Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

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Mastercam X6 Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial Copyright: 1998 - 2011 In-House Solutions Inc. All rights reserved Software: Mastercam X6 Author: Mariana Lendel ISBN: 978-1-926955-26-1 Revision Date: February 13, 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 respect 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 retailer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, of correction 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.

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial Contents

Getting Started ........................................................................................................... 1
Tutorial #1 - Open Contour and Drill Toolpaths ................................................................................... 11

Tutorial #2 - Facing, Pocket, Contour, Drilling and Contour-Chamfer Toolpaths................................. 59

Tutorial #3 - Open Pocket, Contour Remachining, Circle Mill, Drill and Contour Toolpaths.............. 133

Tutorial #4 - 2D HS Core Mill, 2D HS Dynamic Core Mill, Pocket Island Facing and Pocket Remachining Toolpaths ........................................................................................................................ 231

Tutorial #5 - 2D HS Dynamic Area Mill, Drill, Circle Mill and Contour Chamfer Toolpaths ................ 309

Tutorial #6 - Working with Tool Planes, 2D HS Area Mill, 2D HS Rest Mill, Drill and Slot Mill Toolpaths ............................................................................................................... 417

Tutorial #7 - 2D HS Dynamic Core Mill, 2D HS Core Mill, 2D HS Blend, 2D HS Peel Toolpaths .......... 567

Tutorial #8 - Feature Based Drilling (FBD) Toolpath ........................................................................... 639

Tutorial #9 - Feature Based Milling Toolpath ..................................................................................... 703

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

Tutorial #10 - 2D HS Dynamic Area Mill, 2D HS Dynamic Rest Mill, 2D HS Dynamic Core Mill, 2D HS Dynamic Contour and Machine Simulation ........................................................................................ 765

General Notes ......................................................................................................... 831 Creating/Editing Tools ............................................................................................ 889 Quiz Answers .......................................................................................................... 897

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TUTORIAL #2

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OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:

OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:

From Drawing to CAD Model: The student should examine the drawing on the following page to understand what part is being created in the tutorial. From the drawing we can decide how to go about creating the geometry in Mastercam.

Create the 2D CAD Model used to generate Toolpaths from: The student will only create the Top 2D geometry needed to create the toolpaths. Geometry creation commands such as create rectangle, line parallel, mirror and circle center point will be used.

Create the necessary Toolpaths to machine the part: The student will set up the stock size to be used and the clamping method used. An Open Contour toolpath will be created to remove the material on the both steps. A Drilling toolpath will be created to machine the through holes.

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 one hour and half to complete.

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OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:

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SETTING UP THE GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE

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: CREATE RECTANGLE

In this step you will learn how to create a rectangle knowing the width, the height and the anchor position.

Step Preview:

2.1 Create a 4.0" by -3.0" Rectangle

Create Rectangle.

Enter the Width and Height as shown. Press Enter after typing the values to see a preview of the rectangle.

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CREATE RECTANGLE

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[Select position for first corner]: Select the Origin as shown in Figure: 2.1.1. Figure: 2.1.1

Make sure that when selecting the origin, the visual cue of the cursor changes as shown.

Select the OK button to exit the Rectangle command. Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen.

NOTE: During the geometry creation of this tutorial, if you make a mistake you can undo the last step using the
Undo icon. Redo icon. You can undo as many steps as needed. If you delete or undo a step by mistake, just use the To delete unwanted geometry, select it first and then press Delete from the keyboard.

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CREATE THE PARALLEL LINES

STEP 3: CREATE THE PARALLEL LINES

In this step you will learn how to create a parallel line knowing the distance.

Step Preview:

Create Line. Parallel. [Select a line]: Select Entity A.

[Select the point to place a parallel line through]: Pick a point below the selected line.

NOTE: The color of the geometry is cyan which means that the entity is "live" and you can still change the line parameters if needed.

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Enter the Distance 0.75" (press Enter). [Select a line]: Select Entity B.

[Select the point to place a parallel line through]: Pick a point below the selected line. Enter the Distance 1.5" (press Enter). [Select a line]: Select Entity C.

[Select the point to place a parallel line through]: Pick a point to the right of the selected line. Enter the Distance 0.75" (press Enter).

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CREATE THE PARALLEL LINES

[Select a line]: Select Entity D.

[Select the point to place a parallel line through]: Pick a point to the right of the selected line. Enter the Distance 2.5" (press Enter). or press Enter. To exit

NOTE: To continue using the same command you can either select the Apply button
the command you can either start a new command or select the OK button. Select the OK button to exit the command. The part will appear as shown.

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CREATE FILLETS

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STEP 4: CREATE FILLETS

In this step you will create the 4 fillets to create the pocket.

