MastercamX6_Art_TrainingTutorial.pdf

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Art Training Tutorial

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Art Training Tutorial

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Mastercam X6Art Training Tutorial

Author: Mariana Lendel ISBN: 978-1-926955-41-4 Revision Date: March 15, 2012 Notice

In-House Solutions Inc. reserves the right to make improvements to this manual at any time and without notice.

Disclaimer Of All Warranties And Liability

In-House Solutions Inc. makes no warranties, either express or implied, with re spect to this manual or with respect to the software described in this manual, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. In-House Solutions Inc. manual is sold or licensed "as is." The entire risk as to its quality and performance is with the buyer. Should the manual prove defective following its purchase, the buyer (and not In-House Solutions Inc., its distributer, or its re tailer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, of corre ction and any incidental or consequential damages. In no event will In-House Solutions Inc. be liable for direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the manual, even if In-House Solutions Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

Copyrights

This manual is protected under International copyright laws. All rights are reserved. This document may not, in whole or part, be copied, photographed, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior consent, in writing, from In-House Solutions Inc. Trademarks

Mastercam is a registered trademark of CNC Software, Inc.

Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, MS, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; N-See is a registered trademark of Microcompatibles, Inc.; Windows, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows NT and Windows 7 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

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Art Training Tutorial

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GETTING STARTED

Objectives:

_{The Student will learn how to download and unzip a file.} _{The Student will learn about the Graphical user interface.} _{The Student will learn how to navigate through Mastercam.} _{The Student will learn to set the Toolbar States.}

_{The Student will set the Grid.}

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Art Training Tutorial

DOWNLOADING MASTERCAM ART FILES

GETTING STARTED

STEP 1: DOWNLOADING MASTERCAM ART FILES

Resources - Download the files from www.emastercam.com/files/.

Navigate to theX6 Art Training Tutorial section. Click on theTutorial 3 Wireframe file to download it. Select theSave button.

Save in a desired location such as yourDesktop.

To download the zip files please follow these instructions:

If the computer being used does not have an application to unzip compressed files, a utility calledWin Zip can

be downloaded fromwww.winzip.com.

Download the necessary Tutorial files from this page.

Save the zip file to your computer, in a location you can easily locate using Windows Explorer.

Locate the downloaded zip file using Windows Explorer and double click on it. Win Zip should automatically

open, click on the Extract icon.

Extract to a location you can find, example your desktop. Click on theExtract button.

The geometry files will now be unzipped to your post directory.

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Art Training Tutorial

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STARTING MASTERCAM

GETTING STARTED

STEP 2: STARTING MASTERCAM

SelectStart. All Programs. Mastercam.

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Art Training Tutorial

GUI - GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

GETTING STARTED

STEP 3: GUI - GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Menu Allows you to select all the functions in Mastercam to create geometry and toolpaths.

Toolbars Can be used instead of the menu to create geometry and toolpaths.

Ribbon Bar Allows you to enter the values and settings that define the e ntities that you are currently creating or modifying.

Function prompt Prompts the user for info.

Status Bar Allows you to set the attributes (color, level, style, and width) and the View/ Plane and Z depth currently used.

Toolpaths/Solid Manager Lists the history of the toolpath operations and solids.

Origin Geometry origin from which the system measures the point coordinates in X, Y and Z axes in the current plane.

Graphic Area Workspace area in Mastercam where the geometry displays. MRU Toolbar Lists the most recently used functions.

Quick Mask Toolbar Lets you select all entities of a specific type. Scale Shows you a scale of the object on the screen.

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Art Training Tutorial

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SETTING THE TOOLBAR STATES

GETTING STARTED

STEP 4: SETTING THE TOOLBAR STATES

Before starting the geometry creation we should customize the toolbars to see the toolbars required to create

the geometry and machine a 2d part. Settings

 Customize

Choose theOpen folder.

Now select themastercam-art.mtb file..

Select theOK button to load the Art toolbars and exit the Open dialog box.

View Port XYZ Axes Informs you which Graphics view, WCS and Toolplane/Construction plane you are working in.

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Art Training Tutorial

SETTING THE TOOLBAR STATES

GETTING STARTED

Select theOK button to exit the Customize dialob box. The Art toolbar will appear on your sceen.

