impeller Floor Surface Without Tilt Curve.

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Tool

Select the None button to unselect any previous tool selection as shown.
Select the Endmill Flat in the Tool Types list.

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Enter 3/8 in the Tool Diameter value box as shown in Figure: 3.1.1.
Figure: 3.1.1

NOTE: The feeds and the spindle speed are based on the tool definition. You can overwrite them with the
feeds and speeds that you want to use. You can also let Mastercam calculate the feeds and speed using the
Feed speed calculator.

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Add a comment in the Comment area to identify the toolpath in the Toolpath Manager and also in the NC file.
Figure: 3.1.2

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Impeller Floor Surface Without Tilt Curve
Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along the
geometry.
Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve page also allows you to set the Cutting method and the direction for one way
machining.
In the Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve you can set the Cut tolerance and the Maximum stepover.
From the Tree View list, select Impeller Floor Surface Without Tilt Curve.
Click on the Right button to select the surfaces.
[Select surfaces for machining]: Click on the right side surface, color violet as shown.

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Click on the Left button to select the surfaces.

[Select surfaces for machining]: Select the pink color surface as shown.

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Click on the Floor surfaces button to select the surfaces you want to machine.
Select the color green no. 85 as shown.

NOTE: Select the Show button any time you want to double check if the desired surfaces are selected. Press
Enter to continue.

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Click on the Check surfaces button to select the surfaces you want to machine.
[Select surfaces for machining]: From the Quick Mask toolbar, select the QM color icon.
Hold down the Ctrl key and select the color violet no. 152 and the color pink no. 135 as shown.


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Select Done to exit the Drive srfs Selection dialog box as shown.
The rest of the parameters should be set as shown in Figure: 3.1.3.
Figure: 3.1.3

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Default Lead In/Out
Default Lead In/Out settings determine how the tool feeds into the material as it approaches the part and how it exits the
material at the end of the toolpath.
From the Tree View area, expand the Impeller floor surface without tilt curve and select the Default Lead
In/Out.
Set the Type to Tangential line and set the rest of the parameters as shown Figure: 3.1.4.
Figure: 3.1.4

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Clearance area
From the Tree View area, select the Clearance area and leave the default values as shown.
Select the OK button to exit Multiaxis Toolpath - Impeller floor surface without tilt curve.

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System.

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NOTE: This toolpath is only a finish operation. To add depth cuts for a roughing operation we need to switch to
the advanced interface.
The advanced interface will allow us to use margins which will shift the tool to avoid gouging.

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NOTE: To rotate the part, to visualize the toolpath better, move the cursor close to the middle of the surfaces
and holding down the mouse wheel, move the cursor slightly to the right until the geometry looks as shown.

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MORPH BETWEEN 2 SURFACES TUTORIAL #41
STEP 5: MORPH BETWEEN 2 SURFACES
Morph between 2 surfaces toolpaths creates a morphed toolpath on the drive surfaces. The drive surface is enclosed by
two check surfaces. A "morphed" toolpath is one that is approximated between the check surfaces and evenly spread over
the drive surface. This toolpath pattern is especially useful during impeller machining with twisted turbine blades.
The main advantage is the possibility to compensate the tool to the drive surface and check surface in the left and right
corner of the workpiece. All you need to do is set the margin, or distance between the tool center and the surfaces, equal
to the tool radius.
Toolpath Preview:
5.1 Rough out the area between two blades using Morph between 2 surfaces
Select the Parameters in the Impeller Floor Surface without Tilt Curve operation as shown.

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TUTORIAL #41 MORPH BETWEEN 2 SURFACES
From the Tree View area select Misc and click on Switch to advanced interface button.
NOTE: Mastercam switches automatically to the Morph between 2 surfaces.
5.2 Add the margins to avoid tool gouging into the blades
Margins create additional space so the toolpath is not starting directly on the surface edge.
Additional margin to overcome surface edge inaccuracies is a value added to the edge curve tolerance. Surface edges and
edge curves are not exact matches due to tolerances. Use this value to eliminate any toolpath calculation issues where
ragged edges are encountered.
Change the following parameters:
Start/end margin = 0.2".
Additional margin to overcome surface edge inaccuracies = 0.0018".
From the Tree View area, expand Cut Pattern and select Margins.
Change both the Start margins and the End margins to 0.2.
Leave the Additional margin to overcome surface edge inaccuracies set to 0.00118.
NOTE: To leave some stock on the check surfaces we can give as Start/End margins a value bigger than the
tool radius.
Select the OK button to exit Multiaxis Toolpath.

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NOTE: The rapid movements are gone and the tool does not gouge into the side surfaces.

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5.5 Add the roughing passes
Set the Number of Roughing passes to 5 and the Spacing to 0.1".

Apply depth to Whole toolpath.
Sort by set to Passes.
Enable Use ramp.
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, select the Parameters in the toolpath.
Linking

Make sure that the parameters are set as shown.

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Roughing
From the Tree View area, select Roughing.

Enable Depth Cuts as shown.

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Depth Cuts
Depth cuts control the roughing strategy for material removal on both rough and finish passes. Apply depth to the whole
toolpath applies depth to the whole toolpath and not to the first slice, or the first pass only.
Sort by Passes creates cuts offset from the drive surfaces.
From the Tree View area, expand Roughing and select Depth Cuts.
Set the Number of Roughing passes to 5 and the Spacing to 0.1and set the rest of the parameters as shown.

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Change the Graphic view to Top.

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TUTORIAL #41 FINISH THE IMPELLER FLOOR
STEP 6: FINISH THE IMPELLER FLOOR

Toolpath Preview:
6.1 Copy the toolpath
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, right mouse click on the existing toolpath and select Copy.
Right mouse click again in the Toolpaths Operations Manager and select Paste.

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FINISH THE IMPELLER FLOOR TUTORIAL #41
6.2 Change the parameters in the second operation to finish the floor
Select the Parameters in the second operation.
Tool

Click on the Select Tool Library button and using the Filter as shown in Step 5, select the 3/8" Ball Endmill.

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Cut Pattern

Change the Drive surfaces offset to 0 and enable Round corners for a smoother toolpath as shown in
Figure: 6.2.1.
Figure: 6.2.1

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Tool Axis Control

Enable Limits as shown in Figure: 6.2.2.
Figure: 6.2.2

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Limits
Limits serve to keep the tool axis within specified angles in a selected plane to compensate for the machine limits or to
avoid unwanted collisions.
From the Tree View area, expand the Tool Axis Control and select Limits.
Enable Contain tool within conical angles, set the angles and set the Cone axis to Z-Axis as shown in
Figure: 6.2.3.
Figure: 6.2.3

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Collision Control
Collision control establishes clearance values and instructs the toolpath how to move the tool to avoid a collision. A single
strategy is usually all that is needed, however you have the ability to set four different strategies if necessary.
Tilting tool away with max angle avoids the gouge by tilting the tool away from the surface.
Use side tilt angle tilts the tool to the side relative to the cutting direction. Positive angles tilt the tool to the right, negative
to the left. The limits are min. +/-0.01° and max. +/-180°.
From the Tree View area, select Collision Control.

Gouge check for the Flute and Shaft; Tilting tool away with max angle; Use side tilt angle; Check surfaces only
and Stock to leave 0.015 as shown in Figure: 6.2.4.
Figure: 6.2.4

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Tool Clearances
The tool clearances act as a virtual stock amount added to the holder, arbor, and shaft diameter.
From the Tree View area, expand Collision Control and select the Tool Clearances.
Set the Holder clearance 0.1, Arbor clearance 0.01 and Shaft clearance 0 as shown in Figure: 6.2.5.
Figure: 6.2.5

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Linking
Last exit defines how the tool will leave the part and where it will go after the toolpath is complete.
Gaps along cut options define the tool behavior if gaps are detected along a toolpath.
Links between slice options define the tool movement when stepping between cuts.
Set the First entry/Last exit to use Lead In/Out.

Set the Gaps along cut and Links between slice as shown in Figure: 6.2.6.
Figure: 6.2.6

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Roughing
From the Tree View area, select Roughing.

Disable Depth Cuts.



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IMPELLER BLADE SWARF FINISHING TUTORIAL #41
STEP 7: IMPELLER BLADE SWARF FINISHING
Impeller blade swarf finishing creates a swarf toolpath to machine the blades with the side of the tool. You should create
an operation to finish one blade, and then use Mastercam's Toolpath Transform features to machine the floors between
the other blades.
Toolpath Preview:
7.1 Impeller blade semifinish one pass
Create the Impeller blade swarf finish toolpath from the Custom Application toolpath family using the following
parameters:
3/8" Ball Endmill.
Type area set to Determine by number of cuts.
Number of cuts 1.
Cut tolerance = 0.0001".
Stock remaining = 0.05".
Cut method set to One way; Climb.
Maximum angle step = 5 degrees.
Side tilt definition set to Follow surface iso direction.
Margins enable Add internal tool radius.
Default Lead-In/Out; Tangential line; Fixed; Length 0.5"; Height 0.5".

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TUTORIAL #41 IMPELLER BLADE SWARF FINISHING
7.2 Make Level 10 the Main Level and make the rest of the levels invisible
From the Status Bar select Level.

Make the changes in the Level Manager as shown.
Select the OK button to exit Levels Manager.
Toolpaths
Multiaxis.
Toolpath Type
Select the Tool Box button.

Select the Impeller Blade Swarf Finishing.

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Tool

Select the existing 3/8" Ball Endmill and add a comment to identify the operation in the Toolpath Manager.
Impeller Blade Swarf Finishing
Impeller Blade Swarf Finishing settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Area type lets you define the area on the drive surface to be machined. You can choose between "full" which machines the
entire drive surfaces, determine by number of cuts or limit the cuts between points.
Sorting allows you to set the cutting method and the direction of the cut.
Cut tolerance is the tolerance for the accuracy of the toolpath. This value is the chordal deviation of the toolpath against
the surfaces to be machined. To generate more points along the cut for better accuracy you can set the maximum
stepover.
Maximum angle step sets the maximum allowed angle change between two consecutive toolpath positions.
Follow surface iso side tilt definition is a good option if linear surfaces are present. If any surface does not have a
compatible U and V direction with the neighboring surfaces, then this function attempts to automatically correct these
areas.

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From the Tree View area, select Impeller Blade Swarf Finishing.
Area type set to Determine by number of cuts.
Number of cuts = 1.
Select the Floor surfaces button and as shown previously, use the QM color and select the color Green 10.

Select Blade drive surface button and use the QM color and select the color Red 12.