Step Preview:

Create Fillet. Entities. Enter the radius 0.375 in the ribbon bar and ensure Trim is enabled.

Select the two lines to create a fillet.

Repeat this step 3 more times for the other corners.

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CREATE THE HOLES

Select the OK button to exit the command. The part will appear as shown once complete.

STEP 5: CREATE THE HOLES

In this step you will create the holes knowing the size and location.

Step Preview:

Create Arc. Circle Center Point.

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CREATE CHAMFERS

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Enter the Diameter 0.5 in the ribbon bar. Select the Diameter icon in the ribbon bar to lock the size of the arc.

Select the Fast point command. [Enter the co-ordinate]: 2.0, -0.375 and hit Enter. Select the Fast point command. [Enter the co-ordinate]: 0.375, -1.5 and hit Enter. Select the Fast point command. [Enter the co-ordinate]: 2.0, -2.625 and hit Enter. Select the Fast point command. [Enter the co-ordinate]: 3.625, -1.5 and hit Enter. Once complete choose the OK button to exit the command.

STEP 6: CREATE CHAMFERS

In this step you will create 4 chamfers on the corners knowing 1 distance.

Step Preview:

Create Chamfer. Entities. Input the Distance 0.5 in the chamfer ribbon bar as shown.

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SAVE THE FILE

Select the two lines as shown to create the chamfer.

Repeat this step 3 more times for the other corners. The part will appear as shown once complete.

Once complete choose the OK button to exit the command.

STEP 7: SAVE THE FILE

File Save As. File name: "Your Name_2".

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SUGGETED FIXTURE:

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TOOLPATH CREATION

SUGGETED FIXTURE:

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TUTORIAL #21 SETUP SHEET:

SETUP SHEET:

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SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK

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STEP 8: 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 machines capabilities and features. It acts like a template for setting up your machine. The machine definition ties together three main components. The schematic model of your machines components. The control definition that models your control capabilities and the post processor that will generate the required machine code (G-code). For a Mill Level 1 exercise (2D toolpaths) we need just a basic machine definition.

NOTE: For the purpose of this tutorial, we will be using the Default mill machine.
To display the Operations Manager press Alt + O. Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen.

Machine type Mill. Default. Select the plus sign in front of Properties in the Toolpaths Manager to expand the Toolpaths Group Properties.

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SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK

Select Tool Settings to set the tool parameters.

Change the parameters to match the screen shot as shown in Figure: 8.0.1. Figure: 8.0.1

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.

Select the Stock setup tab to define the stock.

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Select the Bounding Box button near the bottom of the Stock setup page.

In the Expand dialog boxes enter 0.125 as shown. This will add 0.125" of stock on each side of your model as shown in Figure: 8.0.2. Figure: 8.0.2

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SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK

Input the overall depth of your stock model as shown and set the Stock Origin Z value to 0.125 as shown in Figure: 8.0.3. Figure: 8.0.3

The Stock Origin values adjust the positioning of the stock, ensuring that you have equal amount of extra stock around the finished part. Display options allow you to set the stock as Wireframe and to fit the stock to the screen. (Fit Screen)

NOTE: The stock model that you create can be displayed with the part geometry when viewing the file or the
toolpaths, during backplot, or while verifying toolpaths. In the graphics, the plus shows you where the stock origin is. The default position is the middle of the stock. Click on the corner of the part to set it as the stock origin.

Select the OK button to exit Machine Group Properties.

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FACE THE PART

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Select the Isometric view from the graphics view toolbar to see the stock. Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen. The stock model will appear as shown.

NOTE: The stock is not geometry and can not be selected.

Select the Top view from the view toolbar to see the part from the top.

STEP 9: FACE THE PART

A Facing toolpath quickly removes material from the top of the part to create an even surface for future operations.

Toolpath Preview:

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Toolpaths Face.

FACE THE PART

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

When the chaining dialog box appears choose the OK button to exit the chaining dialog box.

NOTE: Mastercam will create the Facing toolpath defined from the stock setup.
In the Toolpath Type page, the Facing icon will be automatically selected.

NOTE: Mastercam updates the pages as you modify them and then marks them, in the Tree view list, with a green check mark. Pages that are not changed are marked with a red circle and slash.

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FACE THE PART

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9.1 Select a 2.0" Face Mill from the library and set the Tool parameters
Select Tool from the Tree view list. Click on the Select library tool button. To be able to see all the tools from the library disable Filter Active.

Pick the 2" Face Mill as shown.

Select the tool in the Tool Selection page and then select the OK button to exit.