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SETTING THE GRID

GETTING STARTED

STEP 5: SETTING THE GRID

Before beginning to create geometry you will e nable the Grid. This will show you where the origin is.

Settings

 Configuration.

SelectScreen from the configuration Topics as shown. Select the plus sign (+) beside the screen.

InGrid Settings enable Visible Grid and change the Spacing to X = 0.25 and Y = 0.25. Set the Size to 1.0.

Choose theOK button to exit. SelectYes to save the setting.

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Art Training Tutorial

VIEWING THE ART DESIGN LIBRARY WORK AROUND

GETTING STARTED

STEP 6:VIEWING THE ART DESIGN LIBRARY WORK AROUND

6.1 Convert a directory from MZX to MCX files.

This instruction set will convert one directory of your choice. The C-hook can convert multiple directories automatically as well. Usually users are interested in one or two directories.

The current Art Library files are in a compressed MZX format they need to be changed to an MCX format so they can be viewed by normal Mastercam File-Open command.

With Mastercam open, select Alt-C this will open the C-hook library. Select MZX.dll as shown.

NOTE: Currently the Art Library viewing and placement functionality is broken, following is an instruction set to work around this issue.

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GETTING STARTED

The following dialog will appear. You will want to Read a directory from an existing directory.

Select Read dir button, the next dialog ask for the destination of the source folder for the files you want to

convert.

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Art Training Tutorial

GETTING STARTED

Find C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\shared Mcamx6\art\Art Library\animals-mythic\*.mcx

as shown.

Select OK button to exit the Browse Directory dialog. SelectOK button to exit the File 0ptions dialog.

The new dialog now asks for the destination folder for the converted files.

Select the files icon and path to the directory where the converted files should be written. (this directory was

created in explorer previous to this procedure).

NOTE: If you want to keep the converted files in a separate directory, you must make the new directory before trying to path to it. One could put them in the same directory as they would be a different file type.

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Art Training Tutorial

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USING THE ART MANAGER

GETTING STARTED

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\shared Mcamx6\art\Art Library\Animals Mcx\*.mzx.

STEP 7: USING THE ART MANAGER

The Art Managers functions are to:

View, edit, and deleteArt model components in the Art Managers history tree.

Modify theArt Model display in the graphics window by independently showing or hiding the Art Model or

geometry.

Analyze points and view statistics on the Art model features.

Change the resolution (number of points) in the Art model. Increasing the number of points makes the model

sharper, but also requires more time to reg enerate.

Change the Art surface grid density (number and thickness of lines that make up the Art base surface display). Regenerate and rebuild the Art model to reflect changes or deletions made to an Art base surface or its Art

surface operations.

Unload or load the Art Model from the Mastercam database. When you unload the Art model, it removes the

Art model from RAM, freeing up memory.

Undo or redo one or a series of Art operations.

NOTE: All of the selected directory files will now be written into the new directory as MCX files and can be selected using Mastercam File-Open commands.

This C-hook can also convert multiple directories all at once. If you want to convert the entire library make sure you have a 1.5 GB free.

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Art Training Tutorial

USING THE ART MANAGER

GETTING STARTED

The Manager can be hidden to gain more space in the graphics area for creating geometry. Press Alt + O to hide

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Art Training Tutorial

Getting Started ... 1

Tutorials

Tutorial #1 ...13 Tutorial #2 ...69 Tutorial #3 ...101 Tutorial #4 ...167 Tutorial #5 ...223

General Notes ... 289

.

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Art Training Tutorial

TUTORIAL #11

OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:

From Graphics to CAD Model:

The student will open the spider graphic from the Mastercam Art

Library.

The student will create an ellipse and rectangle around the spider.

Create the Art Base Surface used to generate Toolpaths from:

Create a Art Base Surface, and Organic Surface.

The student will learn how to modify the appearance of the Oraganic

Surfaces.

Shift the Art Model below Z zero in preparation for Machining.

Create the necessary Toolpaths to machine the part:

The student will set up the stock size.

A Rectangular Spiral Roughing Toolpath to remove most of the

material.

A Rectangular Spiral Roughing Toolpath to finish the part.

Backplot and Verify the file:

The Backplot will be used to simulate a step by step process of the

tool’s 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.

