Mastercam Xtras

Ellstrom Manufacturing - Making Boats Fly

2012-01-27T09:40:00.000-05:00

5 Axis Industries, a professional race team that turned into a manufacturing company, specializes not only in parts for the marine industry, but also the aerospace. Their famous boat propellers are used by just about every top finisher in the sport and Mastercam programs every product they produce.

Defining Reference Points in Machine Definition

2012-01-25T13:44:00.000-05:00

Did you know that in the machine definition, you can define default reference points for both ID and OD operations?

1. In the Machine Definition Manager, click the Edit axis combinations button.

2. If necessary, select the desired axis combination.
3. Click Reference Points.

4. Set default reference positions for ID and OD work, for either approach or retract moves.

Because these are specific to the axis combination, you can even define different locations for main spindle/subspindle, and upper/lower turrets. Important—because you are in the machine definition, the coordinates in the above dialog box are in world X-Y-Z coordinates, not lathe X-Z coordinates.

Moldplus Products – Continuing to Make a Difference

2012-01-23T13:34:00.000-05:00

Moldplus V10.5 MR2 SP1 is the first release for Mastercam X6. The Moldplus Service Pack is a radical improvement of the previous Maintenance release by offering new tools for managing your curves and vectors for 5-axis machining and toolpaths. Moldplus has also enhanced the Electrode maker collision detection with a new graphical method that automatically detects collisions with cloned electrodes.

The new release gives you the ability to easily:

Create curves and vectors on complex parts with a few clicks
Rotate/manipulate the vectors
Move curves and vectors as needed
Simulate the trajectory using a tool (standard or custom tools with spindle/machine head, etc.) and simultaneously check for collisions

These allow the end-user to prepare the geometry in a fraction of the time previously required.

The Moldplus 5-axis toolkit also offers other powerful functions, such as:

Automatically align/set all the surface normals outwards or inwards in 1-click
Easily split exterior and interior shells of Solid models in 1-click (independent of plane direction)
Create tangent and draft extensions on the exterior edges of parts and perform advanced radius analysis on complex parts.

Moldplus is continuing to add new functionality and efficiencies based on market demand and are improving the existing features with enhancements and interface changes. Please visit www.moldplus.com/5axiskit.html to review all the features and contact your local Mastercam Reseller for more information.

Stock Model with Opti-Rest Toolpath

2012-01-20T09:03:00.000-05:00

Mastercam’s Opti-Rest toolpath uses the new stock model feature to create efficient toolpaths without wasted tool motion. The constant engagement ensures consistent chip load and the programmed side step is never exceeded as this video illustrates.

Getting Started Tutorials

2012-01-18T12:05:00.000-05:00

The Getting Started Series of tutorials introduce basic Mastercam X6 features and functions. Available from your Mastercam Reseller as printable PDF tutorials and video tutorial EXE files, these introductory tutorials guide students step-by-step through a series of lessons. The lessons are divided into short exercises so they’re easy to complete. The tutorials are best used in sequence, but they can also be used independently.

The PDF versions include the sample parts you need to go through each tutorial exercise. The video versions are fully interactive, multimedia training lessons that let you experience each Mastercam function without needing Mastercam installed on your system. Here is an example of one of the videos:

The Getting Started Series tutorials that have been updated for Mastercam X6 include:

Preparing for a Tutorial (video only)
Welcome to Mastercam (print and video)
Files and Mastercam (print and video)
Working in the Graphics Window (print and video)
Basic 2D Design (print and video)
Basic 2D Machining (print and video)
Basic 3D Design (print and video)
Basic 3D Machining (print and video)
Intro to Multiaxis (print only – video coming soon!)

In addition to the Getting Started Series, CNC Software, Inc. provides a Focus Series of tutorials, each focusing on a specific Mastercam feature—for example, Setup Sheets or FBM Drill, and teaches basic and advanced skills.

The Mastercam tutorial series is in continual development, and we will add modules as we complete them. For more information, please contact your local Mastercam Reseller.

Leaner, Greener Mastercam X6 Documentation

2012-01-16T15:06:00.000-05:00

With the release of Mastercam X6, you may notice some changes to the documentation. In our ongoing commitment to energy conservation and environmental awareness, we streamlined the documentation. In addition, based on customer feedback, we enhanced our deliverables to provide an interactive interface and more video.

Installed X6 Documentation
While we continue to deliver robust Mastercam Help for all Mastercam X6 features and functions, we install fewer documents. The Mastercam X6 release version will include only the following documents:

These documents are installed in the …\Documentation folder. This change removes over 250MB from the Mastercam X6 installation, greatly simplifying file maintenance, and optimizing your download and installation processes!

Retired Documentation
Due to redundancy or limited audience, we’ve “retired” the following documents as of Mastercam X6:

Reference Guide (redundant to Help)
Quick Start Guide (redundant to the Getting Started Series of tutorials and tutorial videos, and to the Mastercam U Intro to Mastercam course)
Wire Getting Started Guide (redundant to Help, limited audience)
V92XFunctions (sunsetted, limited audience)

The retired documents are still available from your local Mastercam Reseller in their X5 format. However, we will not update them with future Mastercam releases.

What’s New DVD
Perhaps the most significant change is to the design and delivery of the Mastercam X6 What’s New information. We’ve transformed this information from a static printed document to an interactive HTML application that will ship on a separate DVD with the Mastercam X6 packaging. It is also available as a self-installing EXE download from http://www.mastercam.com.

This change removes the What’s New dialog box from the Mastercam interface and eliminates the printed document from the packaging. When choosing Help > What’s New from the Mastercam X6 menu, the following dialog displays:

The What’s New in Mastercam X6 DVD offers a menu-driven interface and a rich graphical design. The explanatory videos invite Mastercam users to explore new features in a contemporary and engaging manner. An option to print a digest from the What’s New in Mastercam X6 application is also available.

Mastercam's 2D Production Machining

2012-01-13T11:13:00.000-05:00

The following video showcases Mastercam's production machining functionality, including the Dynamic toolpaths. The part was programmed and machined in our in-house machine shop using Mastercam Mill Level 1 functionality.

Mastercam.com is Changing!

2012-01-11T09:15:00.000-05:00

Our website, www.mastercam.com, will be undergoing a major change this year. Our goal is to provide customers with a better online experience and grow our Mastercam community. We would like you to share your thoughts with us by participating in a brief survey:

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22EDR3HCGEF/

The survey closes on January 20, 2012. We thank you in advance for your participation!

Mastercam X6 Re-released for Download

2012-01-10T11:30:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, CNC Software released Mastercam X6 for download on November 28th. Eighteen hours later, we took it down because we found several issues that needed fixing. For the most part, the issues required specific sets of steps to cause problems. Although we could have kept the download available and issued a patch in the future, it was clear that for the users who did go through those steps the issues could be serious.

So, we hit the "pause" button. We used the time to correct the problems and provide a couple of additional improvements we were looking to put in a future release.

What were the items that caused us to pause the distribution of Mastercam X6? The primary items were:

Default file issue. There were problems saving parameters from inside a 3D HST toolpath parameter page. The saved defaults could be corrupted. Although impacting only a single toolpath, that toolpath is widely used by many customers.
Legacy files and importing operations. Opening an X4 or X5 file caused the "Misc Integer Value" settings in those files to be dropped. There was also an operation import bug that, although requiring a very specific set of steps to reproduce, may have been problematic.
OptiRough Vertical Arc Entry issue. A mathematical error occurred when a user entered a zero value for an arc when performing a vertical arc entry in the OptiRough Toolpath. Again, although this situation isn't common, the resulting entry path caused the tool to hit the part. This could be a serious issue for heavy OptiRough users.

As a result Mastercam X6 is now available for immediate download on the Mastercam website. To run Mastercam X6, you must have an active Mastercam maintenance contract or have purchased Mastercam on or after October 31, 2011. Mastercam X6 installation packages will be shipping from CNC to customers that qualify. For specifics on what X6 has to offer, go to http://www.mastercam.com/Products/Enhancements/Default.aspx.

If you have any questions about whether you qualify for this release, or would like to purchase Mastercam X6, please contact your Mastercam Reseller.

Mastercam Innovator of the Future Competition

2012-01-06T11:19:00.001-05:00

The Mastercam Innovator of the Future (IOF) competition provides students with a real-life manufacturing challenge, some big incentives, and the chance to win an opportunity of a lifetime. It also provides the instructor with a powerful motivational tool to get students excited about learning CAD/CAM and the manufacturing process.

The 2012 Mastercam Innovator of the Future competition challenges students to design and machine a bridge and saddle for a full-sized, six-stringed acoustic guitar, to be judged by a team of experts from world-renowned guitar manufacturer Taylor Guitars in El Cajon, California.

AWARDS:

Everyone who enters receives an exclusive Mastercam IOF shirt.
The winner receives a $1,000.00 scholarship to a school of their choice.
The winner and their instructor receive a trip to El Cajon, California to tour the Taylor Guitar headquarters.
The winner and the school each receive a Mastercam IOF plaque.
The winner's instructor receives an exclusive Mastercam IOF shirt.

Last year’s winner talks about his experiences with the competition:

For full information on the competition, entry forms, and part specifications, go to www.Mastercam.com/IOF. Entries are due May 31, 2012.

Manufacturing - Looking Forward and Backward

2012-01-04T15:12:00.000-05:00

As we enter a new year, it's always helpful to look over our shoulder at the year that we're leaving behind. For those of us involved in the manufacturing industry, it's helpful to look a little further than that.

It's been an interesting few years in our industry. As we all know, the economic trouble we saw in 2009 created ripples that are still obvious today, and will likely be with us for some time to come. But as with 2010, there's a bright spot on the horizon in the form of global manufacturing.

Despite the constant stream of conflicting economic data, manufacturing has shown signs of strength. Many machine tool manufacturers have seen an impressive rebound over the last two years, showing that manufacturing businesses are again beginning to invest in capital equipment. But it goes deeper than that, to the basic measurements of how much manufacturing is being done overall.

The Institute of Supply Management has been tracking manufacturing output since 1948. In their report any score above 50 means growth, any score under 50 means contraction. The final report for 2011 showed that the manufacturing industry has experienced 29 straight months of slow, steady growth. While the growth might not be as fast as we might like, that kind of solid, slow, ongoing recovery is good news for us all.

Footnote: Please click on the graphic above to view it at a larger size.

Happy New Year from CNC Software!

2011-12-30T09:31:00.000-05:00

We will be closing early today at 12PM and will not be back in the office until Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Have a safe and Happy New Year from everyone at Mastercam and CNC Software, Inc.

Don't Forget to Subscribe to our new YouTube Channel!

2011-12-28T11:40:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time coming, but we are finally ready to pull the plug on our old "paulasworld" YouTube channel. It's been over a year now since we made the official "MastercamCadCam" channel, and since then we have no longer been uploading any new videos to the old channel. The new MastercamCadCam channel is now fully populated with all of the videos you’ve become accustomed to seeing, and on January 2, 2012, we will discontinue the paulasworld channel. From that day forward you will have to remember to go to the new channel for all of your Mastercam video needs.

So don’t forget to subscribe to the new channel! You can subscribe to the new channel here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/MastercamCadCam

If you have any links to our YouTube channel from your web sites, digital newsletters, or blogs please update to this new link!

Happy Holidays from CNC Software

2011-12-22T09:32:00.000-05:00

CNC Software would like to wish you all a very happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. Please note that our offices will be closed Friday, December 23, Monday, December 26, and Tuesday, December 27 in observance of Christmas. We will be back to business next Wednesday. May your days be filled with joy and may your machines be filled with chips.

’Twas the Week Before Christmas

2011-12-21T12:02:00.001-05:00

A prospect sculptor in Washington state asked Cimtech (the local Mastercam reseller) to help with a project to prove Mastercam is worthy of programming his new, one-of-a-kind, custom-built CNC router.

