Dream Machine Launched to Mars

Andrew Tool and Machine, a Mastercam customer, helped to build the Mars Rover. The company credits Mastercam for making the transition from titanium to VascoMax an easier process than it would've been without the software. Specifically, the project resulted in Andrew creating all of the actuator components, first in titanium and then in VascoMax, only on a much tighter, more demanding timeline. Very deep pockets (almost a 20:1 ratio) and small radii were the hallmarks, along with extremely tight tolerances, many of which were tied to multiple gear pitch diameters. 

Being able to successfully partner with Forest City Gear in Illinois was absolutely critical to the project's success. Positional tolerances of 0.0002" diameter, geometric control of 0.00008", and size control within +/-0.0001", even on relatively large (5.00" range) dimensions, created plenty of challenge. Additional issues related to deep pockets with small tools in nasty material added to the challenges.

You can read more about this story here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45389165/ns/technology_and_science-space/#.TtY4SGPNm-U

Happy Thanksgiving

We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday. And also remind you that we will be closing at noon today and will be back to business on Monday morning, November 28th. Safe travels and best wishes to all.

Mastercam at the Oreste Berta Open House, Agentina

Oreste Berte is the premier car and engine builder for motorsports located in Alta Gracia, Córdoba, Argentina and they recently hosted an open house that was sponsored by SolidWorks and Haas. Mastercam was on-hand with some of our latest videos. Participants were able to see some of the latest software enhancements, as well as check out the latest machines.

Congratulations Tony Stewart

Mastercam and CNC Software, Inc. would like to congratulate Tony Stewart of Stewart-Haas Racing for winning the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup! Even though his starting position was 14th, he gambled with strategy and showed pure determination with daring maneuvers and talented driving to take the checkered flag at Homestead yesterday. This is Tony’s 3rd Cup Championship, and everyone at Mastercam and CNC Software, Inc. is proud to be a part of Stewart-Haas Racing!. Congrats Tony!

Mastercam X6 Preview #6 – Blade Expert

The Mastercam Blade Expert add-on greatly simplifies the toolpath creation process for any multi bladed parts, including fans, propellers, impellers, turbines, marine screws, and more. There is no limit to the number of blades, splitters, or sub-splitters that can be programmed. A few highlights include a variety of powerful and flexible multiaxis roughing strategies; precise cut pattern control on blade, fillet, and floor finishing; automatic tool axis control, ensuring smooth machine motion; and full machine simulation to aid in getting the most out of the machine. Blade Expert eliminates guess work, gives you smooth toolpaths, and dramatically reduces programming time.

Watch Blade Expert in action and hear a little more about it in the video below:

The Edge Factor: Gnarly Metal

The Edge Factor is a high energy television series that brings to screen an inside look at real people using extreme technology to create the world we see all around us. You will see astounding engineering challenges that are normally invisible to the general public.

Featured in Gnarly Metal is a cutting-edge manufacturing facility (Straitline Components), which makes parts for some of the top slope-style mountain bike riders in the world. Straitline Components uses SolidWorks® and Mastercam to design and cut their top-rated parts.

Straitline came up with an idea to make a new type of pedal for the mountain biking market. In an experiment, they compared a consumer grade pedal and those from Straitline. The consumer pedal bent and actually broke, which could seriously injure the rider. Those from Straitline withstood the pressure with barely a bend. And, with double the pressure, it still didn't break!

In Gnarly Metal, Straitline is challenged with making a gyro hydraulic system that eliminates brake line cables (typically cables get wrapped around the head tube and therefore the rider can't spin their handlebars around as much as they need to complete a trick).

Watch the development, manufacturing, and first competition test of a new design. See how Mastercam helps Straitline complete their challenge of making a gyro.

Measuring the Mastercam Experience

Users play a critical role in the success of any software package, and it’s no different at Mastercam. Using new processes and finding ways to leverage existing technology, CNC Software has begun testing its software with real world users, both in-person and remotely.

Beginning with Mastercam X6, CNC Software has taken a hands-on approach to testing the quality and usability of its software with live usability tests. These tests allow Mastercam team members to review user performance measured against predefined goals that show strengths and weaknesses in the software, everywhere from interface and workflow design down to how individual features work.

Reseller and user participation is a key component to the testing process at CNC Software. If you would like to participate in an upcoming usability study, either remotely or in person, please fill out our Usability Study Participation Form. If you are chosen to participate, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

If you have questions regarding the process, you may e-mail them to UserExperience@Mastercam.com.

New and Improved What’s New in Mastercam X6

With our latest release, we’ve transformed our What’s New information from a static printed document into an interactive multimedia experience! The What’s New in Mastercam X6 DVD offers a menu-driven interface and a rich graphical design. On it, you’ll find information on all new features in X6 for every product including these highlights:

• In-process stock model creation and use
• More powerful dynamic milling
• Highly efficient "OptiRough" rest roughing
• Specialized multi-blade part programming
• Variable roughing for ceramic inserts

We’ve also included many explanatory videos, along with handy links to our website, the Mastercam social network, and the eMastercam.com user forum so you can continue to get all the latest X6 information.

As part of our commitment to the environment, we’re reducing our printed materials in favor of greener, more earth-friendly formats. What’s New in Mastercam X6 comes “in the box” on a separate DVD. (One DVD per site. Contact your Reseller for extra copies.)This latest change eliminates the printed document from the packaging. However, if you prefer a more traditional format, the DVD includes a printable, searchable PDF file.

To get started, simply launch the DVD and begin exploring! (Internet Explorer 7 or higher and Adobe Flash are required.)

Mastercam International Reseller Conference

Today begins the Mastercam International Reseller Conference, a 3-day event in Hartford, CT for the Mastercam global reseller community. This event features tours of the CNC Software facilities in Tolland, CT, training sessions on many new and exciting Mastercam features, and an integrated Business Partner Forum. We have also added several sessions directed towards specific reseller types, such as International or Educational. We will be unveiling the Mastercam X6 product and providing a sneak peak at future releases. Make sure to ask your local reseller about what they learned during their time at the conference!

Congratulations to Stewart Haas Racing

Congratulations to Stewart Haas Racing and Tony Stewart for winning their second consecutive victory in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup! Tony is taking a stand in the Chase for the Cup, and points leader Carl Edwards (also a Mastercam user) is feeling the heat! Check out how Mastercam has helped propel Stewart Haas to the finish line, here:



Click here to see a video of Tony’s recent win.

Mastercam at SEMA

In the Las Vegas area? Well, if you are, come to the SEMA show to see Mastercam in action! Find your way to booth 10360 in the North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center to see a sneak peak of Mastercam X6! You’ll be amazed at the advance Mastercam’s upcoming release has to offer, including; 64-bit support, stock model creation and tracking, 2D HST Dynamic Toolpath improvements, Mastercam Blade Expert and Port Expert add-ins,  grooving toolpath improvements, and much, much more. Mention ‘social media’ to one of our booth representatives and you’ll get a prize!