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Art Training Tutorial

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SETTING UP THE GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE

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GEOMETRY CREATION

STEP 1: SETTING UP THE GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE

Please refer to the Getting Started section to set up the graphics user interface.

STEP 2:VIEWING THE ART DESIGN LIBRARY WORK AROUND

2.1 Convert a directory from MZX to MCX files.

This instruction set will convert one directory of your choice. The C-hook can convert multiple directories automatically as well. Usually users are interested in one or two directories.

The current Art Library files are in a compressed MZX format they need to be changed to an MCX format so they can be viewed by normal Mastercam File-Open command.

With Mastercam open, select theRun User Application icon or, pressAlt-C to open the

C-hook library.

Select MZX.dll as shown.

NOTE: The art toolbars should appear on your screen.

NOTE: Currently the Art Library viewing and placement functionality is broken, following is an instruction set to work around this issue.

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The following dialog will appear. You will want to Read a directory from an existing directory.

SelectRead dir button, the next dialog ask for the destination of the source folder for the files you want to

convert.

Select the files icon and path to the source directory you want to write the files from.

Find C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\shared Mcamx6\art\Art Library\insect\ as shown.

Select OK button to exit the Browse Directory dialog.

Select OK button to exit the File 0ptions dialog.

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TUTORIAL #11

Select the files icon and path to the directory where the converted files should be written. C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\shared Mcamx6\art\Art Library\Insects\.

SelectOK button to exit the Browse Directory dialog.

Select OK button to exit the File 0ptions dialog. Press Esc to exit theMZX.dll C-Hook.

NOTE: All of the selected directory files will now be written into the new directory as MCX files and can be selected using Mastercam File-Open commands.

This C-Hook can also convert multiple directories all at once. If you want to convert the entire library make sure you have a 1.5 GB free.

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Art Training Tutorial

TUTORIAL #11

OPEN THE FILE FROM THE ART LIBRARY

STEP 3: OPEN THE FILE FROM THE ART LIBRARY

In this step you will open a file from the art library.

File

Open.

Find C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\shared Mcamx6\art\Art Library\insect\ as shown.

Pick the file"n01f25.mzx" as shown in Figure: 3.0.1.

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Art Training Tutorial

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SCALE THE SPIDER

TUTORIAL #11

Select theOK button to continue. The geometry should look as shown.

STEP 4: SCALE THE SPIDER

Step Preview:

Xform

 Scale.

Choose theAll button.

When the Select All dialog box appears select the All Entities buttons. Pick the End Selection button in the General Selection ribbon bar.

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SCALE THE SPIDER

When the Scale dialog box appears. Choose Move, ensure Factor is set and input a value of 3.0 as shown in

Figure: 4.0.1.

Figure: 4.0.1

Select the OK button to exit the Scale Dialog box. Select Fit icon to see the entire geometry.

Select theClear Colors icon to see the geometry in the original color. The drawing will appear as shown.

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Art Training Tutorial

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CREATE AN ELLIPSE

TUTORIAL #11

STEP 5: CREATE AN ELLIPSE

Step Preview:

Create

 Ellipse.

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Art Training Tutorial

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CREATE AN ELLIPSE

Enter an X-Axis radius of 3.0"in the Ellipse dialog box as shown in Figure: 5.0.1. Enter a Y-Axis radius of 2.0" in the Ellipse dialog box.

Figure: 5.0.1

Select the OK button to create the Ellipse. SelectFit icon to see the entire geometry. Your part will appear as shown.

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CREATE A RECTANGLE

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STEP 6: CREATE A RECTANGLE

This rectangle will be used to create a rectangular surface which all the other surfaces are based from.

Step Preview:

Create

 Rectangle.

Select the "Anchor to Center" icon.

Select the Origin as a position of base point as shown in the previous step. Enter a width of 6.5" and a height of 4.5".

Select theOK button to create the rectangle. Select Fit icon to see the entire geometry.

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CREATE A NEW ART BASE SURFACE

Your part will appear as shown.

STEP 7: CREATE A NEW ART BASE SURFACE

Step Preview:

Art

New Art Base Surface.  Rectangular.

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TUTORIAL #11

When the Rectangular dialog box appears select the button to pick the "Lower Left Point" as shown in

Figure: 7.0.1.

Figure: 7.0.1

Pick the lower left corner as shown in Figure: 7.0.2.