Komo VR 4x Scultura – Only one built in the world with a 5 x8 ft table – 4axis built in.

Xmas Nativity sculpture – 4 million lines of G-Code for one side!

Irregular wood blank 30 x 30 x 72 inches – weighs 600lbs – supported between centers

Only Mastercam x6 64 bit can handle this – showing roughing cut and finish STL model

This was a brand new user who never ran a machine before and this was his first project, under a deadline to get done for Christmas. The average toolpath per pass was 4 million lines. It took 6 hours of processing on a quad core 64 bit with 8gb RAM, on Windows 7 Pro, 64 bit OS. One other note, the Mastercam Reseller helped out on remote by sending data packs of larger than 10 MB data files.

Give the Gift of MastercamU

2011-12-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

Looking for that last minute gift for the holidays? Mastercam University is the choice for you! At extremely affordable prices for a 90-day license of the official Mastercam online training tool, you can select from the following courses:

Mill Design & Toolpaths
Advanced Mill Design & Toolpaths
Lathe Design & Toolpaths
Mastercam for SolidWorks
Principles of Machining
Mastercam Transition (V9 to X5)
Multiaxis Curve, Drill, and Circle Mill

Whether your loved one is an experienced Mastercam pro or just looking to learn Mastercam from scratch, Mastercam U is the perfect choice. It allows the user to learn at their own time and pace, at any time, day or night. Also, accompanying the video tutorials is the Mastercam Home Learning Edition, which allows you to learn right along with the videos. Check it out at www.mastercamu.com.

Waltrip Racing and Mastercam

2011-12-16T10:30:00.000-05:00

Waltrip Racing uses Mastercam to help them make more parts, faster. Take a tour of their shop with us by clicking on the video below.

Protect Your Mastercam Investment and Take Advantage of Incredible Savings

2011-12-14T11:01:00.000-05:00

With the upcoming introduction of Mastercam X6, the Mastercam X release will no longer be supported and you will not be able to purchase the latest Mastercam version at preferred rates. If you are a Mastercam X user and you update your system to Mastercam X6 now, you can take advantage of the special pricing available only to current Mastercam customers, which provides significant savings. The deadline to update your Mastercam X system is December 31, 2011.

Mastercam X was created and released almost a full decade ago. The technological advances and time-saving techniques added to not only Mastercam but machine tools and tooling in that time are numerous. Although Mastercam X still gets the job done, you're missing out on dramatic enhancements, features, and toolpath motions that weren't available at that time.

Just a few of the latest enhancements include:

New roughing strategies that can increase productivity by 75% or more.
Dramatically faster solids programming with Feature Based Machining.
Better finish and longer tool life with new High Speed Toolpaths.
The power to open a variety of CAD files, including native SolidWorks, Inventor, and SolidEdge files.

And that is just the short list. Check out the complete list of advancements and time-saving tools included in Mastercam X6 at www.mastercam.com/update and don’t miss out on the chance for incredible savings while keeping your Mastercam investment intact.

Reality Redesigned

2011-12-12T11:14:00.001-05:00

Interested in the chance to win $40,000? Well, today is your lucky day! The folks at Edge Factor, Pink Bike, and Modern Machine Shop are teaming up, along with manufacturing industry frontrunners, to form an international design competition for mountain biking called Reality Redesigned. The task: Create a part for a bike in one of the three categories; frame, suspension, and components. Have your designed and machined part tested by industry professionals, and see how you stack up against the competition! The top 3 winners in each category will be selected to the “Final Nine” in March 2012, where the general public will vote for the best design. With more details below in the official Reality Redesigned Press Release, it goes without saying that this is an amazing opportunity to showcase your skills.

Following on the heels of the highly acclaimed, new series The Edge Factor Show, the EF team is set to accept submissions for the Reality Redesigned series.

What is it? It is a design contest with a reality show twist. Students and bike enthusiasts from around Canada and the U.S. will be invited to submit designs into one of three categories based on the theme of the show, in this case "Mountain Biking." The submissions will be analyzed and eventually critiqued by industry experts. Jeremy Bout, host and producer of the Edge Factor, will take us coast to coast, introducing this seasons Judges. Once all the submissions are in and screened, the show will track the top drawings as the judges critique them. The ever-present POV camera will capture the process from beginning to end, allowing the audience a unique opportunity to watch the idea go from drawing board to finished product.

Reality Redesigned is a whole new concept. The first season closely follows the relationship between the mountain biking and manufacturing industry. Teaming up with Pinkbike, a giant in the MTB world, (pinkbike.com), the EF team is presenting three categories for the mountain bike design contest: frame, suspension and components.

Contestants will pick one and submit their design idea in that category. The submissions will be taken through a rigorous screening process. The better the idea, the clearer the presentation, the more points it will get. The more points you get, the better your chances will be that you will make the top spot on the leader board.

When the dust settles, after all submissions are in and all the prints have been screened.... we will then see who is at the top. Top 3 in each of the categories will make up the "Final Nine" in March 2012. The general public audience will be able to vote on their favorite designs and the submission that stays on the leader board with the most "yes" votes when the vote closes in April, will win a pimped out Intense Bike.

Submissions for the contest will close at the end of February and then the real fun begins ... Judges will work through these nine submissions, assigning point values to each of the finalists. This is an amazing opportunity for students and aspiring designers to have their designs and ideas looked at by the top minds in the industry today and being used by the top bikers in the world.

Reality Redesigned promises to be a season filled with key insights into the amazing world of design, engineering and manufacturing.

Contact Matt Ormel at EdgeFactor for a kit containing a poster and information about EdgeFactor and this contest. Matt is ready to answer questions to support you and your students getting started. You can check out their website at EdgeFactor.com for more information (or download additional info) and to sign up for our updates that will fit your schedule. You can also like EdgeFactor on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Good luck!

Opti-Rough Stock Model Toopath

2011-12-09T08:58:00.001-05:00

The Opti-Rest toolpath uses Mastercam’s new stock model feature to create efficient tool paths without wasted tool motion. The constant engagement ensures consistent chip load and the programmed side step is never exceeded. Watch the video below to see it in action.

Holiday Shopping With Mastercam

2011-12-07T13:54:00.001-05:00

We may have missed Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but there's still time to snag a good deal on Mastercam clothing and promotional items. In case you're still in need of a holiday gift, or maybe you just want to treat yourself to something, now is the time. Until the end of January 2012 you can get 25% off your entire order at the iMastercam Store (not including shipping). Just hop on over to the store at http://www.imastercamstore.com and enter the promo code WINTER25 to get the discount.

Spotlight: Master3DGage Helps Shop Lower Costs and Increase Production

2011-12-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

MCD Machine is a job shop that runs prototype and production quantities for the military, medical, and aerospace industries. Founded in 2002, the shop has grown from two employees in a 900 square foot building to 12 employees in a 12,500 square foot building featuring a wide range of CNC milling and turning machines. The key to MCD Machine’s success has been technical expertise.

“We really needed an efficient way to check complex parts,” said CJ Davis, founder of MCD Machine. “So when the Master3DGage powered by Verisurf X came out, it just seemed like the easiest way.”

Master3DGage is an affordable and portable rapid 3D inspection solution that significantly increases production and improves part quality. The complete solution automates the 3D inspection process and quickly verifies manufactured parts directly to 3D CAD models. It is sold and supported by select Mastercam Resellers.

“Our Master3DGage is a very precise portable CMM arm with Verisurf X software that can quickly verify parts while they are still on the CNC machine or anywhere else in the manufacturing process,” said Davis. “Implementing portable inspection into the manufacturing process identifies issues quicker, reduces scrap, and significantly improves productivity.”

MCD Machine uses the Master3DGage for parts with lots of surfaces, like layup tools for carbon fiber parts that can be easily checked before they are taken off of the machine. The shop likes the way Verisurf compares the part profile to the solid model in real time to quickly determine if it’s necessary to re-machine an area or if it’s okay to pull the part off of the machine.

“First article inspections for higher volume runs can also be done quickly using the same method,” said Davis. “We set our tolerance on the Master3DGage to the tightest tolerance on the part and compare the part to the model. This doesn’t necessarily give us actual dimensions, but it does tell us that all features are in tolerance so we can keep the machine going. In the mean time, we can create an automated inspection plan to get us good inspection reports.”

For information on Master3DGage by Verisurf, please visit www.master3dgage.com.

Mastercam Racing Ahead at PRI in Orlando

2011-12-02T10:42:00.002-05:00

Greetings from PRI! The Performance Racing Industry’s annual trade show, held yearly in Orlando, FL, is the gateway to the dynamic racing marketplace. The 2011 trade show is going on from December 1–3 in the Orange County Convention Center. The show opened, per the usual, to huge crowds of enthusiastic buyers and exhibitors. Yearly this show is known by many as the three biggest days in auto racing.

With over 40,000 attendees and exhibitors from over 65 countries, you can come to see over 1,000 companies introducing their new lines in racing products, machining equipment, motorsport engineering solutions, and much more. And Mastercam is no exception. Located at booth #4591 in the Machinery Row section of the show, come to see Mastercam in action!

As a special treat, Mastercam has teamed up with Centroid Performance Racing (booth #4191) to demonstrate the ultimate machining solution! Combining Mastercam Blade Expert with Centroid Machining, we will be showing something new and unprecedented – a complete solution from design, toolpath, and machining – all on the show floor during the show – CAD/CAM Live!

If you’re headed to the show, be sure to stop by and say hello!

Dream Machine Launched to Mars

2011-11-30T09:10:00.003-05:00

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

2011-11-23T11:36:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-23T09:13:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-21T14:50:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-21T08:44:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-18T08:07:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-15T14:02:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-11T10:32:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-09T09:43:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-07T10:50:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-02T12:47:00.004-04:00

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!

Mastercam, Okuma Partner in Thinc

2011-10-28T08:22:00.000-04:00

As one of the Partners in Thinc, Mastercam is constantly pushed to the limits by Okuma and their customers.

World Skills Competition 2011

2011-10-26T08:25:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month the WorldSkills 2011 competition was held in London with students from all over the world. CNC Software is proud that Mastercam is the official platform for CAD/CAM competitions. A number of CNC employees went to London to provide support. Here’s a little recap of the week’s events.

Monday/Tuesday:
During the first two days, the competitors’ main interest is to get familiar with Mastercam and the Mori Seiki machines. While some students have trained extensively with both Mastercam and Mori Seiki, this was the first time that other students have used either. The job for CNC staff was to arrive early and finish setting up Mastercam on all the workstations.

Our staff spent the day working with competitors from all over the world, answering questions about Mastercam, as well as questions about machine operation, machining, and G code programming. We really enjoyed working with these bright young students who represent the best of their nation.

Wednesday:
Wednesday was the first day of actual competition. There were three events that the Mastercam team was supporting:

Milling
Turning
Manufacturing Challenge

The Turning challenge involved three days of individual competition followed by a single day of team competition. Today’s individual challenge required that competitors cut a complicated mill/turn part with milling on both sides. The competitors needed to engineer a setup so that the milled features on the second side remained in line with those on the first side.

Members of the CNC Software staff had to stand at attention just outside the yellow area in case there was a problem with Mastercam. Because this competition is so important to these students, they needed to treat every issue and question with urgency. The competitors have spent up to eight years preparing for this competition as their full-time job.

Thursday:
Today, the students were required to make two parts and this required four setups. Without any prior knowledge of the challenge, the students had to engineer a plan for each part, draw and program the parts in Mastercam, and finally set up and machine the parts. They were only allowed 8 hours to complete this work. These competitors are clearly the best in the world on mill/turn machines.

Friday:
The pressure on these competitors was huge. Today’s part had the most difficult tolerances yet, and the frustration could be seen on many students’ faces. In the afternoon, there were some machine crashes peppered throughout the turning competition, which may have been due to a combination of the increased difficulty and the overwhelming fatigue. At the end of the day, less than half of the students have finished their parts.

