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MCAMX4 QuickStart
MCAMX4 QuickStart
Mastercam
Quick Start
May 2009
II • QUICK START
III
Contents
1. Introduction to Mastercam X....................................................... 1
Mastercam Startup and Resources ....................................................... 1
The Mastercam Workspace .................................................................. 5
Opening and Translating Files .............................................................. 24
IV • QUICK START
Index.....................................................................................................131
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chapter 1
Introduction to Mastercam X
Welcome to Mastercam X! Mastercam X is a powerful CAD/CAM application you use
to design parts and create complete machining operations.
To start Mastercam:
1 Double–click the Mastercam icon on your Windows®
Desktop.
Or, select Mastercam from the Windows Program menu. By
default, Mastercam starts up in the Design application.
2 To open a machine-specific Mastercam product, such as
Mill, Router, Lathe, or Wire, select a machine definition from the Machine
Type menu.
Note: You can also switch between Mastercam products by choosing certain
functions from the drop-down menus or toolbars, or by selecting an operation
from the Toolpath Manager.
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Mastercam X Documentation
The \Documentation folder in your Mastercam installation includes a suite of
documentation tools, training videos, and other resources you can use to make the
most of your Mastercam experience. These publications and videos are designed to
get you up and running quickly, and to provide ongoing education and support as you
work with basic and advanced features.
Notes:
• You must install Adobe® Reader® (version 6.0 or higher) before you can view
or print PDF documentation.
• All PDF documents are available from the Mastercam \Documentation
directory.
2 To navigate through the document, use the bookmark list in the leftmost
pane of the Reader window, or use the Search functions.
3 To view information, scroll through the pages using the mouse wheel or the
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scroll bar on the right side of the Reader window.
TIP: For quick access to the Mastercam X4 Reference Guide, choose Help,
Reference Guide from the Mastercam menu.
Additional Training
Additional Mastercam training is available from a variety of sources, including your
Mastercam Reseller and CNC Software, Inc. Two options are listed below:
Mastercam University: CNC Software sponsors Mastercam University, an
affordable online learning platform that gives you 24/7 access to Mastercam
training materials. Take advantage of more than 180 videos to master your
skills at your own pace and help prepare yourself for Mastercam
Certification. For more information on Mastercam University, please contact
your Authorized Mastercam Reseller, visit www.mastercam.com, or email
training@mastercam.com.
Getting Started Tutorial Series: The Getting Started Tutorial Series is a set of
books and videos designed to introduce new users to Mastercam. The
tutorials are best used in sequence, but they can also be used independently.
For more information, please contact your Authorized Mastercam Reseller.
For assistance with installing Mastercam, its SIM HASP or NetHASP, or to obtain more
information on using Mastercam, contact your local Mastercam Reseller. If your
Reseller is unavailable, you can call CNC Technical Support Services Monday through
Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., USA Eastern Standard Time.
When calling CNC Software for technical support, please follow these guidelines:
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TIP: Use Mastercam’s Zip2Go utility to gather Mastercam part data into a
compressed .Z2G file. This utility makes it easy to provide your Reseller or
CNC Support Services with a file attachment that contains the information they
need. Zip2Go scans the machine groups in your current part file and captures
information such as your Mastercam configuration, machine definition, and
post files. For more information on using Zip2Go, please refer to the
Mastercam Help.
email support@mastercam.com
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Prompt area Toolpath, Solids, and Art Managers Status bar Vertically docked tool bar and most
(Operations Manager pane) recently used (MRU) function bar
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Graphics Window
This is the main 3D workspace in Mastercam where you view, create, and modify
geometry, drafting entities, and toolpaths.
Figure: Mastercam graphics window
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Status Bar
The Status bar appears along the bottom of the Mastercam window. You use its
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functions to edit the current settings for entity colors, attributes, levels, and groups,
and to define the view and orientation of entities in the graphics window.
Figure: Mastercam Status bar
Note: You can also access Status bar functions from various Mastercam menus
and toolbars.
To customize the Status bar by changing the order in which the fields appear or by
removing options, click the Status bar configure option (!) to open the Customize
Status bar dialog box.
TIP: Unless you select entities prior to making changes, changing attributes,
views, and planes applies only to the entities and toolpaths you create;
existing entities and toolpaths retain the attributes that were effective when
they were created. Use the Status bar right–click menu and Analyze menu
functions to change attributes associated with existing entities.
Operations Manager
The Operations Manager (shown below) houses the Toolpath Manager, Solids
Manager, and Art Manager. Its default position is to the left of the graphics window.
Toolpath Manager—The Toolpaths tab is where you define setup parameters, such as
file defaults, tool settings, stock setup, and safety zones. You also use this tab to view,
organize, and edit machine groups, toolpath groups, and operations. A toolpath
operation consolidates all the information needed to create a particular toolpath. For
more information, see “Managing Toolpath Operations” on page 108.
Solids Manager—If Mastercam Solids is installed, when you work with a solid model,
the Solids tab lists each solid in the current file. You can expand the tree structure of a
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solid to view its history (a list of the operations that were performed to construct the
solid) and its toolpaths. For more information, see “Solids Manager” on page 88.
Art Manager—If your Mastercam installation includes Mastercam Art, the Art tab
displays a history tree—a hierarchical representation of the Art base surface and
surface operation elements that make up your Art model. It lists all Art base surfaces
in the Art model and, for each Art base surface, lists all Art operations and their
current status (clean, dirty, deleted).
TIPS:
• Select Help in the Operations Manager drop-down menu to access Help
specific to the active tab (Toolpath Manager, Solids Manager, or Art
Manager).
• Use standard Windows methods to resize the Operations Manager pane,
the graphics window, or the entire Mastercam window, as necessary.
Note: When the mouse is over the Operations Manager, the Operations Manager
becomes active. Moving the mouse to the graphics window activates that
window and de-activates the Operations Manager.
You can also undock the Operations Manager, “float” (move) it around on your screen,
place it wherever you want to, and re-size it. To re-locate the Operations Manager,
click its title bar, drag it to the location you want, and drop it.
Relocating the Operations Manager is especially useful if you are working with a dual-
monitor setup. Move the Operations Manager to the second monitor. This
configuration leaves the entire graphics window free for drawing. Enlarge your
Mastercam and Operations Manager windows for greater visibility.
Toolbars
Toolbars are collections of functions represented by icons. Drop-down arrows in the
toolbar expand a list submenu of functions you can choose from.
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Choose a function in the toolbar by clicking it. Mastercam provides a set of default
toolbars to help you get started, but you can customize them to meet your unique
needs. In the Settings, Customize function, you can choose to show, hide, or redefine
toolbars, create completely new ones, and define a personalized right-mouse button
menu that contains the functions you use most often.
Interactive Prompts
Some functions use interactive prompts. Prompts appear as small text boxes in the
graphics window after you select a function. They guide you through the necessary
actions required to complete the function.
For example, the following prompt appears when you choose
the Endpoint function from the Create, Line menu:
After you select an endpoint in the graphics window, the first
prompt is replaced with another instruction:
In this example, as you create additional lines, the prompts continue to appear in
succession until you choose to exit the function.
TIPS:
• Drag a prompt to any position in the Mastercam window. Subsequent
prompts appear in the new position.
• Change the size of the interactive prompt by scaling it up or down. To do
this, position the cursor in the prompt, right–click, and choose Small,
Medium, or Large.
• Change the color of the prompt’s text or background. Choose Text color or
Background color from the prompt’s right–click menu. Then select a new
color from the Colors dialog box.
Dialog Boxes
Dialog boxes appear when you must enter information to complete a selected
function. Many dialog boxes allow you to interact with the graphics window. For
example, you can enter values in the dialog box fields by temporarily returning to the
graphics window and selecting a position, entity, or toolpath.
Choose Cancel to exit the dialog box and function without saving
parameters.
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Ribbon Bars
Ribbon bars function like dialog boxes but look similar to toolbars. Ribbon bars open
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when you activate many Mastercam functions. You use them to create, position, and
modify geometry.
Figure: Ribbon bar
TIP: When you create geometry with ribbon bars and dialog boxes, you can
edit an entity as long as it remains live. You will learn more about entity states
later in “Phantom, Live, and Fixed Entities” on page 62.
In the Mastercam workspace, a blank Ribbon Bar displays just above the graphics
window to indicate the default ribbon bar position.
When you choose a function that uses a ribbon bar, the function ribbon bar replaces
the blank Ribbon Bar placeholder. You can change the default position, and dock or
undock the ribbon bar. If you undock the blank Ribbon Bar, it is removed from the
Mastercam window until you choose a function that uses a ribbon bar. Then the
ribbon bar displays in the last undocked ribbon bar position.
Navigating Ribbon Bars
There are different ways to move between buttons and fields in ribbon bars.
Use the mouse to click buttons and place the cursor in a particular field.
Use the [Tab] key to move the cursor between fields.
Press a shortcut key to activate the button or field associated with that key.
For example, type [T] to activate the Tangent button.
Note: Some ribbon bar buttons and fields may be unavailable (appear inactive)
depending on the options you choose.
Click the chevron to display a drop-down list of additional options you can choose.
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Note: You can change your screen resolution so that the ribbon bars display all
options. For resolutions less than 1280 pixels in width, use 96 dpi with Normal
sized fonts. See your IT administrator for assistance.
Notes:
• You can dock ribbon bars only in a horizontal position. This differs from
toolbars, which can be docked horizontally or vertically.
• If you undock and then close a ribbon bar (by clicking the x in the upper right
corner), it is removed from the Mastercam window. This does not cause a
problem; it will display the next time it is required by the function.
When selected, this option allows ribbon bars and most dialog boxes to retain many
of their previous settings, saving you from having to reenter data, or reselect function
buttons, or options in a drop-down list. The settings remain in their “last used” state
for the remainder of the Mastercam session or until you change them.
For example, if you lock down width and height values in the Rectangle ribbon bar,
those values stay locked even after you close and reopen the ribbon bar.
Note: Action buttons such as OK, Apply, Chain, or Select are not modal and are
unaffected by the configuration settings.
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Tool Tips
Tool tips display when you hover the mouse over a function icon or a button in a
dialog box or ribbon bar. They help you to identify the function or option.
Figure: Tool tips
Button Ribbon bar icon
Learning Mode
Learning mode is similar to a tool tip, but applies only to ribbon bars. It provides
information on the ribbon bar and its functions, including the default shortcut keys.
When Learning mode is active, it appears when you place the cursor in any ribbon bar
button or field.
Figure: Learning mode
Right–Click Menus
Mastercam provides a number of right–click menus. For example, in the Toolpath
Manager tab, right–click to access an extensive list of functions and submenus for
working with machine groups, toolpath groups, toolpaths, operations, setup sheets
and more. Here are just a few of the places where you can use right–click menus:
Levels Manager View Manager
Toolpath Manager tab Solids Manager tab
Tool parameters page/tab Art Manager tab
(Mill/Router/Lathe)
Tool Manager Chain Manager
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Two special types of right–click menus include the customized right-mouse button
menu (you configure this menu for quick access to your favorite functions when
working in the graphics window), and the data entry shortcut menu, available in many
numeric ribbon bar and dialog box fields.