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FACE THE PART

Make all the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 9.1.1. Figure: 9.1.1

The Feed rate, Plunge rate, Retract rate and Spindle speed are based on the tool definition as set in the Tool Settings. You may change these values as per your part material and tools. In the Comment field enter a comment to help identify the toolpath in the Toolpaths/Operations Manager such as the one shown above.

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FACE THE PART

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Select Cut Parameters and make the necessary changes. Figure: 9.1.2

The Style (facing cutting method) Zigzag creates a back and forth cutting motion. Move between cuts determines how the tool moves between each cut. This is only available if you select the zigzag cutting method. High speed loops to create 180 degrees arcs between each cut.

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FACE THE PART

Select the Linking Parameters page and make the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 9.1.3. Figure: 9.1.3

Clearance sets the height at which the tool moves to and from the part. Retract sets the height that the tool moves up to before the next tool pass. Feed Plane sets the height that the tool rapids to before changing to the plunge rate to enter the part. Top of stock sets the height of the material in the Z axis. Depth determines the final machining depth that the tool descends into the stock.

Select the OK button to exit the Facing Parameters.

NOTE: The top of stock is set to 0.125" because in our Stock Origin we have this set 0.125" above the origin. The depth is set to 0.0" because this is the depth we want the tool to go to.

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MACHINE THE POCKET

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STEP 10: MACHINE THE POCKET

Pocket toolpaths remove the material from an enclosed boundary.

Toolpath Preview:

10.1 Chain selection

A chain of entities consists of one or more entities linked together in order and direction. The distance between the endpoints of two consecutive entities of the chain has to be equal or less than the chaining tolerance (0.0001"). In an open chain, the start point is placed at the end of the chain closest to the selection point and the chain direction points to the opposite end of the chain. See the User Notes chapter for more information on chaining.

Press Alt +T to remove the toolpath display. Toolpaths Pocket.

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MACHINE THE POCKET

Enable the Chain button in the chaining dialog box to be able to select just the pocket.

Select the chain, as shown in Figure: 10.1.1. Figure: 10.1.1

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MACHINE THE POCKET

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Select the OK button to exit Chaining.

NOTE: The direction of the chain determines the cutter compensation side (Left or Right) to orient the tool on
the proper side of the geometry. For our example be sure to chain the contour in a CCW direction. Otherwise, select the Reverse button. In the Toolpath Type page, the Pocket icon will be selected.

NOTE: Mastercam updates the pages as you modify them and then marks them, in the Tree view list, with a green check mark. Pages that are not changed are marked with a red circle and slash. 10.2 Select a 1/2" Flat endmill from the library and set the Tool parameters
Select Tool from the Tree view list. Click on Select library tool button. To be able to see all the tools from the library disable Filter Active.

Scroll down and select the 1/2" Flat Endmill as shown.

Select the tool in the Tool Selection page and then select the OK button to exit.

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MACHINE THE POCKET

Make all the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 10.2.1. Figure: 10.2.1

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10.3 Cut Parameters

From the Tree view list, select Cut Parameters and ensure the settings appear similar. Figure: 10.3.1

Machining direction sets the machining direction for the toolpath. Climb cuts with the tool rotating in the opposite direction of the tool motion. Conventional cuts with the tool rotating in the same direction as the tool motion. Pocket type defines the type of pocket toolpath Mastercam creates.

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10.4 Roughing

MACHINE THE POCKET

From the Tree view list, select Roughing Parameters. Choose the option Parallel Spiral, Clean Corners and change the necessary settings. Figure: 10.4.1

Parallel Spiral, Clean corners roughs out the pocket in a similar method to parallel spiral but adds small clean out moves in the corners of the pocket to remove more stock. Spiral inside to outside applies to all spiral pocket toolpaths. The toolpaths spiral from the center to the wall of the pocket.

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10.5 Entry Motion

Set the Entry Motion of the Roughing portion of the toolpath to Helix. Make any necessary changes as shown in Figure: 10.5.1. Figure: 10.5.1

Helix for pocket roughing will always try to use the maximum radius to use more of the side of the endmill and less plunging. The direction of the helix usually matches the toolpath direction.

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10.6 Finish

MACHINE THE POCKET

From the Tree view list, select Finishing. Once there ensure Finish is enabled. This will add a finish pass after roughing the pocket. Enable Finish outer boundary, Start finish pass at closest entity, Keep tool down and Machine Finish passes only at final depth. For an explanation of these parameters see Figure: 10.6.1. Figure: 10.6.1

Finish select this option to create a finish pass and to enable the finishing parameters. If this option is un selected only a roughing operation will be created. Finish outer boundary makes a finish pass on the pocket wall. Start finish pass at closest entity finishes the pocket starting with the closest endpoint of the closest entity at the end of the roughing toolpath. Keep tool down determines whether or not to retract between finish passes. Machine Finish Passes Only At Final Depth performs the finish passes at the final cutting depth only.