Saturday:
Today was “Team Day.” All of the competitors have been divided into two teams and were given the blueprints and material to manufacture a working replica of a cannon. The students were clearly enjoying the opportunity to interact with each other on their teams. In addition, there were no limits on how much the staff may interact and support the students, which was refreshing, because our staff was eager to help.

What a great experience it was to see what all of these great students can do with Mastercam. We look forward to doing it all over again at the next competition!

Mastercam X6 Preview #5 - Streamlined Chaining

2011-10-24T09:09:00.000-04:00

Over the next several weeks we’ll be drawing back the curtain on the upcoming Mastercam X6 and previewing some of the new features in the release. Today the spotlight is on a quick way to define machining regions.

Region Chaining

“Chaining” – defining areas of a model that need to be machined by using linked geometry – is a common practice. Solid models inherently contain much of that needed data, and Mastercam X6’s region chaining delivers another way of using that built-in information. For example, you can now explicitly define the area for a 2D dynamic milling toolpath by simply selecting the face to be machined and face (including non-planer faces) to be avoided. Mastercam treats the selections (even on open pockets) as complete machining chains.

Mastercam X6 Preview #4: Stock Model-Based Rest Milling

2011-10-19T09:05:00.004-04:00

Over the next several weeks we’ll be drawing back the curtain on the upcoming Mastercam X6 and previewing some of the new features in the release. Today the spotlight is on a new roughing toolpath.

3D “OptiRest” Rest Milling

In the first preview we talked briefly about the new stock model available in Mastercam X6. This week we’ll take a look at one of the toolpaths that directly benefits from that new feature.

“OptiRest” is our latest 3D high speed toolpath – it performs rest rough milling operations to remove stock left from roughing passes with larger cutters. This powerful new toolpath compares the in-process stock model to the intended shape to create an optimized dynamic milling cleanup pass. The result is precise, efficient motion that is easier on your tooling and your machine.

Program Your Robot as Easily as a CNC Machine with Robotmaster

2011-10-17T11:36:00.002-04:00

For nearly a decade, Robotmaster has been showing the manufacturing industry what can be achieved when the power of CAD/CAM software is combined with the flexibility of 6-axis robots.

Using Mastercam Mill or Router, Robotmaster enables creation of the simplest to the most complex robot trajectories accurately, without teaching points. Programming the robot trajectory is done graphically, using the same process and tools used for CNC machines.

Robotmaster Version 5 continues to innovate with new tools to effortlessly program and optimize robot tasks, producing error-free robot paths. Here are just a few examples:

Workspace Analysis (WSA) takes the guesswork out of optimally positioning and orienting the part.

Tool Tilt Optimization (TTO) provides visual tools and full control of tool tilt angles and direction to avoid collisions and optimize robot motion.

Rail Optimization simplifies programming for robots mounted on rails by providing tools to maximize the entire workspace and discover the full potential of such a setup.

For more information about Robotmaster, visit www.robotmaster.com.

Download the Version 5 brochure for a detailed list of enhancements. Or contact In-House Solutions at Robotmaster@inhousesolutions.com

Mastercam X6 Preview #3 - Better Hybrid Machining

2011-10-14T12:34:00.001-04:00

3D High Speed Machining “Filler” Passes

Over the next several weeks we’ll be drawing back the curtain on the upcoming Mastercam X6 and previewing some of the new features in the release. Today we'll focus on a new technique in a popular finishing strategy.

We had a lot of positive feedback on our hybrid finishing toolpath. We also got some suggestions on how to improve it and help deliver a better finish. One such improvement is “filler passes” which now maintain all of the Z level cuts in steep areas of your part while filling in the shallow areas with scallop motion within a single Z section. It combines the best of both worlds with waterline (constant Z) motion and scallop where needed. In X5, shallow areas occasionally resulted in 3D collapse (essentially scallop) motion for all Z cuts at that level. Now you can have both waterline and scallop motion at the same Z section, section after section. The result is much better finish and more efficient use of the tool.

This illustration shows how hybrid machining can break a part into a series of Z "sections", each combining efficient waterline and scallop motion.

Come See Us at SOUTH-TEC 2011!

2011-10-12T15:41:00.000-04:00

Come see the latest innovations in Mastercam at our booth (#718) at SOUTH-TEC 2011 in Charlotte, NC. The show goes until 5pm today and from 10am-3pm tomorrow. Located at the Charlotte Convention Center, we're ready to show you the newest improvements to Mastercam, including what's coming soon in Mastercam X6. We hope to see you there!

Mastercam X6 Preview #2 - Variable Rouging

2011-10-10T12:54:00.000-04:00

Over the next several weeks we’ll be drawing back the curtain on the upcoming Mastercam X6 and previewing some of the new features in the release. This week we'll focus on new specialized motion in Mastercam Lathe.

We visit a lot of Mastercam users. It's the source of some of the best ideas for new features in the software. Not too long ago we were visiting a shop in Sweden that specialized in "super alloys". They do a lot of turning, and use ceramic button inserts due to the difficult material.

The problem was insert notching during roughing cycles. Because the rough passes all occurred at same depth, the insert contacted the material at the same point, again and again. This quickly creates an imperfection in the ceramic insert. It wasn’t uncommon for them to use 5 or more inserts on a single part.

So we sat down with them to figure out what would eliminate the issue.

The solution is variable depth roughing. The tool moves in at an angle on the first roughing pass, so the material contact point moves. Then the tool takes the second pass in a traditional horizontal cut, using the already angled remaining stock to again maintain variable contact. Repeat the process throughout the roughing cycle and the result is much longer insert life.

Mastercam Lathe X6's variable depth roughing.

Mastercam Training Options

2011-10-07T14:09:00.000-04:00

A question we frequently receive from customers and potential customers is “How can I learn to use Mastercam?” Whether you are a student using Mastercam for the first time or an industrial user looking to sharpen your skill set, there are many convenient training options available.

Online Courses

Learning Mastercam online allows you to complete the coursework on your own schedule. Mastercam U, produced by CNC Software, Inc., has several comprehensive classes available. A free version of Mastercam Demo/Home Learning Edition comes with each class for added convenience. In addition, this online video training can be used to achieve official Mastercam Certification. Check out the sample video below:

Other online courses are also available from Streaming Teacher and CAM Instructor.

Local Training

If you prefer to learn Mastercam in a classroom environment, there are also several options available. All of our Authorized Mastercam Resellers have professional, comprehensive training classes available. Be sure to check with your local reseller to determine class availability.

CNC Software also hosts training at both our corporate and educational offices. These training classes are available to anyone interested in attending. Our training schedule and pricing is available online. Please be aware that seating is limited, so be sure to sign up in advance!

Textbooks and DVD Learning Tools

There is often no replacement for a reference book or DVD when it comes to learning (and mastering) a skill. Several Mastercam books and DVDs are available for purchase from a wide variety of vendors. These range from a very thorough introduction to the software for new users to detailed machining strategies for advanced users. Many of these are listed on Mastercam.com.

For the Mastercam experts out there, how did you learn Mastercam?

New Video Tutorials for Mastercam X5

2011-10-05T14:51:00.010-04:00

CNC Software has just released two new tutorials for Mastercam X5 – Basic 3D Design and Basic 3D Machining.

In these two new interactive video tutorials, you learn how to draw the geometry and machine the 3D connector and tool parts (shown below).

General Tutorial Requirements

All the Mastercam video tutorials have the following general requirements:

You must be comfortable using the Windows® operating system.
Each lesson in the tutorial builds on the mastery of preceding lesson’s skills. We recommend that you complete them in order.
Getting Started Series tutorials are available in an Adobe® Flash® compatible video format. Additional video tutorials may also be available. Contact your local Mastercam Reseller for more information.
You must install Adobe Flash Player to display video tutorials. You can download Adobe Flash Player from www.adobe.com.

Basic 3D Design Video Tutorial

The Basic 3D Design video tutorial covers 3D drawing with Mastercam. Before attempting this 3D tutorial, you must be familiar with the 2D techniques demonstrated in the 2D tutorial.

This video tutorial covers the following tasks:

Using construction planes in a 3D environment.
Creating 3D geometry from 2D parts using translation and offsetting.
Defining custom views using 3D Dynamic Planes.
Using levels to organize 3D geometry.
Generating 3D surfaces.
Using construction lines as reference geometry.

Basic 3D Machining Video Tutorial

The Basic 3D Machining tutorial focuses on applying several milling toolpaths to parts previously designed in the Basic 3D Design video tutorial. The objective is to provide a general overview of a handful of the toolpath options available to you. The options and parameters selected are intended to get you started on the path toward learning and exploring all of the features Mastercam has to offer.

The toolpaths created illustrate possible solutions for machining parts using 3D toolpaths – mainly surfacing operations. There are many solutions for machining these and similar parts. The goal of this tutorial is to provide the basic concepts for you to explore and expand upon.

Toolpath creation is a repetitive, step-by-step process as demonstrated by this tutorial. Comprehensive and conceptual information can be found in the Help and other documentation installed with Mastercam.

This video tutorial covers the following tasks:

Opening multiple part files, assign default machine definitions, and create stock boundaries for the geometry.
Creating and renaming toolpath groups.
Creating roughing operations to efficiently remove material from the part.
Creating semi-finishing operations to safely transition between roughing and finishing the part.
Creating finishing operations to create a complete part with final dimensions.
Copying operations, changing parameters, and regenerating operations.
Assigning toolpath parameters to meet the roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing requirements.
Backplotting toolpath operations to review tool motion.
Verifying the machining of the part from a stock model display.
Posting all toolpaths.

These videos are modules of the Getting Started Series, which introduce general Mastercam functions and teach basic skills for getting started with Mastercam.

The Mastercam Open House

2011-09-28T15:00:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month we hosted a Mastercam Open house at CNC Software headquarters in Tolland, CT. In case you couldn't make it, here's a glimpse of the day's activities. For those of you who did attend, we thank you for spending your time with us.

Mastercam X6 Preview #1 – Stock Model

2011-09-26T09:47:00.001-04:00

Over the next several weeks we’ll be drawing back the curtain on the upcoming Mastercam X6 and previewing some of the new features in the release. First up – stock model.

A precise machining stock model delivers a variety of benefits – viewing and verifying work as it progresses, performing stock model comparisons and easily choosing existing stock for rest machining. Mastercam X6 gives you the power to create accurate, fully-associative stock models at any point in your machining process. You can reference the model within that project or save it as geometry for other uses. You can even quickly bring in outside CAD models to use as starting stock models for added flexibility.

Wildest Parts Competition - 2011 Winners

2011-09-23T12:54:00.000-04:00

The Mastercam Wildest Parts Competition challenges students to design and machine something new and different. Students can send in anything they have made during the school year that meets the competition standards. The competition is open to students from any school worldwide using a licensed copy of Mastercam.

We are thrilled to have had another tough year of judging the Wildest Parts Competition. The scores this year were very close. We would like to thank all of the participants and their instructors for taking the time to enter the competition.

Awards

Everyone who enters receives a Mastercam T-shirt.
The overall winners in each of the secondary and post-secondary divisions receive $1,000. Their instructors receive $100 vouchers to www.iMastercamStore.com. In addition, the winners and instructors each receive a Mastercam Wildest Parts plaque.
Second place winners each receive $250. Their instructors receive $50 vouchers to www.iMastercamStore.com.
Third place winners each receive $75. Their instructors receive $25 vouchers to www.iMastercamStore.com.

Secondary Division

First Place – Gear Guitar by Ryan Koning, Hamilton High School, Hamilton, Montana (instructor Brent Holmes)

This guitar was a huge undertaking for a high school student. Over the years, we have received a number of guitar bodies but this is the first complete full-size guitar we have received. It is especially impressive that Koning machined the neck. Necks require large CNC travels and multiple set-ups which can make them very difficult to machine, especially for students using school machines.