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Figure: 7.2.1

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Margins
From the Tree View area, expand Impeller Blade Swarf Finishing and select Margins.
Leave the Additional margin to overcome surface edge inaccuracies set to 0.00118.
Enable Add internal tool radius as shown in Figure: 7.2.2.
Figure: 7.2.2
Default Lead-in /out
From the Tree View area, select the Default Lead-In/Out.

Set the Type to Tangential line and set the values as shown in Figure: 7.2.3.
Figure: 7.2.3
Clearance area
Leave the default values.

Select the OK button to exit Multiaxis Toolpath - Impeller Blade Swarf Finishing.

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NOTE: To add multipasses in this toolpath and also to limit the tool axis you have to switch to the Advanced
interface.

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TUTORIAL #41 SWITCH TO ADVANCED INTERFACE - PARALLEL TO SURFACE TOOLPATH
STEP 8: SWITCH TO ADVANCED INTERFACE - PARALLEL TO SURFACE TOOLPATH
Parallel to surface toolpath generates cuts on the drive surface parallel to a check surface. There are special options for the
edge between the check surface and the drive surface.
You can define a margin to define the exact position where the tool is located on the edge, positioned as close as possible
to both faces.
Toolpath Preview:
8.1 Semifinish the blade using Parallel to surface toolpath
Select the Parameters from the third operation.

From the Tree View area, select Misc and click on the Switch to advanced interface button.
NOTE: Mastercam switches automatically to the Parallel to surfaces toolpath.

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SWITCH TO ADVANCED INTERFACE - PARALLEL TO SURFACE TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #41
Tool Axis Control

Enable Limits as shown in Figure: 8.1.1.
Figure: 8.1.1

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Limits
Enable Contain tool within conical angles, set the angles and set the Cone axis to Z-Axis as shown in
Figure: 8.1.2.
Figure: 8.1.2
Roughing
From the Tree View area, select Roughing and enable Multi passes.

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SWITCH TO ADVANCED INTERFACE - PARALLEL TO SURFACE TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #41
Multi Passes
Multi passes determine the number and spacing of cuts made by offsetting the cut pattern as if it were on the final part.
Passes creates cuts offset from the drive surfaces.
From the Tree View area, expand Roughing and select Multi Passes.
Change the Number to 3 and the Spacing to 0.1 and change the Sorting to Passes as shown in Figure: 8.1.3.
Figure: 8.1.3
Select the OK button to exit Multiaxis Toolpath - Parallel to surfaces.

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FINISH THE BLADE SURFACES - PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES TUTORIAL #41
STEP 9: FINISH THE BLADE SURFACES - PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES
Toolpath Preview:
9.1 Finish the blade using Parallel to multiple curves
Create the Parallel to multiple curves toolpath from the Wireframe toolpath family to finish the blade using the
following parameters:
3/16" Ball Endmill.
Drive surface offset = 0.
Area Type set to Full, start and end at exact surface edges.
Cut control set to One way; Climb.
Enforce cutting direction.
Margins; Start margins = 0.0975".
Output format 5-Axis.
Tool axis = Chain.
Maximum angle step = 3.
Default Lead-In/Out; Tangential line; Fixed; Length 0.5"; Height 0.5".

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TUTORIAL #41 FINISH THE BLADE SURFACES - PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES
Toolpaths
Multiaxis.
Toolpath type
Select Wireframe button and click on Parallel to multiple curves.
Tool

Click on the Select library tool button and using the Filter options as shown previously, select the 3/16" Ball
Endmill.
Add a comment to identify the operation in the Toolpath Manager.

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Cut Pattern
Cut pattern settings determine the geometry your tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Area type set to Full, start and end at exact surface edges generates the toolpath on the whole surface and will extend
exactly to the surface edge or to the nearest possible position.

Click on the Edge curves button.
[Add Chain 1]: Press Alt + S to unshade the surfaces and select the dark blue color curve as shown in
Figure: 9.1.1.
Figure: 9.1.1

Click on the Drive surfaces button and using QM Color icon select the red color no. 12.
Select the OK button the exit Select All dialog box.

Select the Done button to exit Drive srfs Selection dialog box.

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Set the Area type set to Full, start and end at exact surface edge to be able to add margins.
Make sure that the rest of the parameters are set as shown in Figure: 9.1.2.
Figure: 9.1.2

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Margins
Margins create additional space so the toolpath is not starting directly on the surface edge. Start margins allows you to
enter a positive distance to offset the first pass from the surface edge. The offset places the tool inside the surface
boundary.
From the Tree View area, expand Cut Pattern and select Margins.
Set the Start margins to 0.095 and leave the Additional margin to overcome surface edge inaccuracies set to
0.00118 as shown in Figure: 9.1.3.
Figure: 9.1.3
NOTE: The sum of the two values is the radius of the tool.
Tool Axis Control set to Chain
Tool axis control settings determine the tool's orientation in relation to the geometry being cut.
Output format set to 5-Axis allows for tool rotation in two planes.
Maximum step angle sets the maximum allowed angle change between two consecutive toolpath positions.
Chain allows you to tilt the tool axis through an existing curve. Closest point optionmakes sure that the tool is orientated
towards the curve at the closest distance from the tool contact point on the surface to the chain.
Ortho to cut dir at each pos side tilt direction is determined by an orthogonal (perpendicular) line from the current surface
contact point to the lower edge curve. That means that the tool axis is always orthogonal to the toolpath.

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Set the Tool axis to Chain.

Figure: 9.1.4
Click on the Chain button and select the curve as shown.

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In the Tool Axis Control, set the Curve tilt type to Closest point and enable Limits as shown in Figure: 9.1.5.
Figure: 9.1.5

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Limits
Change the limits as shown Figure: 9.1.6.
Figure: 9.1.6

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Linking

First entry set to Approach from clearance area and to Use Lead-In/Out.
Last entry set to Retract to clearance area and to Use Lead-In/Out.
Set the Small gaps and Small moves to Follow surfaces.
Set the Large gaps and Large moves to Retract to clearance area and Dont use Lead-In/Out.
Set the Small gap size to 20% of tool diameter and the Small move size to 400% of stepover as shown in
Figure: 9.1.7.
Figure: 9.1.7
9.2 Backplot the last toolpath

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Machine simulation is an advanced verification module capable of backplotting, verifying stock removal, and full machine
tool simulation with collisions check.
The machine simulation dialog box allows you to select the machine to be simulated, the work piece that will be shown in
the machine simulation, the stock, the fixtures and the tolerances.
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, click on the Select all operations icon.
10.1 Make Level 22 the Main Level and make Level 10 invisible
From the Status Bar, select Levels.

Change the Level Manger as shown.
Select the OK button to exit the Level Manager dialog box.

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10.2 Set the Machine Simulation
Select as Machine the 5_5AXGEN_VMCTTAB.

As Workpiece Geometry select All elements.
Leave Position set to Automatic for the part to be located based on the origin setup in Mastercam as shown
in Figure: 10.2.1.
Figure: 10.2.1
From the Machine Simulation select the Simulate button.
10.3 Simulate the toolpath in tool path mode (backplotting)
Select as simulation mode, the Toolpath mode icon.

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Click on the Isometric icon and on the Fit icon as shown.

From the Visibility toolbar, enable the Toolpath, Tool, Workpiece, Stock and Machine Housing icons to see
them displayed while running the simulation.

Locate the mouse close to the center of the part and scroll down the mouse wheel to zoom in.

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The simulation should look as shown in Figure: 10.3.1.
Figure: 10.3.1
NOTE: The first operation has collisions reported in the Report List between the Z1 and the workpiece and Z2
and the workpiece. Thhis collisions are due to the tool length.
Click on the collision in the Report list to visualize the toolpath at that location.
The part should look as shown in Figure: 10.3.2.
Figure: 10.3.2
Move the cursor to the center of the part.

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Click and hold down the left mouse and slightly move the cursor upwards and to the left until you see the part
as shown in Figure: 10.3.3.
Figure: 10.3.3
NOTE: The collision is between the tool holder and the part. Changing the length of the tool should take care
of the problem.
To exit Machine Simulation select the Close icon.

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10.4 Modify the tool length in the first toolpath
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, select the Tool of the first operation as shown.

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Change the tool parameters as shown.

The warnig "Changing this tool will update operation. Continue?" will apear. Select Yes button to continue.
Select Regenerate all dirty operations button to regenerate the toolpath.

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10.5 Run through the machine simulation the toolpaths
In the Toolpaths Operations Manager, select all toolpaths.

Click on the Simulate button.
NOTE: The settings in the Machine Simulation are maintained from last session.
The part should look as shown in Figure: 10.5.1.
Figure: 10.5.1
NOTE: In the Report list, the same type of collision is reported for the operation no 4 . To fix the problem
change the length of the 3/16 Ball Endmill used in the last operation.

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TUTORIAL #41 TRANSFORM - ROTATE
STEP 11: TRANSFORM - ROTATE
Transform toolpaths are used when you want to run the same toolpaths in different locations or at different orientations
in the same part file. You can transform single toolpaths, or several at a time.
Toolpath Preview:
11.1 Transform rotate the first operation (Roughing toolpath)
Toolpaths
Transform.

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TRANSFORM - ROTATE TUTORIAL #41
Types and Methods
Make sure that just the first operation is selected.

Enable Rotate and set the Method to Coordinate (5 - Axis toolpaths support only Coordinate method).
To machine all the areas in the Transform toolpath enable Copy source operations and Disable posting in
selected source operations.
NOTE: This option allows you to post process only the transform operations and not the original operation.
The original operation is included in the Transform toolpath.
Work offset numbering set to Off as shown in Figure: 11.1.1.
Figure: 11.1.1

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Rotate
Select the Rotate tab.

Enable Origin as the Rotate point, and change the Instances number to 11.
Enable Angle between and set the Start angle to 30 and Rotation angle to 30.
The Rotation view is set to the Source operations tool plane as shown in Figure: 11.1.2.
Figure: 11.1.2
Select the OK button to exit the Transform toolpath.
11.2 Backplot the transform toolpath

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11.3 Transform rotate the second and third operation (Finish floor and the Semifinish the blade)
Toolpath Preview:
Toolpaths
Transform.

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Types and Methods
Hold down the Ctrl key and select the second and the third operation.
The rest of the parameters are maintained from the previous toolpath as shown in Figure: 11.3.1.
Figure: 11.3.1

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Rotate
The parameters are maintained from the previous toolpath as shown in Figure: 11.3.2.
Figure: 11.3.2
11.4 Backplot the last transform toolpath

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11.5 Transform rotate the last operation (Finish the blade)
Toolpath Preview:
Toolpaths
Transform.

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Types and Methods
Select the last operation only.

