Mastercam Software Enables Simultaneous 4- and 5-Axis Machining

The software offers a range of multi-axis machining strategies, both basic and advanced. Photo Credit: Mastercam – CNC Software Inc.

Mastercam’s Multiaxis software is an add-on for Mastercam Mill 3D, Router 3D, Mill-Turn and Mastercam for Solidworks, which is designed to improve productivity with simultaneous 4- and 5-axis machining capability. The software offers a range of multi-axis machining strategies, both basic and advanced. These toolpaths are also useful for advanced control of 3-axis machines, the company says.

The Multiaxis Unified toolpath enables users to select multiple pieces of input geometry to generate the toolpath pattern. Using those geometry choices, the toolpath picks the best algorithm to calculate the path. This single toolpath gives users access to all the surface-based toolpaths, as well as the geodesic toolpath options, in a single interface.

Deburr toolpath enhancements include an option for number of cuts along edges, which enables users to add multiple cuts to the deburr toolpath (rounding or flattening edges) to create a quality edge on deburred parts. Additionally, the Tilt Range options enable users to limit tilt when machining type is set to 5-axis (simultaneous) or 3+2 axis.

The software also provides control of climb or conventional cutting while working with surfaces that may require using both sides of a tool. It was previously impossible to maintain this while cutting a curved shape that would require the use of both sides of the tool.

Swarf Milling toolpath enhancements include the Drop tool to floor option which controls whether Mastercam will drop the toolpath down to a floor or retract to the bottom of swarf surfaces. The Sorting Spiral Multi Cuts option enables multiple slices to be output as a spiral instead of single slices, providing a better finish across the part.

Rotary Advanced toolpath enhancements include the axis offset option that enables users to shift the tool off center to maintain a better contact point, which extends tool life and improves the machining quality. The new smoothing options round sharp corners using a perfect form of the stepover.