Second Place – Door Harp by Sarah Del Rae, Hamilton High School, Hamilton, Montana (instructor Brent Holmes)

Decades ago, when we started the Wildest Parts Competition, this was just the type of part we hoped we would be receiving. Del Rae’s creative design featured an elk against a silhouette of a mountain and is the first door harp we have ever received.

Third Place – Desk Calendar by Rena Brown, Green Country Technology Center, Okmulgee, Oklahoma (instructor Jerry Logan)

Although limited, the machining on this desk calendar is very clean. In addition to being a functional desk calendar, the working gears and knob make this an interesting ‘moving sculpture’ for any desk.

Postsecondary Division

First Place – Gear Clock by Steven DiNieri, Erie Community College, Williamsville, New York (instructor Nate Witkowski)

While we’ve seen a number of clocks throughout the years, this is the first metal clock. We were very impressed by this complex entry. The multitude of well-made working parts showcased DiNieri’s design and machining skills and showed the huge amount of time he invested in the project. DiNieri’s write-up on creating the part is among the best we’ve ever received.

Second Place – Boomerang Yo-Yo by Aaron Otoka, Erie Community College, Williamsville, New York (instructor Nate Witkowski)

From Otoka’s great project write-up, it is clear how much thought he put into planning his superior yo-yo. His yo-yo design included both a clutch that will kick in when a ‘sleeping’ yo-yo loses RPMs and ball bearings. With the addition of the ball bearings, Otoka’s yo-yo was able to ‘sleep’ for over 60% longer than the commercial yo-yo with a clutch that he tested it against. Otoka also designed and created a storage box that integrated wrenches for the yo-yo. All of his pieces featured a gleaming polish that impressed all the judges.

Third Place – Mastercam Edge-Lit Sign by Mary Anne Steves, Erie Community College, Williamsville, New York (instructor Nate Witkowski)

This acrylic, metal, and LED sign featured very high quality workmanship. Steves created her design on two separate pieces of acrylic to allow for two colors of lighting. The LEDs and pieces of acrylic all fit into a well-made metal base that Steves also designed and machined.

Win a Free Copy of Secrets of 5-Axis Machining

2011-09-21T11:21:00.001-04:00

CNC Software will be giving away a free copy of Secrets of 5-Axis Machining. This unbiased, no-nonsense, to-the-point overview of the 5-axis manufacturing industry was written by Karlo Apro, the Multiaxis Product Manager here at CNC Software. We can now literally say that Karlo “wrote the book on multiaxis machining.” And it literally is the book. As the only book of its kind, Secrets of 5-Axis Machining will demystify the subject and bring it within the reach of anyone who is interested in using this technology to its full potential. The information was gathered during Karlo’s 30 years of hands-on experience in the manufacturing industry, bridging countries and continents, multiple languages both human and G-Code. To learn more about the book, please click here.

If you would like a chance to win this book all you need to do is enter our contest online here.

Training Tutorials from In-House Solutions

2011-09-19T15:14:00.001-04:00

In-HouseSolutions offers a diverse assortment of Mastercam Training Solutions spanningfour key product lines, each geared towards different learning styles.

Theflagship Training Tutorial linefeatures 13 titles that teach Mastercam using a practical, hands-on approach.With step-by-step instruction, readers master everything from navigating theuser interface to advanced multiaxis machining.

Thisline is complemented by Instructor Kitsthat facilitate teaching the material, video explanationsand metric versionsfor select titles. eBook (PDF) editionsare available for X4 and X5, while print versions are available for virtuallyevery Mastercam release. Learn more about the Mastercam Training Tutorials.

Forthose looking to learn the theory behind Mastercam and how it works, there isthe Handbook line.Three condensed titles focus on all levels of milling. They can be used as aprimary resource for a Mastercam class, a self-study guide, or a shopreference.

TheHandbook Curriculum adds teaching tools for instructors while the Handbook Learning Kitaugments the text by incorporating video and web resources.

The Professional Courseware lineis ideal for industrial training settings. They take an exercise based approachto teaching a handful of concepts at a time that are immediately put topractice. Less guidance is provided, allowing more opportunity for instructordirection.

For HighSchools and hobbyists there is the CNC Curriculumwhich offers engaging, entry-level projects that students can design, machine,and ultimately use. Packages range from a single set of books to the premiumsite license.

For moreinformation on these Mastercam Training Solutions, visit the eMastercam Store.

Student-Built Formula High School Car Visits CNC Software

2011-09-14T15:41:00.000-04:00

We recently had the honor of having the STEM Academy Formula High School car visit our main office in Tolland, Connecticut.

Formula High School challenges Wisconsin high school students to build a vehicle for racing. Students must build a car that fits within strict guidelines based off of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) sanctioned Formula First racing series. Although the cars all have similar appearances, students have free reign to engineer different drive trains, alignment, and steering geometry. In creating the car, students learn about engineering, CAD/CAM, welding, creating a fiberglass body, and more. Additionally, students are responsible for securing sponsorship for their projects, creating brochures and speaking with businesses – using skills learned in English and speech classes.

The STEM Academy car was built by the students of Sun Prairie High School in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Their instructor, Al Gomez, has become the National Curriculum Director for STEM Academy, a national non-profit organization that is developing curriculum that will help schools meet STEM requirements (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

For more information, please go to:

Formula High School - http://formulahighschool.com

Sun Prairie High School - http://www.sunprairie.k12.wi.us/schools/high/

SCCA Formula First - http://formula-first.org/

STEM Academy - http://www.stem101.org/index.asp

STEM - http://www.stemedcoalition.org/

Note from a Customer

2011-09-09T14:15:00.001-04:00

We received this nice note from a customer today . . .

To the fine people of Mastercam,

I was lucky enough to attend yesterday's open house and to say the least I was VERY impressed. Clearly I made the right choice with Mastercam. But what impressed me even more than your product, was the work family that you have created. Everyone seemed happy and proud to be a part of the company and they should be...your software is great, your people are outstanding, and your green and healthy approach to business is a model for others to follow. I will be sure to push your product at every opportunity.

Thanks Again!
Bill Derry

Scenes From the Mastercam Open House

2011-09-09T12:51:00.001-04:00

Various parts from OCC.

One of the OCC Choppers on display.

Fender cut with 5-axis water jet, using Mastercam, of course.

Several parts of this bike were machined with Mastercam Mill, Lathe, Wire and Art.

Our machine shop was bustling with activity - all 6 machines running demos.

Some of the sample parts on display in the shop.

Jim Quinn and his parts get surrounded by customers.

Product demonstrations.

A very entertaining talk by Jim Quinn of OCC.

We would like to thank Jim Quinn of Orange County Choppers, along with all the great Mastercam customers that came out to spend the afternoon/evening with us yesterday. The event was a lot of fun and the staff at CNC Software really enjoyed meeting and talking to our customers.

Creating a New View Using Dynamic Planes

2011-09-07T08:58:00.001-04:00

The Dynamic Planes dialog box in Mastercam X5 now offers you the ability to create new views more easily, including naming the view you created using the interactive gnomon, assigning a work offset code, and automatically aligning the Work Coordinate System (WCS) to your new view.

1. From the Mastercam menu, choose File, Open.

2. Go to ..\Documentation\ExampleParts and select NEW_VIEW.MCX-5.

3. Press [Alt +S] to shade the part surfaces and make it easier to select geometry.

4. On the status bar at the bottom of the screen, click WCS and select View Manager from the menu.

The View Manager dialog box opens.

5. Click Create From to make a new view based on the current Top view.

The Dynamic Plane dialog box displays and the dynamic gnomon appears in the graphics window at the current view origin.

6. The next step is to reposition the view origin. Click once on the ball that represents the gnomon’s origin and then drag it to the left end of the front edge of the part.

TIP: Use the AutoCursor position
indicator to make sure you select the
endpoint of the line.

7. Click on the second leg of the Y axis (the piece between the arrowhead and the letter Y ) and rotate it 90 degrees to point towards the back of the part.

8. Click again to set the Y axis position.

9. In the Dynamic Plane dialog box, type MY VIEW as the name of the new view.

10. Select Set as WCS to change the WCS to the new view.

11. Click OK to return to the View Manager.

12. The icon indicating which view is the current WCS has moved to the new view. Click OK to close the View Manager.

Mastercam at imX

2011-09-02T09:35:00.003-04:00

From September 12 – 14 in Las Vegas, NV, there will be a special event put on by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME): The interactive manufacturing experience (imX). Being dubbed as “An event like no other,” imX brings together some of the biggest machine tool companies under one roof, along with those that, like Mastercam, do business in the manufacturing industry. imX features 8 anchor companies, such as; Okuma America Corp, Methods Machine Tools, Inc., Makino, Inc., FANUC, Sandvik Coromant Co., Kennametal Inc., MAG Americas, and DMG/Mori Seiki USA Inc.

Why imX you ask? It has spurred from a revolutionary vision, and SME couldn’t have put it better on the imX website. “In the depth of the recent recession, industry leaders realized that U.S. manufacturing was suffering not from a lack of innovation, but from the lack of a forum in which technical knowledge of innovations could be transferred from OEMs to those who would implement it. A vision formed…one which would provide a national forum to fully engage technology innovators and leading manufacturers in meaningful and comprehensive dialogue to propel the industry forward. After nearly three years of research and planning, that vision has become reality. It is imX—the interactive manufacturing eXperience—and it is revolutionizing the industry,” says SME.

You can join Mastercam in booth 1914 at imX by going to the imX website and registering to attend this invite only, industry changing event. We’ll see you there!

Mastercam Open House

2011-08-31T08:30:00.002-04:00

CNC Software invites you to visit our corporate headquarters in Tolland, Connecticut for a special Open House event on Thursday, September 8. This is your chance to learn more about our Mastercam family of CAD/CAM products from our owners and product specialists. You can tour our facilities, see our products in action in our state-of-the-art machine shop, or meet with our Resellers and Business Partner companies.

We have just added a special technical session from 5 – 6 PM. You can ask questions of a panel of Mastercam experts and share your experiences with your fellow Mastercam users. And don’t forget, there will be door prizes, raffles, and a chance to win some amazing items including courses on Mastercam University.

Special Guest
We are thrilled to announce that Jim Quinn from Orange County Choppers will be in attendance along with one of their famous choppers. JQ will talk about their experiences with Mastercam in their unique development environment.

Registration
Registration is now open and it will be closing at midnight on September 6th. There is no cost to attend this event, but it is limited to 100 attendees per session. Register early and come visit our Corporate Headquarters and take advantage of the special presentations listed above.

Please click on the link below to register.

Open House Registration

More Mastercam Training Options

2011-08-29T10:37:00.000-04:00

A question that we frequently receive from customers and potential customers is “How can I learn to use Mastercam?” Whether you are a student using Mastercam for the first time or an industrial user looking to sharpen your skill set, there are many convenient training options available.

Online Courses
Learning Mastercam online allows you to complete the course work on your own schedule. Mastercam U, produced by CNC Software, Inc., has several comprehensive classes available. A free version of Mastercam Demo / Home Learning Edition comes with each class for added convenience. Furthermore, this online video training can be used to achieve official Mastercam Certification.

A sample video can be seen below:

Other online courses are also available from Streaming Teacher and CAM Instructor.

Local Training
If you prefer the learning Mastercam in a classroom environment, there are also several options available. All of our Authorized Mastercam Resellers have professional, comprehensive training classes available. Be sure to check with your local reseller to determine class availability.

CNC Software also hosts training at both our corporate and educational offices. These training classes are available to anyone interested in attending. Our training schedule and pricing is available online. Please be aware that seating is limited, so be sure to sign up in advance!

Text Books and DVD Learning Tools
There is often no replacement for a reference book of DVD when it comes to learning (and mastering) a skill. Several Mastercam books and DVDs are available for purchase from a wide variety of vendors. These range from a very thorough introduction to the software for new users, to detailed machining strategies for advanced users. Many of these are listed on Mastercam.com.

