Mill - Multiaxis
Multiaxis toolpaths in Version 9 have undergone extensive changes giving users access to new powerful functions.
Geometry Interface
A new method for defining Cut Patterns, Tool Axis Control, Drive Surfaces, and Check Surfaces has been implemented for most Multiaxis toolpaths. This dialog box will appear first when creating Multiaxis toolpaths or when the geometry icon in the Operations Manager is selected. See the Multiaxis sample parts for specific examples.
Cut Pattern
The cut pattern works as a guide to determine how the toolpath will be generated. Users can pick an existing Surface or define parametric Cylinders, Spheres, and Boxes that guide initial tool motion.
Tool Axis Control
This option allows users complete control on how the tool axis motion will be controlled during toolpath generation. Using a surface for both the cut pattern and the tool axis control will result in a Flowline like toolpath with the surface normals controlling the too axis. Additional options give the ability to force the tool axis to behave specific to the users needs. Including options to focus the toolpath to or from a specific position, and the use of a closed boundary to contain the tool axis.
Cut Surfaces
This option enables users to choose drive surfaces that are to be cut. Surfaces other than the Pattern surface can be included.
Check Surfaces
This option allows users to define surfaces as check surfaces similar to 3 axis milling.
Multisurface 5 axis
This new toolpath gives users the ability to Rough and Finish with the same interface. The interface gives users control over Lead and Lag angles. Toolpath stepover along and across the part. Options for zigzag, one-way, or spiral toolpath motion, roughing parameters including number of depth cuts and values for depth of cut. Point Generators, which are used to add additional tool moves in areas of the part that change rapidly. Other options include the ability for users to set Axis limits so toolpaths can not be created with angles greater than the Milling machine can support.
Conical and Taper Cutters
Multiaxis toolpaths in Version 9 can also compensate for Conical and Tapered cutters, giving greater flexibility in creating parts with undercuts.
Mill – New Backplot Controls
Run Mode Interruption
Users can begin backplotting in Run mode and then interrupt it by hitting the Enter key. From there they can change parameters and switch to Step mode to verify their toolpaths.
Display Dialog Box Interface
As options have increased in Backplot changes have been made in the interface to make it easy to modify. The interface gives users quick access to everything needed to utilize backplot to it’s most potential.
Home Position
Users can now have the option to include moves to the Home Position while using Backplot. Located on the General Tab, this option can be used to help assure users that tool changes do not collide with the part in any way.
Save as Geometry
Now users have control over what Level Backplotted geometry is saved to, including the Entity Attribute Manager. The three switches labeled Now, Session, and Always control when Geometry will be saved. Now will save geometry for the occasion that backplot is run, Session will activate the saving of geometry for the remainder of the current session. Always will turn it on permanently.
Tool Profile
On the Appearance Tab users will find a setting for the display of the tool. Auto will use one of the standard profiles for displaying the tool. As defined will read each tool and represent it as it has been defined. This is important when using custom tools.
Show Coordinates and Verbose Mode
Also found on the Appearance Tab is Show coordinates, which also allows Verbose Mode to be activated. Show Coordinates works like it always has, display X, Y, and Z values as the tool moves around the screen. Verbose Mode displays all of the toolpath information for every step of the toolpath. This includes the Toolpath Group Name, The Toolpath Type, The Operation ID Number, and the Toolplane used. Tool information like the Name, Diameter, Corner Radius, and Coolant information also appear. That is followed by the X, Y, Z values for each step and the type of move it is. G0 is a rapid move, G1 is a linear feed move, G2 is a clockwise arc move, and a G3 is a counter clockwise arc move. Following each move is the current feedrate. All of this information allows users to see exactly what information will be sent to the Post.
Toolpath Motion Color
Not only can users set colors for backplot results, they can control the color of each type of motion Mastercam creates. Rapid, Feed, CW arcs, and CCW arcs can all have a separate color to aid in the inspection of a toolpath.\