The rest of the parameters are maintained from the previous toolpath as shown in Figure: 11.5.1.
Figure: 11.5.1

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Rotate
The parameters are maintained from the previous toolpath as shown in Figure: 11.5.2.
Figure: 11.5.2
11.6 Backplot the last transform toolpath

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Verify simulates the machining of a part from a solid stock model display. The stock is based on the Stock setup.
Hold down the Ctrl key and from the Toolpaths Operations Manager, select all the transform toolpaths.
Enable the vectors

In the Verify tab make sure that Enable Vectors is selected.

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Select the Home tab and change the settings as shown.
Select the Play button to start simulation.
NOTE: The verification might take 10 minutes or more to complete.

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Make sure that only the transform toolpaths are selected.
post processor at page 1-3.
Figure: 13.0.1

We are post processing just the last 3 toolpath, please select No to post all operations warning.

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The NC file will appear on the screen as shown in Figure: 13.0.2.
Figure: 13.0.2
window down.

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NOTES: TUTORIAL #41
NOTES:

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TUTORIAL #4 QUIZ
When would you use the Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve toolpath?
How is the Morph between 2 surfaces toolpath generated?
When would you use the Impeller blade swarf finishing toolpath?
How is the Parallel to surface toolpath generated?
When would you use the Transform toolpaths?

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TUTORIAL #51
TUTORIAL #5

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Open the CAD Model:


The student will generate a Parallel to multiple curves toolpath.
The student will use levels manager to make visible different objects along the toolpath that need to be
avoided.
Modify the toolpaths to avoid collisions:

The student will modify the toolpath to avoid collisions using different strategies in the Collision check
parameters.
Backplot the file:

This tutorial takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

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The purpose of this tutorial is to be familiarized with the Collision control options for the Multiaxis toolpaths.
Collision control establishes clearance values and instructs the toolpath how to move the tool to avoid a collision. A single
strategy is usually all that is needed, however you have the ability to set four different strategies if necessary.

File
Open.
Select "TUTORIAL 5 COLLISION CONTROL STRATEGIES.MCX-7" from the directory you saved it in.

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TUTORIAL #51 COLLISION CONTROL OFF
STEP 2: COLLISION CONTROL OFF

Toolpath Preview:
parameters:
3/8" Flat Endmill.
Drive surfaces offset = 0.
Cutting method set to Zigzag; Standard.
Output format set to 5 Axis; Maximum angle step = 3.
Lead angle = 0.
Tilt angle = 0.

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COLLISION CONTROL OFF TUTORIAL #51
2.1 Create the Parallel to multiple curve toolpath
Toolpaths
Multiaxis.
Toolpath Type
Mill, Convert to 5x or Custom applications. You can then choose one of the toolpaths inside of that family.
Select the Wireframe button.

Select the Parallel to multiple curves as shown.

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Tool


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Select the None button to unselect any previous tool selection as shown in Figure: 2.1.1.
Select the Endmill Flat in the Tool Types list.
Enter 3/8" in the Tool Diameter value box.
Figure: 2.1.1

NOTE: The feeds and the spindle speed are based on the tool definition. You can overwrite them with the
feeds and speeds that you want to use. You can also let Mastercam calculate the feeds and speed using the
Feed speed calculator.

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Figure: 2.1.2

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Holder
From the Tree View list, select Holder.

Click on the Open library button as shown.
From C:/User/Public/Documents/shared mcamx7/mill/Tools select the BT40.holders.

Select the Open button.
From the list select the B4C4-0025.
The holder should look as shown in Figure: 2.1.3.
Figure: 2.1.3

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Cut Pattern
Cut pattern settings determine the geometry your tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Area type set to Full avoid cuts at exact edges generates the toolpath on the whole surface avoiding the surface edges.

Select the Edge curves button.
[Add Chain 1]: Select the bottom curve in the CW direction as shown.

Select the Drive surfaces button.

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[Select surfaces for machining]: Select the inside surfaces as shown.

From the Drive srfs Selection, select the Done button.

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Make sure that the Area type is set to Full avoid cuts at exact edges and the rest of the parameters are set as
shown.

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Tool Axis Control
Surface with lead/lag you can assign a lead/lag angle to the cutting direction and a tilt angle at the side of the cutting
direction.

Make sure that the parameters are set as shown in Figure: 2.1.4.
Figure: 2.1.4
Leave the rest of the settings as defaults


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System.

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Move the cursor in the middle of the part and holding down the mouse wheel, move the cursor slightly to the
left until the geometry looks as shown.
NOTE: Without the collision control settings the holder gouges into the part. In the next steps you will learn
how to apply different collision strategies to improve the toolpath.


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TUTORIAL #51 TILTING TOOL AWAY WITH MAX ANGLE
STEP 4: TILTING TOOL AWAY WITH MAX ANGLE

Toolpath Preview:
4.1 Change the toolpath to one pass, tool axis tilt set to 90 degrees and gouge check the entire tool
except the holder against the drive surfaces
Modify the toolpath to create one pass with the tool axis tilted at 90 degrees and gouge checking the entire tool
against the drive surfaces
Area type = Determined by number of cuts.
Number of cuts = 1.
Tilt angle = 90.
Status 1; Check the Flute, Shaft and Arbor; Tilting tool away with max angle; Use side tilt angle; Geometry set to Drive
surfaces.
NOTE: To be able to compare the modified toolpath with the original toolpath you are going to copy the
toolpath in the Toolpaths Operations Manager.

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TILTING TOOL AWAY WITH MAX ANGLE TUTORIAL #51
Copy the toolpath
Right mouse click on the toolpath in the Toolpaths Operations Manager and select Copy.
Right mouse click again in the Toolpaths Operations Manager and select Paste.
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, select the Parameters of the second operation.

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Cut Pattern
Determine by number of cuts allows the user to set a defined number of cuts. The first cut is at the exact edge, but can be
shifted by adding a margin.

Change the Area Type to Determined by number of cuts and the Number of cuts to 1.
Set the Cutting method to One way, the Cut order to Standard and the direction to Clockwise as shown in
Figure: 4.1.1.
Figure: 4.1.1

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Tool Axis Control
Surface with lead/lag allows you to assign a lead/lag angle to the cutting direction and a tilt angle at the side of the cutting
direction.
Tilt angle at the side of cutting direction applies the angle to the tool axis in the direction of the cut, relative to the surface
normal. A positive angle tilts the tool to the left; a negative angle tilts the tool to the right.

Change the Tilt angle to 90 as shown in Figure: 4.1.2.
Figure: 4.1.2

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Collision Control
Tilting tool away with max angle strategy avoids the gouge by tilting the tool away from the surface.
Use side tilt angle tilts the tool to the side relative to the cutting direction.

Status 1; Check the Flute, Shaft and Arbor; Tilting tool away with max angle; Use side tilt angle; Geometry set
to Drive surfaces as shown in Figure: 4.1.3.
Figure: 4.1.3

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Tool Clearance
Tool clearances apply a cylindrical offset to the tool shaft, arbor, and holder for collision checking purposes. The tool
clearance acts as a virtual stock amount added to the holder, arbor, and shaft diameter.
From the Tree View area, expand the Collision Control and select Tool Clearance.
Make sure that the value are set as shown in Figure: 4.1.4.
Figure: 4.1.4

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Move the cursor to the middle of the toolpath and scroll up the mouse wheel to zoom in as shown.
NOTE: The tool axis change at the sharp edge in the middle of the toolpath. Enable Round corners to make a
smoother transition at the sharp edge.
Although the direction of the one way cut was set to Clockwise (CW), the toolpath is generated in the
Counterclockwise (CCW) direction.


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4.4 Smooth the transition at the sharp edge and enforce the cutting direction clockwise
Modify the toolpath to smooth the transition and enforce the cutting direction:
Set a start point at the left end of the curve.
From Toolpaths Operations Manager select the Parameters of the second operation.From the Toolpaths
Operations Manager, select the Parameters of the second operation.

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Cut Pattern
From the Cut Pattern, enable Round corners.

Make sure that the Cutting method is set to One way and Clockwise.
Enable Enforce cutting direction and enable Start point as shown in Figure: 4.4.1.
Figure: 4.4.1

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Start Point Parameters
From the Tree View area, expand the Cut Pattern and select Start Point Parameters.
Enable Position as shown in Figure: 4.4.2.
Figure: 4.4.2
From the Tree View area, expand the Start Point Parameters and select Position.
Click on the Select button.
Select Fit icon to fit the geometry to the screen.

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Select the left end of the curve as shown.

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NOTE: The tool retraction along the

toolpath. Zoom in and see that there is a gap
in the surface. Using different link methods
we can force the tool down.
4.7 Set the linking parameters to keep the tool down along the toolpath
Modify the linking parameters to keep the tool down:

Gaps along small gaps set to Blend Spline.
Small gap = 300% of the tool diameter.
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager select Parameters from the second operation.
Linking
Linking determines how the tool moves when it is not cutting material.
Last exit defines how the tool exits the part and where it will go after the toolpath is completed.
Gaps along cut options define the tool behavior if gaps are detected along a toolpath.
Links between slice options define the tool movement when stepping between cuts.

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To keep the tool down, in the Gaps along cut set the Large gaps to Blend Spline and change the Small gap size
to 300% of tool diameter as shown in Figure: 4.7.1.
Figure: 4.7.1

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TUTORIAL #51 COLLISION CONTROL - RETRACTING TOOL ALONG TOOL AXIS
STEP 5: COLLISION CONTROL - RETRACTING TOOL ALONG TOOL AXIS

Toolpath Preview:
Gouge check the tool to avoid gouging the inside block:

Status 2; Check the Flute, Shaft, Arbor and Holder; Retracting tool along tool axis; Geometry set to Check surfaces (red
color surfaces) Stock to leave = 0.05".
5.1 Make Level 100 visible
From the Status Bar, select Level.

Click in the Visible column next to 100 to make the level visible.

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COLLISION CONTROL - RETRACTING TOOL ALONG TOOL AXIS TUTORIAL #51
Right mouse click on the last toolpath in Toolpaths Operations Manager and select Copy.
Right mouse click in Toolpaths Operations Manager again and select Paste.
From Toolpaths Operations Manager select the Parameters of the third operation.

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Collision Control
From the Tree View area select Collision Control.

Enable Status 2 and set the Check for the Flute, the Shaft, the Arbor and to the Holder as shown in
Figure: 5.2.1.
Set the strategy to Retracting tool along tool axis; Geometry set to Check surfaces; Stock to leave set to 0.05.
Figure: 5.2.1
Click on the Select button next to the Check surfaces to select them as shown.

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COLLISION CONTROL - RETRACTING TOOL ALONG TOOL AXIS TUTORIAL #51
[Please select check surfaces for retracting tool along tool axis]: Select the QM color icon as shown.
Select color 137 as shown.