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MACHINE THE POCKET

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10.7 Lead In/Out

From the tree view list select Lead In/Out and ensure this option is enabled. Enter an overlap value, length, radius and sweep angle. The Lead In/Out parameters will only be applied to the finish parameters. Figure: 10.7.1

Lead In/Out moves are a combination of lines and arcs at the beginning and end of a pocket toolpath finish pass. Overlap sets how far the tool goes past the end of the toolpath before exiting for a cleaner finish. Line Length sets the line length for entry or exit lines. Arc Radius defines the entry or exit arcs radius. This arc is always tangent to the toolpath. Sweep sets the sweep angle of the entry or exit arc.

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10.8 Depth Cuts

MACHINE THE POCKET

Choose Depth Cuts from the tree view list. Input a Max rough step of 0.25 and enable Keep tool down as shown in Figure: 10.8.1. The depth cuts will only be applied to the roughing portion of the toolpath. Figure: 10.8.1

Depth Cuts, Mastercam will take the total depth and divide it into separate depth cuts. Mastercam never performs unequal depth cuts. Max rough step sets the maximum amount of material removed in the Z axis with each rough cut. Mastercam will calculate equal rough cuts no larger than the maximum rough step until it reaches the final Z depth. Keep tool down determines whether or not to retract the tool between depth cuts.

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10.9 Linking Parameters

Select Linking Parameters from the Tree view list. Change the top of stock to 0.0 and set the depth to -1.0. Ensure all the values are set to Absolute as shown in Figure: 10.9.1. Figure: 10.9.1

Absolute values are always measured from the origin 0,0,0. Incremental values are relative to other parameters or chained geometry.

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BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATHS

STEP 11: BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATHS

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 the current X, Y, and Z coordinates in the lower left corner of the screen.

Make sure that the toolpaths are selected (signified by the green check mark on the folder icon). If both operations are not selected choose the select all operations icon. Select the Backplot selected operations button.

Make sure that you have the following buttons turned on (they will appear pushed down) to see the tool and the rapid moves. Figure: 11.0.1

Select the Isometric view from the view toolbar to see the stock. Select the Fit button. You can adjust the speed of the backplot. You can step through the Backplot by using the Step forward or Step back buttons.

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VERIFY THE TOOLPATH

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Select the Play button in the VCR bar.

Select the OK button to exit Backplot.

STEP 12: VERIFY THE TOOLPATH

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

In the Operations Manager both operations are selected. If both operations are not selected choose the Select all operations icon. Choose the Verify selected operations icon from the operations manager. Set the Verify speed by moving the slider bar in the speed control bar as shown.

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VERIFY THE TOOLPATH

Select the Play button to start simulation.

The part will appear as shown in Figure: 12.0.1. Figure: 12.0.1

Select the OK button to exit Verify.

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CONTOUR TOOLPATH

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STEP 13: CONTOUR TOOLPATH

A Contour toolpath removes material along a path defined by a chain of curves. A Contour toolpath only follows a chain, it does not clean out an enclosed area.

Toolpath Preview:

Toolpaths Contour. Leave the default settings in the chaining dialog box.

Change the Graphic view to Top.

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CONTOUR TOOLPATH

Select the chain and ensure the chaining direction is the same as shown in Figure: 13.0.1. Figure: 13.0.1

Select the OK button to exit the Chaining dialog box. In the Toolpath Type page, the Contour toolpath will be selected.

13.1 Select a 5/8" Flat endmill from the library and set the Tool Parameters
Select Tool from the Tree view list. Click on Select library tool button. To be able to see all the tools from the library disable Filter Active.

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CONTOUR TOOLPATH

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Scroll down and select the 5/8" Flat Endmill.

Select the tool in the Tool Selection page and then select the OK button to exit. Make all the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 13.1.1. Figure: 13.1.1

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CONTOUR TOOLPATH

13.2 Cut Parameters

Select the Cut Parameters and make the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 13.2.1. Figure: 13.2.1

Roll cutter around corners inserts arc moves around corners in the toolpath. None guarantees all sharp corners. Sharp rolls the tool around sharp corners (135 degrees or less). All rolls the tool around all corners and creates smooth tool movement.