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Shortcut Keys
Mastercam provides special keyboard assignments you use, instead of clicking icons,
to access ribbon bar and dialog box options. These are referred to as shortcut keys. For
example, you can use the following shortcut keys when working with the Create Point
Segment ribbon bar function:
[D] - Defines the distance between the points
[N] - Sets number of points
[P] - Applies changes and remains in the function
[O] - OK (fixes live entity and exits function)
You can view shortcut keys using tool tips and by activating Learning mode.
Mastercam Help topics also list all available shortcut keys for a specific function,
ribbon bar, and dialog box.
Another type of shortcut key is associated with every Mastercam function that
appears in a menu or toolbar. You use this type of shortcut to choose a function,
instead of using the mouse to select it from the menu or toolbar. Typically, function
shortcuts are associated with function keys [F1-F12], or combinations of [Shift], [Ctrl],
or [Alt] keys and another alphanumeric character.
Mastercam’s Calculator
Fields that take number values have a built-in calculator; you can enter simple
formulas directly in the field. For example, type 9/32 in a field and Mastercam
displays the value 0.28125.
By default, fields in which the calculator is active have a yellow background. You can
change this color on the Colors page of the System Configuration dialog box.
With the calculator, you can:
use a full set of arithmetic operators
use parentheses to create more complicated expressions
enter formulas using algebraic notation
specify units of measure, such as degrees or feet
call mathematical functions
Units default to the current system units (inches or millimeters), but may be
overridden in any field by using unit symbols. The calculator converts the entered
value to the current units.
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You can use mathematical expressions in both integer and floating-point fields.
However, if you are in an integer field, Mastercam discards the decimal portion of the
result.
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Wherever Mastercam accepts real numbers and formulas, you can enter an angle
value in degrees/minutes/seconds or gradians/radians format.
In FastPoint mode, the entry field accepts integers, fractions, decimal values, and
even formulas. For example, to enter a point position of X6, Y3, Z0.5, you could type
X(2*3)Y(5-2)Z(1/2). For more information, see “Using AutoCursor FastPoint Mode to
Enter Coordinates” on page 30.
The calculator treats a space between values as an addition operator (+). For example,
with Mastercam set to inches, the entry 5 8 3/4 evaluates to 13.75 inches. As another
example, still assuming inches, the entry 1m 5cm 4 evaluates to 45.338583 inches.
AutoCursor
The AutoCursor ribbon bar works in conjunction with the cursor to eliminate steps
and to simplify selecting and entering points in complicated and congested geometry.
AutoCursor is active whenever Mastercam prompts you to select a position in the
graphics window. You use the AutoCursor ribbon bar to:
Track cursor position
Manually enter X, Y, and Z coordinates
Detect and snap to points in the graphics window when moving the cursor
over geometry
Figure: AutoCursor ribbon bar
When a position is detected, AutoCursor displays a visual cue to the right of the cursor
to identify the type of position. Endpoints and midpoints of curves, lines, arc center
points, and point entities are all detected and highlighted by AutoCursor. In addition,
AutoCursor can snap to angle, nearest, tangent, perpendicular, horizontal, and
vertical conditions.
For more information, see “Using the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar” on page 28.
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The General Selection ribbon bar has a Standard Selection mode and a Solids Selection
mode. The default mode is Standard Selection. If you initiate a Mastercam function
that might apply to wireframe or solid entities, you can use options to switch between
selection modes.
For more information, see “Selecting Entities” on page 33.
Chaining
Chaining is special selection mode you use to link pieces of geometry so that they
form the foundation of a surface, solid, or toolpath. When you chain geometry, you
select one or more sets of curves (lines, arcs, and splines) that have adjoining
endpoints.
Chaining differs from other selection methods because it associates order and
direction to the selected curves. Chaining order and direction affect the way
Mastercam generates surfaces, solids, and toolpaths.
Mastercam provides several chaining methods in the Chaining dialog box, which
opens whenever a function requires you to chain entities. As you chain geometry, the
entities appear highlighted in the same color as selected entities. For more
information, see “Toolpath Chaining” on page 96.
Sketcher
Sketcher is the suite of Mastercam X functions you use to create basic geometry
dynamically by moving the mouse and clicking in the graphics window. Basic
geometry includes:
points lines
arcs chamfers
fillets solids
splines primitive surfaces
miscellaneous shapes (such as ellipse, polygon, helix, letters)
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To sketch an entity, choose an entity type from the Sketcher toolbar list or from the
Create menu, set its ribbon bar or dialog box options, and then sketch the entity in
the graphics window. For many types of geometry, you also use the AutoCursor to
create and edit entity properties. For more information on using Sketcher functions,
see “Creating and Modifying Geometry” on page 60.
Toolpaths
In Mastercam, a toolpath represents the tool data and movements used to remove
material from stock. The toolpath contains a set of rules that define the types of
chained geometry and parameters allowed, as well as how they are applied to an
operation. Each operation conforms to the rules of a specific toolpath.
A toolpath typically contains one or more sets of chains. Each toolpath you create
displays as an operation in a machine group that you can view and edit from the
Toolpath Manager tab.
To create a toolpath, you select a machine type, choose a function from the Toolpaths
menu or toolbar, and chain one or more pieces of the part’s geometry or select points,
surfaces, or solids. You then select the tool and enter other toolpath parameters.
When you accept the parameters, Mastercam generates the toolpath operation,
which appears in the Toolpath Manager tab.
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have multiple machines and post processors to support, you can use .CONTROL
files to determine which posts can be used with which machines.
Post processor—Stored in a .PST file. (Encrypted posts are stored in a .PSB file.)
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Each control definition is linked to a specific post processor.
In Mastercam X, the .PST file also stores the post text and miscellaneous
values, so that the .TXT file used in earlier versions of Mastercam is no longer
used.
Note: For more information on selecting machine and control definitions, see
“Choosing a Machine Definition” on page 92.
Note: Although you use different tool managers to define mill/router and lathe
tools, they are stored in a single tool library.
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Material Libraries
Material definitions are stored in libraries, just like tool definitions. When you select a
material, Mastercam copies the definition to your part file. Material definition files
have a .MATERIALS extension and consist of base feed rates and tables of adjustments
for different operation types and tool types. When you select a material and a tool for
an operation, Mastercam uses the information in the material definition to help
calculate proper default feed rates and spindle speeds for the selected operation and
tool.
Notes:
• If you do not have Mastercam Solids installed, you can still view and machine
1
an imported solid. However, Mastercam Solids must be installed to modify the
solid or create additional solids.
• For more information on the conversion options available for your Mastercam
configuration, refer to the Mastercam Help or contact your Mastercam Reseller.
To complete the operation, you must select one of the following options:
Units: Uses only the units from the new configuration file. (default)
All settings: Loads all settings from the new configuration file.
Note: You can also use the Current field near the bottom of the System
Configuration dialog box to switch current units.
Saving Files
When you save a Mastercam file to a native .MCX format, you automatically save all
geometry, attributes, levels, views, and planes. Mastercam also saves the toolpath’s
machine definitions, control definitions, stock setup, machine groups, toolpath
groups, and operations data.
You can add descriptive text, such as instructions for working with the file or contact
information, and set a default directory where the file will be saved. You can also
optionally save a bitmap thumbnail image of the geometry.
You will find the settings for these options in the Settings, Configuration, Files
properties page and its AutoSave/Backup subpage.
TIPS:
• In the Open File dialog box, you can quickly identify the file you want to
work with by viewing its thumbnail image in the Preview pane. You can also
view the file’s text descriptor in the Descriptor pane.
• To reduce the amount of navigation required to save files to new file names,
choose directory paths from the Recent Folders drop-down menu in the
Save as dialog box.
• To save only selected entities, use the File, Save Some function. When you
choose this function, use general selection methods—including masking—
to select only the entities to save from the current file, and then save the
entities to a new file.
• Use the Project Manager to select the file types you want Mastercam to
save in a common project folder. The project folder is the location of the
project’s MCX file. For more information on using Project Manager, refer to
the Mastercam Help.
To select an editor:
1 Choose File, Edit/Open External.
2 In the Open dialog box, choose Editor.
3 In the Choose File Editor dialog box, use one of the following methods to
select the editor:
Choose an editor from the list and click OK.
Note: All of the editors provided with Mastercam display in the list, along with
the most recently used “Other” editors you have selected.
Or, choose Other from the list and click OK. Then complete the following
steps:
a Use options in the Select an editor dialog box to navigate to the location
of the editor program, such as Microsoft® Excel® or Word®.
b Select the program .EXE file and click Open. This closes the Select an
Editor dialog box and returns you to the Open dialog box.
4 In the Open dialog box, select the file to edit and click OK. The editor you
chose in Step 3 opens in its own window and loads the selected file for
editing.
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chapter 2
Drawing and Design Basics
This chapter introduces the concepts, functions, and techniques that you use to
create geometry. Drawing in Mastercam is freeform and dynamic with controls that
allow you to be mathematically precise. The cursor and mouse are your drawing tools,
and the Create and Xform menu functions are your primary drawing aids. Mastercam
Design also provides many other CAD functions to make your job easier.
With Mastercam Design, you can create wireframe, surface, and primitive surface
geometry. If your installation includes Mastercam Solids, you also have extensive
tools for creating solid models.
The AutoCursor ribbon bar is dockable. You can leave it docked in the toolbar area or
drag it to another position. When docked, it remains visible even when inactive. When
undocked from the toolbar area and positioned elsewhere in the Mastercam window,
it automatically closes when it is not needed (inactive). When activated by your
selections, it reappears where you last placed it.
When you move the cursor over geometry on the screen, you can configure
AutoCursor to display a visual cue when it detects a specific position type (for
example, origin, arc center, endpoint, or midpoint).
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Visual Cues
Visual cues are graphic symbols that appear to the right of the cursor. They identify
the type of position AutoCursor has highlighted to ensure that you select the correct
entity and position.
Mastercam visual cues include: 2
Origin Midpoint Arc Center
Perpendicular Tangent
You can limit the types of positions AutoCursor detects. For more information, see
“Customizing AutoCursor Behavior” on page 31.
AutoCursor settings
AutoCursor override
Press [X], [Y], or [Z] to open a field, and then type a value. You can enter
fractions or decimal values (example, 3/8 or .375) and formulas, including
addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), and parentheses.
You can even enter inch values (example, 3in) or metric values (124mm). If
necessary, Mastercam’s built-in calculator converts an inch or metric value
to the currently used unit type. For more information on the calculator,
please refer to “Mastercam’s Calculator” on page 18.
Click the drop-down arrow to choose from a list of previously entered values.
Right–click inside the field to access a menu of data entry shortcut options
you can use to define the coordinate value.
Use FastPoint Mode.
Click in the graphics window to select a position.
Press [Shift+Click] to create a new position relative to an existing entity. For
more information, see “Using the Relative Position Ribbon Bar” on page 63.