Figure: 7.0.2

Select this button to select the "Upper Right Point" as shown in Figure: 7.0.3.

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Pick the upper right corner as shown in Figure: 7.0.4.

Figure: 7.0.4

The "Rectangular" parameters should look as shown in Figure: 7.0.5.

Figure: 7.0.5

Select the OK button to exit the Rectangular dialog box.

NOTE: Resolution defines the number of grid points displayed per inch or millimeter. It controls how sharp the model appears.

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CREATE THE SURFACES OF THE SPIDER

TUTORIAL #11

Choose theIsometric Graphics View. Pick the Fit icon.

Enter Alt + S to shade/unshade the part.

The art base surface will appear as shown Figure: 7.0.6.

Figure: 7.0.6

STEP 8:CREATE THE SURFACES OF THE SPIDER

Organic Surface is a relief surface which is defined as a point grid. It will grow and scale in an organic way automatically. The surface requires closed chains on which you apply cross sections.

Step Preview:

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Art Training Tutorial

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Enable Art Manager by selecting the Art tab.

Select theHide Art button to hide the base surface. This will allow you to select t he geometry easier.

Choose the Top graphics view.

Art

Create Art Surface Operation.  Organic.

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TUTORIAL #11

In the Chaining dialog box enable Polygon.

Create a shape around the spider geometry as shown in Figure: 8.0.1.

Figure: 8.0.1

To end the chain double click the left mouse button or press Enter on your keyboard. Pick the leg of the spider as shown to pick as an approximate starting point.

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Make sure the settings are matching the Figure: 8.0.2.

Figure: 8.0.2

Ensure Adjust Ridge is set to Normal and the Radius value is set to 0.125.

Select theOK button to create the surfaces.

NOTE: Cross Selection allows you to: 1. Select a predefined cross section.

2. Pick an existing Mastercam geometry as the cross section. 3. Load saved cross sections.

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TUTORIAL #11

Enter an Operation name of "Spider" as shown in Figure: 8.0.3.

Figure: 8.0.3

Select theOK button.

Pick the Hide Art Model button to show the surfaces. Select theIsometric graphics view.

The surfaces will appear as shown.

We will zoom in to check the spiders legs. Select theZoom Window icon.

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[Specify zoom window]: Select Point A as shown in Figure: 8.0.4. [Specify zoom window]: Select Point B.

Figure: 8.0.4

The surface will appear as shown Figure: 8.0.5.

Figure: 8.0.5

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SOFTEN THE RIDGES

TUTORIAL #11

STEP 9: SOFTEN THE RIDGES

We will change the parameter Adjust Ridge and Radius.

Step Preview:

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Art Training Tutorial

TUTORIAL #11

SOFTEN THE RIDGES

Change the Radius value to 0.1 as shown in Figure: 9.0.1.

In the Adjust Ridge field select the drop down arrow to select the shape. SelectParabola Low.

Figure: 9.0.1

Select the OK button to exit the Organic surface parameters. The spider legs will now appear as shown.

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CREATE THE ELLIPSE SURFACE

TUTORIAL #11

Pick theTop graphics view. Enable Hide Art Model.

STEP 10:CREATE THE ELLIPSE SURFACE

Step Preview:

Art

Create Art Surface Operation.  Organic.

When the Chaining dialog box appears leave the default settings and pick the Ellipse as shown in

Figure: 10.0.1.

Figure: 10.0.1

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Pick the Predefine cross section button as shown in Figure: 10.0.2.

Figure: 10.0.2

From the list chooseConvex Parabola as shown in Figure: 10.0.3.

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TUTORIAL #11

Ensure the rest of the parameters appear as shown in Figure: 10.0.4.

Figure: 10.0.4

Select the OK button to exit the Organic parameters screen. Enter the Operation name "Ellipse" as shown in Figure: 10.0.5.

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Art Training Tutorial

TUTORIAL #11

STRETCH THE ELLIPSE SURFACE TO LOOK LIKE A DOME

Select theOK button.

Choose theHide Art Model button to allow you to see the surfaces. Your part will appear as shown.

STEP 11:STRETCH THE ELLIPSE SURFACE TO LOOK LIKE A DOME

Step Preview:

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STRETCH THE ELLIPSE SURFACE TO LOOK LIKE A DOME

TUTORIAL #11

Select the double arrows to show the Advanced Parameters as shown in Figure: 11.0.1.