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13.3 Depth Cuts

Select Depth cuts and enable it. Input a Max rough step of 0.375 and enable Keep tool down as shown in Figure: 13.3.1. Figure: 13.3.1

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13.4 Lead In/Out

CONTOUR TOOLPATH

Choose the option Lead In/Out and input an Overlap value. Make any other necessary changes as shown in Figure: 13.4.1. Figure: 13.4.1

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CONTOUR TOOLPATH

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13.5 Multi Passes

Select Multi Passes from the Tree view list and enable the option. Set the Number of Rough passes to 1 with spacing of 0.1 and number of Finish passes to 1 with spacing of 0.02. This will have the system make a rough pass and then proceed with a 0.02 finish pass. Enable the option to Machine finish passes at the Final depth as shown in Figure: 13.5.1. Figure: 13.5.1

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CONTOUR TOOLPATH

13.6 Linking Parameters

Select Linking Parameters from the Tree view list. Set the Top of stock to zero and the Depth to -1.25 as shown in Figure: 13.6.1. Figure: 13.6.1

To Backplot and Verify your toolpaths page 92 and page 93 to review these procedures.

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STEP 14: SPOT DRILL THE HOLES

Spot Drilling the holes allows you to start the hole. In this operation we will use the spot drill to chamfer the hole before drilling it.

Toolpath Preview:

Select all toolpaths and press Alt +T to remove the toolpath display if needed. Toolpaths Drill. In the Drill Point Selection dialog box choose the option Mask on Arc.

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SPOT DRILL THE HOLES

Select one of the four arcs. Left click in the upper left corner of the graphics window, holding the left button down drag a rectangle to the lower right corner of the part as shown in Figure: 14.0.1. Figure: 14.0.1

NOTE: Mask on Arc is a tool for selecting arcs whose diameters match the one that you select within the specified tolerance.
Release the left mouse button and click it again once you have created a window encompassing the entire part. Hit Enter once complete. Select the OK button in the Drill Point Selection dialog box to accept the 4 drill points. In the Toolpath Type page, the Drill toolpath will be selected.

14.1 Select a 3/4" Spot Drill from the library and set the Tool Parameters
Select Tool from the Tree view list. Click on the Select library tool button. To be able to see just the spot drill, select the filter button.

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Under Tool Types select the None button and then choose the Spot drill Icon as shown in Figure: 14.1.1. Figure: 14.1.1

Select the OK button to exit the Tool List Filter dialog box. At this point you should only see Spot Drills. From that list select the 3/4" Spot Drill as shown.

Select the tool in the Tool Selection page and then select the OK button to exit.

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SPOT DRILL THE HOLES

Make the necessary changes to the Tool page as shown in Figure: 14.1.2. Figure: 14.1.2

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14.2 Set the Cut Parameters

Select Cut Parameters and make the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 14.2.1. Figure: 14.2.1

Drill/Counterbore recommended for drilling holes with depths of less than three times the tools diameter. Dwell sets the amount of time in seconds that the tool remains at the bottom of a drilled hole.

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SPOT DRILL THE HOLES

14.3 Linking Parameters

Choose Linking Parameters, ensure clearance is enabled and set the Top of stock and the Depth to Absolute and Zero. To input the depth select the Calculator icon. Input the following equation in the Finish diameter area: 0.5+0.05 and hit Enter to calculate the Depth as shown in Figure: 14.3.1. Figure: 14.3.1

Select the OK button to exit the Depth Calculator.

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You will now see the depth we calculated for the spot drilling operation set in the Depth field. Figure: 14.3.2

Select the OK button to exit the Drill/Counterbore parameters. To Backplot and Verify your toolpaths page 92 and page 93 to review these procedures.

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DRILL THE HOLES

STEP 15: DRILL THE HOLES

In this step we will drill the holes to a specified depth.

Toolpath Preview:

Toolpaths Drill. In the Drill Point Selection dialog box choose the option Last.

This option will automatically select the 4 holes for you based off the selection from the previous drill operation. Select the OK button in the Drill Point Selection dialog box to accept the 4 drill points.

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DRILL THE HOLES

TUTORIAL #21

In the Toolpath Type page, the Drill toolpath will be selected as shown in Figure: 15.0.1. Figure: 15.0.1

15.1 Select a 1/2" Drill from the library and set the Tool Parameters
Select Tool from the Tree view list. Click on the Select library tool button. To be able to see just the spot drill select the Filter button.

Under Tool Types select the None button and then choose the drill Icon. Under Tool Diameter select Equal and input a value of 0.5.

Select OK button to exit the Tool List Filter dialog box. At this point you should only see a 1/2" Drill.

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TUTORIAL #21

DRILL THE HOLES

From that list select the 1/2" Drill as shown.

