Introducing Mastercam's New YouTube Channel

We would like to let everyone know that we are moving to a brand new YouTube channel. As of now, our old YouTube channel will no longer be updated with new videos. Please check us out and subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/mastercamcadcam.

Capturing Images for Setup Sheets

The Setup Sheet Image Capture function is currently unable to capture screen images generated in Verify, Machine Builder, and Machine Simulation. Use this workaround to add images from these environments to your ActiveReports setup sheets.

1. Use [ALT + PRINT SCREEN] to copy the active window to the clipboard.
2. Open a drawing program, such as Paint, and paste the image into a file.
3. Save the file as any one of the following supported file formats to ..\shared mcamx5\reports\common\IMG:

• BMP
• JPEG
• TIFF
• GIF
• PNG

Note: You may use your preferred screen capture software to complete steps 1–3.

4. In Mastercam’s Toolpath Manager, select one or more operations. Right-click and choose Setup sheet from the menu.

5. Enter general information and select your preferred options in the Setup Sheet dialog box.
6. Click the Add Images icon (camera). The Capture Images ribbon bar displays on top of the graphics window.
7. Click the List images button . . . and the Images dialog box opens.

8. To add the image, press [F1] to open the file browser. Select the image file and click OK.

You image is placed in the setup sheet according to the format of the assigned template.

See Mastercam Help for more information about creating setup sheets with ActiveReports.

More New Cutting Strategies in X5 Lathe

Continued from a recent post on Mastercam X5 Lathe enhancements, here are even more new features.

Turn Profile True Arc Fitting
Often using the Turn Profile feature, many small arcs are generated where there should only be one large arc in the geometry. This occurs because the profile is initially computed as a polyline to which the arcs are ‘fit’ in a subsequent step. A new module has been integrated into Mastercam X5 Lathe that fits ‘true’ arcs and lines to the polyline. ‘True’ arcs and lines are entities that exist in the wireframe construction geometry used to create the solid or that are part of the edge curves of the solid. By attempting to fit these arcs and lines to the profile, a much more accurate representation of the geometry can be generated.

Roughing Toolpath Improvements
Tool Inspection – After successfully adding tool inspection to groove toolpaths, we have added similar functionality to the rough turning toolpath. This feature allows tool inspection between depth passes, after a specified cut length, or after a specified time.

Exit Amount – Rough turn strategies can now accommodate open space at the end of a toolpath. We have added an “exit amount” operation parameter that extends the cut beyond the stock by the amount specified.

Boring Bar Holder Improvements
Mastercam’s verification and collision checking has been enhanced to create a more accurate visual representation of boring bars, while still maintaining accurate collision detection.

Visit www.mastercamlathe.com for more information on Mastercam X5 Lathe.

Hybrid Finishing 101

Mastercam X5 introduces a new cutting technique called Hybrid Finishing. The word “hybrid” has become more and more common: hybrid cars, hybrid bikes, even hybrid plants. But hybrid finishing? What is it, how does it work, and what can it do for you?


What it is
Mastercam X5’s new Hybrid Finishing toolpath combines two separate, proven cutting techniques to provide faster programming and a better single-pass finish. The two techniques it combines are:

• Constant Z cutting. Also called “waterline” cutting, this type of toolpath carries out its cutting pattern at a given depth with no up or down movement in Z, and then moves down to do the next level. Essentially a series of contour cuts, this technique is especially useful on high vertical walls or very steep surfaces where other techniques might leave a “stair step” look.




Constant Z cutting is excellent for steep-walled areas.


• Scallop machining. This high-speed machining technique measures its stepover in 3D as it moves along the surface, rather than parallel to the toolplane as other techniques do. The result is cut spacing that is maintained as the surface angle changes, creating a consistent scallop height. This technique is good for complex surface shapes that need a consistent finish.



Scallop machining maintains a consistent 3D stepover.

How it works
Just like a hybrid car switches between gas and electric as the situation demands, Hybrid Finishing switches between machining methods based on the shape of the part. Steep areas will be machined using constant Z cutting and shallower areas will be handled with scallop machining. The toolpath switches seamlessly between techniques and cuts in a logical optimized order.

Hybrid Finishing smoothly combines different cutting techniques for steep and shallow areas.