Figure: 11.0.1

Change the Scale C-section to 1000.0 as shown in Figure: 11.0.2.

Figure: 11.0.2

Select the OK button to exit the Advance Parameters - Organic dialog box. Select the OK button to exit the Organic Surface Parameters dialog box.

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Art Training Tutorial

TUTORIAL #11

CREATE A TEXTURED SURFACE

Pick theTop graphics view. Enable Hide Art Model.

Select the Fit button if necessary.

STEP 12: CREATE A TEXTURED SURFACE

Step Preview:

Art

Create Textures.  Custom Textures.

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TUTORIAL #11

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TUTORIAL #11

Create a window around the Ellipse as shown in Figure: 12.0.1.

Figure: 12.0.1

Pick a point within the spider as an approximate starting point. Select theOK button to exit the Chaining dialog box.

Select the arrow next to the Texture Style field and select Grid Rotate as shown in

Figure: 12.0.2.

Figure: 12.0.2

Select the Browse button as shown in Figure: 12.0.3.

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TUTORIAL #11

From the list select the file Diamond.asl as shown in Figure: 12.0.4.

Figure: 12.0.4

Choose the Open button.

Leave the default settings in the Custom Texture dialog box and select the OK button to exit.

An warning message might appear stating that the Art Model has passed the automatical Sorting triangle limit. Select Yes to increase the limit and continue.

Enter the Operation name "Texture" as shown in Figure: 12.0.5.

Figure: 12.0.5

Choose theOK button.

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Art Training Tutorial

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Select theIsometric view. Your part will appear as shown.

To modify the pattern double click on the Custom Texture surface Parameters.

Change the Texture Style to Randomize as shown in Figure: 12.0.6.

Figure: 12.0.6

Select the OK button to exit the Custom Texture parameters.

An warning message might appear stating that the Art Model has passed the automatical Sorting triangle limit. Select Yes to increase the limit and continue.

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SHIFT THE ART MODEL BELOW Z ZERO

TUTORIAL #11

STEP 13: SHIFT THE ART MODEL BELOW Z ZERO

Step Preview:

Change theGraphics View to Front. Select the Fit button.

Your geometry will appear as shown.

Choose the Isometric graphics view.

Art

Xform Art Base Surface.

 Shift Art Model below Z Zero.

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Art Training Tutorial

TUTORIAL #11

SHIFT THE ART MODEL BELOW Z ZERO

When the Shift Art Model below Z Zero dialog box appears ensure Surface Top to is enabled as shown in

Figure: 13.0.1.

Figure: 13.0.1

Select the OK button.

When Name the Operation dialog box appears choose the OK button without giving this operation a

name.

Change theGraphics View to Front. Select theFit button.

Your geometry will appear as shown.

Choose the Isometric graphics view. If necessary select theFit button.

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HIDE THE 2D GEOMETRY

TUTORIAL #11

STEP 14: HIDE THE 2D GEOMETRY

Step Preview:

Select Level from the Status Bar.

In the number column choose10. This will make Level 10 become the active level as shown in Figure: 14.0.1.

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Art Training Tutorial

TUTORIAL #11

HIDE THE 2D GEOMETRY

Pick the All Off button. This will hide the entities in level 1 so they will not appear on the screen as shown in

Figure: 14.0.2.

Figure: 14.0.2

Choose theOK button to exit the Level Manager. Your part will appear as shown.

File

 Save As.

Pick a location to save the file. Enter the name "Tutorial #1".

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SELECT THE MACHINE AND SETUP THE STOCK

TUTORIAL #11

STEP 15: SELECT THE MACHINE AND SETUP THE STOCK

Step Preview:

In Mastercam, you select a Machine Definition before creating any toolpaths. The Machine Definition is a model of your machines capabilities and features. It ac ts like a template for setting up your machine. The machine definition ties together three main components: the schematic model of your machine components, the control definition that models your controls capabilities and the post processor that will generate the required machine code (G-Code).

Select the Toolpaths tab in the Operation Manager.

Machine Type

Mill. Default.

Select the plus sign in front of Properties in the Toolpath Manager to expand the

Toolpath Group Properties.

