mastercamx7 intro to multiaxis bai 2

Introduction to Multiaxis Training Tutorial

Intro to Multiaxis Training Tutorial

TABLE OF CONTENTS


MASTERCAM SHORTCUTS MASTERCAM QUICK REFERENCE CARD

MASTERCAM SHORTCUTS

Icon Function Keyboard Shortcut

Icon Function Keyboard Shortcut

Analyze entities F4 Mastercam version, SIM serial number Alt+V

AutoSave Alt+A Motion controller rotation point Alt+F12

C-Hook or user app Alt+C Pan Arrow keys

Configure Mastercam Alt+F8 Paste from clipboard Ctrl+V

Copy to clipboard Ctrl+C Redo an event that has been undone Ctrl+Y

Cut to clipboard Ctrl+X Regenerate display list Shift+Ctrl+R

Delete entities F5 Repaint F3

Drafting global options Alt+D Rotate Alt+Arrow keys

Exit Mastercam Alt+F4 Select all Ctrl+A

Fit geometry to screen Alt+F1 Selection grid options Alt+G

Gview–Back Alt+3 Shading on/off Alt+S

Gview–Bottom Alt+4 Show/hide all axes (WCS, Cplane, Tplane)

Alt+F9

Gview–Front Alt+2 Show/hide coordinate axes F9

Gview–Isometric Alt+7 Show/hide displayed toolpaths Alt+T

Gview–Left Alt+6 Show/hide Operations Manager pane Alt+O

Gview–Previous Alt+P Undo the last creation or event Ctrl+U, Ctrl+Z

Gview–Right Alt+5 Unzoom to 80% of original Alt+F2

Gview–Top Alt+1 Unzoom to previous or 50% of original F2

Help Alt+H Zoom around target point Ctrl+F1

Hide entities Alt+E Zoom with window selection F1

Level Manager Alt+Z Zoom/unzoom by 5% Page Up/Page Down

Main attributes, set from entity Alt+X


INTRO TO MULTIAXIS TRAINING TUTORIAL PROJECTS

Tutorial Toolpath Creation

#1Contour With Axis Substitution.

#2Drilling With Axis Substitution.Drilling With Rotary Axis Positioning.Contour With Axis Substitution.Transform Rotate.

#3Contour With Axis Substitution.Rolldie C-Hook.

Intro to Multiaxis Training Tutorial Page|15

TUTORIAL #1

Page |16 Intro to Multiaxis Training Tutorial

TUTORIAL #11 OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:

OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:

From Drawing to CAD Model: The student should examine the drawing on the following page to understand what part is being created in the

tutorial. From the drawing we can decide how to go about creating the geometry in Mastercam.

Create the 2D CAD Model used to generate Toolpaths from: The student will create a line in the Top Pane needed to create the toolpaths. Two files will be created one for a cylindrical helix, another for a conical helix. Geometry creation commands such as create line endpoint (horizontal and vertical), and the delete entities

command will be used.

Create the necessary Toolpaths to machine the part: The student will set up the stock size to be used and the appropriate tool settings. A contour toolpath will be created to machine a cylindrical helix using Axis Substitution. Another contour toolpath will be created to machine a conical helix using Axis Substitution.

Backplot and Verify the file: The Backplot will be used to simulate a step by step process of the tool’s movements. The Verify will be used to watch a tool machine the part out of a solid model.

Post Process the file to generate the G-code: The Student will then post process the file to obtain an NC file containing the necessary code for the machine.

This tutorial takes approximately forty five minutes to complete.


CREATE THE GEOMETRY OF THE CYLINDRICAL HELIX TUTORIAL #11

This tutorial covers Mastercam's 4 and 5-Axis toolpath functionality. To apply these toolpaths to a 5-Axis machine tool, a customized post processor for your machine is required. There are no default 5-Axis post processors included with Mastercam due to the variation in multi-axis machine configurations. Contact your Mastercam reseller to request post processor services such as multi-axis post development. Your post processor may require certain additional programming information not covered in this tutorial. For instance:

You may be required to position your stock in machine space rather than at Mastercam's origin. You may be required to use the Misc Values box. Your post may also prompt for tool gage lengths.

The nature of the additional information required depends largely on your machine's configuration. Contact the developer of your post processor for details.

