Mastercam Book 5 Axis Bai 1

Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MASTERCAM SHORTCUTS
MASTERCAM QUICK REFERENCE CARD
MASTERCAM SHORTCUTS
Icon Function Keyboard
Shortcut
Icon Function Keyboard
Shortcut
Analyze entities F4 Mastercam version, SIM serial number Alt+V
AutoSave Alt+A Motion controller rotation point Alt+F12
C-Hook or user app Alt+C Pan Arrow keys
Configure Mastercam Alt+F8 Paste from clipboard Ctrl+V
Copy to clipboard Ctrl+C Redo an event that has been undone Ctrl+Y
Cut to clipboard Ctrl+X Regenerate display list Shift+Ctrl+R
Delete entities F5 Repaint F3
Drafting global options Alt+D Rotate Alt+Arrow keys
Exit Mastercam Alt+F4 Select all Ctrl+A
Fit geometry to screen Alt+F1 Selection grid options Alt+G
GviewBack Alt+3 Shading on/off Alt+S
GviewBottom Alt+4 Show/hide all axes (WCS, Cplane,
Tplane)
Alt+F9
GviewFront Alt+2 Show/hide coordinate axes F9
GviewIsometric Alt+7 Show/hide displayed toolpaths Alt+T
GviewLeft Alt+6 Show/hide Operations Manager pane Alt+O
GviewPrevious Alt+P Undo the last creation or event Ctrl+U, Ctrl+Z
GviewRight Alt+5 Unzoom to 80% of original Alt+F2
GviewTop Alt+1 Unzoom to previous or 50% of original F2
Help Alt+H Zoom around target point Ctrl+F1
Hide entities Alt+E Zoom with window selection F1
Level Manager Alt+Z Zoom/unzoom by 5% Page Up/Page
Down
Main attributes, set from entity Alt+X
Advanced Mutiaxis Training Tutorial
ADVANCED MULTIAXIS TRAINING TUTORIAL PROJECTS

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

ADVANCED MULTIAXIS TRAINING TUTORIAL PROJECTS
Tutorial Toolpath Creation
#4
Impeller floor surface without tiltcurve toolpath
from the Tool Box toolpath family.
Morph between 2 surfaces toolpath from the
Surface/Solid toolpath family.
Impeller blade swarf finish toolpaths from the
Tool Box toolpath.
Parallel to surface toolpath from the Surface/
Solid toolpath family.
Transform Rotate toolpaths to machine the
entire impeller.
#5
Collision control strategies:
Tilting tool away with maximum angle using side
tilt.
Retracting tool along tool axis.
Moving tool away with retract on +Z.
Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial Page|15
TUTORIAL #11

TUTORIAL #1
Page |16 Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #11
OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:
OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:
Open the CAD Model:
The student will download the file that contains the geometry from emastercam.com.
Create the necessary Toolpath to machine the part:
The student will set up the stock size to be used and the appropriate tool settings.
A Projection toolpath will be created to engrave the letters.
Backplot and Verify the file:
The Backplot will be used to simulate a step by step process of the tools movements.
The Verify will be used to watch a tool machine the part out of a solid model.
Post Process the file to generate the G-code:
The Student will then post process the file to obtain an NC file containing the necessary code for the machine.

