Updated Software Improves Two- through Five-Axis Tool Paths

CNC Software’s Mastercam X9 software introduces improvements to its Dynamic Motion, Multiaxis, and Design and System features. To create the most efficient cutting motion possible, Dynamic tool paths calculate not only the area where metal will be removed; they also take into account the changing condition of the material through various stages of machining.

Dynamic Xform enables users to switch between gnomon manipulation and geometry manipulation mode at any time. Solid Disassemble is a new Model Prep function that takes an assembly and lays each body out in a single pane. The associativity between solids and toolpaths has been improved in this version. When bodies are edited, only the toolpaths directly affected by the change in the solid body are marked as dirty.

The new Multiaxis Link ensures reposition moves between two- through five-axis operations are safe and collision-free. Multiaxis Link is an operation that takes a list of toolpath operations and a safety zone shape as input. Mastercam X9 introduces improved processing logic for advanced multi-axis toolpaths. Select Multiaxis toolpaths now process in the Multi-Threading Manager, streamlining users’ two- through five-axis workflow.

Other Mastercam X9 features include Preview Toolpaths support for select Mill operations to see results before closing the toolpath parameters dialog; Surface High Speed Hybrid support for dedicated flat processing; improved efficiency of the 3D HST Rest Roughing Linking; and two new tool types in Mill Tooling as well as changes to two existing tools.