STEP 1: CREATE THE GEOMETRY OF THE CYLINDRICAL HELIX

Cylindrical helix parameters:Diameter, D= 4".Number of spirals, n = 2.Helix length L= 8".

.


TUTORIAL #11 CREATE THE GEOMETRY OF THE CYLINDRICAL HELIX

1.1 Create the Horizontal Line

Create Line.

Endpoint.

[Specify the first endpoint]: Select the Origin by moving the cursor at the center of the grid as shown in Figure: 1.1.1.

Figure: 1.1.1

From the Ribbon bar, enable the Horizontal icon. [Specify the second endpoint]: Sketch the line to the right of the origin. In the Ribbon Bar, enter the Length = 8.0 as shown.

Select the Apply button to continue in the same command.

1.2 Create the Vertical Line

[Specify the first endpoint]: Select the Origin.

Enable the Vertical icon. [Specify the second endpoint]: Sketch the line above the origin. Click in the Length value field and press Ctrl + V (to paste the calculated value) as shown.

Select the OK button to exit the command.

Select the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen.

NOTE: To calculate the length of the vertical line, use the computer calculator (start/run type "calc").Enter pi* 2*4.Select Edit and copy (Ctrl + C).


CREATE THE GEOMETRY OF THE CYLINDRICAL HELIX TUTORIAL #11

1.3 Create Line Parallel

Create Line.

Parallel. [Select a line]: Select the horizontal line. Select the upper endpoint of the vertical line as shown in Figure: 1.3.1.

Figure: 1.3.1


1.4 Create the Hypotenuse of the Right Angle Triangle as shown in the Drawing

Create Line.

Endpoints.

Disable the Vertical icon and select the endpoints of the lines.


TUTORIAL #11 CREATE THE GEOMETRY OF THE CYLINDRICAL HELIX

The geometry should look as shown in Figure: 1.4.1.

Figure: 1.4.1


1.5 Delete the two Horizontal Lines and the Vertical Line

Click on the horizontal lines and on the vertical line and press Delete from the keyboard. The geometry should look as shown in Figure: 1.5.1.

Figure: 1.5.1

1.6 Save the File

File

Save As. Save the file as "TUTORIAL1_CYLINDRICALHELIX.MCX-7".


SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK TUTORIAL #11

STEP 2: SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK

In Mastercam, you select a Machine Definition before creating any toolpaths. The Machine Definition is a model of your machine tool's capabilities and features and acts like a template for setting up machining jobs. The machine definition ties together three main components: the schematic model of your machine tool’s components, the control definition that models your control unit’s capabilities and the post processor that will generate the required machine code (G-code). For the purpose of this tutorial, we will be using the Mill 4 Axis VMC machine.

Step Preview:

2.1 Add the Machine in the short list

Machine typeMill.Manage list.

NOTE: If you already have the default machine in the Toolpaths Operations Manager, do not select another machine. Expand Properties and select Files, and then select Replace button and select the MILL 4 - AXIS VMC.MMD-7. Otherwise, follow next step.


TUTORIAL #11 SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK

Select the MILL 4 - AXIS VMC.MMD-7. Select the Add button to add the machine into the Machine Definition Menu as shown in Figure: 2.1.1.

Figure: 2.1.1

Select the OK button to exit Machine Definition Menu Management dialog box.

2.2 Select the Machine Type

Machine typeMill. Select the MILL 4 - AXIS VMC.MMD-7 as shown.



2.3 Set the Tool Parameters in the Tool Settings

Select the plus sign in front of Properties in the Toolpaths Manager to expand the Toolpaths Group Properties as shown.

Select the Tool Settings to set the tool parameters as shown in Figure: 2.3.1.

Figure: 2.3.1


TUTORIAL #11 SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK

Change the parameters to match the Figure: 2.3.2.

Figure: 2.3.2

Program # is used to enter a number if your machine tool requires a number for a program name.

Assign Tool Numbers Sequentially allows you to overwrite the tool number from the library with the next available tool number. (First operation tool number 1; Second operation tool number 2, etc.)

Warn Of Duplicate Tool Numbers allows you to receive a warning if you enter two tools with the same number.

Override Defaults With Modal Values enables the system to keep the values that you enter.