NOTE: For the purpose of this tutorial, we will be using the Default milling machine.

NOTE: If aMachine Group is already selected in the Toolpaths Operations Manager, do not select a new one. To replace the current machine:

Expend theProperties and select the Files tab.

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Art Training Tutorial

TUTORIAL #11

Select Tool Settings to set the tool parameters.

Change the parameters to match the Figure: 15.0.1.

Figure: 15.0.1

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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TUTORIAL #11

Select the Stock Setup tab to define the stock. Change the parameters to match the Figure: 15.0.2.

Figure: 15.0.2

Select theOK button to exit the Machine Group Properties. Select theIsometric view to see the stock.

If necessary use the Fit icon to see the complete part.

NOTE: The Stock model that you create can be displayed with the part ge ometry when viewing the file or the toolpaths, during backplot, or while verifying toolpaths. In the graphics, the plus shows you were the stock origin is. The default position is in the middle of the stock.

TheStock Origin value adjusts the position of the stock, ensuring that you have equal amounts of stock around the finish part. Display option allows you to set the stock as Wireframe and to fit the stock to the screen (Fit Screen).

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Art Training Tutorial

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CREATE A ROUGHING TOOLPATH

The stock model will appear as shown.

Select the Top Graphics view.

STEP 16: CREATE A ROUGHING TOOLPATH

A Roughing toolpath quickly removes the bulk of the material from the part. It generally uses a large tool to remove the material.

Step Preview:

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Art

 Toolpath Art Base Surface.

If a prompt appears, Enter new NC name, select the OK button to accept the default.

16.1 Select a 1/4" Bull Endmill from the Library and set the tool parameters

When the Toolpath parameters appear click on the Select library tool button as shown in Figure: 16.1.1.

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In the Tool Selection dialog box click on Filter.

Select theNone button and then under Tool Types choose the Bull Endmill icon as shown in Figure: 16.1.2. Under tool diameter pickEqual and input a value of 0.25.

Figure: 16.1.2

Pick the OK button to exit the Tool List Filter dialog box.

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Select the1/4" Bull Endmill with a corner rad. of 0.03125 and then select the OK button to exit. Make all the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 16.1.3.

Figure: 16.1.3

The Feed rate, Plunge rate, Retract rate and Spindle speed are based on the systems default settings. You may change these values as per your part material and tools.

In theComment field, enter a comment to help identify the toolpath in the Toolpaths/Operations Manager such as the one shown.

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16.2 Art Base Surface Machining Parameters

Select theArt Base Surface Machining Parameters tab and make the necessary changes as shown in

Figure: 16.2.1.

Figure: 16.2.1

Use clearance only at the start and end of operation: if this option is selected the cutter will rapid to the clearance plane only at the start and end of t he toolpath.

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16.3 Art Base Surface Toolpath Parameters

Select theArt Base Surface Toolpath Parameters tab. Ensure the Cutting method is set to Rectangular Spiral

Roughing and change the Stepover Percent to 50.0 as shown in Figure: 16.3.1.

Make sure there is0.02 Stock to leave in Z as well.

Figure: 16.3.1

Select theOK button to generate the toolpath.

Cutting Method: provides method for your application or design. When programming a toolpath, choose a cutting method that will produce the most effective and efficient mater ial removal process for your Art model.

Rectangular Spiral Roughing: optimized for rouging but can be used to finish. Cuts a rectangular spiral keeping the tool in constant contact with the material.

Stepover Percent: Sets the distance the cutter will overlap each pass of the cuter re lative to the size of the tool. The Stepover percent and Stepover distance values are associative; changing one value changes the other.

Stock to leave in Z: Defines the amount of stock in the Z axis that re mains on the part when the operation is finished.

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BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATHSBACKPLOT THE TOOLPATHS

STEP 17: BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATHS

Backplotting

Backplotting shows the path the tools take to shows the path the tools take to cut the part. This display lets cut the part. This display lets you spot errors in the program before youyou spot errors in the program before you machine the part. As you backplot toolpaths, Ma

machine the part. As you backplot toolpaths, Ma stercam displays the current X, Y and stercam displays the current X, Y and Z coordinates in the lower left cornerZ coordinates in the lower left corner of the screen.

of the screen.