To enter coordinates:
1 Type the values separated by commas–for example, 2,2,5.
2 Press [Enter] to apply the value or [Esc] to cancel.
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You can enter fractions or decimal values (example, 3/8 or .375). The FastPoint field
also accepts formulas, including addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*),
division (/), and parentheses.
In FastPoint mode, you can convert numbers to the base unit of measure defined in
your current Mastercam configuration. When entering values to convert, type the
number immediately followed by its unit of measure, such as in or mm. If you have
configured Mastercam to work in inches, you can type in a metric value in FastPoint
mode (for example, 27mm) and Mastercam converts it from millimeters to the correct
2
length in inches. You can use this conversion function for most numeric data entry
fields located in Mastercam dialog boxes and ribbon bars.
TIP: Use algebraic notation when entering formulas. For example, for a
position of X6, Y3, Z0.5 enter X(2*3)Y(5-2)Z(1/2), or 6,3,.5. The Fastpoint entry
method is consistent with prior versions of Mastercam.
Note: FastPoint mode is modal; when you activate it, you cannot move outside
of the field into any part of the application, including other AutoCursor buttons,
until you press [Enter] or [Esc].
TIP: When AutoCursor is active, you can temporarily deactivate its snap-to
settings by holding down the [Ctrl] key as you click to select a position.
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AutoCursor override
From the list, select the position type you want AutoCursor to snap to (applies only to
the current selection). This feature is particularly useful when the geometry is
crowded or confusing and you need help identifying a specific entity and position
type.
AutoCursor Override Power Keys
If you enable power keys in your AutoCursor Configuration settings, when AutoCursor
is active you can press a power key to temporarily snap only to the point type
associated with the power key—regardless of the current AutoCursor settings. For
example, to force AutoCursor to detect only arc center points, position the cursor in
the graphics window and press the Arc Center power key [C].
AutoCursor power keys include:
[O] - Origin [C] -Arc Center
[E] - Endpoint [I] - Intersection
[M] - Midpoint [Q] - Quadrant
[P] - Point
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TIPS:
• When you hover the mouse over an AutoCursor override that can be
locked, the mouse pointer changes to indicate that you can right–click to
select it.
Selecting Entities
When creating geometry, you can use several selection methods to select positions
and other entities in the graphics window, including:
Clicking with the left mouse button to choose one or more entities, usually at
the prompting of a function.
Choosing General Selection ribbon bar options.
If there are no solids in your file, the Solid Selection mode is not available; you can use
only Standard Selection options.
Figure: General Selection Standard Selection mode
TIP: To switch from any selection method to Window, hold down the [Ctrl] key
and select the first window position in the graphics window.
From the General Selection ribbon bar, choose one of the following Selection
methods to lock the method in place and disable the others.
Chain: Select/chain entities that are connected to other entities. For
example, clicking one side of a rectangle selects all four sides, and clicking
one line that is connected to another selects both lines.
Window: Select entities by drawing a window around them.
Vector: Select multiple entities by drawing a vector line through them. All
entities the vector intersects are selected.
Note: The Window and Polygon selection methods are limited by the current
entity selection setting. You will learn more about this in “Entity Selection
Settings” on page 36.
When you choose a selection method from the drop-down list, it remains set until you
perform one of the following actions:
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Note, however, that you can end a series of selections by double-clicking the last
entity of the selection. For example, to select three lines using the single selection
method, click the first two lines. Then double-click the third line to end the selection
process. (The double-click method does not work with Polygon and Vector selections,
which use a double-click to complete the polygon or vector.)
To reselect the entity (or entities) selected for the previous operation, click the Select
last button.
TIPS:
• In Standard selection mode, hold down the [Alt] key to switch from Window
to Vector selection.
• To override any selection method and toggle between the Chain and Area
selection methods, hold down the [Shift] key when selecting an entity or a
position. If you place the cursor on an entity while holding down the [Shift]
key, the Chain method is active; otherwise, the Area method is active.
Masking 2
A selection mask is a defined set of criteria used to quickly select entities in the
graphics window. Using a selection mask with a complex part file ensures that you
select only and all of the specific entities you want.
When working with selection masks, you can:
Define a selection mask to use once and discard (default).
Make the selection mask active until you turn it off or exit the Mastercam
session.
Save the selection mask criteria to a file (.MASK) that you can later open and
reuse.
Open an existing selection mask file and apply it.
Use left– and right–click Quick Masks to select all or only specific entity type.
(You will learn more about this later in “Quick Masks” on page 39.)
To use a mask for selection, click the All or Only buttons in the General Selection
ribbon bar.
Choosing All opens the Select All dialog box. Use this dialog box to define
and apply a mask that automatically selects all entities in the current file that
match the mask criteria. You can choose to apply the criteria and select all
entities, or only entities in a specified group, including groups created by
Xform (transform) functions.
Choosing Only opens the Select Only dialog box. Use this dialog box to set
restrictions on the entities that are available for selection in the graphics
window. When you apply the Only mask, you use other General Selection
methods to select only those entities that match the mask criteria you define.
Until you clear the mask, you are restricted from selecting entities that are
excluded by the mask.
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Option buttons
Criteria type
check boxes
and buttons
Criteria options
to Select Entity,
Select All, or
Clear All
Criteria list
Additional
masking
parameters
In the Select All or Select Only (Masking) dialog box, choose mask criteria or open an
existing mask file to select entities in the graphics window. Selection criteria can
include any combination of entity types, colors, levels, line styles, line width, point
styles, arc diameters, line lengths, or Z depths that match the values and filters that
you define in these dialog boxes.
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Quick Masks
Mastercam's Quick Masks are time-saving functions that allow you to select
entities by type with a single mouse click, without having to choose All or
2
Only mask functions and work with their dialog boxes.
Figure: Quick Masks toolbar (horizontal or vertical orientation)
By default, the Quick Masks toolbar is docked vertically as shown to the right.
It is positioned directly below the MRU (most recently used) toolbar along the
rightmost edge of the Mastercam window.
Quick Masks (QM) functions support different right–click and left–click
actions.
Left–click a Quick Mask function to toggle the selection of all
matching entities either on or off.
Right–click a Quick Mask function to toggle the mask in the Select
Only dialog box’s criteria list. (You can manually select only entities
that meet the mask criteria.)
QM functions include Points, Lines, Arcs, Splines, Surfaces, Solids, Drafting,
Wireframe, Surface Curves, Color, Level, Xform Group, Xform Results, Last
Entity (or Entities), and Clear all masking.
Use the General Selection category in Settings, Customize to add QM functions to
toolbars. You can also set up keyboard shortcuts for QM functions by choosing the
General Selection category in Settings, Key Mapping.
Setting Attributes
All Mastercam entities have basic attributes (physical characteristics). Based on the
entity type, attributes can include:
Color Point style
Line style and width Level
Changing physical attributes when you are working with complex parts is a very
powerful technique you will use often to organize your work. Use the Status bar fields
to quickly and easily select new entity attributes.
Figure: Status bar
To use an existing entity to set color, line, point, and level attributes:
Press [Alt+X] on the keyboard and select an entity in the graphics window.
The Status bar color, point style, line style, and line width fields are changed
to the selected entity’s attributes.
To set attributes for specific entity types (such as points, lines, arcs, solids,
surface, and drafting dimensions):
1 Click the Attributes button in the Status bar.
2 In the Attributes dialog box, select the EA Mgr (Entity Attributes Manager)
check box, and then click the EA Mgr button.
3 In the Entity Attributes Manager dialog box, select the entity types, and set
the attributes you want to use in the current Mastercam session.
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To open the Color palette dialog box and choose a color, double–click the
color sample.
Note: You can also use the EA Mgr to apply attributes to files you convert from
other programs. Select the option to Include entities created when opening
non-Mastercam files.
4 When all entity attributes are set, click OK to accept them and return to the
Attributes dialog box.
IMPORTANT: If you deselect the EA Mgr check box in the Attributes dialog
box, the Entity Attribute Manager dialog box settings are not used.
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To change the attributes of all of a specific type of entity (such as all points or
splines):
1 In the Status bar, click the Attributes button.
2 In the Attributes dialog box, select the EA Mgr (Entity Attributes Manager)
check box, and then click the EA Mgr button.
3 In the Entity Attributes Manager dialog box, select the entity types and
attributes to use when creating new entities in the current Mastercam
session.
4 To update all of the selected types of entities that exist in the current file and
close the dialog box, click Apply to existing entities.
Note: To continue to use these attributes for new entities, leave the EA Mgr check
box selected in the Attributes dialog box. To use different attributes, deselect the
check box.
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TIP: You can also use Analyze functions to modify entity attributes and other
properties. For more information, see “Analyzing Entities” on page 74.
Setting/Changing Color
Mastercam supports a palette of 256 colors, which you can customize. You can reduce
the palette to 16 colors by choosing the 16 Colors button in the Colors dialog box, or
by deselecting the Show 256 colors check box when setting up system configuration
parameters in Settings, Configuration, Colors.
Use one of the following methods to access the Colors dialog box:
From the Mastercam menu, choose Screen, Geometry Attributes and select
the colors palette button.
Click the Colors field in the Status bar.
Figure: Colors dialog box
To select a color:
Type its ID number in the Current color field.
Click the color in the color palette.
Choose the Select button and click an entity in the graphics window with the
color you want to use.
Choose the Customize tab and use the fields to create a custom color.
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Note: For more information, see “Working with Levels” on page 58.
Setting Z Depth
Use the Z field in the Status bar to set the Z-depth value for the geometry and
toolpaths you create. Set the Z depth using one of the following methods:
Type a value in the field.
Click the drop-down arrow and choose one from the most recently used list.
Click the Z label and select a position in the graphics window to use its Z
depth value.
The following functions always provide 3D solutions, regardless of the Status bar
2D/3D setting:
Fillets and chamfers Surfaces and solids
Convert to NURBS Close Arc
Modify Spline Simplify
Xform: Translate, Translate 3D, Mirror, Rotate, Rectangular Array, Scale
TIP: Overlooking the current Cplane and Z depth is a common source of error,
which can cause you to create the geometry in unintended orientations. To
avoid this mistake, set the graphics view (Gview) to the same setting as the
Cplane or to Isometric.
TIP: Use the mouse wheel or middle button any time—without selecting a
function—to dynamically spin or pan the contents of the graphics window. To
set the spin or pan behavior, use the Settings, Configuration, Screen
properties page and Middle Button/Wheel use field.
Set screen center: Repositions the center of the graphics window, based on
the new center point you specify.
Zooming
Mastercam also offers a number of zoom functions, including:
Zoom window: Magnifies a portion of the graphics window. To anchor the
first window point, click an area of the graphics window that is not directly
on an entity. Then draw a rectangular window by moving the mouse
around the entities you want to zoom. Click to set the final position and fill
the graphics window with the contents of the selection window.
Note: To improve your view of the selection area when using this method,
select the first window point. Then use the Pan, Zoom target, or Fit to screen
function before selecting the second point.