Feed Calculation set From tool uses feed rate, plunge rate, retract rate and spindle speed from the tool definition.



2.4 Set the Stock Shape and Size

Select the Stock Setup tab to define the stock. Set the Stock Shape to Cylindrical and the Axis to X. Set the Diameter to 4.0 and the Length to 8.0 as shown in Figure: 2.4.1.

Figure: 2.4.1

Select the OK button to exit Machine Group Properties.

Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen.

Change the Graphic view to Isometric.

The Stock Origin values adjust the positioning of the stock, ensuring that you have equal amount of extra stock around the finished part.

Display options allow you to set the stock as Wireframe and to fit the stock to the screen. (Fit Screen)


TUTORIAL #11 MACHINE THE CYLINDRICAL HELIX - AXIS SUBSTITUTION ABOUT Y AXIS

The stock should look as shown in Figure: 2.4.2.

Figure: 2.4.2

STEP 3: MACHINE THE CYLINDRICAL HELIX - AXIS SUBSTITUTION ABOUT Y AXIS

Axis substitution is used to wrap a toolpath around a cylinder. The geometry can be either flat or already properly oriented in 3D space (select the Unroll option if this is so). Rotary diameter sets the size of the cylinder that the toolpath is rotating about. It is used mainly for toolpaths on cylinders. To machine the helix you will use a contour toolpath with no cutter compensation.

Toolpath Preview:

NOTE: Remember that the stock is not geometry and can not be selected.

NOTE: Before you can create rotary axis motion, you need to properly configure the rotary axis components in your machine definition. You will only be able to select rotary axis options which are supported by your machine definition.


MACHINE THE CYLINDRICAL HELIX - AXIS SUBSTITUTION ABOUT Y AXIS TUTORIAL #11

Toolpaths

Contour.

If a prompt appears to Enter new NC name, select the OK button to accept the default.

[Select Contour chain 1]: Select the line as shown in Figure: 3.0.1.

Figure: 3.0.1

Select the OK button to exit from the Chaining dialog box.

3.1 Toolpath Type

In the Toolpath type page, the Contour toolpath should be already selected as shown.



3.2 Set the Tool page parameters

The Tool page allows you to select a tool, set the feeds and speeds, enter a comment about the operation, and set other general toolpath parameters.

From the Tree View Area, select Tool. To select the tool, click on the Select library tool button as shown.

Select the Filter button as shown.



Select the None button to unselect any previous tool selection as shown in Figure: 3.2.1. Select the Endmill Flat in the Tool Types list. Select the drop down arrow in the Tool Diameter field and select Equal. Enter 1.0 in the Tool Diameter value box as shown in Figure: 3.2.1.

Figure: 3.2.1

Select OK button to exit Tool List Filter. Make sure that the tool in the Tool Selection window is highlighted, otherwise select it.

Select the OK button to exit from the Tool Selection dialog box.

NOTE: The feeds and spindle speed are based on the tool definition. You can overwrite them with the feeds and speed that you want to use. You can also let Mastercam calculate the feeds and speed using the Feed speed calculator.



Add a comment in the Comment area to identify the toolpath in the Toolpath Manager and also in the NC file. The Tool page should look as shown in Figure: 3.2.2.

Figure: 3.2.2



3.3 Set the Cut Parameters

From the Tree View Area, select Cut Parameters. Select the Cut Parameters page and change the Compensation Type to Off as shown in Figure: 3.3.1.

Figure: 3.3.1

NOTE: The cutter compensation is turned off as you want the tool to follow the chain with the center of the tool.



3.4 Depth Cuts

From the Tree view area, select Depth cuts. Enable Depth cuts and set the Max rough step to 0.25 as shown in Figure: 3.4.1.

Figure: 3.4.1



3.5 Lead In/Out

To make sure that the helix is properly machined, on both ends of the cylinder, you are extending the contour geometry (in our case the line) with 100% of the tool diameter.

From the Tree view area, select Lead In/Out. Disable Enter/exit at midpoint in closed contours and Gouge check. Disable Entry and Exit. Enable Adjust start of contour and Extend. Set the Length = 100%.Make sure the Adjust end of contour is enable and the parameters are set the same as in Figure: 3.5.1.