Since shops have their own preferences and best practices, the setup for this technique is flexible. You can set the “steep” and “shallow” values in a variety of ways, letting you dial in exactly how you want the software to perform. Or you can just go with the defaults that we used to test cut in our own shop.

What it can do for you
Hybrid Finishing can help streamline your programming. Instead of creating two separate toolpaths to achieve the same end, you can now do it with just one. Since Mastercam automatically creates smooth transitions between the techniques, you get a better finish off the machine. Give it a try!

Come see Mastercam at SolidWorks World 2011

Going to be in the San Antonio, TX area January 24th – 26th? If so, come on down to booth #400 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center to see Mastercam and its fully integrated SolidWorks solution, Mastercam for SolidWorks in action! For the release of Mastercam X5 for SolidWorks, there are many new and improved features to make improve the speed and efficiency of your machining jobs. Features in the new release include:

• Feature Based Machining (FBM) and Dynamic Milling strategies that automate 2D processes and deliver much more consistent cutting conditions that utilize the entire tool flute length.
• High Speed Machining (HSM) and the new High Speed OptiRough toolpath, which deliver a faster turnaround and superior finishes by taking aggressive depth cuts to remove material quickly.

Finally, the best CAM solution has teamed up with the best modeling software in the world, to bring you Mastercam for SolidWorks. The time you can save by programming your parts using Mastercam’s world renowned toolpaths directly within SolidWorks are mind blowing. Solid Works users will feel comfortable with the Mastercam machining tree, and Mastercam users will feel at home with parameter screens and options they are used to working with.

So stop by booth #400 at SolidWorks World next week to see the complete NC milling solution working directly within SolidWorks. For more information, visit www.solidworks.com/swworld2011 or www.MCforSW.com. We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Mastercam Training Materials by camInstructor

camInstructor, a recognized Mastercam Training Partner, has provided schools and industry with books, eBooks, and online courses to help students and employees learn Mastercam quickly and efficiently and with great success.

Here is why the camInstructor method works . . .

Certified Authors
 - The developers of camInstructor training materials are certified teachers, with over 10 years’ experience, teaching CNC programming and Mastercam software. This ensures that their customers, whether students or employees, learn Mastercam quickly and efficiently without being overwhelmed.

Content
 - The variety of content available includes Mastercam X through X5, and covers Mill 2D, Mill 3D, Lathe, Solids, 4-axis, 5-axis, Wire, and Art. All of the step-by-step instructions start at the beginning and proceed in simple-to-understand lessons that you can digest without becoming overwhelmed. Every lesson includes instructor-led videos that guide you step-by-step throughout the lesson. You can watch the videos for reinforcement; it’s like having an instructor available on-demand.

Variety of Options
 - Whatever your learning style, camInstructor offers a delivery method that suits you and includes books, eBooks, or online courses.

Books and eBooks are an excellent option for students taking a Mastercam course at a high school, college, or training center. All of the books include a DVD that provides the instructor-led training videos and Mastercam’s Home Learning Edition software. The PC-friendly eBooks are identical to the printed version except that they are online and include videos and PDF files that can be printed and/or saved to your hard drive.

camInstructor online courses are perfect for employees and independent learners because they offer a number of features that the books/eBooks do not. The online courses guide you through the course content and provide a unique feature where you can e-mail a question at any time about any aspect of the course. You are never alone and have the peace of mind that comes with having access to a Mastercam Instructor.

For more information on what camInstructor has to offer, please visit 
www.caminstructor.com.

Customizing the Operations Manager

In the Operations Manager, you can customize the display of:

• Background colors
• Line colors
• Font styles and colors

You can do this by clicking the Options button and using the Options drop-down menu as shown below:


Choose Background color to open the Windows Color dialog box where you can select a color as your new Operations Manager background color (as shown below).

Choose Line color to open the Windows Color dialog box where you can select a different color for the branch lines in the tree hierarchy (as shown below).


Choose Font to open the Windows Font dialog box where you can change the font, its size, color, and style of the text in the Operations Manager (as shown below).


Select Restore Default Attributes from the drop-down menu to restore the Operations Manager to its default display at any time.