Zoom target: Expands a specific area defined by two selected points. The
first position you select indicates the center of the target area. As you move
the cursor to select the second position, you draw and drag a rectangular
area that defines the target boundary. When you select the second position,
everything in the target area expands to fill the graphics window, centered
around the first point you specified.
Unzoom previous / .5: Restores zoom to its previous setting. If no previous
setting exists for the current Mastercam session, this function reduces the
size of the displayed geometry to 50% of its current size.
Unzoom .8: Reduces the size of the displayed geometry to 80% of its
current size.
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To dynamically change the graphics window view (Gview) using mouse and
keyboard methods:
To zoom in and out, spin the mouse wheel forward or backward
(if configured for this action).
In Settings, Configuration, Screen properties, set the middle mouse
button/wheel action to spin or pan. To temporarily change this setting to
the alternate behavior, position the cursor in the graphics window, hold
down the [Alt] key and press down on the middle mouse
button/wheel to grab the contents of the graphics window.
Continue to press down while moving the mouse to either spin or pan.
To move the image around, use the up, down, left, or right keyboard
arrow keys.
To spin the image, hold down the [Alt] key and use the up, down, left, or
right arrow keys.
Using Viewsheets
Use viewsheets to create different part views, each on its own viewsheet tab. With a
viewsheet you can define a specific view orientation and scale, store modified level
settings, and use a bookmark to define a restorable viewsheet state. By default,
viewsheets are off. To enable viewsheets, choose Settings, Viewsheets, Viewsheets
Enabled from the Mastercam menu. The main viewsheet tab then displays at the
bottom of Mastercam's window, as shown below.
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Setting Viewports
A viewport is an area within the graphics window that displays a particular graphics
view of the geometry you are working with. A viewport configuration is an
arrangement of one or more (up to four) viewports. By default, Mastercam displays
geometry from the top view in a single viewport that occupies the entire graphics
window.
2
To divide the graphics window into multiple viewports, or panes, each capable of
displaying a different graphics view, choose an option from the View, Viewports
menu. Mastercam offers four viewport configurations.
The following graphic shows the default views assigned to each viewport
configuration.
TIP: To change the size of the viewport panes, grab and drag the vertical or
horizontal inside edge.
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Setting Views/Planes/WCS
Mastercam uses a 3D Cartesian coordinate system to locate
your work in three-dimensional space. The positions of +Z
geometry and toolpaths are expressed in terms of three +Y
coordinate axes: X, Y, and Z. Each axis is signed to indicate a
positive (+) and a negative (-) direction.
-X +X
Machining jobs often require you to work with coordinate
locations in sophisticated ways. Mastercam includes -Y -Z
several useful tools you can use to transform, overlay, slice,
and otherwise manipulate the coordinate system so that you can draw and machine a
part any way you choose.
To apply coordinate systems in Mastercam, you use functions to set specific views. A
view consists of two main parts:
A plane, or slice through the coordinate system
An origin, or zero point
You can use views as graphics views (Gviews) to view the part, as construction planes
(Cplanes) to orient geometry, and as tool planes (Tplanes) to orient toolpaths.
Gviews define the perspective from which you view the part in the graphics
window.
Cplanes represent the planes in which you create new geometry.
Tplanes are the cutting planes for the toolpaths you define.
Standard and custom views have assigned names, are saved with the part information
(making them portable), and can be selected as you work with the part to change its
orientation in 3D space.
The Work Coordinate System (WCS) is the active coordinate system in use by
Mastercam at any given time. It contains the orientation of the XYZ axes plus the
location of the zero point (the origin).
TIP: Mastercam saves the most recently used plane, view, and WCS
selections for each machine group, and restores them whenever you activate
the machine group. For example, if one machine group has toolpaths on the
front of the part, and another machine group has toolpaths on the side of the
part, when you activate either machine group, Mastercam automatically
activates the views and planes you were using the last time the group was
active. For more information on machine groups, see “Managing Toolpath
Operations” on page 108.
Manipulating the WCS and setting planes and views to simplify the creation of
geometry, solids, and toolpaths are essential Mastercam skills you will use often.
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Standard Views
Every Mastercam part includes standard views that correspond to the six faces of a
cube (Top, Front, Back, Right, Left, Bottom) plus an Isometric view. Standard views
are available in all Mastercam files. Their names and coordinates cannot be modified.
2
The Status bar Gview, Planes, and WCS menus provide options you use to select
standard views, create custom views, and set the Gview, Tplane/Cplane, and WCS.
Use options in the Gview menu to orient the graphics view and control the
perspective from which you view the part. You can also use options in the
Mastercam View menu to modify the graphics window display.
To draw geometry or create toolpaths on a specific plane, use options in the
Planes menu to change the construction plane and tool plane. The options
in this menu set both the construction plane and the tool plane at the same
time. Each function in this menu lets you set both the planar orientation and
the origin.
The WCS menu options allow you to align the work coordinate system with a
specific view. You can select a standard view, access the list of saved views, or
create a new view based on part geometry or by manipulating the current
view.
Because Mastercam breaks views and planes into separate functions, you can
maintain the plane selections for each function independently. For example, you can
be looking at the part in an isometric view (Gview = Isometric) while drawing
geometry on the front of the part (Cplane = Front).
If you configure the Status bar to include separate Cplane and Tplane fields, these
menus also share many functions.
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Note: Use the Gnomon Settings dialog box to modify the gnomon’s behavior. To
access this dialog box, click the Settings button on the ribbon bar or dialog box.
Or, hold the [Ctrl] key and right–click anywhere in the graphics window.
Begin creating a plane by locating the origin of the gnomon. Locating the gnomon
creates the origin for the plane. Use AutoCursor positions, enter values in the XYZ
fields, or sketch a location. Click the Move to button to automatically move the
gnomon origin to the origin type selected in the drop-down list.
Further manipulation of the gnomon is accomplished by selecting the gnomon and
performing the associated function.
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Click the Align with button to automatically rotate the gnomon to match the axes
orientation of the type selected in the drop-down list. Use the Flip button, or the [F]
shortcut key, to flip the orientation of the gnomon during rotation or alignment.
Mastercam includes a number of functions you use to create lathe parts and toolpaths
for different types of lathes. These tools include machine definitions, Cplanes, and the
WCS.
Lathe Cplanes
Mastercam provides special lathe construction planes that allow you to work in
familiar lathe coordinates. For conventional 2D turning applications, use the Status
bar Planes menu to select the coordinate system. Select Lathe Radius or Lathe
Diameter coordinates, and then specify the desired X and Z directions.
This sets the Cplane and Tplane; there is no need to change the WCS. For
conventional 2D turning applications, you can leave the WCS as the system Top view.
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This maps the lathe Z axis so that it is vertical. You can now choose a diameter or
radius coordinate system from the Planes menu. When you work with the part in the
graphics window, it is oriented vertically, as it will be on the machine.
TIP: You also use functions in the Xform (transform) and Analyze menus to
modify entities.
Undo/Redo
You can undo and redo one or more sequential events that occur
while working with the current file and design functions.
An event is defined as a function-based operation. There is no
difference between creating a single line or using an Xform
(transform) function that creates 100 lines. Each is a single event.
The events you can undo and redo are limited to Mastercam CAD functions, including
those you use to create or edit geometry, drafting entities, file annotations, and entity
attributes. If your Mastercam installation includes Mastercam Solids, you can also
undo/redo solids creation and transform operations.
The following CAD functions are not saved as events:
Editing live entities. However, fixing the entity by exiting the function is
saved as an event. If you undo this type of event, you delete the entity.
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Delete/undelete
Blank/unblank
Hide/unhide
Setting system attributes (color, level, point and lines styles)
Status bar functions (Gview, Cplane, Tplane, WCS, Z depth, Levels, Groups,
2D/3D construction)
Zooming or panning images in the graphics window
2
Notes:
• Each time you open a part file or create a new file, the list of undo/redo events is
cleared from memory. However, saving or merging the current file does not
clear this list.
• Due to the complex and associative nature of creating and modifying
toolpaths, you cannot undo or redo toolpath-related functions.
Delete/Undelete
Delete and undelete functions in the Edit, Delete submenu permanently remove or
restore one or more selected entities from the graphics window and from the part file.
The Delete Duplicates (simple) and Delete Duplicates - Advanced functions find and
automatically delete duplicate entities in the current file.
Undeleting Entities
Undelete functions restore one or more deleted entities to the current file. You can
undelete only the entities you deleted while working with the current file. For
example, if you delete entities from File 1, you can “undelete” them only until you
open File 2.
TIP: To recover the entities you delete in error, use the Undo function.
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Main
Hidden level 2
Set main level by selecting an entity Choose an option to filter the list of
in the graphics window levels that appear in the table.
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chapter 3
Creating and Modifying Geometry
This chapter introduces the functions you use to create a broad range of geometric
entities. You will learn to create geometry and work with essential Mastercam CAD
functions, including:
Using the Sketcher Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 61
Working with “Live” Entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 62
Creating Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 64
Creating Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 65
Creating Arcs and Circles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 65
Creating Miscellaneous Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . page 66
Creating Fillets and Chamfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 68
Creating Splines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 68
Creating Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 69
Creating Primitives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 70
Editing Entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 71
Transforming Entities (Xform) . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 72
Analyzing Entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 74
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TIP: Other toolbars, such as the Solids and Surfaces toolbars, offer additional
functions for geometry creation. You can access all of these functions and
more from the Create and Solids menus. See “Working with Surfaces and
Solids” on page 76 to learn more about creating these entity types.
Sketching basic geometry in either 2D or 3D mode is free-form, fast, and easy. Simply
select a Sketcher function from the drop-down list, and then use the mouse to click in
the graphics window and create the entity. For many Sketcher functions, you also use
function ribbon bar or dialog box options to define or edit the live entity. If you prefer
keyboarding, shortcut keys provide access to most ribbon bar options.
Notes:
• For many types of geometry creation, you use the AutoCursor with a selected
Sketcher function to create and edit entities. For more information, see “Using
the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar” on page 28.
• You can customize the Sketcher toolbar by adding or removing functions.
• Sketcher functions do not include drafting, transform, modify, surfaces (with
the exception of shapes), or solids (with the exception of primitives).
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Live entities are those in the process of being created. You can edit their
properties using options in the selected function ribbon bar or dialog box,
remove them from the graphics window, or “fix” them.
Entities become fixed entities when they have been accepted–for example,
when you press Enter or click OK or Apply to complete a function.
After you create an entity using one of the Sketcher functions, it remains live until you
exit the function, start a new function, or create another entity. Live entities are
designated by a live entity color. When you accept an entity, it changes to the normal
entity color.
After entities become fixed, you can edit them using the Edit, Analyze, and Xform
(transform) menu functions.
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2 To create the endpoints of the new line entity, click two positions anywhere
in the graphics window. The line appears in the live entity color.
3 Click the Edit Endpoint 1 button.
3
4 Move the cursor to a new position for the first line endpoint, and then click
again.