For the Mastercam experts out there, how did you learn Mastercam?

Gone Grillin'

2011-08-26T09:44:00.003-04:00

We would like to mention that CNC Corporate headquarters will be closing at noon Eastern Standard Time this afternoon for our annual company picnic. We will be trading in our keyboards and mice for hot dogs and Frisbees. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please contact your local Mastercam Reseller for any support issues. We will be back to business Monday morning . . . providing we don't blow away over the weekend.

Seattle World Cruiser

2011-08-24T08:32:00.004-04:00

Our recent trip to Seattle also included a morning visit with Bob Dempster. Bob is a relentless aeronautical researcher who is building a replica of the first planes that flew around the world, the Seattle World Cruiser. One of Bob’s biggest challenges with this project was developing a propeller from scratch to match the engine and flight characteristics of his plane, especially since he was unable to find any plans or drawings of the original prop.

While wandering one day through the archives of the Seattle Museum of Flight, Bob came across a propeller that was tentatively identified as one from a Douglas World Cruiser. The curator allowed him to examine it more closely and, from its design features and markings, Bob was able to verify the propeller’s authenticity. Now he knew there was an original propeller close at hand, but how could he capture data from it?

That’s how Mastercam got involved. Our reseller in Washington, Cimtech was able to use a handheld laser scanner and a high-end data-collection package to accurately capture all of the geometric data from the huge 10’ 4.5” prop in less than a day. The data was exported as an STL file, which can be read natively in Mastercam. Nothing else had to be done to the data in preparation for creating the toolpaths.

Back at the shop the club would be machined from a huge block of birch weighing 300 lbs. and measuring 96 inches in length. The real challenge was cutting the 7-foot club using a VF4 Hass milling machine with only 50 inches of travel.

They used a technique called "Picture fame machining" that is used widely in aerospace for making large monolithic aerospace components tables without enough travel. In this instance the technique involves machining a blank with straight, parallels and a bore. These characteristics allowed them to accurately pick up location of the blank for each stage of the machining process.

The end result of this process was a perfect part held within a frame of birch material by several small tabs that were cut using a Sawsall and finished by hand. The flat parallel frame and bore allowed the part to be accurately located after each move so that machining could be held to within 0.001.”

Bob expects all the pieces of his plane to come together one day and he will put the Seattle World Cruiser through more than 40 hours of in-flight tests in order for it to meet FAA certification requirements. Then, look out world here they come . . .

Classic Reflection Coachworks

2011-08-22T07:56:00.006-04:00

Another interesting company that we visited during our recent trip to Seattle was Classic Reflection Coachworks. These guys take newer generation Corvettes and completely replace the body with the classic 50s & 60s styling. The end result is a work of art classic-looking antique car with all the modern comforts and safety features of today’s automobiles.

And how does Mastercam fit into this picture? When Classic Reflection Coachworks first started rebuilding these cars they had to make massive tools that looked something like this:

Making the tools out of wood was very time consuming and labor intensive. To complete the latest '58 design, the company turned to CIMTECH for vital scanning services. They were able to combine precise coordinate data captured from the surface of the actual object with whatever engineering data might already exist, to create a CAD model tailored to the customer’s application.

To reproduce an image, a “point cloud” is needed that precisely spells out its dimensions so that it creates an electronic 3-D image. This is done in a number of ways: through laser interferometry; projected white light grid patterns; physical contact (touch-probe machines that physically measure the item); or an integration of all three processes.

Once the coordinate data was completed it was sent to a company called Technical Tooling, also in the Seattle area, where they use Mastercam and massive 5-axis routers to cut the tools. Now, instead of the solid wood tools, the company has these much lighter and easier-to-work-with forms with which the body parts are made.

It was quite a thrill to see the “donor cars” (as they are called) stripped down and ready for their new old-style bodies.

If you have a newer Corvette and long for the styling of yester-year, you might want to check this company out. You can find more information on their website here: http://www.crcoachworks.com/index.phtml

Mastercam Making Burn Masks

2011-08-19T10:57:00.006-04:00

We recently took a trip out to the Seattle area to visit some Mastercam customers. We met an amazing bunch of folks doing amazing things with Mastercam and we will spotlight each of them in this blog over the next couple of weeks. One of the most interesting stories during our trip involved the Burn Unit at the Seattle Bay View hospital where we met with Beth Costa, an Occupational Therapist. She explained the entire process of how burn masks were made in the past and how Mastercam and a 3D laser scanner have completely changed the process. No longer is it necessary to touch the patients’ burned skin. Now, using the laser and Mastercam, technicians are able to scan the patient’s face without ever touching them and then manipulate the shape of the mask in the software to perfectly conform to the patients’ face. What used to take a week can now be done in one day. As a matter of fact, the data for a baby’s mask came in the day we visited.

We watched Mastercam in action, followed by a trip to the shop to see the mask tool be cut.

It was only a matter of a couple of hours before the mask was being packaged and dropped off at FedEx to be sent to the hospital. It was amazing to learn how Mastercam can have such an impact on (in this case) a baby and give him or her the opportunity for a second chance at life. Please stay tuned to see a video of this story in the near future.

Mastercam is #1 Again. What Does that Mean for You?

2011-08-17T10:34:00.000-04:00

The latest CIMdata NC market report is out, and Mastercam has again claimed the top spot for the most widely-used CAM software in the world. While this might make us proud, what does it mean for NC programmers? Machine shops? Machinists? In short - what does it mean for you?

It can mean a lot. With more installations than the next two top CAM packages combined, it means we have that many more real-world shops giving us feedback and suggestions on what they need to make the most of their time and money.

If you're looking to hire, it means that that there are more qualified Mastercam programmers in the workforce than for any other package. And if you're looking for work, it means that you have more opportunities for employment with a shop that uses Mastercam.

It means that there is a greater variety of training tools available to help you make sure your skills stay sharp. And it means that you have access to the largest community of CAM users on the planet.

That's what it might mean for you. For us, it means that we're grateful to our users, and looking forward to being your partners in success for many years to come!

Mastercam Swiss Expert Pen Project

2011-08-12T13:02:00.001-04:00

Watch as Mastercam performs swiss machining on a Tsugami SS-20 to make a brass pen.

Attention Mastercam C# and VB.NET Programmers

2011-08-11T08:41:00.014-04:00

If you are a Mastercam Third Party programmer, or you dabble in .NET programming, you may be interested to know about our new Mastercam NETHook templates for Visual Studio 2010 and Visual Studio 2010 Express Edition. NETHooks allow you to extend and/or automate some of your Mastercam functionality using the .NET programming language.

This NETHook template will help you set up new projects with the necessary function calls and resources to create a custom NETHook. Every time you create a new NETHook you have to implement the same functions call and resources over and over. This template does it all for you, eliminating the redundancy. It also includes a resource file with icons, which can be used to create MC toolbar buttons.

The steps below will walk you through how to use the new Mastercam X5 C# Project Template. (Please note that you can click on the illustrations to bring up larger images. Then click your browser Back button to return to the blog.)

1. Open Visual Studio 2010 and select New Mastercam NETHook Project.

2. A new NETHook project is created.

3. Check to make sure that the reference to Mastercam NETHook API is valid; if it is broken you will see a yellow icon with an exclamation mark. If this is the case, delete the reference and add a new reference. Browse to your Mastercam installation folder and select the NETHook2_0.dll.

4. The project contains the required Run overridden method and additional optional methods, as well as a user defined method.

5. A default Function Table (.ft) file is also created.

6. Edit the Function Table with the name of your NETHook project.

7. A resource file is also created. This file contains 4 images for toolbar buttons; one for small image and the other for large image, and a string table containing two strings used for toolbar button tooltips.

8. We need to rename the FT file with the same name as the project.

9. We are now ready to compile our NETHook. Select Build / Build Solution from Visual Studios menu. The project should build successfully and create your NETHook and export a copy of your Function Table.

10. Copy your NETHook (NETHook.dll in this example) to a new folder. For example C:\Program Files (x86)\mcamx5\chooks\ExampleNETHook

11. Copy your Function Table (NETHook.ft in this example) to your Mastercam CHooks folder. For example C:\Program Files (x86)\mcamx5\chooks

12. Launch Mastercam and select the Settings / Customize menu to display the dialog as shown and select NETHook from the category (this corresponds with the Category section of your function table) and you will see your two icons.

13. Drag and drop each icon onto the Mastercam toolbar area to create a new toolbar.

14. Click on either of the buttons to execute the applicable method contained in your NETHook.

You have now successfully created a Mastercam X5 C# NETHook! You can download the templates below:

Visual Basic.NET
http://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/d40d0cd0-928d-4785-8c51-f1d15e43710a

C#
http://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/1c365df0-a7ee-4394-84cd-b1df6230350b

Custom Interfaces Make Mastercam Wire a Snap

2011-08-10T11:50:00.002-04:00

Those of you who still think of Mastercam is mostly for milling should take a second look at the powerful new features in Mastercam Wire. One of the most exciting developments in recent Mastercam versions has been the development of several custom interfaces. These leverage the flexibility and power of Mastercam’s machine definition and post processor architecture to display interfaces that mimic the Wire machine tools that you’re used to working with.

The first such interface was the Agievision interface that was introduced in Mastercam X4. This replaces the Agievision C-Hook that was used in earlier versions of Mastercam. To enable it, just select the Agievision AWF machine definition:

Now when you create a wirepath, the settings pages will look like the Agievision control screens instead of the normal Mastercam wirepath dialog boxes:

The Agievision interface includes a powerful customized post processer that creates the SBL, ISO and SBR files with a single click. All of these features are automatically loaded and enabled when you select the Agievision AWF machine definition.

Mastercam X5 builds on the success of the Agievision interface by including a new set of custom Technology Database interfaces for Makino and Mitsubishi machines. Just like the Agievision, enable the desired machine interface by selecting the proper machine definition. These will the machine definitions with the word TECH in their names:

Selecting the Power page lets you select and load settings from a technology database and, if necessary, edit them.

Like the Agievision, each Technology Database interface includes as a standard feature a post processor that is custom-written to support the new settings.

These new interfaces make it dramatically easier for new users to become productive with Mastercam Wire and extend the power of Mastercam to wire EDM machines. Perhaps the best feature of these new interfaces? They’re included FREE as standard features of Mastercam Wire. So what are you waiting for?

4-Axis Direct Wirepath Improvements

2011-08-08T10:51:00.001-04:00

The 4-axis Direct wirepath now accommodates more types of geometry and creates smoother motion in Mastercam X5 MU1 Wire. Some of the improvements include:

Support for splines (broken into linear moves by the linearization tolerance).
Support for line/arc motion pairs (broken into 4-axis Direct linear moves by the linearization tolerance).
If a clockwise arc is paired with a counterclockwise arc, this section of the toolpath will be output in 4-axis Direct linear moves so any wire machine can handle it. Most wire machines will not handle a clockwise move in one plane paired with a counterclockwise move in the other plane. So in previous versions, such moves would have forced you to use the 4-axis Taper method (all linear moves) instead.
Chained geometry no longer needs the same number of entities between branch lines. If there are a different number of entities between branch lines in the XY and UV motion, the toolpath will break up both the XY and UV into the same number of linear moves. The toolpath will also always hit the endpoints of all entities and stay within the linearization tolerance of the arc/spline geometry.

Why Use Dynamic Contour Toolpaths?

2011-08-05T13:54:00.000-04:00

New in Mastercam X5, Dynamic Contour uses an intelligent, efficient high speed contouring strategy to remove material along walls. The Dynamic Contour toolpath supports multiple passes and can optionally include finishing passes. This quick tutorial introduces you to this new toolpath and its benefits.

From the Mastercam menu, choose File, Open.
Go to ..\Documentation\ExampleParts and select DYNAMIC_CONTOUR.MCX-5.
From the Mastercam menu, choose Toolpaths, 2D High Speed.
Select the top orange curve as the toolpath chain. Make sure that your chain points in a clockwise direction.