From the Check srfs 2 Selection dialog box select the Done button to continue.

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Hold down the mouse wheel and rotate the part to see the toolpath as shown.
Select the OK button to exit Backplot.

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MOVING TOOL AWAY; RETRACT TOOL IN +Z TUTORIAL #51
STEP 6: MOVING TOOL AWAY; RETRACT TOOL IN +Z

Toolpath Preview:
Enable level 101 and add in status 1 the holder check and add as check surfaces the vertical block surfaces:
Status 1; Check the Flute, Shaft, Arbor and Holder; Tilting tool away with max angle; Use side tilt angle.
Status 2; Moving tool away; Retract tool in +Z.
Geometry set to Drive surfaces; enable Check surfaces and select the vertical block outside the surfaces.
6.1 Make visible Level 101
From the Status Bar, select Level.

Click in the Visible column next to 101 to make the level visible.
Right mouse click on the last toolpath in Toolpaths Operations Manager and select Copy as shown previously.
Right mouse click in Toolpaths Operations Manager again and select Paste.

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TUTORIAL #51 MOVING TOOL AWAY; RETRACT TOOL IN +Z
6.3 Modify the Collision Control
From Toolpaths Operations Manager select the Parameters of the fourth operation.
Collision Control

In Status 1 add to the Holder and enable Check surfaces as shown in Figure: 6.3.1.
Click on the Select button next to the Check surfaces to select them.
Figure: 6.3.1
Using the QM Color as shown previously, select the vertical block surfaces color 224.
Press Enter and select Done to finish the check surfaces selection.
In Status 2 and change the strategy to Moving tool away and Retract tool in +Z as shown in Figure: 6.3.2.
Figure: 6.3.2

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MOVING TOOL AWAY; RETRACT TOOL IN +Z TUTORIAL #51


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TUTORIAL #51 MODIFY THE TOOLPATH TO MACHINE THE ENTIRE SURFACE
STEP 7: MODIFY THE TOOLPATH TO MACHINE THE ENTIRE SURFACE

Toolpath Preview:
Change the area type to machine the entire surface:

Area type = Full, start and end at exact surface edges.
Cutting method set to Zigzag; Standard.
From Toolpaths Operations Manager select the Parameters of the fourth operation.

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MODIFY THE TOOLPATH TO MACHINE THE ENTIRE SURFACE TUTORIAL #51
Cut Pattern

Set the Area type to Full, start and end at exact surface edges and the Cutting method to Zigzag as shown
in Figure: 7.0.1.
Change the Cut tolerance to 0.001 and the Maximum stepover to 0.1 as shown in Figure: 7.0.1.
Figure: 7.0.1

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NOTES: TUTORIAL #51
NOTES:

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TUTORIAL #5 QUIZ
What do the Collision control parameters allow you to do?
How does the Tilting tool away with maximum angle strategy work?
How do the Tool clearance parameters work?
What Collision control strategy can be used to jump over obstacals along the toolpath?

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GENERAL NOTES
GENERAL NOTES


Learn how to customize the toolbars and drop down menus.
Learn how to customize the right mouse click.
Learn how to setup the Key mapping.
Learn how to use and set the construction plane, the graphic views and the depth of the
construction plane.
Learn about the chaining.
Learn about the Toolpaths Manager.
Learn about the Machine Group Properties.
Learn about Multisurface Custom Application toolpaths.
Learn about Multisurface Wireframe toolpaths.
Learn about Multisurface Surface/Solids toolpaths.

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GENERAL NOTES DEFAULT KEY ASSIGNMENTS
DEFAULT KEY ASSIGNMENTS
Alt + 1 Top View.

Alt + 2 Front View.
Alt + 5 Right Side View.
Alt + 7 Isometric View.
Alt + A Auto Save.
Alt + C Access C-Hooks.
Alt +D Opens Drafting Options.
Alt + E Hides / Shows entities.
Alt + F1 Fits all geometry to the screen.
Alt + F2 Un zoom.
Alt + F4 Exit File.
Alt + G Displays screen grid.
Alt + H Opens online help.
Alt + O Hides / Shows the Operations Manager.
Alt + P Reverts to the previous view.
Alt + S Shade On/Off.
Alt + T Zooms to target.
Alt + U Undo Event.
Alt + X Sets attributes from a selected entity.
Ctrl + C Copy.
Ctrl + Z Undo.
Ctrl + X Cut.
Ctrl + Y Redo.
Ctrl + V Paste.
F1 Zooms to window.
F2 Un zoom.
F3 Repaint.
F4 Analyze selected entity.

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CUSTOMIZING TOOLBARS GENERAL NOTES
F5 Delete selected entities.

F9 Display coordinate info.
Shift + Ctrl + R Regenerate the Screen.
CUSTOMIZING TOOLBARS
Customizing toolbars allows you to:

Show or hide toolbars.
Remove or add buttons to the toolbars.
Create new toolbars.
Rename toolbars.
Delete toolbars.
To show a toolbar in Mastercam

Select Settings, Toolbar States and check the box next to the desired toolbar (selected toolbars are indicated
with a check mark).
To hide a toolbar, select Settings, Toolbar States and reselect the box next to the toolbar name (this will
remove the check mark and remove the toolbar from your screen.
To add functional buttons to an existing toolbar
Select Settings and Customize from the menu bar. Pick a category from the Category drop down list to display
its functions buttons, then drag and drop the button of your choice onto an existing toolbar.
To create a new toolbar
Choose a category from the category drop down list. Then drag the buttons of your choice anywhere in the
Mastercam window not occupied by a toolbar. Mastercam will automatically create a toolbar named New
Toolbar and adds the button to this toolbar. Repeat this step until you have created a custom toolbar with all
the buttons you desire.
To rename a new toolbar
Find it on the Toolbars list right click on the toolbar and choose Rename Toolbar. Type a new logical name and
press Enter.
To Delete a function from an existing toolbar
Drag the toolbar to a location not occupied by a toolbar. At this point you can add, delete or rearrange the
functions which appear on each toolbar. To add buttons simply drag the buttons you desire from the customize
dialog box to the toolbar. To remove buttons simply drag them off of the toolbar.

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GENERAL NOTES EXAMPLE: ADD ANALYZE POSITION TO THE UTILITIES TOOLBAR
EXAMPLE: ADD ANALYZE POSITION TO THE UTILITIES TOOLBAR
NOTE: The default Utilities toolbar appears as shown in Figure: 1.
Figure: 1
Drag the toolbar in the graphics area.
Settings
Customize.
Find the Utilities toolbar in the Toolbars list.
Select Analyze in the Category field as shown in Figure: 2.
Figure: 2

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CUSTOMIZING DROP DOWN MENUS GENERAL NOTES
Select the Analyze Position button and drag it to the Utilities Toolbar as shown in Figure: 3.
Figure: 3
Release the Analyze Position button in the Utilities Toolbar as shown in Figure: 4.
Figure: 4
Select the OK button to exit the Customize dialog box.
Your Utilities toolbar will now contain the Analyze Position button as shown in Figure: 5.
Figure: 5
To remove the button select Settings, Customize, choose the category Utilities. Then pick the button and drop it
in the graphics area.
CUSTOMIZING DROP DOWN MENUS
Customizing the Drop Down menus allows you to:

Add or remove new drop down menus.
Add or remove functions in a drop down menu.
Settings
Customize.
Pick Drop downs / Right mouse button menu.

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GENERAL NOTES CUSTOMIZING DROP DOWN MENUS
Under Menus right click and choose the option to Add drop down menu. Mastercam will create a new drop
down menu and places this menu at the bottom of the list as shown in Figure: 6.
Figure: 6
To add a function to the new drop down menu, choose a category from the list and drag and drop functions to
the drop down menu.
To remove a function from a drop down menu, expand the menu, select the function and press the delete key.
To delete an entire menu, right click and choose the Delete drop down menu.

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CUSTOMIZE THE RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON MENU GENERAL NOTES
CUSTOMIZE THE RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON MENU
Customizing the right mouse button menu allows you to add, remove and rearrange functions.
NOTE: Adding or removing drop down menu functions is associative. All references to the modified menus are
updated (for example the modified drop down menu is used as a submenu in other drop down menus). When
you add or remove functions from drop down menus and submenus, you immediately see the results in the
current Mastercam session.
EXAMPLE: ADD THE ZOOM TARGET TO THE RIGHT MOUSE MENU

The default Right mouse menu appears as shown in Figure: 7.
Figure: 7
Settings
Customize.
Select the Drop downs / Right mouse button menu tab.

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GENERAL NOTES EXAMPLE: ADD THE ZOOM TARGET TO THE RIGHT MOUSE MENU
Pick the plus (+) next to Right mouse button menu as shown in Figure: 8.
In Category choose the View Manipulation.
Figure: 8
Choose the Zoom Target button in the Commands list as shown in Figure: 9.
Figure: 9

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EXAMPLE: ADD THE ZOOM TARGET TO THE RIGHT MOUSE MENU GENERAL NOTES
Drag the Zoom Target button and release it on top of the Zoom Window button under the Right mouse button
menu as shown in Figure: 10.
Figure: 10
Select the OK button to exit the Customize dialog box.

Right mouse click in the Graphics area to check the new menu as shown in Figure: 11.
Figure: 11

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GENERAL NOTES KEY MAPPING
KEY MAPPING
Key Mapping allows you to map mastercam functions to keyboard shortcuts making your interactions with Mastercam more
customized and efficient. The combination of key sequences you can use to create keyboard shortcuts are listed below
(where "key" is an alphanumeric character or keyboard function key F1-F12).
Alt + Key.
Ctrl + Key.
Ctrl + Alt + Key.
Shift + Alt + Key.
Shift + Ctrl + Key.
Shift +Ctrl + Alt + Key.
F1-F12.
NOTE: You cannot map functions to key sequences which use a single alphanumeric key or one in combination
with a shift key. These keys are reserved for use by Mastercam default keyboard shortcuts. For example, many
of the single alphanumeric keys or Shift + Key sequences are used with data entry, ribbon bar, and dialog box
shortcut keys.
EXAMPLE: ALLOCATE ALT + L FOR CREATE LINE ENDPOINT

Settings
Key Mapping.
Select the drop down arrow in Category.
Select Geometry as the Category as shown in Figure: 12.
Figure: 12

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EXAMPLE: ALLOCATE ALT + L FOR CREATE LINE ENDPOINT GENERAL NOTES
Pick the Command Create Line Endpoint as shown in Figure: 13.
Figure: 13

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GENERAL NOTES EXAMPLE: ALLOCATE ALT + L FOR CREATE LINE ENDPOINT
Enter Alt + L (in this sequence) in the Press new shortcut key area as shown in Figure: 14.
Figure: 14
Click on the Assign button.