5 Click the Edit Endpoint 2 button.
6 Move the cursor to a new position, and then click again.
7 Repeat Steps 3–6 until you are satisfied with the endpoints.
8 To change the line length:
a Press [L] or click the Length button.
b Type a new length and press [Enter].
9 To change the angle:
a Press [A] or click the Angle button.
b Type a new angle and press [Enter].
10 Use one of the following methods to fix the entity:
To stay in the function and continue to create lines, pick a position in the
graphics window as the first endpoint of a new line, or click Apply in the
ribbon bar.
To exit the function, press [Esc], click OK or choose another function.
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Distance and Angle Length on a selected entity
When you press [Enter] to apply the specified values, the Relative Position ribbon bar
closes. Use the current function’s ribbon bar or dialog box to select additional
positions or modify the live entity.
TIP: Choose Select in the Relative Position ribbon bar to activate the Along
mode and create a new entity along an existing entity. When prompted, select
a line, arc, or spline at a position nearest to the endpoint from which you will
specify the along length. When you select the entity, the Delta, Distance, and
Angle fields become inactive and you are prompted to enter a length value. To
directly access the Along mode, choose it from the AutoCursor ribbon bar
override drop-down list.
Creating Points
You access the point functions from the Sketcher toolbar point drop-down list, or
from the Create, Point submenu.
Create point small arcs: Create points at the exact center of arcs
and/or circles with a maximum radius.
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Creating Lines
Mastercam offers a variety of flexible functions you use to quickly create lines. To
access a function, select it from the Sketcher toolbar Line drop-down list, or from the
Create, Line submenu.
Create line endpoint: Create a variety of different line types with two
endpoints, including angular, polar, horizontal, vertical, multiple lines
connected at their endpoints, and lines tangent to arcs and splines.
Create line closest: Create a line between two entities at the position at
which they are closest.
3
Create line bisect: Create a line between two line entities (bisecting for
intersecting lines, midline for parallel lines).
Create line parallel: Create a line parallel to an existing line by selecting a line
and clicking a point in the graphics window.
Create line tangent through point: Create a line tangent to an arc or spline.
After selecting the arc or spline, choose a tangency point (the line’s first
endpoint), and then choose the line’s second endpoint.
Create circle center point: Create full circles from a center point.
Create arc polar: Create polar arcs by clicking in the graphics window to set
a center point. Then click to set two edge points that define the radius, start
point, and end angle.
Create circle edge point: Create circles with two or three edge points.
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Create arc endpoints: Create arcs with defined endpoints and one edge
point.
Create arc polar endpoints: Create polar arcs from either a defined start or
end point.
Create arc tangent: Create arcs with tangent conditions, including tangent
to 1, 2, or 3 entities, tangent through a point, tangent with a centerline, or
dynamically tangent (dynamically draw the arc with your cursor movement).
Create Relief Groove: Create DIN standard thread or plain shaft relief
grooves.
Create Bolt Circle: (available from the Create menu) Allows you to enter bolt
circle dimensions and create a specific number of holes (arcs), with or
without center point entities.
Create Stair Geometry: (available from the Create menu and only with
Mastercam Router) Create open and closed stair stringers by selecting a stair
type and entering stair dimensions. You can also define stair wedges and
specify how stringers are displayed.
Create Door Geometry: (available from the Create menu and only with
Mastercam Router) Create geometry for solid doors with panels by selecting a
door type and entering door dimensions. You can define door features and
attributes, such as color and line style for the geometry, horizontal or vertical
mullions, or a radius for rounded corners. You can also make multiple copies
of the doors you define.
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Note: AutoCursor is unavailable during the use of fillet and chamfer functions.
Fillet entities: Apply fillets to selected entities using a specified fillet style
(normal, inverse, circle, clearance) and radius.
Fillet chains: Fillet entities that have sharp corners and can be recognized as
a single chained entity (for example, rectangles and polygons).
Creating Splines
Mastercam provides a number of functions that define the method used to create a
spline. Their corresponding ribbon bars allow you to further define the resulting
geometry. Choose the function from the Sketcher toolbar Splines drop-down menu,
or from the Create, Spline submenu.
Automatic spline: Create a spline from a string of points (three or more) that
lie in a defined pattern.
Curves spline: Create one or more splines based on the geometry of existing
curves. After you chain the curves you want to work with, a separate spline is
created for each selected chain.
Blend spline: Create a spline tangent to two curves.
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Creating Curves
When working with surfaces and solids, use functions in the Create, Curves submenu
to generate curves on solid and surface edges. Then use the ribbon bar options for
these functions to further define the curves.
Create Curve on One Edge: Create a curve on a single selected surface edge.
Create Curve on All Edges: Create curves on all the edges of a surface, solid
body, or solid face. Or, choose to create curves only on edges that do not
share other edges (open edges).
3
Create Constant Parameter Curve: Create a curve in one or both surface
directions at a fixed position (constant parameter) on the surface.
Creating Primitives
Mastercam makes it easy to create primitive surfaces. You can sketch them in 3D,
enter specific values, or use a combination of these techniques. If your installation
includes Mastercam Solids, you can optionally create solid primitives.
To access a function, select it from the Sketcher toolbar Primitives drop-down list, or
from the Create, Primitives submenu.
Figure: Sketcher Primitives drop-down list
After creating the selected primitive shape as a surface or as a solid model, use the
dialog box fields to set or modify its dimensions, extensions, base point, primary axis,
radius, or sweep.
Editing Entities
Choose basic editing functions from the Edit menu or Trim/Break toolbar in order to:
Modify or join lines, arcs, splines, and drafting entities.
Convert certain types of entities to NURBS splines and NURBS surfaces.
Simplify splines by breaking them into arcs and lines.
TIP: To trim a surface, choose one of the Trim Surface functions from the
Create, Surface submenu.
3
Trim/Break Submenu
Accessed from the Edit menu, the Trim/Break submenu provides functions for
trimming entities. These functions trim entities by cutting them back or extending
them at their intersections.
Trim/Break/Extend:
Trim 1, 2 or 3 selected entities.
Trim to a selected point or position.
Trim, break, or extend an entity to a specified length.
Divide entities, based on the nearest intersection.
Break and automatically extend selected entities.
Trim Many: Trim (or break) multiple lines, arcs, or splines to a selected
entity without modifying the trimming curve.
Break Two Pieces: Select an entity and break it at any specified point.
Break Many Pieces: Break selected lines, arcs, and splines into uniform
segments based on the specified number of segments or the distance
between them (segment length).
Break Drafting into Lines: Break selected drafting entities into geometric
entities in a manner similar to the Break Many Pieces function.
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Break Circles: Break circles into any number of equal length segments you
specify.
Close arc: Select and convert all arcs that are less than 360 degrees to
complete circles by extending their ends to close the arc.
Edit Menu
In addition to the trim/break/extend functions, the Edit menu also includes the
following functions you use to join and modify entities
Join entities: Join collinear lines, or arcs that have the same center and
radius, or splines that were originally created as the same entity.
Set Normal: Set the direction of multiple surface normals to the current
construction plane (Cplane). You can select the surfaces before or after
choosing this function.
Change Normal: View and reverse a surface normal for a selected surface.
sized in proportion to the results-set area. This occurs most often when transforming,
scaling, mirroring, or rotating larger models (for example, those containing multiple
solids and surfaces or a large number of entities).
When you perform a transform function, Mastercam creates a temporary group from
the original entities and a result from the transformed entities. The system-generated
group and result are indicated by a color change that stays in effect only until you use
the Screen, Clear Colors option or perform another transform function. The default
colors are red for the original group and purple for the result.
Access transform functions from the Xform menu or toolbar.
Xform Translate: Move, copy, or join entities within the same view (plane)
without altering their orientation, size, or shape.
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Xform Translate 3D: Move or create copies of selected entities between
views (from one plane to another) without altering their orientation, size, or
shape.
Xform Mirror: Create symmetrical mirror images of geometric and drafting
entities on a selected axis.
Xform Rotate: Move, copy, or join selected geometric and drafting entities
around a center point by translating or rotating them by a specified angle.
Translating rotates the transformed entities without changing the axis
orientation. Rotating transformed entities changes the axis orientation.
Xform Scale: Increase or decrease the size of entities by a factor or
percentage relative to a defined point, using either a uniform or XYZ scale
method.
Dynamic Xform: Use the interactive gnomon to manipulate geometry
orientation and location in the graphics window. See “Using the Dynamic
Gnomon” on page 53 for more information.
Xform Move to Origin: Move all visible geometry to the current WCS origin
based on a point that you select with the AutoCursor.
Xform Offset: Offset one entity at a time. You can move or copy a single
entity parallel to the original, displacing it by a defined distance and
direction.
Xform Offset Contour: Move or copy one or more chained entities,
displacing them by a defined distance and direction, and, optionally, a depth.
Xform Project: Project entities to the Z depth you choose in the current
construction plane, in various positions in 3D space (squashing them into a
flat, 2D plane), or project curves onto surfaces and solids.
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Analyzing Entities
Use the Analyze menu functions to retrieve analytical data for most elements that
appear in the graphics window. This includes the following entity information:
entity type properties contours positions
database properties distances chains
2D and surface areas angles
For most functions, you can modify some or all of the information in analyze dialog
box fields.
Analyze Entity Properties: View entity properties–including solids–and edit
some or all of the data, based on the entity type.
Area/Volume submenu
Analyze 2D Area: Analyze a defined area based on selected curve
boundaries relative to a specified chord-height tolerance.
Analyze Angle: Analyze the angles between two lines or three points that
you select in the graphics window.
Database/Number submenu
Analyze Number: Identify and view the properties of an entity using only
the entity number (a database property assigned to all entities).
chapter 4
Working with Surfaces and
Solids
This chapter provides information on Mastercam functions and concepts that are
required to create more complex parts.
Additional options that appear in the Shading toolbar area are available only for
Solids. These options include:
dimmed wireframe
no hidden wireframe
outlined shaded
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To set the parameters that control shading for the current Mastercam session:
Choose the Shaded button from the Shading toolbar (if shading a solid,
choose Outlined Shaded), or choose Screen, Shade Settings, and select Shading
Active.
TIP: Press [Alt+S] to toggle shading on or off. This shortcut key does not affect
the type of shading, nor the wireframe outline setting.
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Shading Settings
Shading settings control the appearance of shaded surfaces and solids. The Shading
Settings dialog box provides this control. Choose Screen, Shade Settings to open the
Shading Settings dialog box:
Figure: Shading Settings Dialog Box
Activate or deactivate
shading; shade all entities
or only selected entities.
Define characteristics of
and turn on/off spot lights.
Surface Creation
Mastercam offers a wide range of surface creation functions you access from the
Create, Surface menu or toolbar.
Create Ruled/Lofted Surfaces: Create ruled or lofted surfaces by blending a
minimum of two curves or chains of curves. Although they are similar, a ruled
surface is a linear blending of the curves, while a lofted surface is a smooth
blending of the curves.