Click OK on the Chaining dialog box to complete the chain.
Select the Dynamic Contour toolpath type.

On the Tool page, click the Select library tool button and select the 6mm flat endmill from the tool library.

Click OK on the Tool Selection dialog box to return to the toolpath parameters.
On the Cut Parameters page, make the following adjustments:

Set the Stepover to 1.0mm to control the distance between cutting passes in the X and Y axes.
Set the Toolpath radius to 10% reduce sharp corner motion between the cut passes. This parameter controls the size of the arc on and off each pass.
For the Gap size parameter, select Distance and enter 200.0mm. If the distance from the end of one pass to the start of the next pass is less than this distance, Mastercam does not create a retract move as defined on the Linking parameters page.
Set the Micro lift distance to 0.5mm. This is the distance the tool lifts off the part on back moves to help clear chips and minimize excessive tool heating.
For the Motion>Gap size, retract parameter, select When exceeding a distance from the drop-down list. This option adds retracts when the next cut pass begins at a distance that is greater than the gap size.
Set the Stock to leave on floors to 0.5mm to leave material for a future finish toolpath.

On the Contour Wall page, make the following adjustments:

For Radius of tool that shaped the stock, enter 15.0mm. This parameter uses the tool radius from a previous operation to better define the shape of the stock removed by the dynamic contour toolpath.
For Stock thickness, enter 3.0mm. This sets the amount of stock in XY that the toolpath removes.

On the Depth Cuts page, deselect the Depth cuts check box to turn this option off.
On the Linking Parameters page, enter -9.525 for the depth.
Click OK to complete the toolpath.

Press [F1] and draw a zoom window around the toolpath on the right side of the part to see it in closer detail. The consistent tool motion ensures you do not overload your tool when machining just the walls of the part.

For more information on this and other great features in Mastercam X5, please contact your local Mastercam reseller.

Art Tech Tip: Tracing Low Resolution Bitmaps with Image to Surface Function

2011-08-03T15:48:00.002-04:00

If you are having trouble getting a good trace (a Raster to Vector translation) on a low resolution bitmap, we have a new strategy for you to try. Using Mastercam Art, we will convert this image to a surface, smooth it out, and then slice the surface at a Z-depth to get a better trace.

Note: This strategy works best on low resolution black and white images.

Let’s run through this process using the following graphic. It is a low resolution image that is rather chunky, and we will process it with this new technique to get a good trace. Here are the steps:

Convert the image to a surface. Select Create, Surface, Art Base Surface, From Image. In the Convert to Grayscale dialog box, select Maximize Contrast and Make Negative, then click OK. Note: In this image, we want the black lines to be raised. In this function, the whiter it is, the higher it is.
In the Import Image Setting dialog box, set the height range to 0.08 and accept the changes.
Create a rectangle around the surface.
Select Smooth and select the rectangle.
Input a Smoothing Radius at 0.045.
Select Trace Art Model at Z Depth and set the slice depth to 0.003. This is the drop-down under Trace Image/Rast2Vec.

The completed trace is smoother and cleaner than the Trace Image result.

Because each image is different, the conversion process will also be different. What might work for one image may not be the best choice for the next raster image. This process works very well for grayscale (16 shades up to 256 shades), black and white, low-resolution bitmaps.

For a more detailed explanation of this process, please go to www.mastercam.com/art/techtip.pdf.

Mastercam's New Multiaxis User Interface

2011-08-01T14:53:00.000-04:00

Beginning with Mastercam X5, all multiaxis toolpaths now share a common user interface (UI). This UI provides a consistent workflow no matter which multiaxis toolpath type you're using. It was also designed with ease of use in mind.

You use the following process for all multiaxis toolpaths:

Select a Toolpath Type Group based on calculation.
Select a Toolpath Type available from each group.
Select a Tool.
Select a Holder.
Select a Cut Pattern to use.
Select a Tool Axis Control method.
Select a Collision Control method.
Select Linking options.
Select a Roughing method (if it's a roughing operation).
Set any Additional Settings that are necessary.

There are six major Toolpath Type family groups:

Classic
Wireframe
Surface/Solid
Drill/Circle Mill
Convert to 5x

Custom App

The Classic Toolpath Type family group

The Surface/Solid Toolpath Type family group

The Toolpath Type dialog pages all have four major areas:

Tree-style navigation
Quick View Settings
Parameter fields where you select geometry and functions
Dynamic image area where the images update as you select different parameters. These images are designed to give you an instant visual of the option are selecting or editing.

You proceed through the branches of the tree structure until you've set all necessary parameters. The tree branches change based on what toolpath family and type you select. Also, the tree is laid out in a logical order (from top to bottom) for setting your parameters. Simply advance along the tree, choosing your options, to create your desired multiaxis toolpath.

Note: You can click on the Parameters icon in the Operations Manager to edit existing parameters, but you cannot change the toolpath type or family.

For more information on the new multiaxis UI, or for a tutorial on creating a new multiaxis toolpath in X5, please see the What's New in Mastercam PDF file, which is available in the What's New dialog box. Or go to Mastercam University for a new course on multiaxis machining.

Mastercam Machines Motorcycle Wheels

2011-07-29T13:17:00.001-04:00

A member of the Mastercam Support team designed some new motorcycle wheels for his Harley and handed the project over to our Applications Engineers. They got busy in the Mastercam machine shop testing some toolpaths and making some slick new wheels for the bike. Watch the progress and see the final results below.

Mastercam University Promotion Reminder

2011-07-27T10:41:00.001-04:00

Don’t forget – there is a new Mastercam University Promotion being offered to our Industrial Mastercam users!

Ending August 31, 2011, if you buy any Mastercam University course, you can get a second course half off.

You can choose from the following courses:

Mill Design & Toolpaths
Advanced Mill Design & Toolpaths
Lathe Design & Toolpaths
Mastercam for SolidWorks
Principles of Machining
Mastercam Transition (V9 to X5)
Multiaxis Curve, Drill, and Circle Mill – new!

Please note: Both classes must be ordered at the same time, and both classes must be under the same company’s e-mail address (although the person’s name can be different). This promotion is open to Industrial users only.

For more information on Mastercam University, please visit www.mastercamu.com.

SolidBox - Team Mastercam

2011-07-25T10:21:00.002-04:00

What is SolidBox - Team Mastercam?
SolidBox - Team Mastercam is a turnkey hardware integrator for Mastercam users. They sell servers, desktops, and laptops that are configured specifically for Mastercam & Mastercam for SolidWorks. Their systems arrive with your specific Mastercam software pre-installed.

Who is SolidBox - Team Mastercam?
With the great success of SolidBox for SolidWorks Chris Castle [Owner/Founder of SolidBox] has acquired a team dedicated to provide the best computers for the CAM industry. Mike DeButts is an active Applications Engineer for one of the top Mastercam resellers in the world. Mike has had experience with all of the headaches dealing with computers crashing, slow performance, and computer aggravations.

One of the most asked questions from Mastercam users is, "What kind of computer do I need to run Mastercam?" The Mastercam website offers the minimum requirements, but the customer needs something that will run stable and strong without falling short of the different levels of usage. Team Mastercam has benchmarked computers catered for all levels of Mastercam users.

Below is a video explaining the Team Mastercam process:

Got a Few Minutes? Learn More with Mastercam Video Tutorials!

2011-07-22T10:13:00.002-04:00

If you’re like the rest of us, you learn “on the fly,” fitting in training wherever you can. At CNC Software, we recognize what you’re up against. That’s why we offer a series of interactive video tutorials based on our popular Getting Started Series and Focus Series tutorials.

When you run the video tutorial EXE file, you work in a simulated Mastercam environment that guides you step-by-step through a series of lessons. The lessons are divided into short exercises so they’re easy to complete. By following the prompts and making selections, you build the “muscle memory” needed to transfer your training to a live Mastercam session.

The flexible menu navigation lets you stop, back up, and restart wherever you’ve left off. Free, convenient, efficient, portable, and powerful – this training is yours for the asking!

Video tutorials and ZIPs of their printable PDF versions are available for a variety of Mastercam features and functions. In addition, most of our printable tutorials have been updated to Mastercam X5.

Our most recent Mastercam X5 video releases featuring the new navigation include the Getting Started Series, Mastercam for SolidWorks, and Using Planes, Views, and WCS. Check with your local Mastercam Reseller today for a complete list and more information!

Mastercam Swiss Expert

2011-07-20T09:39:00.001-04:00

CNC Software is proud to announce that we have acquired well-respected Swiss Machining software SylvieXpert. Developed in Switzerland for Swiss machines by experts in the Jura region of Switzerland, we’ve been refining and adapting it since the acquisition.

The SylvieXpert product (now known as Mastercam Swiss Expert) popular with watch-making, medical device, dental, automotive, and electronics companies—all known for the requirement of very small yet high quality parts—was developed in the region of Switzerland where the Swiss-style machine was invented.

Mastercam Swiss Expert is known for its support of an unlimited number of axes and channels, and for full machine simulation of the machining process. The product was developed for the Swiss machines of today, with an eye toward the more complex machines of tomorrow.

Mark Summers, President of CNC Software, says “CNC Software is excited to have acquired the SylvieXpert software product. It complements the broad offering of Mastercam CAD/CAM solutions we have available to the market. Our plan is to continue to develop, market, and support this product.”

Development is currently underway to complete the next release, Mastercam Swiss Expert 2011, which should be available in the next several months. Watch for more information on Swiss Expert in upcoming issues of our Mastercam Notes Customer Newsletter.

What is Mastercam Machine Simuation?

2011-07-18T09:10:00.000-04:00

Mastercam Helps Mark the Way for Eagle Scout

2011-07-15T12:59:00.002-04:00

When Daniel Hoddinott decided to build a kiosk for the town trails committee in Columbia, CT as his Eagle Scout service project, he realized that one of the missing components was signs for the kiosk. The signs needed to be large, clear, and stand up to any kind of weather. Luckily, his parents had purchased a wooden sign from K&K Custom in Columbia during a recent outdoor festival. This local business is owned by Karen and Keith Butzgy and Keith works in the Sales Department at CNC Software, Inc. When Daniel emailed them about what he needed for his Eagle Scout project, they were happy to donate their time and expertise.

After some communication about dimensions, Keith drew up some ideas in Mastercam X5 Router and emailed concept drawings to Daniel. They decided on a dark red background with natural wood lettering.

The results were just what Daniel was hoping for – clear text with a simple, rustic feel to match the rest of the kiosk. Using Mastercam Verify, Keith was able to provide an accurate picture of the final result before heading to the machine.

Daniel purchased the necessary 1.5-inch red cedar and paint, and Keith machined the projects on his ShopBot PRT 96 using an Amana 90 Degree Chamfer Bit and an Amana ¾ inch straight bit with inserts.

The results were excellent and really enhanced the kiosk. Daniel has now completed his Eagle Scout requirements, thanks in part to K&K Custom and Mastercam!

It’s Summer Teacher Training Time!

2011-07-13T11:37:00.003-04:00

Mastercam Summer Teacher Training is in full swing at our educational office in Gig Harbor, Washington.

Each summer, we run a series of instructor-specific courses in order to not only teach the instructors Mastercam, but to prepare them to teach it to their students. Classes such as Mastercam Fundamentals, Basic Projects, Intermediate Projects, and Mastercam Art run every year. Classes such as Lathe and Multiaxis run every few years. Many of the classes divide their time between the classroom and the shop.

We run these classes for a number of reasons. Most importantly, we run them to provide the training that is critical in order for the school programs to reach their maximum potential. However, we also enjoy getting to know Mastercam instructors from across the nation, learning about their particular programs, celebrating the great things they are doing, and working on ways to help them where they are encountering problems.

For more information on the Mastercam Summer Teacher Training program, go to www.Mastercam.com/STT.