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EXAMPLE: ALLOCATE ALT + L FOR CREATE LINE ENDPOINT GENERAL NOTES
The new key will be displayed in the Current keys field as shown in Figure: 15.
Figure: 15
Select the OK button to exit Key Mapping.

Press Alt + L on your keyboard and the Ribbon bar from Create Line Endpoint will be automatically opened.
To remove a shortcut assignment, click the Category drop down and choose a category from the list to display
its functions.
Select the command associated with the shortcut name you want to delete.
In the Current keys field, select the shortcut and click Remove.
The shortcut is removed from its assignment to the selected command and can now be assigned to another
command.

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GENERAL NOTES DATA ENTRY SHORTCUTS
DATA ENTRY SHORTCUTS
Mastercam lets you use several shortcuts to enter information into text boxes when creating geometry. These shortcuts let
you get data from an existing entity and use it when creating new geometry. The shortcuts are as follows:
A Use "A" to input an existing angle.

D Use "D" to input an existing diameter.
L Use "L" to input an existing length.
R Use "R" to input an existing radius.
S Use "S" to input the distance between two existing points.
X Use "X" to input an existing X coordinate.
Y Use "Y" to input an existing Y coordinate.
Z Use "Z" to input an existing Z coordinate.
To use a shortcut:
Type a letter (from the list above), instead of a value, into the text box.
Press [Enter]. Mastercam prompts you to select the existing entity from which you want to get the data.
Select the entity you want to use.
Mastercam displays the data it gets from the existing entity.
Press [Enter] to accept the data or type a different value and press [Enter].
Mastercam uses the data from the existing entity in creating the new entity.
EXAMPLE ON HOW TO USE A SHORTCUT

This example uses the "L" data entry shortcut to create a line.
Create a line width endpoints at 0,0,0 and 3,0,0.
This will be the existing line from which you get data by using "L".
Select Create, Line, Endpoint.
Set 0,0,0 as one endpoint of the polar line.
Set 33 degrees as the angle of the line and press Enter.
Press "L" to activate the Length field then "L" again and press [Enter] for the line length.
Mastercam prompts you to select an existing line.
Select the existing line.
Mastercam displays the data it gets from the existing line.
Press [Enter] to accept this data.
Mastercam creates a new line.

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GENERAL NOTES
CREATING 3D WIREFRAME
ABOUT VIEWS
The main tool for applying coordinate systems in Mastercam is the view. A view consists of two main parts:
A plane or slice through the coordinate system.
An origin, or zero point.
Graphics View
The Gview is the plane from which you view your work in the graphics window.
There are 7 standard graphics views in Mastercam.
View 1 = Top.
View 2 = Front.
View 3 = Back.
View 4 = Bottom.
View 5 = Right Side.
View 6 = Left Side.
View 7 = Isometric.
Construction Plane (Cplane)
The Cplane is a flat, two dimensional space on which you create geometry and that can be defined anywhere in three
dimensional space. There are 7 predefined construction planes in Mastercam, the same as for Gviews.

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GENERAL NOTES ABOUT VIEWS
To set the desired Cplane, choose Plane from the Status Bar and select the desired Construction plane from
the list.
NOTE: Mastercam X5 default construction mode is 3D, this plane allows you to draw in unrestricted 3D space.
You can use the 3D plane while creating geometry that can be related with existing geometry.

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ABOUT THE TOOL PLANE GENERAL NOTES
ABOUT THE TOOL PLANE
The Tool Plane (Tplane) is the cutting plane for a toolpath, typically normal to the tool axis. The tool approaches and retracts
from the part normal to the tool plane in the Z-axis. To define the tool plane you can use any of the 7 predefined tool planes
or a custom orientation. Changing the Tplane will produce a rotary motion code when you post the toolpath.
Example of horizontal machining center (tombstone) and axis orientation.
Example of rotary chuck on a table that rotates about X-axis (A).

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GENERAL NOTES DEFINE A NEW CONSTRUCTION PLANE
DEFINE A NEW CONSTRUCTION PLANE

You can define a new construction plane by:
Selecting Geometry that lie on a plane (2 lines or 3 points).
Rotating a defined Cplane.

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ABOUT CONSTRUCTION DEPTH (Z DEPTH) GENERAL NOTES
ABOUT CONSTRUCTION DEPTH (Z DEPTH)
The Z depth corresponds to a point on the Z axis of the correct construction plane (Cplane) with respect to the system origin
(X0, Y0, Z0).
How to set the Z depth

First, set up the current plane and then set the Z depth at which you want to create or modify the geometry.
To set the Z depth, select Z from the Status bar.
Select a point from the existing geometry as shown.
OR
Enter the value in the Z field.

To set the 3D construction plane, choose the 3D/2D toggle button from the Status bar.
Example using the 2D construction plane to create the geometry shown below
Set the 2D Construction plane, by choosing the 2D/3D toggle button as shown.
Select the Front Construction plane.

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GENERAL NOTES CHAINING
Create the circles, selecting the endpoints of the lines as the center points as shown.
NOTE: Using the 2D Construction plane as shown in this case, does not require multiple changes of the
construction depth.
CHAINING
Chaining is a process used to select a number of entities (lines, arcs, points, splines, etc.) when modifying or transforming
existing entities or when creating a toolpath. The entities form a chain when the distance between two consecutive entity
endpoints is less than the chaining tolerance (0.002 in the system configuration).
When using chain for deleting entities you have to preselect the geometry. Hold down the Shift Key and select one entity of
the chain. Mastercam automatically selects all the entities that could form the chain.

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CHAINING GENERAL NOTES
In Wireframe mode, the Chaining dialog box provides chain selection methods including:
C-Plane - allowing you to select geometry in the current construction plane.
3D - allows you to select 3D geometry.
Chain.
Point.
Window.
Area.
Single.
Polygon.
Vector.
Partial.
Other controls let you manage the selection process.
Last.
End Chain.
Un select Chain.
Un select All Chains.

Reverse chaining direction.
Chain Feature Option.

Chain Features.
Options.

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GENERAL NOTES HOW TO CHAIN
HOW TO CHAIN
When Chaining geometry to create a toolpath, it is important to chian the geometry in the proper direction as it will
determine the direction the cutter travels when machining the part. Below is an example on how to select geometry using
the chaining method.
Table 1:
Description Check Fix
Chain stops: Lines do not touch. Zoom into inspect. Trim lines together
using trim 1 entity.
Chain stops: Lines cross. Zoom into inspect. Trim lines using trim 2
entities.

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HOW TO CHAIN GENERAL NOTES
Table 1:
Description Check Fix
Lines do not touch. Look at geometry in Use Xform Project.

ISO Gview.
Duplicate entities: Identical Zoom into the area Delete Duplicate

entities on top of each other. and you will notice entities.
a thicker line.
Overlapping entities: Entities of Zoom the area, use Use Findoverlap.dll

different lengths on top of each Analyze menu and C-hook.
other. move the cursor on
the top of the
entities.

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GENERAL NOTES WINDOW SELECTION
WINDOW SELECTION
Window selection is a process used to select a number of entities (lines, arcs, points, splines etc.). Window selection is used
when modifying or transforming existing entities or creating a toolpath.
Select the drop down arrow to choose how the entities will be selected.
Inside - allows you to select the entities that are completely inside the window.
In + Intrs - allows you to select the entities that are completed inside and intersect the
window.
Intersect - allows you to select only the entities that intersect the window.
Out + Intrs - allows you to select the entities that are completed outside and intersecting
the window.
Outside - allows you to select the entities that are completed outside the window.
HOW TO SELECT GEOMETRY INSIDE OF A WINDOW
When using windows to select geometry in order to create a toolpath it is important to establish the proper direction the
cutter travels when machining the part. This can be set in the chaining Options.
CHAINING AND WINDOW OPTIONS
Both Chaining and Window selections have an Options dialog box used to set default values for a number of choices that
would affect how you select the geometry.
To change options for the selection process you have to choose the options button which is found in the
chaining dialog box.

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CHAINING OPTIONS GENERAL NOTES
CHAINING OPTIONS
The chain Mask options speed up chaining for a large number of entities or when branch points are involved. They let you
"pre-select" categories of entities to build your chain from. Mastercam provides Entity, Color and Level. All the mask does is
block all the entities that do not match the mask criteria.
Closed chains lets you select all entities adjacent to the selected entity in the
forward and reverse directions until it reaches the end of a chain or a branch
point.
Open chains allows you to select a section of the first entity and the last
entity of a chian. Mastercam creates an open chain which includes all
adjacent entities between these two points.
Section angle applies only to Section chaining. In section chaining Mastercam
chains along a set of smooth curves. Curves that are less then the section stop
angle are considered tangent for this chaining method. When Mastercam
encounters an angle that exceeds the section stop angle or a branch point it
ends the chain.
Ignore depths (in 3D mode) lets you chain entities that could form a chain
(the distance between two consecutive entity endpoints is smaller than the
chian tolerance) but have different depths.
Start chain at point will start the chaining from a point that you create on an
endpoint of an entity in the chain.
Allow surface edges in Single mode allows you to select, in single mode the
edges of a surface.
Break entities in Dynamic sets the system to automatically break the entities
at intersection while in Dynamic mode.
Nested Chains
Sorting lets you choose different sorting options while selecting geometry
that is completely contained within a closed boundary. You can speed up
chaining using next closest. Choosing inside to outside sorts and chains the
curves from the innermost to the outermost. You can sort the chains starting
with the outermost chains using outside to inside. It also allows you to sort
and optimize the chaining using optimize inside to outside or optimize
outside to inside.
Infinite nesting in area chains one mouse click chains all of the curves and
points within a closed boundary. When unchecked, Mastercam chains the
outer and inner boundary closest to the point you entered to define the area
chain and any curves or point between the two.
Reverse inner chains changes the direction of chaining for the inner chains.
Sync mode allows Mastercam to break a chain into a number of separate
chains for the purpose of creating the surface. The Sync mode option of the Chaining Options dialog box
determines how Mastercam should divide up the chains. You may need to choose a sync mode if you have
attempted to create a surface and found that it twists.
Chaining tolerance sets the default chaining tolerance value.
Plane tolerance sets the default plane tolerance value.

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GENERAL NOTES TOOLPATH MANAGER
TOOLPATH MANAGER
The Toolpaths Manager lists all operations in the current job. Use this dialog box to sort, edit, regenerate, verify and post any
operations. You can enter this dialog box by selecting the Toolpaths tab.
Select all operations
This button selects all operations listed in the Toolpath Manager. Selected
operations are represented by a check mark on the folder.
Select all dirty operations
This button selects all dirty operations listed in the toolpaths Manager. Dirty
operations area operations in which changes were made (parameters or
geometry changes). A red "X" mark will be displayed on the toolpath icon.
Regenerate all selected operations
This button will recreate all the operations after changes have been made.
Regenerate all dirty operations
This button will recreate all the dirty operations after changes have been made.
Backplot selected operations
Simulates tool movement for the selected operations.
Verify selected operations
Simulates machining for the selected operations.
Post selected operations
Runs the post processor for selected operations and creates the NC program.