Select the tool in the Tool Selection page and then choose the OK button to exit. Make the necessary changes to the Tool page as shown in Figure: 15.1.1. Figure: 15.1.1

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DRILL THE HOLES

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15.2 Cut Parameters

Select Cut Parameters, change the drill Cycle to Chip Break and input a Peck value of 0.2 as shown in Figure: 15.2.1. Figure: 15.2.1

Chip Break drills holes with depths of more than three times the tool diameter. The drill retracts partially out of the drilled hole to break material chips.

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TUTORIAL #21

DRILL THE HOLES

15.3 Linking Parameters

Choose Linking Parameters, and set the Top of stock to zero. Input a depth value of -1.25 as shown in Figure: 15.3.1. Figure: 15.3.1

Select the OK button to exit the Drill/Counterbore parameters.

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CHAMFER THE PART

TUTORIAL #21

To Backplot and Verify your toolpaths page 92 and page 93 to review these procedures.

STEP 16: CHAMFER THE PART

Chamfer Toolpath automatically cuts a chamfer around a contour using a chamfer mill.

Toolpath Preview:

Toolpaths Contour.

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TUTORIAL #21

CHAMFER THE PART

Leave the default settings in the Chaining dialog box as shown.

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CHAMFER THE PART

TUTORIAL #21

Select the chains and ensure the chaining direction is the same as shown in Figure: 16.0.1. Figure: 16.0.1

NOTE: It does not matter which contour you select first. However the first contour you select will be the first
contour cut. Select the contours as shown in Figure: 16.0.1 to ensure that the chaining directions for both chains are correct. In the Toolpath Type page, the Contour toolpath will be selected.

16.1 Select a 1/2" Chamfer Mill from the library and set the Tool parameters
Select Tool from the Tree view list. Click on the Select library tool button. To be able to see just the spot drill select the Filter button.

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TUTORIAL #21

CHAMFER THE PART

Under Tool Types select the None button and then choose the Chamfer Mill Icon.

Select the OK button to exit the Tool List Filter dialog box. At this point you should only see a list of chamfer mills. From the Tool Selection list select the 1/2" Chamfer Mill.

In the Tool Selection page choose the OK button to exit. A warning message that the tool selected is not defined as being capable of both roughing and finish will appear on the screen.

NOTE: The chamfer mill is defined for finish operation only. For chamfer toolpath we only need a finish
operation. Select the OK button to continue.

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CHAMFER THE PART

TUTORIAL #21

Make all the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 16.1.1. Figure: 16.1.1

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TUTORIAL #21

CHAMFER THE PART

16.2 Cut Parameters

Select the Cut Parameters page and change the Contour type to 2D chamfer. Input a Width of 0.05 and a Tip offset of 0.04 as shown in Figure: 16.2.1. Figure: 16.2.1

2D chamfer cuts chamfers around a contour. Width sets the chamfer width. Mastercam measures the width from the chained geometry adjusted by the cut depths defined on the linking parameters page. Tip offset is an amount to ensure that the tip of the tool clears the bottom of the chamfer.

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CHAMFER THE PART

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16.3 Depth Cuts

Select Depth Cuts and disable it as shown in Figure: 16.3.1. Figure: 16.3.1

16.4 Lead In/Out

Choose the option Lead In/Out and input an Overlap value of 0.02. Make any other necessary changes as shown in Figure: 16.4.1. Figure: 16.4.1

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TUTORIAL #21
16.5 Multi Passes

CHAMFER THE PART

Select Multi Passes, disable this option as shown in Figure: 16.5.1. Figure: 16.5.1

16.6 Linking Parameters

Select the Linking Parameters from the Tree view list. Set the Top of stock to zero and the Depth to zero as shown in Figure: 16.6.1. Figure: 16.6.1

NOTE: The depth of the chamfer is based on the width and tip offset set in the Cut Parameters page. This is
why we set the depth here to zero.

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POST THE FILE

TUTORIAL #21

To Backplot and Verify your toolpaths page 92 and page 93 to review these procedures. Ensure all operations are selected, if they are not use the button Select all operations Manager. Your part will appear as shown. in the Operations

STEP 17: POST THE FILE

Ensure all operations are selected, if they are not use the button Select all operations Manager. Select the Post selected operations button from the Operations Manager. In the Post processing window make the necessary changes as shown. Figure: 17.0.1 in the Operations

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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TUTORIAL #21

POST THE FILE

Select the OK button to continue. Figure: 17.0.2

Save the NC file. A window with the NC program will appear as shown in Figure: 17.0.3. Figure: 17.0.3

Select the red "X" box at the upper right corner to exit the editor.