Find Out What Mastercam’s Business Partners Can Do For You

2011-07-11T08:51:00.001-04:00

Mastercam has teamed up with some of the manufacturing industries’ top players. How can this help you? Many of Mastercam’s business partners can help you boost your bottom line by offering new software tools, shop-proven hardware, powerful learning tools, and so much more.  

Whether you are looking for hardware, software add-ons, or training options, chances are Mastercam’s business partners have something for you.

Below are some examples of Mastercam’s partner products:

CAD Products – Specialty modeling tools to speed your CAD designing
CAM Products – Programming extras to boost your shop’s output
Learning Tools – Resources to get you up to speed with Mastercam
Verification – More ways to check your work
Hardware Partners – Providing hardware solutions for Mastercam

For more information on Mastercam’s Business Partners, please visit  www.mastercam.com/Partners. And, keep your eyes open for more blog postings that will be showcasing Mastercam’s third-party products.

Four Corners Using Mastercam for 5-Axis Router Work

2011-07-08T07:47:00.001-04:00

Four Corners, LLC has been using Mastercam for over 10 years to help them handle the high-end jobs that most other router shops can't touch.

New Promotion at iMastercamstore.com

2011-07-06T08:40:00.002-04:00

We are pleased to announce several new items now available at iMastercamstore.com. We have two fantastic computer bag options: a backpack from OGIO and a briefcase from Case Logic. Both are high quality, from well-regarded companies. They are black with Mastercam embroidered in white and red.   

By popular demand, we have added two styles of Mastercam banners. One is black with Mastercam in white and red, while the other has a colorful background of real-world parts with the Mastercam logo in black and red. All are made with Eco-friendly artists canvas and printed with soy and water based inks. You will find six and eight foot sizes.   

And, if your company has users working different shifts that share the same Mastercam license, you can now order additional Mastercam X5 Quick Reference Cards.

If you are like us, Summer cannot come soon enough. While waiting for it to arrive, we are offering 15% off your entire order, excluding shipping and tax. Just enter promotion code ENWSJULY11 during checkout. One promotion code accepted per order. Code expires July 31, 2011. If you have any questions, please email imastercamstore@mastercam.com.

Happy Fourth of July

2011-07-01T08:58:00.000-04:00

We would just like to remind everyone that our office will be closed on Monday, July 4th in observation of the holiday. Wishing everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.

Mastercam's Multiaxis Machining Increases Speed and Finish

2011-06-29T08:35:00.003-04:00

Multiaxis machining can dramatically increase a shop's competitiveness. Mastercam's multiaxis machining offers a wide range of multiaxis machining strategies – both basic and advanced. With Mastercam, you have complete control over the three crucial elements of multiaxis machining – Cut Pattern, Tool Axis Control, and Collision Control. Mastercam X5 introduces a unified interface and a streamlined workflow for generating multiaxis toolpaths.   

Cut Patterns
 Cut Patterns guide the tool along specified paths. These patterns can be simple 2D and 3D wireframe, solid primitives (for example, box, cylinder, or sphere), or complex multisurface grids.   Mastercam's Multiaxis machining has many toolpath types to govern the cut pattern including:

Curve wireframe for trimming operations
Swarf fanning and swarf machining over multisurface floors, plus rail swarf cutting for added control
Multisurface 5-axis roughing and finishing, including depth cuts, plunge roughing, and flowline machining and drilling
Stock recognition that trims toolpaths to eliminate air-cuts and drastically reduce cycle times
Custom applications for machining cylinder heads and converting probe data to machinable geometry
And Mastercam X5 introduces eight new triangular mesh multiaxis toolpaths that support surface, solid, and STL input

Mastercam's Tool Axis Control allows orientation of the tool's center axis to be manipulated as it follows the cut pattern.

Tool Axis Control
Mastercam's Tool Axis Control allows orientation of the tool's center axis to be manipulated as it follows the cut pattern. You have complete and dynamic control over the tool axis, lead/lag, entry/exit, and tilt, which simplifies even the most difficult multiaxis jobs. Full entry and exit control lets you determine exactly where and how the cutter enters and leaves your part. An automatic point generator adds greater precision, as well as advanced gouge checking and a 5-axis safe zone around the part. 

 Powerful axis limits control tool motion between defined angles, ensuring that the tool tilt does not violate part or machine tool limits. You can easily refine control of your tool axis with a few simple pieces of CAD geometry. Shank containment simplifies cutting in confined areas.   

Collision Control 
When programming 5-axis parts, it is often necessary to come very close to the part or fixture with either the cutter, arbor, or the holder. Mastercam gives you "near miss tolerance" fields so you can specify how close you are willing to get with any part of the tool and how to avoid those situations. 

 Streamlined Multiaxis Interface 
Mastercam X5 introduces a unified interface and a streamlined workflow for multiaxis toolpaths. The selection screen tree structure changes based on toolpath family and type selections. The tree is laid out in the logical order of setting your toolpath parameters. Simply advance along the tree structure, choosing your options and setting your parameters along the way, to create the desired multiaxis toolpath.   

For more information on Mastecam's Multiaxis machining, please click here.

Mastercam Exhibiting on New Industry Shows

2011-06-27T11:27:00.000-04:00

As CNC Software, Inc. is entering new markets and expanding the breadth of its software, you can be sure to see the Mastercam name at some industry events it hasn’t been at before. One example of this is Mastercam Swiss Expert. In 2011, Mastercam Swiss Expert has been present at Swiss machining events, seminars, and tradeshows, both domestically and internationally. This year alone, Mastercam has been present at five Swiss specific events, and we are planning to not stop there. Check back at www.mastercam/events to see when Mastercam will be coming to a city near you!

Turbocharging Mastercam’s Start-up Configuration

2011-06-24T13:20:00.002-04:00

If you’re like most Mastercam users, you’ve got a machine definition configured for each machine in your shop, and you use these same machine definitions over and over again. What many Mastercam users don’t know is how easy it is to customize the interface for each machine definition, so that every time you load a machine definition, you are automatically in your most efficient working environment.

One of the keys is to take advantage of the Toolbar state option in the Machine Definition Manager. This lets you select a specific toolbar layout that is automatically loaded when that machine definition is selected. For example, if your shop has an Integrex machine that you often create programs for, you can create an Integrex toolbar layout that automatically loads C-axis toolpaths and other useful toolbars (choose Settings > Customize from the menu).

What’s more, Settings > Customize will also let you customize which specific commands will appear on each toolbar.

Next, load the Machine Definition Manager from the Settings menu. Select the Toolbar state option and select the Integrex toolbar that you just created. Now whenever you load your Integrex machine definition, the entire toolbar layout will change to show your preferred Integrex programming tools.

Bonus tip #1: While you’re in the Machine Definition Manager, don’t forget to select default tool library and insert/holder catalogs for this machine.

You can also specify a default toolbar layout in your .config file (Settings > Configuration). A good practice is to use this to set a toolbar layout for design and drafting, and then use your machine definitions to set CAM toolbar layouts for each machine.

Bonus tip #2: You can also use the .config file to set a default machine definition for each product type to match the machines you typically program for. For example, you can make your Integrex machine definition your default Lathe machine definition. Just go to the Default Machines page and select them:

Mastercam and Verisurf Team Up To Make Inspection and Reverse Engineering Fast and Easy

2011-06-20T10:37:00.002-04:00

Verisurf has been a Mastercam Partner for over 15 years and the tight integration of the two software’s extends Mastercam design and manufacturing functionality into inspection, GD&T, quality control and reverse engineering. Any Mastercam user can implement Verisurf inspection and reverse engineering into their manufacturing environment due to the familiar and easy to use interface.

Mastercam Design & Model Based Definition

Verisurf is built on top of Mastercam Design’s Graphical User Interface (GUI) and efficient CAD engine as a foundation to Verisurf’s Model Based Definition (MBD). Verisurf MBD extends Mastercam by adding model associative Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) which is used to create and communicate manufacturing dimensions and tolerances through the inspection process. The central concept embodied in MBD is that the 3D model has all of the dimensions and tolerances embedded and associated with the 3D CAD model eliminating the need for 2D drawings and any ambiguity, conflict and doubt that arise when drawings and models co-exist.

Compatible With Any CMM
An important aspect to performing rapid shop floor inspection is the ability to connect to any Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), gather measurement data and report the findings in standard quality assurance formats. The Verisurf Device Interface (VDI) connects Verisurf to any CMM including many brands and models of stationary, portable arms, laser trackers, scanners and optical CMM’s.

Simple Align-Inspect-Report Process

Once connected to a CMM users follow a simple Align-Inspect-Report Process.

Align - Following graphically displayed targets the user is guided through the alignment of the 3D model to the part being inspection.
Inspect – Referencing MBD dimensions and tolerances the user takes measurements to fulfill inspection requirements. User is provided with visual and audible feedback on measurements taken.
Report – Select from a variety of standard QA reports or create and customize your own report templates to meet your customer’s requirements.

Reverse Engineering
Verisurf Reverse is used for creating 3D models for products that were designed and manufactured before 3D CAD became popular or when 3D models are not available. In these cases Verisurf Reverse helps create 3D models from scanned or digitized points or point clouds using unique functions such as stl meshing, automatic NURB surfacing, cross section slicing, and mesh feature recognition.

Verisurf distributes software through authorized Mastercam resellers worldwide and encourages all Mastercam users to contact their Mastercam reseller to experience improved manufacturing productivity with proven time and cost savings benefits of Verisurf Model Based Inspection and Reverse Engineering.

Specialized Multiaxis Programming for Precision Head Porting

2011-06-17T09:02:00.002-04:00

Mastercam’s new Port Expert add-on creates accurate, efficient engine cylinder head porting toolpaths on port surface or solid data. Port Expert uses a tapered lollipop tool, and has collision checks for the entire tool (shank, arbor, and holder).

Port Expert automatically calculates optimal tilt angles so there is no need to split the surface or create tool axis control splines.
Port Expert uses 3-axis machining as far into the port as possible, and then switches to 5-axis motion, leaving no fishtails or reverse moves.
Smooth transitions —with a tapered overlap—where the toolpaths meet at the middle of the port, minimizing mechanical transition.
Port Expert provides both roughing and finishing toolpaths to make ports from castings or billet.
You can choose to cut the top only, the bottom only, and specify how much stock to leave on the entire port.
Create toolpaths on triangulated or stitched surfaces — a one-piece surface is not necessary.
Mastercam’s simulation proceeds step-by-step through the toolpath, even showing you the motion used in transition at the middle of the port.
Mastercam generates 5-axis code that can run any CNC machine.

For more information on Mastercam's Port Expert, please click here.

New Toolpaths in Mastercam X5 MU1 for SolidWorks

2011-06-15T09:06:00.001-04:00

The X5 MU1 version of Mastercam for SolidWorks adds a slew of surface roughing and finishing toolpaths, which you can find on the MastercamX5 tab of the SolidWorks CommandManager.

Surface roughing toolpaths typically use larger tools, multiple step overs, and multiple step downs to remove large volumes of stock, while leaving an even amount of stock for finishing. Surface finishing toolpaths, on the other hand, typically finish a part down to the drive geometry (or to the stock-to-leave amount, if one is specified). The following pictures show the surface rough and finish toolpaths that are included with Mastercam X5 MU1 for SolidWorks.

Each toolpath provides the parameters you need to cut your parts efficiently and with exacting results. The parameters available depend on the toolpath you choose. For example, the following picture shows the dialog box for the Surface Rough Contour toolpath.

Just click the Help button in a parameters dialog box to find detailed information on these powerful toolpaths and their parameters.

See Mastercam and Agie Charmilles at Technology Days 2011

2011-06-13T09:33:00.003-04:00

On June 29th and 30th from 9:30am - 4:30pm we invite you to join us at Agie Charmilles Headquarters in Lincolnshire, Illinois for Technology Days 2011! Participate in demonstrations specific to your industry and learn about the latest in manufacturing technology from Agie Charmilles, Mastercam, and other partners that will improve your work processes and make you profitable.