Create Revolved Surfaces: Revolve one or more chains of profile curves about
a single line axis of rotation to create a revolved surface. You can control the
start angle and the sweep of the revolution to create a full or partial revolution.
Create Offset Surfaces: Create a surface at a distance and direction relative to
the surface normal of a selected surface. The new surface is identical, point for
point, to the original surface. You can switch the normal of the original surface,
or flip the offset surface to be opposite the normal. You can also create a copy of
the original surface or delete the original surface and keep only the offset
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surface.
Create Swept Surfaces: Create a swept surface by sweeping chains of curves
along a path. The chains that you select to sweep are called across chains.
These chains define cross sections of the resulting surface. The chains that
define the path or trajectory of the sweep are called along chains. You can
define a swept surface using different combinations of across (section) and
along (path) chains.
Create Net Surface: Create a surface from a network of intersecting curves,
generally a minimum of two across curves and two along curves; there is no
maximum. The curves need not be trimmed, and may be chained in any order.
You can also define an apex point, which is necessary when two or more of the
curves meet at a single point.
Create Fence Surface: Create a ruled surface that originates from a curve lying
on a surface, emanating in a direction perpendicular to the surface for the
length of the curve. You can create different kinds of fence surfaces:
a constant distance and angle relative to the curve.
a linear taper or a cubic blend where you define the start and end
distance and angle.
You can also flip the surface, which creates the same curve but in an opposite
direction from the base surface normal.
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Create Draft Surface: Create an angled extruded surface or tapered wall from
one or more chains of curves. You can create a draft surface in two ways:
Define an angle and a length (perpendicular to the chain) or run
length (length after the angle is applied).
Terminate the surface at a plane.
You can also flip the surface, reversing the taper angle relative to the chain, and
split the draft surface, which orients it at midplane relative to the chain.
Create Extruded Surface: Create a surface that appears to be “forced” or
extruded through the chained geometry of existing entities perpendicular to
the plane of the entities. You control the resulting surface by specifying the
height and direction of the extrusion (positive, negative, or both), and the axis
orientation of the extrusion. You can also apply a taper angle to the extrusion,
and rotate it, scale it, and offset it. All transformations are applied relative to
the base point, which is the approximate center of gravity.
Fill Holes with Surfaces: Fill holes in a trimmed surface by creating a new
trimmed surface within the boundary defined by the hole. The holes may
be internal holes (those that lie completely within the outer boundary of
the surface) or external holes (those that lie along the trimmed outer
boundary of the surface). If the surface contains multiple internal holes,
you can fill all holes or only selected holes.
Remove Boundary from Trimmed Surfaces: Fill internal and external
holes by closing the hole, removing the trimmed boundary, and retrimming
the surface using the base surface. If the surface contains multiple internal
holes, you can fill all holes or only selected holes. If the trimmed surface
contains only one hole, Mastercam closes it by removing the trimmed
surface and replacing it with the untrimmed base surface.
Create Split Surface: Split a surface by breaking it along one of its constant
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parameter directions, which are the two directions Mastercam uses to
generate the surface. Mastercam then creates two trimmed surfaces within
the same boundary. If the break point you select permits the surface to be
broken in two ways, Mastercam prompts you to select the direction along
which you want to split it.
Un-Trim surfaces: Untrim a trimmed surface by returning the surface to its
base surface.
Blending: Use blending functions in the Create, Surface submenu to smooth out part
of a surface model by eliminating unwanted features. Use these functions
to create 2-surface, 3-surface, and 3-fillet surface blends.
TIP: Use other Create menu functions to make simple surface rectangles,
rectangular shapes, polygons, ellipses, and primitives.
Surface Representation
Mastercam can represent surfaces in three ways:
parametric
NURBS
curve-generated
Not all surface types are appropriate for all surface creation methods.
A parametric surface is analogous to a parametric spline. A parametric surface
expands each curve segment in another direction, resulting in a patch. A patch is a
surface area bounded by four segments of the generating curves. A parametric surface
requires a large amount of data storage space.
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Note: You define the default surface type by choosing Settings, Configuration,
CAD Settings, and then selecting a Spline/surface creation type.
Solids
Unlike wireframe and surface models, which consist of multiple curves and surface
entities, a solid model is a single entity, regardless of its complexity. However, a solid
model may consist of several solid bodies.
You work with a solid model as a whole, like molding a piece of clay. For example,
whether you add fillets to a solid, hollow it out, or combine it with another solid, the
resulting solid model remains a single entity. Each Mastercam function you perform
on a solid entity is saved as a separate operation on the solid. In the Solids Manager,
you can view a complete history of the operations used to create a solid, and move,
edit, or delete them.
Because a solid is a closed, organized model, Mastercam manages the interior and
exterior of the model for you, handling the complexities of the model “behind the
scenes.” This makes it easy to work with solid modeling. When you create or edit
operations on a solid, Mastercam automatically determines the surfaces to keep or
trim in order to maintain the solid as a single entity.
Basic solid model functions include extrude, revolve, sweep, loft, fillet, and shell.
You can create a base operation by taking one of the following actions:
Define a solid by extruding, revolving, sweeping, or lofting chains of
curves.
Define a solid using pre-defined primitive shapes, such as a cylinder,
cone, block, sphere, or torus.
Import a solid from an external file format, such as Parasolid, SAT,
SolidWorks, CATIA, Pro/E, Step, and others.
Solids Associativity
Solids associativity is the dependent relationship between a solid, the operations that
define it, and any geometry selected in its definition. When you perform a solid
operation such as extrude, fillet, or draft face, Mastercam associates the operation
with the solid that it creates or modifies. This association can be broken only by
deleting the operation.
Because an operation is associated with the solid that it creates or modifies, you
cannot copy operations or move them to a different solid. For example, when
rechaining a fillet operation, all of the new edges that you select must be on the same
solid where the operation was originally defined. To fillet edges on a different solid,
you must create a new fillet operation on that solid.
Associativity eliminates the need to recreate a solid each time you modify it. After
editing an operation’s components (geometry and parameters), you can regenerate
the solid to incorporate your changes. The following terms describe a solid operation
and the current state of its associativity.
Figure: Solids Manager operation states
Clean operation
Dirty operation
Invalid operation
Solid Find features: Locate holes or fillets on imported bricks or other solid
bodies whose base operation in the history is Body. When you select a feature
to detect, you also specify whether to remove detected instances of the
feature or to recreate the operations and any associated geometry needed to
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reconstruct the detected instances of the feature.
Solid From surfaces: Create one or more solids from selected surfaces by
stitching them together. If you select all surfaces, and edge gaps between
surfaces are within a specified tolerance, a closed solid body is created.
Otherwise, an open sheet body is created. You can also select sheet solids and
change an open sheet into a closed body by continued use of the stitching
function.
Layout: Create a layout of different views of solids in the current file (for
example, top, side, front, and isometric). You can choose a standard layout.
Or you can create your own layout containing up to four named views.
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Solids Manager
Use the Operations Manager pane in the Mastercam window to access the Solids
Manager tab and view information on each solid in the current file.
Figure: Solids Manager
You can expand the tree structure of a solid to view all operations that were performed
to construct the solid and view any toolpaths that were created on the solid.
Besides listing the operations that define a solid, the Solids Manager tab provides
options for managing and editing solids and solid operations. To access these options,
right–click a solid or operation in the list.
Note: Solids that you import from other applications have no operation history
and are referred to as “bricks”; the Solids Manager tab reflects only the
operations that you perform on the imported solid once it is in Mastercam.
IMPORTANT: You cannot use the Undo Event function, available from the
Edit menu, to reverse changes made from the solid operation history tree.
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chapter 5
Working with Toolpath
Operations
This chapter provides an overview of the machining process within Mastercam and
discusses some of the ways in which you set up your machining jobs. You will also
learn how to work with basic and advanced toolpath functions, including:
Mastercam Machining Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . page 91
Choosing a Machine Definition . . . . . . . . . . . page 92
Creating Machine Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 93
Toolpath Chaining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 96
Selecting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 105
Managing Toolpath Operations . . . . . . . . . . . page 108
Multi-Threaded Toolpath Processing . . . . . . page 115
Editing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 116
Backplotting Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 121
Verifying Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 124
Post Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 127
Mastercam offers an extensive number of intelligent toolpath functions you can use
to quickly build toolpaths for specific applications. Your ability to access toolpath
types and features depends on both your license level and the capabilities of the
active machine and control definition.
Most Mastercam Mill toolpaths are also available if your installation includes
Mastercam Router and the appropriate Plus or Pro license, or Mastercam Lathe for
mill/turn applications. With Mastercam Wire installed, you can create toolpaths
(wirepaths) for EDM machines. With Mastercam Art, you can create Art toolpaths for
your Art models.
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3 Set the machine group properties, including file, tool, stock, and safety zone
settings.
4 Use the following guidelines to create toolpaths and apply them to geometry.
a Choose a toolpath type from the Toolpaths menu.
b Using the dialog boxes and prompts that display, chain geometry or select
points or other entities, as necessary.
c Select the tool and refine the tool parameters.
d Set toolpath parameters to define and create the toolpath operation.
5 Verify and edit the toolpaths using the Toolpath Manager, Backplot, and
Verify functions.
6 Post process the selected machine group operations to create the NC code
output for your machine control.
When you use any of these methods, Mastercam creates a new machine group for the
selected machine definition and a new toolpath group directly below the new
machine group.
The new machine group and toolpath group are inserted where the red insert arrow is
positioned in the Toolpath Manager list.
Both groups are assigned a unique default name, such as Machine Group-1, Machine
Group-2, Toolpath Group-1, Toolpath Group-2, and so on.
You can create as many different machine groups as you need in the same part file. By
using machine groups to organize toolpath operations, you can include operations
for different machines in the same part file, even for different machines types. For
example, if some part features will be cut on a mill and others on a lathe, you can
include all of the operations in the same Mastercam file by creating different machine
groups for each set of mill and lathe operations.
You can also create groups of toolpaths on the same machine that you will want to
post separately.
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To do this, use the Groups functions in the Toolpath Manager right–click menu to
create toolpath groups. Toolpath groups inherit all the properties of the parent
machine group. The parent machine group is defined as the machine group that is
positioned immediately above the toolpath group in the Toolpath Manager list.
You can nest toolpath groups to create an operations hierarchy with several different
layers of operations.
Each property type corresponds to a tab in the Machine Group Properties dialog box.
To open the Machine Group Properties dialog box, select a property type (Files, Tool
settings, Stock setup, Safety zone) from the Toolpath Manager list. Then use the tabs
in the dialog box to view and edit the settings.
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Toolpath Chaining
Most toolpaths require geometry to be chained. Chaining determines the direction of
tool travel during machining.
You set chaining defaults in the Settings, Configuration, Chaining properties page.
You can use the Chaining dialog box to override these settings, as necessary.
When a selected function requires chaining, Mastercam displays the Chaining dialog
box. If the current part file contains wireframe and solid entities, you can use the
buttons at the top of the dialog box to choose the type of entities you want to chain.
Otherwise, the entity type is pre-selected.