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TOOLPATH MANAGER GENERAL NOTES
High Feed
Optimizes feed rates for selected operations.
Delete all operations, groups and tools
Deletes all machine groups in the toolpath manager except for the last one in the list. This deletion includes
operations, tools and machine definitions and you will not be able to undo this deletion.
Toggle locking on selected operations
Locks and unlocks selected operations. Locking the operations prevents you from regenerating the toolpath.
Toggle toolpath display on selected operations
Displays and hides selected operations in the graphics window.
Toggle posting on selected operations
Enables and disables posting on selected operations.
Only display selected toolpaths
When enabled, displays toolpaths in the graphics window only for the operations you select in the Toolpath
Manager list.
Only display associative geometry
When enabled, displays all the geometry associated with the selected operations, provided the geometry is not
hidden or blanked and is on levels that are visible.

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GENERAL NOTES OPERATION LIST AREA
OPERATION LIST AREA
This area displays the order of operations in the current job. Select the + or - signs in front of the file folder icon for an
operation to display/collapse the pieces of that operation, including parameters, tool definition, geometry and the NCI file.
Parameters.
Select the parameters icon to edit the toolpath parameters.
Tool Definition.
Select Tool definition to edit the size and shape of the tool.
Geometry.
Select the Geometry icon to edit the chains and points to be machined in that operation.
Right mouse click in the list area and you can change the followings.
Add chain.
Change side.
Rechain all.
Re sync all.
Sort options.
Delete chain.
Rechain single.
Analyze chain.
Reverse chain.
Start point.
Edit tabs.
Change at point.
Rename Toolpath.
Toolpath contains the NCI file, a separate intermediate file that contains all the information on the toolpath data.
The post-processor uses the NCI file to create a NC file for your specific machine/control. Select the toolpath icon
and the system will open the Backplot command.

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ABOUT RIGHT MOUSE CLICK IN THE TOOLPATHS MANAGER LIST AREA GENERAL NOTES
ABOUT RIGHT MOUSE CLICK IN THE TOOLPATHS MANAGER LIST AREA
Right mouse click in the Toolpaths Manager list area opens an extensive menu of commands.
Mill toolpaths displays a list with all operations available in

Mastercam. You can start to create an operation from here. For
example by selecting Toolpaths, Contour the system will prompt
you, to chain the geometry to be machined.
Toolpaths, New allows you to delete all operations and tools that
were already created.
Edit Selected operations.
Edit common parameters allows you to edit the common parameters of all the operations inside of a toolpath
group. For example you can change the Feed plane value for all the operations inside the group. Make sure that
you have previously selected all operations.
Change NC file name - allows you to rename the selected operations with a different NCI file name.
Change Program # - allows you to renumber the NC program.
Renumber tools - allows you to renumber the tools by giving the first tool number and the increment number.

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GENERAL NOTES ABOUT RIGHT MOUSE CLICK IN THE TOOLPATHS MANAGER LIST AREA
Renumber work offsets - allows you to renumber the work offsets when using more than one offset (tombstone
application).
Reverse toolpath - allows you to reverse the chaining direction to change the cutting direction.
Recalculate feeds/speeds allows you to adjust the feed rate, plunge rate, retract rate, and spindle speed for
multiple toolpaths based on a new stock material. This procedure requires that the feed calculation in Tool
Settings be set to Material.
Groups
Groups allows you to organize operations. Operation groups are handy for quick selection of toolpaths. Selecting
a group automatically selects all operations within the group.
New Machine group - instructs the system to add a new machine

group.
New Toolpath group - instructs the system to add a new toolpath

group.
Rename - allows you to change the group name.
Delete - instructs the system to delete a selected group.
Delete all empty - instructs the system to delete all groups that have no operations.
Cut, Copy/Paste - allows you to reorder the operations.
Delete/Undelete - allows you to delete selected operations or recover them using undelete.
Expand - expands all the operations and the groups inside of the toolpaths manager.
Collapse - collapses all the operations and groups inside of the toolpath manager.
Doc file - creates a text file that list all of the groups, operations, tools, geometry and NCI destinations that are in
the toolpath manager.

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ABOUT RIGHT MOUSE CLICK IN THE TOOLPATHS MANAGER LIST AREA GENERAL NOTES
Select - opens a dialog box that allows you to choose different options to select the operations as shown.
Sort - allows you to reorganize operations.
Import - allows you to import saved operations from a library.
Export - allows you to export operations to a library.
Batch - lets you generate the toolpath at a later time and post to multiple NCI destinations, setting time limits on
running the batch operations.
Display options - sets the Toolpath Manager display options.
Setup Sheet - provides information about the work piece, including the operations, tool reference, total
machining time and comments added during programming in a printable format.
Collision check - allows you to check for collision and gouges in the part. A collision occurs when the tool contacts
material during a rapid move. A gouge occurs when the tool removes more material than desired.
Toolpath Editor - allows you to modify an existing toolpath. You can:

Edit tool motion at specific point positions in the toolpath.
Add points to increase tool motion.
Move points to adjust tool motion.
Delete selected points, passes, cuts and sections of a toolpath.

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GENERAL NOTES MACHINE GROUP PROPERTIES
MACHINE GROUP PROPERTIES
Machine Group Properties - sets appropriate defaults for the jobs you program such as operations, tools, views, stock,
toolpath configuration questions, feed calculations, and material settings. It is a good place to start before programming a
job.
NOTE: The stock settings are used for the toolpath verification.
Select the plus sign in front of Properties to expand the Toolpath Group Properties as shown.
Select Tool Settings as shown.
TOOL SETTINGS
Tool Settings page allows you to set the tool parameters and the part material.
Feed Calculation - determines if the feeds will be calculated based on the part material or using the tool settings.
From tool - uses feed rate, plunge rate, retract rate and spindle speed based on the tool and stock material.
From defaults - uses feed rate, plunge rate, retract rate and spindle speeds from the operation defaults.
Adjust feed on arc moves - adjusts the current linear feed rate to fit arc geometry.
Assign tool number sequentially - allows you to overwrite the tool number from the library with the next
available tool number (First operation tool number 1; Second operation tool number 2, etc).
Warn of duplicate tool numbers - allows you to get a warning if you enter two tools with the same number.
Use tools step, peck, coolant - uses the information from the tool definition.

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TOOL SETTINGS GENERAL NOTES
Search tool library when entering a tool number - automatically gets the tool from the default library based on
the tool number entered in the operations toolpath dialog box.
Override defaults with module values enables the system to keep the values that you enter.
Material - allows you to select the current part material.

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GENERAL NOTES STOCK SETUP
STOCK SETUP
Shape - allows you to choose between:
Rectangular.
Cylindrical.
Solid.
File: allows you to import an STL file as the stock.
Display - allows you to set the stock as wireframe or solid and to fit the stock to the screen.
Stock Origin - values adjust the position of the stock, ensuring that you have an amount of extra stock around the
finished part.
Select Corners - allows you to select opposite corners of the stock from existing geometry.
Bounding Box - defines the stock limits by finding the extents of the selected geometry.
NCI extents - establishes the stock size based on the tool movements in the NCI file.

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STOCK SETUP GENERAL NOTES
All Surfaces/All solids/All entities - defines the stock based on all visible surfaces or solids or all entities in the
file.

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GENERAL NOTES STOCK SETUP
MULTIAXIS CUSTOM APPLICATIONS TOOLPATH FAMILY
Multiaxis toolpath generation is a unified process. Select Multiaxis from the toolpath menu or toolbar to launch a single
interface for all multiaxis toolpaths.
Multiaxis toolpaths are grouped in six toolpath families: Classic, Wireframe, Surface/Solid, Drill/Circle Mill, Convert to
5-axis and Custom Application.
The toolpath options are based on the selected toolpath family.
Custom Application family contains ten toolpaths dedicated specific applications. The toolpath settings and geometry
selections are based on the specified application.
If you need to fine-tune the custom application toolpath more than it is allowed by these toolpaths, select the Switch to
advanced interface button on the Misc page. This makes available to you the parameter pages for one of the advanced
multiaxis toolpaths from the Wireframe family or from the Surface/Solid family. All of the settings that you have entered in
the custom application toolpath will be preserved in their proper places in the new interface. However, once you switch to
the advanced interface, you will not be able to switch back to this page again.

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SWARF MILLING TOOLPATH GENERAL NOTES
SWARF MILLING TOOLPATH
Swarf milling toolpath creates a swarf toolpath for machining the walls of the part.
Swarf milling parameters
Swarf milling page determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Wall surfaces are the surfaces that are machined during the 5 axis Swarf toolpath.
Bottom rail is the edge curve at the bottom of the wall surfaces.
Both wall surfaces and bottom rail have to be selected to generate the 5 axis Swarf toolpath.
You can also select two sets of check surfaces, one for the floor of the part and another that can represent any other part
feature the tool needs to avoid.
You can also choose the Cutting method and the direction for one way machining. In the Swarf Milling page you can set the
Cut tolerance and the Maximum stepover.

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GENERAL NOTES IMPELLER BLADE SWARF FINISHING
IMPELLER BLADE SWARF FINISHING
Impeller blade swarf finishing creates a swarf toolpath to machine the blades with the side of the tool.
You should create an operation to finish one blade, and then use Mastercam's Toolpath Transform features to machine the
floors between the other blades.
Impeller blade swarf finish parameters
Impeller Blade Swarf Finishing settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Area type lets you define the area on the drive surface to be machined. You can choose between "full" which machines the
entire drive surfaces, determine by number of cuts or limit the cuts between points.
Sorting allows you to set the cutting method and the direction of the cut.
Cut tolerance is the tolerance for the accuracy of the toolpath. This value is the chordal deviation of the toolpath against the
surfaces to be machined. To generate more points along the cut for better accuracy you can set the maximum stepover.
Maximum angle step sets the maximum allowed angle change between two consecutive toolpath positions.
Follow surface iso side tilt definition is a good option if linear surfaces are present. If any surface does not have a compatible
U and V direction with the neighboring surfaces, then this function attempts to automatically correct these areas.