This tutorial takes approximately twenty minutes to complete.
SELECT THE GEOMETRY FILE
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This tutorial covers Mastercam's 5-Axis toolpath functionality. To apply these toolpaths to a 5-Axis machine tool, a
customized post processor for your machine is required.
There are no default 5-Axis post processors included with Mastercam due to the variation in multi-axis machine
configurations. Contact your Mastercam reseller to request post processor services such as multi-axis post development.
Your post processor may require certain additional programming information not covered in this tutorial. For instance:
You may be required to position your stock in machine space rather than at Mastercam's origin.
You may be required to use the Misc Values.
Your post may also prompt you for tool gage lengths.
The nature of the additional information required depends largely on your machine's configuration. Contact the developer
of your post processor for details.
STEP 1: SELECT THE GEOMETRY FILE
Resources - Download the file from www.emastercam.com/files/.
File
Open.
Select "TUTORIAL 1 PROJECT5 AXIS.MCX-7" from the directory you saved the file in.
Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen.
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SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK
STEP 2: SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK
In Mastercam, you select a Machine Definition before creating any toolpaths. The Machine Definition is a model of your
machine tool's capabilities and features and acts like a template for setting up machining jobs. The machine definition ties
together three main components: the schematic model of your machine tools components, the control definition that
models your control units capabilities and the post processor that will generate the required machine code (G-code). For
the purpose of this tutorial, we will be using the 5 - AXIS TABLE - HEAD VERTICAL machine.
2.1 Add the Machine in the short list
Machine type
Mill.
Manage list.
Select the 5 - AXIS TABLE - HEAD VERTICAL.MMD-7.
Select the Add button as shown Figure: 2.1.1.
Figure: 2.1.1
The machine will be added in the Machine Definition Menu.
Select the OK button to exit Machine Definition Menu Management dialog box.
NOTE: If you already have the default machine in the Toolpaths Operations Manager, do not select another
machine. Expand Properties and select Files, and then select Replace button and select the 5 - AXIS TABLE -
HEAD VERTICAL.MMD-7.
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2.2 Select the Machine type
Machine type
Mill.
Select the MILL 5 - AXIS TABLE - HEAD VERTICAL.MMD-7.
2.3 Make visible Level 2 to be able to select the stock
From the Status bar, select Level.
Click in the Visible column next to Number 2.
Select the OK button to exit Level Manager.
2.4 Set the tool parameters in the Tool settings
Select the plus sign in front of Properties in the Toolpaths Manager to expand the Toolpaths Group Properties.
Select the Tool settings to set the tool parameters.
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Change the parameters to match the Figure: 2.4.1.
Figure: 2.4.1
2.5 Set the stock shape and the size
Select the Stock Setup tab.
In the Shape area, enable Solid and click on the Select button.
Program # is used to enter a
number if your machine tool
requires a number for a program
name.
Assign tool numbers sequentially
allows you to overwrite the tool
number from the library with the
next available tool number (First
operation tool number 1;
Second operation tool number 2,
etc.).
Warn of duplicate tool numbers
allows you to get a warning if you
enter two tools with the same
number.
Override defaults with modal
values enables the system to
keep the values that you enter.
Feed Calculation set From tool
uses feed rate, plunge rate,
retract rate and spindle speed
from the tool definition.
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[Select an entity]: Select the solid from the graphics window.
The Stock Setup page should look as shown in Figure: 2.5.1.
Figure: 2.5.1
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PROJECTION 5-AXIS TOOLPATH
Select the OK button to exit Machine Group Properties.
2.6 Make invisible Level 2
From the Status bar, select Level.
Click in the Visible column next to Number 2 to remove the X.
Select the OK button to exit the Level Manager dialog box.
STEP 3: PROJECTION 5-AXIS TOOLPATH
Advanced Multiaxis provides enhanced 5-Axis multisurface machining strategies. You can work with the full interface that
gives you access to all the available parameters and options. You can also choose from a number of simplified interfaces
that have been customized for specific applications and machining strategies.
These toolpaths work on surfaces. Solid selection is available for most advanced multiaxis toolpath strategies, with the
following exceptions: Toolpaths that require the selection of a defined edge (solid edge) and toolpaths that require the
selection of only a single surface (solid face).
NOTE: Remember that the stock is not geometry and can not be selected. You will use the defined stock while
verifying the part.
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3.1 Create the Projection 5-Axis toolpath with the tool axis oriented normal to the surfaces
Projection is a toolpath that follows a curve that has been projected onto a set of surfaces. This is useful for engraving and
similar applications. Projection curves should lie on or above the surface, within the maximum projection distance.
Toolpath Preview:
Toolpaths
Multiaxis.
Accept the NC name by selecting the OK button.
Toolpath Type
Toolpath Type page allows you to establish the type of multiaxis toolpath to create. Toolpath type controls the options
available as you proceed down the tree structure. The options are based on the toolpath family selected using the
Calculation based on buttons, as well as by selecting the picture of the toolpath you wish to create. The Toolpath Type
dialog box allows you to select between the different toolpath families Classic, Wireframe, Surface/Solids, Drill/Circle
Mill, Tool Box or Custom applications. You can then choose one of the toolpaths inside of that family.
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From the Toolpath type select Tool Box button and click on the Projection.
Tool
The Tool page allows you to select a tool, set the feeds and speeds, enter a comment about the operation, and set other
general toolpath parameters.
From the Tree View Area, select Tool.
Right-mouse click in the tool list window and select Create new tool.
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As tool Type, select the Taper Mill as shown.
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Select the Next button and change the parameters as shown in Figure: 3.1.1.
Figure: 3.1.1
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Select the Next button scroll down and change the parameters as shown in Figure: 3.1.2.