Make sure that the toolpaths are selected (signified by the Make sure that the toolpaths are selected (signified by the green check mark on the green check mark on the folder icon). If thefolder icon). If the

operations are not selected choose the select all operations icon. operations are not selected choose the select all operations icon.



Select theSelect the BackplotBackplot selected operationsselected operations button.button.



Make sure that you have the following buttons turned on (they will appear pushed down) to see the Make sure that you have the following buttons turned on (they will appear pushed down) to see the tool andtool and

the rapid moves. the rapid moves.



Select theSelect theIsometric view from the toolbar to see the Isometricview from the toolbar to see the stock.stock. 

Select theSelect theFitFit button.button.



You can adjust the speed of the backplot.You can adjust the speed of the backplot. 

You can step through theYou can step through theBackplotBackplot by using theby using the Step forwardStep forward ororStep backStep back buttons.buttons. 

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VERIFY THE TOOLPATH

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1



The toolpath should look as shown.The toolpath should look as shown.



Select theSelect theOKOK button to exitbutton to exitBackplotBackplot..

STEP 18: VERIFY THE TOOLPATH

Verify

Verify allows you to use a allows you to use a solid model to simulate the machine of solid model to simulate the machine of a part. The model created by a part. The model created by verification represents theverification represents the surface finish, and shows collisions, if any exists.

surface finish, and shows collisions, if any exists.



In theIn the Operations ManagerOperations Manager ensure the operations are selected. If the ensure the operations are selected. If the operations are not selected choose theoperations are not selected choose the

Select all operations Select all operations icon.icon.



Choose theChoose theVerify Selected operationsVerify Selected operations icon icon from from thetheOperations managerOperations manager.. 

Set theSet theVerify SpeedVerify Speed by moving the slider bar.by moving the slider bar.



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COPY THE ROUGHING OPERATIONCOPY THE ROUGHING OPERATION



Your part will appear as Your part will appear as shown.shown.

STEP 19: COPY THE ROUGHING OPERATION

In this step we will

In this step we will copy the roughing operation, select a different tool, copy the roughing operation, select a different tool, change the parameters and create a fchange the parameters and create a f inishinish operation.

operation.



Select the roughing operation, while Select the roughing operation, while holding the right mouse button down drag thholding the right mouse button down drag th e operation down below thee operation down below the

insert arrow and release the right mouse

insert arrow and release the right mouse button as shown inbutton as shown in Figure: 19.0.1Figure: 19.0.1..

Figure: 19.0.1 Figure: 19.0.1

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CHANGE THE PARAMETERS IN THE COPIED OPERATION

TUTORIAL #11

Release the right mouse button and choose the option Copy After as shown in Figure: 19.0.2.

Figure: 19.0.2

Now Move the insert arrow down one item.

STEP 20: CHANGE THE PARAMETERS IN THE COPIED OPERATION

In this step you will change the tool, and cut parameters to create a finish operation.

Step Preview:

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20.1 Select a 1/16" Ball Endmill from the Library and set the tool parameters

When theToolpath parameters appear click on the Select library tool button as shown in Figure: 20.1.1.

Figure: 20.1.1

In the Tool Selection dialog box click on Filter as shown in Figure: 20.1.2.

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Select the None button and then under Tool Types choose the Ball Endmill icon. Under tool diameter pick Equal and input a value of 0.0625 as shown in Figure: 20.1.3.

Figure: 20.1.3

Pick theOK button to exit the Tool List Filter dialog box.

In the Tool Selection dialog box you will now only see a 1/16" Ball Endmill.

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Make all the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 20.1.4.

Figure: 20.1.4

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20.2 Art Base Surface Toolpath Parameters

Select theArt Base Surface Toolpath Parameters tab. Ensure the Cutting method is set to Rectangular Spiral

Roughing and change the Stepover Percent to 20.0 as shown in Figure: 20.2.1.

Make sure there is0.0 Stock to leave in Z as well.

Figure: 20.2.1

Select the OK button to set the parameters of the finish toolpath.

Pick the Regenerate all dirty operations icon to generate the operation.

To Backplot and Verify you toolpaths see page 48 and see page 49 to review these procedures.

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POST THE FILE

Your part will appear as shown once complete.

STEP 21: POST THE FILE

Ensure all operations are selected, if they are not use the button Select all operations found in the Operation

Manager.