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IMPELLER FLOOR SURFACE GENERAL NOTES
IMPELLER FLOOR SURFACE
application requires a tiltcurve to guide the tool axis.
You should create an operation to rough one floor region, and then use Mastercam's Toolpath Transform features to
Impeller Floor Surface
Impeller floor surface settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along the geometry.
Right allows you to select the blade on the right side of the floor. The selected surfaces will be used as check surfaces.
Left allows you to select the blade on the left side of the floor. The selected surfaces will be used as check surfaces.
Tilt Curve should follow the general shape of the blade surfaces. It should be located between the blades to control the tilt of
the tool axis.
Floor surfaces allows you to select the surfaces to be machined.
It allows you to set the Cutting method and the direction for one way machining.
In the Impeller floor surface you can set the Cut tolerance and the Maximum stepover.

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GENERAL NOTES IMPELLER FLOOR SURFACE WITHOUT TILTCURVE
IMPELLER FLOOR SURFACE WITHOUT TILTCURVE
application does not require a tiltcurve to guide the tool axis.
You should create an operation to finish one floor region, and then use Mastercam's Toolpath Transform features to
Impeller blade floor surface without tiltcurve
Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along the
geometry.
Right allows you to select the blade on the right side of the floor. The selected surfaces will be used as check surfaces.
Left allows you to select the blade on the left side of the floor. The selected surfaces will be used as check surfaces.
Floor surfaces allows you to select the surfaces to be machined.
Check surfaces are anything in the model that you do not want to touch with the tool.
It allows you to set the Cutting method and the direction for one way machining.
In the Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve you can set the Cut tolerance and the Maximum stepover.

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PORT EXPERT GENERAL NOTES
PORT EXPERT
Use Port Expert to cut a port or internal chamber by selecting surfaces and a central spine. This toolpath is an add on. Please
see your Mastercam dealer to purchase it.
Port Expert Cut Pattern parameters
surfaces to be machined and the spine that is used as reference for the tool axis.
Machining surfaces are the surfaces to be machined in this operation.
Spine is a spline that follows the curvature of the port surfaces and is located in the center of the port.
Output type allows you to select the direction of the machining. You can choose between Top, Bottom and Both.
You can also choose the Cutting method and the direction for one way machining. In the Cut Pattern you can set the Cut

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GENERAL NOTES PROJECTION
PROJECTION
Projection is a toolpath that follows a curve that has been projected onto a set of surfaces. This is useful for engraving and
similar applications. Projection curves should lie on or above the surface, within the maximum projection distance.
Projection parameters
Projection settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Projection curves button allows you to return to the graphics window to select the curves. Projection curves should lie on or
above the surface, within the Max. projection distance.
Maximum angle step sets the maximum angle between the adjacent tool vectors generated along the curves.
Engraving depth sets the depth to engrave the selected projection curves.
Apply multiple depth actives multi passes options.
Distances set the distances above the part, as incremental values, where the tool is moving at rapid feed rate or at the
cutting feed rate. It also sets the minimum distance above the part for the tool to travel in the clearance area.

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CAVITY TILTCURVE GENERAL NOTES
CAVITY TILTCURVE
Cavity tiltcurve toolpath lets you quickly create a toolpath to machine the inside of a cavity. A separate guide curve controls
the tool axis. Use the Limits option, if necessary, to further constrain the tool axis to a specific range of angles. This toolpath
machines the entire floor surface, not just the contour of the tilt curve. This machining strategy does not use any gouge or
collision checking.
Cavity tiltcurve parameters
Cavity tiltcurve settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Tilt curve allows you to return to the graphics window to select a chain of entities. The tool remains tilted toward the curve
throughout the cut.ettings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Floor surfaces button allows you to return to the graphics window to select the drive surfaces.
Limits keep the tool within specified angles in a selected plane.
Maximum stepover sets the maximum distance between cutting passes.

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GENERAL NOTES CAVITY COLLISION CONTROL CURVE
CAVITY COLLISION CONTROL CURVE
Cavity collision control Curve toolpath lets you quickly create a toolpath to machine the inside of a cavity. A separate guide
curve controls the tool axis. Use the Limits option, if necessary, to further constrain the tool axis to a specific range of angles.
This toolpath machines the entire floor surface, not just the contour of the tilt curve. This machining strategy has collision
control. A preset collision control strategy is used for the operation when on.
Cavity Collision Control Curve parameters
Cavity Collision Control Curve settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Tilt curve allows you to return to the graphics window to select a chain of entities. The tool remains tilted toward the curve
throughout the cut.ettings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Floor surfaces button allows you to return to the graphics window to select the drive surfaces.
Collision control On enables a preset collision control strategy that is used for this operation.

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ELECTRODE MACHINING 4+1 AXIS GENERAL NOTES
ELECTRODE MACHINING 4+1 AXIS
Electrode Machining 4+1 toolpath lets you create a toolpath to machine an electrode. It is preset to produce 4+1 axis
output, a common electrode machining strategy, in which the 5th axis is locked at a fixed angle relative to one of the axes or
a line that you choose.
Electrode Machining 4+1 parameters
Electrode Machining 4+1 settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Drive surfaces button allows you to return to the graphics window to select the drive surfaces.
Clearance is the area specified by the user where the tool can travel in the air without hitting the work piece. This can be a
plane at a given height, a cylinder, or a sphere.
Area type lets you define the area on the drive surface to be milled. There are four possible options.
Collision Control On enables a preset collision control strategy that is used for this operation.
Sorting allows you to choose the Cutting method between Zigzag, One way or Helical motion.

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GENERAL NOTES BLADE ROOT MACHINING
BLADE ROOT MACHINING
Blade root machining toolpath lets you create a toolpath to machine blade root. The toolpath is generated between two
curves.
Blade root Machining parameters
Blade root machining settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
First allows you to return to the graphics window to select the first curve or surface.
Drive surfaces button allows you to return to the graphics window to select the drive surfaces.
Second allows you to return to the graphics window to select the second curve or surface.
Tilt curve allows you to return to the graphics window for curve chaining. The tool remains tilted toward the curve
throughout the cut.
Fixed tilt angle allows you to set an angle to tilt the tool axis relative to the tilt curve. The tool will not be tilted in areas
where the tilt curve is parallel to the surface normal.
Collision Control On enables a preset collision control strategy that is used for this operation.
Cutting method allows you to choose between One way or Spiral motion.
Maximum angle step sets the maximum angle the tool will be allowed to move through between adjacent moves.

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BLADE ROOT MACHINING GENERAL NOTES
MULTIAXIS WIREFRAME TOOLPATH FAMILY
Multiaxis Wireframe toolpath family contains four toolpaths which require curves as geometry for the tool to follow.

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GENERAL NOTES MORPH BETWEEN 2 CURVES
MORPH BETWEEN 2 CURVES
The Morph between 2 curves will create a morphed toolpath between two leading curves. A "morphed" toolpath is one that
is approximated between the tilt curves and evenly spread over the surface. This toolpath will ensure a better finish with
less retraction moves. The toolpath is located in the Wireframe toolpath family.
Cut Pattern parameters
First allows you to select the first curve.
Second allows you to select the second curve.
Drive surfaces are the surfaces to be machined in this operation.
Area type allows you to select the method for cutting the toolpath area from the drop-down list. The type selected
determines where the tool starts, ends, and area cut.
Round corners allows you to add fillets to the operation for internal corners of your part.
Extend/trim allows you to add or remove cutting motion when the tool gets to the end of a surface.
Angle range allows you to set the cutting motion by entering two angles.
Flip stepover allows you to reverse the cutting direction for the operation.
Cut order allows you to choose between:
Standard which usually cuts from one side of the part to the other.
From center away which cuts from the approximate center of the part to the outer edges.
From outside to center which cuts from the outer edges of the part to the approximate center.

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MORPH BETWEEN 2 CURVES GENERAL NOTES

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GENERAL NOTES PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES
PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES
The Parallel to multiple curves toolpath pattern will align the cut direction with a leading curve. Adjacent cuts are parallel to
each other. It is important to note that the cuts will not simply be copied next to each other. Every new cut is created at an
offset from the previous cut.
You can also choose the Cutting method and the direction for one way machining.
In the Cut Pattern you can set the Cut tolerance and the Maximum stepover.

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PARALLEL TO MULTIPLE CURVES GENERAL NOTES

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GENERAL NOTES CUTS ALONG CURVE
CUTS ALONG CURVE
Cuts along curve generates the toolpath orthogonal to a leading curve. This means that when your selected curve is not a
straight line, the cuts are not parallel to each other. The distance between two neighboring cuts (at the intersection of the
curve and toolpath) is the maximum stepover.
Lead allows you to select the leading curve.

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CUTS ALONG CURVE GENERAL NOTES

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GENERAL NOTES PROJECT CURVES
PROJECT CURVES
The Project curves toolpath pattern generates a single toolpath along a curve.
If the line lies exactly on the face, the toolpath has same shape and position as the curve.
If the line is located above the face, the line has to be within a maximum projection distance above the face. This value
defines the maximum distance between tilt line end points and the machining contour. When tilting is applied to a contour,
only lines within this distance will be used; other lines that are far from the contour will be ignored. Note that the tilt lines
are snapped to the machining contour via the shortest distance from the line to the contour.
Cut Pattern settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Projection button allows you to return to the graphics window to select the curves. Projection curves should lie on or above
the surface, within the Max. projection distance.
Maximum distance sets the maximum distance between toolpath positions in the cutting direction. Use in operations where
you need to have more points defined, such as on flat surfaces.

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PROJECT CURVES GENERAL NOTES

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GENERAL NOTES PARALLEL TO SURFACES
MULTIAXIS SURFACE/SOLIDS TOOLPATH FAMILY
Multiaxis Surface/Solid toolpath family contains four toolpaths which require surfaces or solids for the tool to follow.
PARALLEL TO SURFACES
Parallel to surface toolpath generates cuts on the drive surface parallel to a check surface. There are special options for the
edge between the check surface and the drive surface. You can define a margin to define the exact position where the tool is
located on the edge, positioned as close as possible to both faces.
Single edge allows you to select the edge curve of the drive surface and establish its the direction.

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PARALLEL TO SURFACES GENERAL NOTES

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GENERAL NOTES PARALLEL CUTS
PARALLEL CUTS
Parallel cuts toolpath lets you create a toolpath to machine blade root. The toolpath is generated between two curves.
surfaces to be machined and the spine that is used as reference for the tool axis.
The direction of the cuts is defined by the two angles: the Machining angle in X,Y and the Machining angle in Z.
Click the Constant Z button to set the Machining angle in Z to 0.0 degrees. The Machining angle in X,Y field will become
unavailable. Click the Parallel button to set the Machining angle in Z to 90.0 degrees.

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PARALLEL CUTS GENERAL NOTES

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GENERAL NOTES PARALLEL CUTS
Machining angles examples:
XY = 0; Z = 90.
Parallel or XY = 90; Z = 90.