STEP 18: SAVE THE UPDATED MCX FILE

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POST THE FILE

TUTORIAL #21

REVIEW EXERCISE -STUDENT PRACTICE

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TUTORIAL #21

CREATE THE GEOMETRY FOR TUTORIAL #2 EXERCISE

CREATE THE GEOMETRY FOR TUTORIAL #2 EXERCISE

Use these commands to create the geometry: Create Rectangle. Create Fillets. Create Lines. Create Line Parallel. Create Circle Center Points. Fast Point to position the Circles. Trim.

CREATE THE TOOLPATHS FOR TUTORIAL #2 EXERCISE

Create the Toolpaths for Tutorial #2 Exercise as per the instructions below.

Set the machine properties including the stock. Remove the material on the outside of the part Contour (2D). Use a 1/2" Flat Endmill. Based on your chaining direction ensure the Compensation direction is set correctly. Enable Depth Cuts and set the Max rough step to 0.25". Lead In/Out set Length and radius to 60% with a 90 degree sweep. No Break Through, Multi Passes. Set the depth according to the drawing.

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CREATE THE TOOLPATHS FOR TUTORIAL #2 EXERCISE

TUTORIAL #21

Spot drill the holes. Use a 3/4" Spot Drill. Set the Cycle to Drill/Counterbore and set a Dwell to 1.0 second. Use the depth calculator to set a 0.05" chamfer on the hole.

Drill the holes. Use a 1/2" Drill. Set the Cycle to Peck Drill and set your peck values. Set the depth according to the drawing.

Remove the Material in the center of the part (Pocket Standard). Use a 1/2" Flat Endmill. Choose to leave no stock on the walls. Set the Cutting method to Constant Overlap Spiral. The Entry Motion will be Helix. Enable Finish and set the parameters. Lead In/Out set Length and radius to 60% with a 90 degree sweep. Enable Depth Cuts and set the Max rough step to 0.25". Disable Break Through. Set the depth according to the drawing.

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TUTORIAL #21 NOTES:

NOTES:

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TUTORIAL #2 QUIZ

TUTORIAL #21

TUTORIAL #2 QUIZ
What is a Facing Toolpath used for?

What does a Pocket Toolpath allow you to do?

What is the difference between Climb and Conventional cutting?

What does verify allow you to do?

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TUTORIAL #21

TUTORIAL #2 QUIZ

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INDEX

Symbols Lead In/Out .....................................................36 Numerics 2D / 3D Construction .........................................5 2D Chamfer ...................................................120 2D High Speed Area Mill ........................451, 461 2D High Speed Blend Mill ..............................610 2D High Speed Core Mill ........................258, 603 2D High Speed Dynamic Area Mill 340, 350, 359, 396, 760 2D High Speed Dynamic Contour ..................797 2D High Speed Dynamic Core Mill .272, 590, 787 2D High Speed Peel Mill ................................617 2D High Speed Rest Mill ................................472 A Adjust Start/End Of Contour ...........................36 Arc Endpoints ........................................240, 429 Arc Polar ........................................134, 321, 696 Arc Radius ........................................................89 Arc Tangent 3 Entities ...........................239, 320 Assign Tool Numbers Sequentially ..................28 Attributes ..........................................................5 B Back Feedrate ................................................276 Backplot ...........................................................38 Bounding Box. ...............................................248 Break Through ...............................................167 Break Two Pieces ...........................................702 C Chamfer Toolpath .........................................115 Chamfers .........................................................67 Change Attributes .........................................713 Chip Break .............................................113, 200 Circle Center Point ..........................24, 433, 711 Circle Mill ...............................................181, 377 Clear Colors .....................................................23 Clearance .........................................................80 Climb ...............................................................85 Color ..................................................................5 Comment .........................................................78 Compensation Direction .................................35 Compensation Type ........................................35 Constant Overlap Spiral .................................287 Construction Depth .......................................421 Construction Mode .......................................421 Contour Remachining ....................................172 Contour Toolpath ............................................31 Conventional ...................................................85

Corner Rounding ...........................................264 Counterbore ..................................................534 Create Custom Tooling ..................................674 Create Letters ...............................................246 Creating A New Tool .....................................820 Creating And Renaming Toolpath Groups ....210 Creating/Editing Tools ...................................819 Cut Tolerance ................................................268 D Delete Entities ................................. 18, 432, 700 Depth ..............................................................80 Depth Cuts ......................................................90 Divide ....................................................574, 700 Drill Change At Point .....................................514 Drill Toolpath ..................................................43 Drill/Counterbore ..........................................107 Dwell .............................................................107 Dynamic Rest Mill .........................................775 E Edit ..................................................................50 Editing An Existing Tool .................................825 Ellipse ............................................................234 Entry Feed Rate .............................................266 Entry Method ................................................266 Extrude ..........................................................714 F Facing Toolpath ...............................................75 FBM Drill .......................................................650 FBM Mill ........................................................729 Feed Calculation ..............................................28 Feed Plane .......................................................80 Fillets ...............................................................65 Filter Ratio And Total Tolerance ...................268 Filter Tolerance .............................................268 Finish Outer Boundary ....................................88 From Tool ........................................................28 Function Prompt ...............................................2 G Graphic Area .....................................................2 Grid ...................................................................9 Groups ...............................................................6 GUI - Graphical User Interface ..........................2 Gview ................................................................5 H Helix ................................................................87 High Speed Loops ............................................79 Hole Mapping ................................................665