Select thePost selected operations button from the Operations Manager.

In thePost processing window make the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 21.0.1.

Figure: 21.0.1

NC File enabled allows you to keep the NC file and to assign the same name as the MCX file.

Edit enabled allows you to automatically launch the default editor.

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SAVE THE UPDATED MCX FILE

TUTORIAL #11

Select theOK button to continue. Save the Tutorial #1 NC file.

A window with both NC programs will appear as shown in Figure: 21.0.2.

Figure: 21.0.2

To exit Mastercam Editor select the upper right corner red X.

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INDEX

A

About Graphics Views (Gview) ... 303

Add ... 310

Add Cut ... 310

Add Cut Trim ... 310

Alternate Gray Scale ... 316

Application Styles ... 310

Art Base Surface ... 304

Art Base Surface Toolpath Parameters ... 57

Art Filter ... 76

Art Manager ... 318

Art Managers ... 11

Art Mirror/Rotate ... 74

Art Model ... 304

Art Model Resolution ... 311

Art Resolution ... 72 Axis Substitution ... 281 B Backplotting ... 58 Blend ... 310 Blend Edge ... 310

Border and Plane Surface ... 305

Bounding Box ... 176

Browse Classic Design Library ... 318

C

Celtic Weave Surface ... 306

Create A New Art Base Surface ... 24

Create a Polar Line ... 249

Create A Rectangle ... 23

Create A Textured Surface ... 40

Create An Art Swept Surface ... 255

Create the Text ... 231

Cross Section ... 309

Custom Colour Weighting ... 316

Custom texture ... 308

Cutting Method ... 57

Cylinder Milling Spiral ... 283

D

Depth Cuts ... 210

Downloading Mastercam Art Files ... 2

E

Ellipse ... 21 Ellipse Surface ... 306

F

Filter Colors ... 313 Function prompt ... 4

G

Graphic Area ... 4

Graphical User Interface ... 4

H

Hide The 2D Geometry ... 47

I

Import Art Options ... 312

Incline Surface ... 306

Inverse ... 310

L

Linear black/white conversion ... 171

Load/Store Cross sections ... 309

M

Machine Definition ... 49

Mask ... 310

Mathematical Luminescence ... 315

Menu ... 4

Merge A File From The Art Library ... 229

Move to Origin ... 181 MRU Toolbar ... 4

N

Negative ... 317

O

Organic Surface ... 27, 304 Origin ... 4

P

Parallel - Spiral Contained ... 87

Pattern on Contour ... 307

Post processing ... 66

Post The File ... 66

Q

Quick Mask Splines ... 174

Quick Mask Toolbar ... 4

R

Rast2Vec Converter ... 171

Raster to Vector ... 170

Rectangular Spiral Roughing ... 57, 153 Relief Surfaces ... 304

Ribbon Bar ... 4

Rotary Axis parameters ... 281

S

Scale ... 4, 19 Scale C-section ... 194

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INDEX

Setting the Toolbar States ... 5

Shift The Art Model Below Z Zero ... 45

Spiral - Ellipse to Edge ... 219

Spline Corner Break ... 314

Spline Parameters ... 313

Standard Gray scale ... 314

Status Bar ... 4 Stepover Percent ... 57 Stock Setup ... 51 Stock to leave in Z ... 57 Sub ... 310 Sub Cut ... 310

Swept 2 Ended Surface ... 305

Swept Surface ... 305

Switch to Advanced Parameters ... 193

T

Texture ... 307

Tool Settings ... 50

Toolbars ... 4

Toolpath Art Base Surface ... 53

Toolpaths/Solid Manager ... 4

Trace Art Model at Z Plane Slice ... 308

Translate ... 237

Trim and Break ... 246

U

Use clearance only at the start and end of operation ... 56

Use Mastercam to pick Cross Section ... 309

Use Selected Colors ... 315

V

Verify ... 59

View Port XYZ Axes ... 5

W

Wrap Simulation ... 267

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Thank you for previewing the

Mastercam X6 Art Training Tutorial.

We hope you like what you see. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Table of Contents included at the beginning of this sample for a full listing of topics covered. If you found the first tutorial useful, we’re certain the rest of the book will help you along your way to mastering Mastercam.

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