Gain valuable insight into revolutionary new technologies including; cutting tools, CAM, tool holding and in-process inspection for EDM and milling machines for medical, aerospace, mold & die, and e-manufacturing applications.

It's time to dominate the global market. Visit us.gfac.com/events to view the complete 2-day schedule and register. Act fast, space is limited.

Mastercam Hosts a Regional SolidWorks User Group Meeting

2011-06-10T14:18:00.002-04:00

It was our pleasure to host this great event last night. Thanks to everyone who braved the bad weather to spend the evening with us.

Make Something Wild for Our Wildest Parts Competition

2011-06-08T09:03:00.000-04:00

The challenge is simple…create a bold, original item using Mastercam.

Mastercam’s Wildest Parts competition challenges students to design and make something that is wild! We are looking for parts that either haven’t been done before, or have never been done that way before. The challenge is for students to break the mold, think outside the box, and cut outside the lines.

First and foremost, we are looking for an eye-catching piece. But, it doesn’t have to be the most complex part. We have designed a display case for our show booths specifically for the Wildest Parts Competition. This case travels to the top educational shows, and people from all over the country stop to look at the parts. We are looking for parts that will demonstrate the many impressive and creative parts that can be made with Mastercam.

The winner in each of the secondary and postsecondary categories will win a $1,000 scholarship. Second and third place prizes are $250 and $75 scholarships, respectively. Each entrant will receive a Mastercam shirt.

Entry deadline for the 2011 Competition is: June 30, 2011. Entries must postmarked by this date.

For more information on the Wildest Parts competition, including judging, rules, entry form, and mailing address, please visit www.mastercam.com/wildestparts.

Everything Is Spinning Into Control

2011-06-06T13:31:00.003-04:00

A Mastercam customer was recently featured in an article in Foundry Management & Technology. Anderson Global produces complex tooling for high-volume metalcasting. Its products are used by foundries and diecasters that supply castings for automotive, trucking, racing, military, agricultural, marine, appliance, hardware/plumbing, and other market segments, and Anderson's expertise covers precision sand casting, permanent molds, automatic molding patterns, green sand casting, diecasting, and forging dies.

To read the full article click here.

Mastercam Bone Machining

2011-06-03T10:27:00.004-04:00

Mastercam recently participated at the Mazak Open House in Windsor Locks, CT where we were demonstrating our Mill/Turn capabilities on a Mazak Integrex 200 IVST machine. Programming was completed using the latest Mastercam release X5MU1 and new Integrex post processor recently developed by CNC Software. Check out the following video to see the machine in action.

How Many SolidWorks Users Does it Take to Fill Mastercam Headquarters?

2011-06-01T13:21:00.000-04:00

We don't know yet. But we're going to try to find out.

We're excited to be hosting the Connecticut SolidWorks User Group (ConnSWUG) on June 9th at our corporate headquarters in Tolland, CT. We'll be running machining demos in our R&D shop while special presenters give talks to the attendees. In addition to always-engaging exchanges between SolidWorks users, there will also be a room devoted to venders and partners.

If you're a SolidWorks user and would like to attend, we'd love to have you! For more information, visit the ConnSWUG website: www.connswug.com.

Mastercam's Summer Teacher Training is Around the Corner

2011-05-31T09:28:00.002-04:00

CNC Software, Inc. announces that its Summer Teacher Training courses have been determined and registration is now open. 

Mastercam's Summer Teacher Training program is designed with the instructor in mind. Not only will it teach you to use Mastercam, but you will learn how to teach your students to use Mastercam effectively. Collaborative, hands-on training lets you experience the projects in much the same way your students would. In addition, classes are kept small so we can focus on the needs of the group. 

 Attending Mastercam's Summer Teacher Training gives you an opportunity to interact and network with other Mastercam teachers. And, each instructor that attends will receive a free Mastercam University course. You can choose a class that complements what you have learned, or choose a completely different subject to expand your Mastercam knowledge.

   Here are the Summer Teacher Training programs being offered and a brief description:

Basic Projects – Learn introductory, curriculum based projects, such as a nameplate or medallion. You will work through the projects and learn how to deal with common issues that may come up for your students.
Mastercam Multiaxis – Learn the multiaxis machining strategies that will allow your students to create more complex parts. Learn about the advantages of multiaxis machining, multiaxis configurations, and more.
Intermediate Projects – More complex than the Basic Projects class, you will use Mastercam Mill and Art to work through the design process, CNC setup, and CNC machining to familiarize yourself with potential problems that might occur in your classrooms.
Mastercam Fundamentals – Designed to take a beginner from feeling intimidated to feeling comfortable working with the tools in Mastercam, this program covers basic drawing techniques and commands, basic toolpaths, importing geometry and files, and more.
Mastercam for SolidWorks – Intended for instructors with some SolidWorks experience who are looking to take the next step by introducing CNC machining.
Skills USA Automated Technology 101 – Essential for instructors looking to get a team started or to become more competitive in the SkillsUSA Automated Manufacturing Competition.
Mastercam Certification – Designed to prepare you to become a certified Mastercam instructor and will deliver at least the minimum skills and information required for Certification.
Mastercam Art – Learn how to add flair and personality to projects. Using the basic Art functions you learn in this class, you will be able to create projects with a "Wow" factor.
Mastercam Lathe – Learn how to better utilize your lathe through projects such as a brass top, a mini bat, and chess pieces.

For more information on Mastercam's Summer Teacher Training, or to register for a course, please visit www.mastercam.com/stt.

ICAM NC Post-Processors for Mastercam

2011-05-27T10:59:00.000-04:00

ICAM Technologies Corporation has introduced integrated post-processing and machining simulation/verification products, Gold Series & Platinum Series, specifically created for the Mastercam market.

What are Gold Series Products?

ICAM Gold Series post-processors are designed for industry standard machines and controllers, and include sample "art-to-part" processes demonstrating their use. All Gold Series post-processors are delivered with editing capabilities and licensed to run with Mastercam.

Gold Series post-processors can be delivered with Integrated Part Verification (tooling, fixtures, stock part) to validate the cutting process, or Integrated Machine Simulation & Part Verification (CNC Machine model, tooling, fixtures, stock and part) to validate the complete machining process.

What are Platinum Series Products?

Platinum Series post-processors are custom built according to clients’ unique requirements and are available for all major machines and controllers. Platinum products include forward-looking optimization features including path planning and rotary axes pre-positioning to optimize machining, while avoiding dwell marks and over-travel.

Platinum Series post-processors can also be delivered with Integrated Part Verification to validate the cutting process, or Integrated Machine Simulation & Part Verification to validate the complete machining process.

What Makes ICAM Products Unique?

ICAM's post-processing solutions are available for standard 3-Axis, as well as complex 5-Axis Mill and Mill/Turn machines.
Integrated Post-Processing, Machine Simulations and Control Emulation (for G-Code Verification) is available in a single software platform.
Machining simulation is done in real-time during post-processing. Therefore, corrections and modifications to NC programs can be done immediately.
ICAM offers a Mastercam Manufacturing Extractor to facilitate machine model creation. The part, fixture, and tooling information can be extracted directly from Mastercam.
ICAM products are backed by expert R&D and support teams.

About ICAM Technologies Corporation

For over 38 years, ICAM Technologies Corporation has been specializing in the development and implementation of advanced NC post-processing solutions for manufacturers in major industries worldwide. To further strengthen its position in the marketplace, ICAM has introduced Virtual Machine®, an integrated machine tool simulator with the provision for G-Code verification driven with Control Emulator^TM. ICAM customers benefit from dramatic improvements to CNC machine tool performance, NC programmer productivity, and manufacturing process efficiency. For more information visit: www.icam.com/mastercam.

Updated Setup Sheet Tutorial for X5 MU1

2011-05-25T08:50:00.001-04:00

The Mastercam tutorial, Creating Setup Sheets with the ActiveReports Designer, has been updated for X5 MU1. It provides an introduction to setup sheet customization with ActiveReports Designer. In this tutorial, the user creates a custom template and assigns it to a Mastercam setup sheet. Topics include:

Associating the template with an XML data source
Formatting and adding data
Using subreports
Creating electronic bookmarks
Assigning templates

The updated tutorial adds sections covering tool sorting, user-defined data, and working with X5’s enhanced and more flexible XML data source.

Creating Setup Sheets with the ActiveReports Designer is packaged in a ZIP file that contains the tutorial book in PDF format and all the support files you need to complete the tutorial. Please contact your Mastercam Reseller for more information on how to get your own copy of this updated tutorial.

Note: This tutorial requires a seat of Mastercam X5 MU1.

Creating Setup Sheets with ActiveReports Designer is a module of the Mastercam Focus Tutorial Series. The series focuses on a specific Mastercam feature—for example, the new Lathe Plunge Turn toolpath or FBM Drill, and teaches basic and advanced skills.

Other tutorial series include:

Getting Started Series: Introduces general Mastercam functions and teaches basic skills for getting started with Mastercam.
Exploring Series: Explores a single Mastercam product—for example, Mill, Solids, or Wire, and teaches in-depth skills for working with the product.

The Mastercam tutorial series is in continual development, and we will add modules as we complete them. For information and availability, please contact your local Mastercam Reseller.

Win a Free iPad 2

2011-05-23T11:08:00.003-04:00

How would you like a chance to win a sweet new iPad2? Mastercam will be giving one away at the end of June. To enter, all you need to do is take a short survey. One winner will be drawn on or around June 22nd. Don't delay. Click here to be taken directly to the survey.

CNC Software: A Leader in Green

2011-05-19T14:51:00.002-04:00

The Tolland business uses high tech and low tech approaches to energy conservation.

The CNC, Inc. complex on Old Post Road in Tolland is an all-electric building, powered by a formidable array of solar panels and served by no fewer that 46 geothermic wells on the property. And it’s not done yet.

CNC President Mark L. Summers is constantly on the lookout for new ways to save energy and envisions a day when his operation will be at cost-zero.

"We're looking at an additional array of solar panels to bring us up to 50-60 percent, and at smart technology which allows the panels to follow the sun during the day. We'll be looking for more low tech applications as well," he smiled.

But for now, Summers points with pride to the vast array of energy-efficient systems that CNC currently has in place, from solar panels to geothermal wells to composting usable waste from the company kitchen.

"The solar panels provide between 25-30 percent of our energy needs, which are considerable," Summers said during a recent tour of the facility. "They generate up to 72 kilowatts of power and on a sunny day like today, we're actually producing more power than we need. The excess goes onto the main power grid and we are credited for it."

The geothermal wells are located under the company's parking lot and provide hot water to the building. "A series of heat pumps, run by electricity, distribute the water into the system to provide heat," Summers said. "In the summer, the system is essentially reversed and the heat is returned to the earth, providing air conditioning. The entire system is run by a computer that automatically turns equipment on and off as needed."

As the company's products and services, marketed worldwide, are also dependent on computers, its server is huge and needs constant cooling. "We siphon off the heat from the server room and distribute it elsewhere in the building in the cold months, and outside in the warm months," he said.

In addition to the high tech aspect of his operation, Summers also pointed with some pride to a low-tech activity. There are four kitchens in the complex to serve our 125 employees, and grounds from the coffee machines and other garbage are collected and composted daily.

“It has never made any sense to me that we expend fossil fuel to transport garbage. Here, the compost goes into a garden where every year we plant a thousand tomato plants. It produces more than three tons of tomatoes which we make available to our employees and to local food banks,” he said.

Article by Wally Robinson

Girls Battle Bots

2011-05-16T11:08:00.001-04:00

Team Jag at the Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) has struck again!

The all-girls team, "Mastercam's Sting 'Em", placed 2nd in the country once again. The girls' team was also recognized as having the Best Engineered Robot that was drawn and machined with Mastercam.

We would like to congratulate the Mastercam's Sting 'Em team for a great job!