Mastercam 2017 at SOLIDWORKS World     

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2017-01-26 23:41:00

SOLIDWORKS World 2017 will feature the latest in the line of powerful Mastercam machining software. Mastercam 2017 for SOLIDWORKS features 3D machining enhancements, Multiaxis improvements, and so much more.

3D Machining Enhancements

Maximum Stock Engagement allows you to select a previously made stock model and set the maximum depth so that you can limit how deeply the cutter engages uncut materials, especially useful when semi-finishing a part. Perpendicular fill for the Raster toolpath allows you to limit raster passes and then fills in the limited area with perpendicular raster motion to create a more consistent finish. And, for quicker toolpath regeneration, the processing time for High Speed Scallop has been decreased.

Multi-axis Improvements

To reduce confusion, the Multi-axis toolpaths have been consolidated. They are now grouped by either a Pattern or Application toolpath to make them easier to find. The new 4-axis toolpath, Rotary Axis, allows more control over the tool motion through the selection of walls, hubs, and shroud surfaces. And, Multiaxis Drill has many new features including using a line length for the drill depth and recognition of the stock model for depth and top of stock purposes.

Exceptional Support

With Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS, users get support from Mastercam Resellers around the world; many who have been supporting Mastercam for over 25 years. From tech support and training to curriculum and rollouts, Mastercam is there to make sure your shop is running at its best. 

Also available in the Mastercam 2017 for SOLIDWORKS release:

To make your job easier, Analyze Toolpath is used to display information such as coordinates, direction, operation number, and more when you hover over any part of the tool motion.

To simplify your work, the Tplanes function now associates toolplanes to the SOLIDWORKS geometry that was used to create them.

To view real-time operation data about selected toolpaths, you can choose the Display toolpath statistics option.

Category-specific icons are now included on the SOLIDWORKS ribbon bar. All drop-downs now have an icon that matches the first of the functions to make it easier to find what you are looking for.

Those who purchase or update to Mastercam Mill 2017 or Mastercam Lathe 2017 will also be able to use the corresponding version of Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS.

New Chip Break is available in Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS Lathe and is valuable when working with stringy materials, and allows you to set length and time conditions, retract, and dwell options.

Code Expert enhancements including fonts and colors in NC Configuration and character coding.

Mastercam Simulator Auto Start which allows Mastercam Simulator to immediately begin to play once a sufficient amount of data has been transferred.

Custom Tool Display allows users to define a tool using parametric properties along with a custom profile that can be imported from a CAD file.

• Follow @CNCTimes