Figure: Chaining dialog box, selection type buttons
Chain Feature
The feature chains are added based on the initial chain and the
settings you define in the Chain Feature Options dialog box. To access
this dialog box, choose the Chain Feature Options button in the Chain
dialog box.
Chaining Solids
In Solids mode, the Chaining dialog box provides options to chain solid entities.
Figure: Solids Chaining dialog box
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The chain solids buttons act as toggles, allowing you to include or exclude certain
types of solid elements from chain selection, including:
Edge: Select solid edges on a model or exclude them from selection.
Loop: (available only when chaining solids for toolpath creation) Create
a closed chain (with no branch points), in which you select an edge, a
reference face, a resulting loop, and a start point.
Partial Loop: (available only when chaining solids for toolpath creation)
Create an open chain, in which you select a starting edge, a reference
face, and an ending edge.
From back: Select solid edges or faces only on the back of a model.
When deactivated, you can select solid edges or faces only on the front
of a model.
5
Use other options in this dialog box to unselect and re-select solid chains, reverse
chaining direction, and move the start of a chain.
In an open chain, the start and end points are different coordinates. Examples of open
chains are single lines or arcs. An open chain may consist of a single entity or several
contiguous entities. Partial chaining is a method of selecting entities as open chains.
In a closed chain, the start and end points share the same coordinates. Closed chains
typically consist of several entities that have adjacent end points and that form a
closed boundary. Examples of closed chains are rectangles or circles.
Mastercam determines chaining direction differently for open chains and closed
chains.
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In an open chain, the start point is placed at the end of the chain closest to
the selection point, and the chain direction points to the opposite end of the
chain.
In a closed chain, you set default values in the Chaining Options dialog box
that determine whether the chaining direction is clockwise,
counterclockwise, or based on the cursor position.
TIP: When creating open and closed chains, use options in the Chaining
dialog box to reverse the chain direction and move the start or end position of
the chain.
Chaining Direction
All chains have a direction. Direction for closed chains is either clockwise or
counterclockwise, while the direction for open chains points toward one of the chain
endpoints. The chaining direction determines the direction of tool movement in a
toolpath.
Chaining arrow
To access the Chain Manager, click the Geometry icon in the Toolpath Manager
for any toolpath that contains chains for its underlying geometry.
Figure: Chain Manager dialog box
Use the Chain Manager to perform the following chain management and editing
functions:
Select Chains: Click a chain in the list to select it. To select an additional
chain, or unselect a selected chain, [Ctrl+click] the chain (hold down the
[Ctrl] key while clicking). To select a range, click the first chain to select it,
and then [Shift+click] the last chain in the range.
Identify Chains: When you select a chain in the list, Mastercam highlights
the corresponding chain geometry in the graphics window. Conversely, you
can select a chain from its geometry by choosing the Select button (above
the insert arrow buttons) and clicking a chain in the graphics window.
Mastercam selects (highlights) the corresponding chain name in the Chain
Manager list.
Re-Order Chains: Select and drag a chain to a new position in the list.
Manage the Insert Arrow: Arrow buttons, located along the right side of the
dialog box, let you move or find the Insert Arrow, which indicates where new
chains are added in the Chain Manager list.
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Use the arrow buttons to move or locate the Insert Arrow as follows:
Click the Up Arrow or Down Arrow button to move the Insert Arrow.
Click the Right Arrow button to position the Insert Arrow immediately
after currently the selected list item.
Click the Scroll button to scroll to the Insert Arrow's current location in
the list.
Edit Chains: Use the right–click menu options to add, delete, replace,
reverse, sort, and analyze chains, as well as perform other chaining
functions. Right–click anywhere in the dialog box to access these functions.
Dynamic chaining
You can eliminate unnecessary toolpath moves (“cutting air”) by dynamically
adjusting the start and end points of chains. When you are chaining and click to set
the start and end points on the geometry, a green arrow and a red arrow display on the
part.
The crosshair at the bottom of the green arrow indicates the starting point. The green
arrowhead points in the chaining direction (the direction the tool will travel along the
chain). The crosshair at the base of the red arrow indicates the end of the chain, and
the red arrowhead also points in the chaining direction.
By adjusting one or both of these chain points, you can dramatically increase your
cutting efficiency. Adjust these points using the Start, Dynamic, and End buttons on
the Chaining dialog box. You must expand the Chaining dialog box to view these
buttons.
Use the Start and End buttons to move the start and end points of a chain from one
entity endpoint to another.
Note: These buttons are unavailable on open chains. They are also unavailable
if Break closest entity to thread point in the Chaining Options dialog box is
selected.
Use the Dynamic button to move the start or end of a selected chain to any
position along an entity, without restricting the start/end to an entity endpoint.
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Choose the Dynamic button, and then click the start or end point of a chain and drag
it to a new position.
You can also use Mastercam's dynamic chaining feature after the toolpath has been
created. Click the Geometry icon for the toolpath (in the Toolpath Manager as shown
below) to open the Chain Manager.
In the Chain Manager, right–click the chain to edit, and choose Start point to use the
options in the Chaining dialog box.
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Selecting Tools
In this section, you learn about selecting tools and setting feeds, speeds, and other
general toolpath parameters.
For most tree-style toolpath dialog boxes, you select tools in the Tool page, listed in
the tree below the Toolpath Type page.
Figure: 2D High Speed Tools page
For tabbed toolpath dialog boxes, you select tools in the Toolpath Parameters tab.
The Toolpath parameters tab options vary, based on the selected toolpath type.
However, there are many common fields for all toolpath types.
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Both tree and tab style toolpath dialog boxes display after you chain or select
geometry, solids, or surfaces for a new toolpath.
You can also access either style of toolpath dialog box (tree or tab) by clicking the
Parameters icon in the Toolpath Manager list.
Mill and Router toolpath parameters are very similar. Lathe toolpaths share some Mill
and Router toolpath parameters, but also include many that are unique to lathe
machine tools. The method you use to select a tool is basically the same.
Use the large area in the Tools page or Toolpath parameters tab to select a tool for the
operation. All tools that have been added to, or are used in the current machine group,
display in this area by default.
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To change the tools display, right–click in this area and choose an option from the
View menu.
If you display tools using the Details option, you can sort the list by clicking on
column headers. To reorder the columns, click and drag them to new positions.
Use one of the following methods to select a tool:
5
In the tool display area, click the tool you want to use.
If the tool you want is not displayed, choose Select library tool. This opens
the Tool Selection dialog box where you can select a tool from the current
tool library or from any tool library you choose.
Use the right–click menu option to Create new tool and define the tool.
IMPORTANT: Any new tool definitions you create are stored only in the
current machine group, unless you save them to a tool library.
When you select a tool, the other fields in the Toolpath parameters dialog box tabs
update with default values that you can override. Default parameters can come from
the tool definition, machine and control definition, and the operation defaults. The
machine group properties define the source of the default values for many of the
parameters.
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Toolpath Manager
functions
Note: If your installation includes Mastercam Solids, use the Solids tab to access
the Solids Manager. In addition to listing the features that define a solid, the
Solids Manager tab provides options for managing and editing solids. In the Art
tab, you can use the Art Manager to view the details of any Art models in your
part. However, the Mastercam Art add-on is required to use most of the
functions available in the Art Manager and from the Mastercam Art menu.
Use the Toolpath Manager to generate, sort, edit, regenerate, verify, backplot, and
post selected operations, including associative and non-associative toolpaths.
The Toolpath Manager list is a nested hierarchy of folders that organize the following
types of information:
Machine group
5
Toolpath group
Toolpath subgroup
Machine and operations folders have additional levels of properties and attributes
that you can modify. See “Editing Machine Group Properties” on page 95 and “Editing
Operations” on page 116 for details.
TIP: When you position the cursor in the Toolpath Manager, the Toolpath
Manager options become active; any keyboard commands you enter are
executed in the Toolpath Manager. When you move the cursor outside of the
Toolpath Manager pane, the focus shifts and different options become active.
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TIPS:
• Mastercam saves the most recently used plane, view, and WCS selections
for each machine group, and restores them whenever you activate the
machine group. For example, if one machine group has toolpaths on the
front of the part, and another machine group has toolpaths on the side of
the part, when you activate a machine group, Mastercam automatically
activates the views and planes you were using the last time the group was
active.
• To activate a machine group when working in Mastercam Design (choose
Machine Type, Design), select the machine group in the Toolpath Manager.
Then right–click and choose Make machine group active. This loads the
associated Mastercam application (Mill, Router, Lathe, Wire).
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Move up one item. Position below last item in the selected operation / group.
Move down one item. Scroll Toolpath Manager view to insert arrow position.
5
Insert arrow indicates
the active machine
group and the position
of the next operation
you create.
In the Toolpath Manager, each operation has a name that describes the type of
machining action it includes, such as Surface Rough Flowline. A single part can have
many operations within one or more machine groups and toolpath groups.
Each operation has at least four parts:
Figure: Operation details in Toolpath Manager
Tool definition: Information about the size and shape of the tool.
Part geometry: Contains the geometry selections for the part or section
you are machining.
To view and edit this information, click an icon in the Toolpath Manager list.
Operations that are more detailed and specific to a selected machine and toolpath
type provide additional icons representing information you can view and edit.
Lathe-specific—For lathe toolpaths, click the Update Stock/Do not update stock
icon to enable or disable this feature. When enabled, as shown below, Mastercam
Lathe provides you with feedback on the stock shape as it is machined.
Figure: Lathe Operation details
Surface toolpaths—For surface toolpaths, you can click additional geometry icons to
view and edit information on the Drive surfaces, Check surfaces, Containment
boundaries, Start points menus, and CAD files used in the operation.
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Flowline toolpaths—For flowline toolpaths, which follow the shape and direction of
the surfaces, you can also view and edit flowline information for the toolpath by
selecting the Geometry - Flowline Data icon.
Figure: Flowline Operation details
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TIP: If you choose to backplot, verify, or post process a dirty, unlocked
operation, a message informs you that the selected operations may require
regeneration. You can choose whether to regenerate the operations before
continuing with the function. If you choose not to regenerate, the dirty
operations are processed “as is” by the selected function. This message does
not appear if you choose to backplot, verify, or post operations that are dirty
and locked. In this case, the function proceeds without interruption. For more
information on using these functions, see “Backplotting Operations” on
page 121, “Verifying Operations” on page 124, and “Post Processing” on
page 127.
Displaying Toolpaths
When you generate a toolpath, the tool motion is drawn in the graphics window.
Sometimes the display of multiple toolpaths can obscure the geometry and each
other. You may find it simpler to work with toolpath display turned off.
Use the following Toolpath Manager options to simplify the display of toolpaths and
associative geometry in the graphics window.
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Only display selected toolpaths: Displays toolpaths only for the selected
operations.
You can also use the Toolpath Manager and shortcut keys to show and hide all
toolpaths, or only selected toolpaths.
Showing/Hiding All Toolpaths—To show or hide the display of all toolpaths in the
graphics window, position the cursor in the graphics window, and press the [Alt]
key and the [T] key at the same time [Alt+T]. This key sequence toggles the
visibility of all toolpaths on and off in the graphics window.
