Constant Chip-Load Machining Enhanced

CNC Software’s Mastercam 2017 release introduces a more efficient workflow, improved usability and Dynamic Motion improvements.

Dynamic Motion is designed to extend tool life, reduce cycle time, save wear-and-tear on machines and cut hard materials more easily by maintaining a constant chip load on the cutter. The software uses micro lifts with a line-of-sight approach to move tools through unobstructed areas. According to the company, this results in reposition-moves during micro lifting that are more efficient, less complex and travel a shorter distance. It is said to reduce machine time by as much as 75 percent.

Another new feature is Maximum Stock Engagement for select 3D HST Finishing toolpaths, enabling users to select a previously made stock model and set the maximum depth to limit how deeply the cutter engages uncut material. HST Raster enables users to limit raster passes relative to a cutoff distance, and then fills in the limited area with perpendicular raster motion to create a clean result. The company’s Mill-Turn supports multiple sessions, multiple machine groups and multi-station tool locators for turrets as well as half index positions.

Additional enhancement enable users to preview select 2D high-speed toolpaths in the graphics window before closing and generating or regenerating the toolpath. The Level and Plane Managers are now a dockable, floatable function panel and have been redesigned for more intuitive controls and easier workflow.

Tool Setup Manager in Mill-Turn has been redesigned to improve workflow and ease of use. Multiaxis Drill is equipped with new features including a line length for the drill depth, and recognition of the stock model for depth and top-of-stock purposes. Multiaxis includes a new four-axis toolpath, Rotary Advanced, which enables more control over the tool motion through the selection of walls, hubs and shroud surfaces.