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PARALLEL CUTS GENERAL NOTES
Constant Z or Z = 0.

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GENERAL NOTES MORPH BETWEEN 2 SURFACES
MORPH BETWEEN 2 SURFACES
Morph between 2 surfaces toolpaths creates a morphed toolpath on the drive surfaces. The drive surface is enclosed by two
check surfaces. A "morphed" toolpath is one that is approximated between the check surfaces and evenly spread over the
drive surface. This toolpath pattern is especially useful during impeller machining with twisted turbine blades.
The main advantage is the possibility to compensate the tool to the drive surface and check surface in the left and right
corner of the workpiece. All you need to do is set the margin, or distance between the tool center and the surfaces, equal to
the tool radius.
First allows you to select the upper edge.
Second allows you to select the lower edge.

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MORPH BETWEEN 2 SURFACES GENERAL NOTES

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GENERAL NOTES TRIANGULAR MESH
TRIANGULAR MESH
Triangular mesh toolpaths allows you to generate eight toolpaths that have strategies similar to Mastercams 3-axis
strategies, including roughing, parallel finishing, constant Z finishing (contour), constant cusp (scallop), flat, pencil and
projection machining. The benefit of these toolpaths is that they have Multiaxis options such as tool axis control, collision
check and linking. You can also use them to output 3 axis code while supporting undercut machining with lollipops cutters.
The Triangle Mesh parameters are explained in detail in the General notes of the Mill Level 3 Training Tutorial.

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QUIZ ANSWERS
QUIZ ANSWERS


The answers to the 5 Tutorial quizzes.

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QUIZ ANSWERS
QUIZ ANSWERS
Tutorial #1 Answers
What type of applications are best suited for the Projection toolpath?
Engraving or similar applications.
What kind of geometry do you need to generate a projection toolpath?

You need drive surfaces and projection curves.
How should the projection curves be created?

Projection curves should lie on or above the surface, within the maximum projection distance.
Tutorial # 2 Answers
What type of surfaces does a Swarf milling toolpath machine?

Swarf milling toolpath machines the wall surfaces with the side of the tool.
What kind of geometry you need to generate a Swarf milling toolpath?

You need the wall surfaces and the bottom rail curve.
How is the Parallel to multiple curves toolpath generated?

Parallel to multiple curves toolpath pattern will align the cut direction with a leading curve. Adjacent cuts are parallel to
each other. It is important to note that the cuts will not simply be copied next to each other. Every new cut is created at an
offset from the previous cut.
Where should the curve, used to generate the Parallel to multiple curves toolpath, be located?
The curve must be located exactly on the surface edge, so the best curve would be the edge itself.

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QUIZ ANSWERS
Tutorial # 3 Answers
How is the Parallel cuts toolpath generated?

The Parallel cuts toolpath will create tool motion with cuts that are parallel to each other. The direction of the cuts is
defined by the two angles: the Machining angle in X, Y and the Machining angle in Z.
How is the Morph between curves toolpath generated?

The Morph between 2 curves will create a morphed toolpath between two leading curves. A "morphed" toolpath is one
that is approximated between the tilt curves and evenly spread over the surface.
When would you use margins in a Multaxis toolpath?

Margins at both the start and the end of the toolpath allows you to compensate for the tool radius.
How does the Gradual side tilt angle work?

The angle change is applied gradually over the series of cuts created for the operation. The first cut will use only the side
tilt angle. The last cut will use the side tilt angle plus the change value. Cuts in between will use side tilt angle plus a
percentage of the change value.
Tutorial #4 Answers
When would you use the Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve toolpath?
To finish the floor between two impeller blades. This application does not require a tiltcurve to guide the tool axis.
How is the Morph between 2 surfaces toolpath generated?

Morph between 2 surfaces toolpaths creates a morphed toolpath on the drive surfaces. The drive surface is enclosed by
two check surfaces. A "morphed" toolpath is one that is approximated between the check surfaces and evenly spread
over the drive surface.
When would you use the Impeller blade swarf finishing toolpath?
Impeller blade swarf finishing creates a swarf toolpath to machine the blades with the side of the tool.
How is the Parallel to surface toolpath generated?

Parallel to surface toolpath generates cuts on the drive surface parallel to a check surface.
When would you use the Transform toolpaths?

Transform toolpaths are used when you want to run the same toolpaths in different locations or at different orientations
in the same part file.

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QUIZ ANSWERS
Tutorial #5 Answers
What do the Collision control parameters allow you to do?

Collision control establishes clearance values and instructs the toolpath how to move the tool to avoid a collision.
How does the Tilting tool away with maximum angle strategy work?
Tilting tool away with max angle strategy avoids the gouge by tilting the tool away from the surface
How do the Tool clearance parameters work?

Tool clearances apply a cylindrical offset to the tool shaft, arbor, and holder for collision checking purposes. The tool
clearance acts as a virtual stock amount added to the holder, arbor, and shaft diameter.
What Collision control strategy can be used to jump over obstacals along the toolpath?
Retracting Tool Along Tool Axis.

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INDEX
Numerics L
2D / 3D Construction ........................................ 7 Level .................................................................. 7
A Line Style ........................................................... 7
About Views .................................................. 297 Line Width ........................................................ 7
Advanced Multiaxis ........................................ 22 Linking ............................................................. 69
Attributes .......................................................... 7 M
B Machine Definition ......................................... 18
Backplotting .................................................... 57 Machine Group Properties ........................... 314
Blade Root Machining ................................... 328 Machine Simulation ........................................ 85
Margins ........................................................... 63
C
Menu ................................................................ 4
Cavity Collision Control Curve ...................... 326 Morph Between 2 Curves ............................. 330
Cavity Tiltcurve ............................................. 325 Morph Between 2 Surfaces ..................181, 344
Chaining ........................................................ 302 Morph Between Curves Toolpath ................ 116
Chaining Options .......................................... 307 MRU Toolbar ..................................................... 4
Clearance Area ................................................ 71 Multiaxis Custom Applications Toolpath Family 318
Color ................................................................. 7 Multiaxis Surface/Solids Toolpath Family ..... 338
Construction Depth ...................................... 301 Multiaxis Wireframe Toolpath Family .......... 329
Construction Plane ....................................... 297
Customize The Right Mouse Button Menu ... 289
O
Customizing Drop Down Menus ................... 287 Operation List Area ....................................... 310
Customizing Toolbars ................................... 285 Origin ................................................................ 4
Cut Pattern ..................................................... 62 P
Cuts Along Curve .......................................... 334 Parallel Cuts ..........................................102, 340
D Parallel To Multiple Curves ...............60, 73, 332
Data Entry Shortcuts ..................................... 296 Parallel To Multiple Curves With Limits ........ 132
Default Lead - In/Out ...................................... 70 Parallel To Surfaces ....................................... 338
Define A New Construction Plane ................ 300 Planes ............................................................... 7
Point Style ......................................................... 7
E Port Expert .................................................... 323
Electrode Machining 4+1 Axis ...................... 327 Post Processor ................................................ 37
Extend/Trim .................................................... 68 Project Curves ............................................... 336
F Projection ...............................................23, 324
Function Prompt ............................................... 4 Q
G Quick Mask Toolbar .......................................... 4
Graphic Area ..................................................... 4 R
Grid ................................................................. 12 Ribbon Bar ........................................................ 4
Groups .............................................................. 8 Right Mouse Click In The Toolpaths Manager 311
Gview ................................................................ 7
S
I Scale .................................................................. 4
Impeller Blade Swarf Finishing ..................... 320 Status Bar .......................................................... 4
Impeller Floor Surface .................................. 321 Stock Model .................................................... 44
Impeller Floor Surface Without Tilt Curve .... 171 Stock Setup ................................................... 316
Impeller Floor Surface Without Tiltcurve ..... 322 Swarf Milling Toolpath ............................46, 319
K Switch to Advanced Interface ......................... 59
Key Mapping ................................................. 292

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INDEX
T Toolpaths/Solids Operations Manager ............. 4

Tilt Angle At The Side of Cutting Direction ... 259 Triangular Mesh ............................................ 346
Tilting Tool Away With Max Angle Strategy . 260 V
Tool ................................................................. 24 View Port XYZ Axes ........................................... 4
Tool Axis Control ............................................. 64 W
Tool Plane ..................................................... 299 Window Selection ......................................... 306
Tool Settings ................................................. 314 Work Coordinate System (WCS) ....................... 8
Toolbar States ................................................. 10
Toolbars ............................................................ 4
Z
Toolpath Manager ....................................9, 308 Z Depth ............................................................. 7
Toolpath Type ................................................. 23

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  

X7 Advanced Machining Tutorial

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Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial

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General Notes .........................................................................................................

Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial

Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial

Tutorial Toolpath Creation

Advanced Mutiaxis Training Tutorial

Tutorial Toolpath Creation

Collision control strategies:

Tilting tool away with maximum angle using side

Advanced Mutiaxis Training Tutorial

The Student will learn about the Graphics user interface.

Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial Page|1

STEP 1: STARTING MASTERCAM

1.1 Enable the Unified Backplot/Verify System

Select the Start button.

Select Advanced Configuration as shown.

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Make sure that Mastercam X7 version is selected as shown.

Select the Apply button to apply the changes.

Select the OK button to exit.

1.2 Start Mastercam X7

Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial Page|3

STEP 2: GUI - GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE

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STEP 3: NAVIGATE THROUGH MASTERCAM

Left click on Create.

Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial Page|5

3.3 Reorganizing the toolbars

NOTE: To customize the toolbars please see the General Notes.

Left Click on the Create Line Endpoint command icon as shown.

3.4 Create Line Endpoint Ribbon Bar example

command select the OK button or press the Esc button.

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3.5 Function Prompt

Prompts the user to execute a command.

Example this prompt is used in the Create Line Endpoint command.

3.6 Status Bar

2D / 3D Construction Toggles between 2D and 3D construction modes. In 2D mode all geometry is

Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial Page|7

3.7 Change the Current System Color

Left click on System Color as shown in Figure: 3.7.1.

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3.8 The Toolpath Manager

Press Alt + O to hide the manager.

Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial Page|9

STEP 4: SETTING THE TOOLBAR STATES

Toolbar States as shown.

From the left column select 4-5 Axis Toolpaths.

Select the OK button to accept the toolbar states.

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Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial Page|11

STEP 5: SETTING THE GRID

Choose the OK button to exit.

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The grid will appear on your screen as shown in Figure: 5.0.2.

Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial Page|13

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Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial Page|15

OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:

Create the necessary Toolpath to machine the part:

Backplot and Verify the file:

Post Process the file to generate the G-code: