Updated CAM Software Better Prepares CAD Models for Efficient Programming

CNC Software Inc. offers Mastercam 2017, introducing dozens of significant improvements intended to make it easier to create CNC programs for complex parts, improve safe material removal and extend support for a broader range of equipment.

The software incorporates a robust CAD package that includes special tools for preparing CAD models for efficient CNC programming and for designing tools and fixtures used during subsequent manufacturing processes. CAD-for-CAM tools can reportedly eliminate hours of time required to prepare models for efficient CNC programming. For example, Solid Impression helps quickly make custom fixtures while Solid Disassemble takes an assembly and lays each body out for easier machining.

Enhancements to make 2D machining more efficient include improvements to Mastercam’s Dynamic Motion tool paths.

To ease programming for complex parts on four- and five-axis machines, the Advanced Rotary 4-Axis module automatically constructs the appropriate tool path based on a short sequence of predefined steps. Similarly, Stock Aware Multiaxis Drilling simplifies and automates the creation of multi-axis hole drilling operations. For programming mill-turn machines, Mastercam 2017 introduces Multi-Station Tool Locators for turrets and half-index positions. Tool locator positions are now set in the turret setup, which has been redesigned; as a result, turrets that could only support 12 tools before can now show 50.

Mastercam’s CAM programming tools have been reorganized and relocated to be easier to find and to improve workflow.