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INDEX
I Infinite Look Ahead ......................................... 35 Insert Arrow .................................................. 463 J Join Entities ........................................... 149, 710 K Keep Tool Down .............................................. 88 Keep Tool Down Within ................................ 264 L Lead In/Out ..................................................... 89 Level .................................................................. 5 Line Length ...................................................... 89 Line Style ........................................................... 5 Line Width ......................................................... 5 M Machine Finish Passes Only At Final Depth .... 88 Machine Group Properties ............................. 27 Machine Simulation ...................................... 807 Micro Lift Distance ........................................ 276 Mirror .............................................. 19, 236, 705 Move Between Cuts ........................................ 79 MRU Toolbar ..................................................... 2 Multi Passes .................................................... 41 N NC File ............................................................. 50 O Offset Tolerance ........................................... 264 Open Pocket ................................................. 161 Open Pocket Cutting Method ....................... 161 Optimize Cut Order ....................................... 276 Origin ................................................................ 2 Output 3d Arc Moves .................................... 266 Output Arc Moves ......................................... 185 Overlap ........................................................... 89 Override Defaults With Modal Values ............ 28 P Parallel Lines ........................................... 16, 422 Peck Drill ......................................................... 47 Planes ................................................................ 5 Pocket Remachining ..................................... 293 Pocket Toolpath .............................................. 81 Pocket Type .................................................... 85 Point Style ......................................................... 5 Polar Lines ..................................................... 578 Posting A File .................................................. 50 Profile Tolerance ........................................... 264 Program # ....................................................... 28 Q Quick Mask Toolbar .......................................... 2 Quiz Answers ................................................ 827 R Re-Chain ........................................................ 624 Rectangle ........................................................ 14 Rectangular Shapes ...................................... 443 Redo ................................................................ 15 Renaming The NC File ................................... 220 Reorganizing Toolbars ...................................... 4 Rest Material ................................................ 781 Retract ............................................................ 80 Ribbon Bar ........................................................ 2 Roll Cutter Around Corners ............................ 35 Rotate ........................................................... 327 Rough Passes/Finish Passes ............................ 42 S Saving A File .................................................... 25 Scale .................................................................. 2 Select A Machine ............................................ 27 Setup Stock ..................................................... 29 Slot Mill ......................................................... 545 Sorting ........................................................... 482 Spiral Inside To Outside .................................. 86 Spot Drilling .................................. 103, 365, 479 Start Angle .................................................... 184 Start Finish Pass At Closest Entity ................... 88 Status Bar .......................................................... 2 Stepover Percentage/Stepover Distance ...... 162 Stock Origin ..................................................... 29 Sweep ............................................................. 89 T Tangent 1 Entity ............................................ 425 Tangent Lines ................................................ 313 Tangent To Point ........................................... 571 Tapping ......................................................... 203 Tip Comp ......................................................... 49 Tip Offset ...................................................... 120 Tool Inspection/Change ................................ 263 Tool Manager ................................................ 674 Toolbar States ................................................... 7 Toolbars ............................................................ 2 Toolpath Groups ........................................... 503 Toolpaths/Solid Manager ................................. 2 Top Of Stock .................................................... 80 Total tolerance .............................................. 268 Translate ....................................... 249, 331, 434 Trim 1 Entity ......................................... 582, 698

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INDEX
Trim 2 Entities ....................................... 243, 583 Trim 3 Entities ....................................... 322, 430 Trim To Point ................................................ 141 Trim Two Entities .......................................... 139 U Undo ............................................................... 15 V Verify ............................................................... 39 View Port XYZ Axes ........................................... 2 View The Solids History ................................. 641 W Warn Of Duplicate Tool Numbers ................... 28 Work Coordinate System (WCS) ....................... 6 Work coordinate system (WCS) .................... 394 X XY Stepover ................................................... 264 Z Z Clearance ................................................... 266 Z Depth ............................................................. 5

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INDEX

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Thank you for previewing the

Mastercam X6 Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial.

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