Showing/Hiding Selected Toolpaths—To change the display state of one or more
toolpaths, select one or more toolpath operations in Toolpath Manager and type
[T]. Mastercam turns off the toolpath display for the selected toolpaths. To turn
the display back on, type [T] again. This is especially helpful if you are working
with a complex part and want to view only specific toolpaths. When you use this
technique to turn off the display of individual operations, they are not affected by
typing [Alt+T] in the graphics window. They remain “hidden” until you type [T]
again when the cursor is positioned in the Toolpath Manager.
Notes:
• Toolpath Manager display options override all other toolpath display states
and settings.
• You may need to repaint the display after toggling the toolpath display on/off.
See “Changing the Graphics Window Display” on page 46 for more
information.
• Toolpaths are not displayed for operations marked dirty until they are
regenerated.
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Use this dialog box to view the toolpath processing threads created every time
Mastercam generates or regenerates 3D surface high speed toolpaths (HST) and
multiaxis toolpaths (excluding advanced). All existing threads display in the MTM,
along with their current states, progress bar indicators, and processing status. Right–
click menus are available in the column title bar and when you right–click on a
processing thread. Use these menus to modify display and processing settings. For
more information, refer to the Mastercam Help.
Editing Operations
Toolpath Manager icons and right–click menu functions offer many flexible methods
you can use to edit operations. The Toolpath Editor gives you a fine level of control
over toolpath motion. You can make modifications to the tool motion created by
Mastercam and change the way areas of the toolpath are machined. Use the Toolpath
Editor to modify, add, move, or delete points. You can also delete selected sections,
cuts, or passes if the toolpath includes them.
You access the Toolpath Editor by selecting a single toolpath in the Toolpath Manager,
right–clicking on the operation title, and then choosing Toolpath Editor from the
right–click menu.
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TIP: Make all other necessary changes to the toolpath (such as tool or
parameter changes) before using the Toolpath Editor. The Toolpath Editor
locks the toolpath after you edit it. Locked toolpaths are not updated by
Mastercam. To further modify the toolpath, you must unlock it. If the toolpath
is regenerated after editing, any custom modifications will be overwritten.
To access additional toolpath editing functions, select one or more operations in the
Toolpath Manager, right–click and choose an editing function from the Edit selected
operations submenu.
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This next section introduces the Edit selected operations submenu functions,
including:
Editing Common Parameters
Changing the NC File Name (page 119)
Changing Program Numbers (page 120)
Renumbering Tools (page 120)
Renumbering Work Offsets (page 120)
Reversing Toolpaths (page 120)
Recalculating Feeds/Speeds (page 121)
The large area in the left side of the dialog box lists all selected operations in
ascending order by operation number.
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Use the check box next to each field in this dialog box to select the fields to edit. This
flexible design lets you implement changes to one field, all fields, or any combination
of fields you choose. When you click OK or Apply, only selected (activated) fields and
their associated values are used to edit the operations in the list.
TIPS:
• Use the Enable all and Disable all buttons located in the lower
left corner, to quickly select/deselect all fields.
• To deselect (disable) the Clearance or Retract fields for all edited
operations, select the check box next to the field and choose Disable from
the Use drop-down list.
After selecting a field, use one of the following methods to change it:
Type a value in the field.
Click the field button, and set parameters in the related dialog box.
Select a value from a drop-down list.
5
To update the operations with your changes, click OK or Apply.
Use the Abs/Inc drop-down list to choose a plane setting for the selected field and
specified value. Most toolpaths provide Clearance, Retract, Feed plane, Top of stock,
and Depth parameters you enter in either absolute or incremental values.
Absolute values are always measured from the origin.
Incremental values are relative to other parameters or chained geometry. For
example, incremental Depth and Top of Stock parameters are relative to the
location of the chained geometry. The Clearance, Retract, and Feed plane are
relative to the Top of stock.
Renumbering Tools
The Renumber tools function makes it easy to renumber the tools used in the
selected operations, and optionally those that have been saved with the part file but
are not used in any of its operations. For example, you might use this function when
reprogramming a job for a different machine tool.
The Starting tool number and Tool number increment fields are required
fields; others are optional.
To renumber all the tools that have been saved to the part file, regardless of
whether they are used in its operations, select the Also renumber tools not
used in any operation option. Deselect this option to renumber only the
tools that are included in the selected operations.
Reversing Toolpaths
The Reverse toolpath function allows you to transpose the machining direction and
swap the side where cutter compensation in control is applied for selected
operations. If cutter compensation in control is off in the toolpath, it remains off; only
the machining direction is reversed.
After reversing a toolpath, the NCI file is automatically locked to prevent you from
regenerating the toolpath.
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Recalculating Feeds/Speeds
Use this function to adjust the feed rate, plunge rate, retract rate, and spindle speed
for multiple toolpaths based on a new stock material. This process requires that the
feed calculation be set to “From material.” You set this value in the Machine Group
Properties, Tool settings tab.
Backplotting Operations
Use the Backplot function in the Toolpath Manager to simulate tool motion for
selected operations. This animated display allows you to view the cutting process in
the graphics window in a manner similar to stepping through or running a video file.
Figure: Backplot
Backplot helps you find any errors in your program before physically machining the
part. To begin backplotting, select one or more operations in the Toolpath Manager
list. Then click the Backplot button located at the top of the Toolpath Manager.
To move forward and backward through the backplot simulation, use the Backplot
VCR bar, located above the graphics window.
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n
Run speed slider Visible motion position slider
You can run Backplot in Run mode, which displays the toolpath as the tool moves
along, or Trace mode, which displays the entire toolpath and the tool moves over it.
The direction of each tool move is highlighted as the backplot progresses. The default
colors are light blue at the start and red at the end of each move, but you can set them
to any color you choose.
Use the Options button to customize backplot settings in the Backplot Options
dialog box, such as setting the tool display, holder display, and tool motion colors.
Figure: Backplot Options dialog box
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As you step through the toolpath, the Details tab of the expanded Backplot dialog box
displays information on the type of move, and the Info tab displays information such
as cycle time and path length for the selected operation.
Backplot dialog box and Details Backplot dialog box, Info tab
tab (default)
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Verifying Operations
Use the Verify function in the Toolpath Manager to create a 3D simulation of
machining selected operations. The model created by this function represents the
surface finish. It also shows collisions, if any exist, and enables you to find and correct
program errors before they reach the shop floor.
Figure: Verify
You will learn more about configuring the Verify function for a specific mode of
operation and setting other verify options in “Configuring Verification Parameters” on
page 126.
Use the control buttons located at the top of the Verify dialog box to start, pause,
rewind, step through, and fast forward through the verify simulation.
Figure: Verify dialog box
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Note: While a verification is in progress, you cannot change the tool display
mode. You must wait for the verification process to finish, and then choose
Restart.
Then use fields in the Verify Options dialog box to customize the following:
Stock shape, file, boundaries, initial size source
Tool profile, MCX and NCI file selection, tool and STL tolerances
Color settings for stock, collision, tool, and cut stock
Miscellaneous options for TrueSolid simulation, cutter compensation, axis
display, STL file comparison, chip removal, tool color and display, and screw
thread simulation
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Post Processing
Post processing refers to the process by which the toolpaths in your Mastercam part
files are converted to a format that can be understood by your machine tool’s control
(for example, G-codes). A special program called a post processor reads the
Mastercam file and writes the appropriate NC code. Generally, every machine tool or
control requires its own post processor, customized to produce code formatted to
meet its exact requirements and user preferences. In addition, you can customize a
post processor to reflect job or shop preferences–for example, safety blocks or
tolerances.
Post processors have two components.
An executable file such as MP.DLL, which is provided with Mastercam. This is
often used “as is.” Custom executables can be developed for advanced
applications, as necessary.
A post customization script (.PST) which is used by MP.DLL to customize the
post output for your machine tool. It includes format statements, processing
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131
Index
A B
analyze
backplot
entities .............................................. 74
operations .......................................121
arc entities
bolt circle ...............................................67
closing ............................................... 72
bounding box ........................................67
creating ............................................. 65
breaking entities ....................................71
area
analyzing........................................... 75
array C
of entities (Xform)............................. 74 CAD
Art editing ...............................................56
Art Manager ................................8, 109 in Mastercam ....................................28
associativity calculator...............................................18
Solids................................................. 84 Chain Manager ....................................101
toolpath............................................. 22 chaining
attributes Chain Manager................................101
about ................................................. 39 direction ..........................................100
changing ........................................... 43 dynamic...........................................103
setting .........................................40, 41 open and closed ................................99
AutoCursor overview ............................................20
about ................................................. 28 solids .......................................... 96, 98
Along mode....................................... 64 techniques.........................................96
customizing ...................................... 31 wireframe geometry..........................96
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133
N power keys
AutoCursor........................................ 32
NC
primitive entities
changing the file name ................... 119
creating surfaces and solids.............. 70
creating programs from part files... 128
Project Manager .................................... 26
NetHASP
projecting entities
about................................................... 2
to Z-depth (Xform)............................ 73
NURBS (spline)
converting entities to........................ 72
modifying.......................................... 72 Q
surface .............................................. 80 quick masks........................................... 39
O R
offsetting entities (Xform)..................... 72 redo / undo............................................ 56
operation libraries ................................ 23 relative position..................................... 63
operations relief groove........................................... 67
editing functions ............................ 116 ribbon bars
libraries ............................................. 23 docking and undocking .................... 15
post processing............................... 128 navigating ......................................... 13
using the insert arrow..................... 110 working with ..................................... 13
verifying .......................................... 124 right–click menus
Operations Manager ............................... 7 using.................................................. 16
docking/undocking ............................ 8 rolling entities (Xform).......................... 74
hiding and displaying ......................... 8 rotating entities (Xform) ....................... 73
origin Router
setting ......................................... 50, 51 creating door geometry .................... 67
creating stair geometry ..................... 67
P running Mastercam................................. 1
PDF
Mastercam documentation................ 2 S
viewing................................................ 2 scaling entities (Xform) ......................... 73
planes screen display
Status bar options............................. 52 changing............................................ 49
views and coordinate systems.......... 51 selection
planes / views / WCS masking methods.............................. 37
setting ............................................... 50 settings .............................................. 36
Status bar options............................. 52 using General Selection .................... 20
point entities shading
creating ............................................. 64 using.................................................. 76
setting attributes............................... 40 shortcut keys
position coordinates about ................................................. 18
entering............................................. 29 SIM licensing
post processing about ................................................... 2
about............................................... 127 Sketcher
post processors about ................................................. 20
components.................................... 127 Solids
running the post ............................. 128 analyzing ........................................... 75
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135
W
WCS
Status bar options............................. 52
views, planes, coordinate systems ... 51
work offsets
renumbering................................... 120
workspace orientation ............................ 5
X
Xform
using ................................................. 72
Z
Z depth
setting ............................................... 45
zoom / unzoom .................................... 47