Figure: 3.1.2
Select the Finish button to continue.
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Make sure that the Tool diameter value is 0.05 and the Corner radius value is 0.025.
Add a comment in the Comment area to identify the toopath in the Toolpath Manager and also in the NC file.
The Tool page should look as shown in Figure: 3.1.3.
Figure: 3.1.3
Projection
Projection settings determine the geometry the tool follows and how it travels along that geometry.
Drive surfaces button allows you to return to the graphics window to select the surfaces.
Projection curves button allows you to return to the graphics window to select the curves. Projection curves should lie on
or above the surface, within the Max. projection distance.
Cut tolerance sets the accuracy of the multiaxis toolpath.
Maximum angle step sets the maximum angle between the adjacent tool vectors generated along the curves.
Engraving depth sets the depth to engrave the selected projection curves.
Apply multiple depth activates multi passes options.
Distances set the distances above the part, as incremental values, where the tool is moving at rapid feed rate or at the
cutting feed rate. It also sets the minimum distance above the part for the tool to travel in the clearance area.
NOTE: The Feed rate, plunge rate and spindle speed values are the ones you set in the Parameters page of the
Tool definition.
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Click on the button next to the Drive surfaces, to select them as shown.
[Select surfaces for machining]: Select the surface as shown.
Press Enter to finish the selection.
Select Done to exit Drive srfs Selection dialog box as shown.
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Click on the button next to the Projection curves, to select them as shown.
From the Chaining dialog box, select the Window button as shown.
Make a window around the letters as shown in Figure: 3.1.4.
[Sketch approximate start point]: Select the point as shown in Figure: 3.1.4.
Figure: 3.1.4
Select the OK button to exit the Chaining dialog box.
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Change the Engraving depth to -0.005 and make sure that the rest of the parameters are set as shown in
Figure: 3.1.5.
Figure: 3.1.5
Select the OK button to exit Multiaxis Toolpath - Projection.
NOTE: The graphics in all the toolpath parameter pages will change to reflect the parameter that you input.
This helps you visualize the result of the change. Your image might be different than the one shown.
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BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATH
STEP 4: BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATH
Backplotting shows the path the tools take to cut the part. This display lets you spot errors in the program before you
machine the part. As you backplot toolpaths, Mastercam displays additional information such as the X, Y, and Z
coordinates, the path length , the minimum and maximum coordinates and the cycle time. It also shows any collisions
between the workpiece and the tool.
Make sure that the toolpath is selected (signified by the green check mark on the folder icon).
From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, click on the Backplot/Verify Options icon as shown.
Make sure that the settings are as shown in Figure: 4.0.1.
Figure: 4.0.1
Select the OK button to exit Backplot/Verify Options.
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Select the Backplot selected operations button.
Select the Backplot tab and have the following settings enabled as shown.
Select the Home tab and make sure that you have the following settings on as shown.
To see the part from an Isometric view select the Isometric icon.
To fit the workpiece to the screen, select the Fit icon.
You can step through the Backplot by using the Step forward or Step back buttons.
You can adjust the speed of the backplot.
NOTE: Mastercam launches a new window that allows you to check the part using the Unified Backplot/Verify
System.
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Select the Play button in the VCR bar to run Backplot.
The toolpath should look as shown.
NOTE: The tool axis orientation is normal to the surface at each step along the curves.
VERIFY THE TOOLPATH
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STEP 5: VERIFY THE TOOLPATH
Verify Mode shows the path the tools take to cut the part with material removal. This display lets you spot errors in the
program before you machine the part. As you verify toolpaths, Mastercam displays additional information such as the X, Y,
and Z coordinates, the path length , the minimum and maximum coordinates and the cycle time. It also shows any
collisions between the workpiece and the tool.
From the Unified Backplot/Verify System, switch to Verify and change the settings for the Visibility, Colour
Loop and Focus as shown.
Select the Play button to start Verify.
The part should look as shown.
NOTE: To rotate the part, move the cursor to the center of the part and click and hold the mouse wheel and
slowly move it in one direction.
To Zoom In or Out hold down the mouse wheel and scroll up or down as needed.
TUTORIAL #11
VERIFY THE TOOLPATH
Click on the Isometric icon and then the Fit icon to see the part in the original position if needed.
To check the part step by step, click first on the Start icon.
Click on the Step Forward to see the tool moving one step at a time.
To go back to Mastercam window, minimize Verify window as shown.
Press Alt + T to remove the toolpath display from the graphics window.
POST THE FILE TO GENERATE THE NC CODE
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STEP 6: POST THE FILE TO GENERATE THE NC CODE
Select Post selected operations button from Toolpath Operations Manager.

In the Post processing window, if needed, make any necessary changes as shown in Figure: 6.0.1.
Figure: 6.0.1
Select the OK button to continue.
Enter the same name as the file name in the NC File name field.
Save the NC file to continue.
NOTE: The active Post Processor is a generic fanuc post processor. Please check the information about the
post processor at page 17.
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SAVE THE UPDATED MCX-7 FILE
A window with Mastercam Code Expert will be lunched and the NC program will appear as shown in
Figure: 6.0.2.
Figure: 6.0.2
Select the red "X" box at the upper right corner to exit the Editor.
STEP 7: SAVE THE UPDATED MCX-7 FILE
Select the Save icon.
NOTE: The G code that you have created will appear on the screen, if the code looks okay you can shut the
window down without saving it. If you need to change the code, make sure you save it before you close the
window down.
How the program is sent to the machine depends on the shop setup.
NOTES:
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NOTES:

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Advanced Multiaxis Training Tutorial

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