Select Help in the Operations Manager drop-down menu to access Help specific to the active tab (Toolpath Manager, Solids Manager, or—if Art is installed—Art Manager).

Note: Your options settings for the Operations Manager are modal between Mastercam sessions. This means that Mastercam "remembers" and maintains the options you set, even if you close and re-open Mastercam.

Mastercam X5 Design LT Is Released

Mastercam X5 Design LT is CNC Software’s CAD application for wireframe design and drafting. Design LT is based on Mastercam X5 and drawing in Design LT can be as free and dynamic as a pencil sketch or as mathematically precise as you need it to be. The cursor and mouse are your drawing tools, and the Create functions are your primary drawing aids. Design LT provides wireframe modeling, data translators, and part viewing for a variety of formats.

Whether you bring in models from other CAD systems or create your own, superior design tools are essential. Design LT makes your design work easier than ever before. Each piece of geometry you create is “live,” letting you quickly modify it until it’s exactly what you want. Traditional design functions are consolidated into a few simple clicks, which simplifies the creation of even the most complex parts.

Scenes From CNC Software

Yesterday Connecticut experienced history in the making. With over 2 feet of snow in many parts of the state, many weather records were broken. As a result CNC Software was closed for business, keeping our employees safe and giving the road crews a chance to dig us out.

We thought you might like to see some scenes from the office this morning . . .

Our solar panels will not be producing much energy today.

Our beautiful red barn couldn't be prettier in the freshly fallen snow.

A true New England icon.

Sunrise over the office.

The beautiful grounds of CNC Software under a blanket of snow.

A wide shot of the solar panels under the snow.

Our parking lot got a bit smaller today.

We apologize for any inconvenience you may have encountered during our office closure yesterday. We are all brushing off our mittens, putting away our sleds, and getting back to business today.

The Tortoise and the Hare in 2011 Manufacturing

There's no doubt in anyone's mind that 2009 was a rough year for our industry. We saw many shops (and friends) struggle as reduced orders and suppressed demand created a feedback loop that looked pretty grim. Then the calendar turned, and 2010 brought with it a dramatic bounce in the stock market and signs of life in manufacturing. So what do we think about 2011?

Two words - watchful optimism. Why? Not because of the impressive growth on wall street. Not because of reports of increasing employment or strong year-end consumer spending. While those things are welcome and positive, they're also a bit erratic. Constantly up and down, sometimes dramatically so. No, we're optimistic because in all the chaos and uncertainty of the past two years, our industry - manufacturing - has been plugging away, slowly gaining steam. And manufacturing is a bedrock of a solid economy.

How solid? The Institute for Supply Management index of U.S. manufacturing reports that we've seen 17 consecutive months of slow, steady growth. The index has hovered in the mid- and upper-50's for that time. And while it's much higher than that in boom times, anything above 50 means growth. Any growth is good, but 17 months of consistent growth - even if it's modest - is something that builds confidence in what's to come.

As we all learned when we were kids, sometimes slow and steady wins the race.

Mastercam at PRI 2010

Mastercam is back on the show floor at the Performance Racing Industry's biggest trade show. We had a chance to walk around and visit some of the other exhibitors to hear what they had to say about Mastercam.

New Mastercam X5 Multiaxis Tutorial

The newest addition to the Getting Started Tutorial Series is designed to get a new user up and running with Mastercam X5 Multiaxis toolpaths. This tutorial provides users with a basic overview of the Multiaxis toolpath workflow and highlights the newly redesigned Multaxis user interface. Topics include:

• Multiaxis Toolpath Controls Overview
• Tool Axis Control Options
• Creating a Multiaxis Curve Toolpath
• Creating a Multiaxis Drill Toolpath

The Getting Started Tutorial Series also includes an additional seven books that introduce general Mastercam functions and teach basic skills. Each tutorial is packaged in a ZIP file that contains the tutorial book in PDF format, together with Mastercam parts and other accessory files, such as sample posts.

• Welcome to Mastercam
• Files and Mastercam
• Working in the Graphics Window
• Basic 2D Design
• Basic 2D Machining
• Basic 3D Design
• Basic 3D Machining

The tutorials are best used in sequence, but they can also be used independently. Please contact your Mastercam Reseller for more information.