Figure: 3.5.1



3.6 Linking Parameters

In this page you can set the Clearance, the Retract, the Feed plane heights, the Top of the stock and the final machining Depth. Clearance sets the height at which the tool moves to and from the part.Retract sets the height that the tool moves up to before the next tool pass.Feed plane sets the height that the tool rapids to before changing to the plunge rate to enter the part.

Select the Linking parameters page and set all heights to Absolute and change the values as shown in Figure: 3.6.1.

Figure: 3.6.1

NOTE: The radius of the rotary diameter is added to all the Z positions during output (if the switch is enabled in the post processor). The absolute values are measured from the cylinder diameter, setup in the Rotary axis control page. The incremental values are measured from the chained geometry.



3.7 Set the Rotary Axis Control Page

Axis substitution replaces the X or Y axis for 3-axis toolpaths. The part moves about the rotating axis and the tool remains perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Used for toolpaths on cylinders. The geometry can be either flat or already properly oriented in 3D space (select the Unroll option if this is so).Rotary diameter sets the size of the cylinder that the toolpath is rotating about. It is used mainly for toolpaths on cylinders.

Select the Rotary Axis Control page and change the Rotation type to Axis substitution, Substitute Y-Axis. Set the Rotary diameter to 4.0.Make sure that the Rotation direction is CW and Unroll is not selected as shown in Figure: 3.7.1.

Figure: 3.7.1

Select the OK button to exit the Contour parameters.


TUTORIAL #11 BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATH

STEP 4: BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATH

Backplotting shows the path the tools take to cut the part. This display lets you spot errors in the program before you machine the part. As you backplot toolpaths, Mastercam displays additional information such as the X, Y, and Z coordinates, the path length , the minimum and maximum coordinates and the cycle time. It also shows any collisions between the workpiece and the tool.

From the Toolpaths Operations Manager, select the Backplot/Verify Options icon.

Change the parameters as shown in Figure: 4.0.1.

Figure: 4.0.1

Select the OK button to exit Backplot/Verify Options.


BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #11

Make sure that the toolpath is selected (signified by the green check mark on the folder icon). Select the Backplot selected operations button as shown.

Select the Backplot tab and have the following settings enabled as shown.

Select the Home tab and make sure that you have the following settings on as shown.

To see the part from an Isometric view select the Isometric icon.

To fit the workpiece to the screen, select the Fit icon.

You can step through the Backplot by using the Step forward or Step back buttons.

You can adjust the speed of the Backplot.

NOTE: Mastercam lunches a new window that allows you to check the part usind Backplot or Verify.


TUTORIAL #11 BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATH

Select the Play Simulation button in the VCR bar to run Backplot.

The toolpath should look as shown.


VERIFY THE TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #11

STEP 5: VERIFY THE TOOLPATH

Verify Mode shows the path the tools take to cut the part with material removal. This display lets you spot errors in the program before you machine the part. As you verify toolpaths, Mastercam displays additional information such as the X, Y, and Z coordinates, the path length , the minimum and maximum coordinates and the cycle time. It also shows any collisions between the workpiece and the tool.

From Mastercam Backplot Home tab, switch to Verify and leave the settings for the Visibility and Focus as shown in Figure: 5.0.1.

Figure: 5.0.1

Select the Play Simulation button in the VCR bar to run Verify.

The part should look as shown.

To exit Verify click on the Close icon.


TUTORIAL #11 POST THE FILE TO GENERATE THE NC CODE

STEP 6: POST THE FILE TO GENERATE THE NC CODE

Select Post selected operations button from Toolpath Operations Manager as shown.

In the Post processing window, if needed, make any necessary changes as shown in Figure: 6.0.1.

Figure: 6.0.1

Select the OK button to continue. Enter the same name as the file name in the NC File name field. Save the NC file.

NOTE: The active Post Processor is a generic fanuc post processor. Please check the information about the post processor at page 17.


SAVE THE UPDATED MCX-7 FILE TUTORIAL #11

The NC file will appear in Mastercam Code Expert as shown in Figure: 6.0.2.

Figure: 6.0.2

Select the "X" box at the upper right corner to close the Editor.

STEP 7: SAVE THE UPDATED MCX-7 FILE

NOTE: The G code that you have created will appear on the screen, if the code looks okay you can shut the window down without saving it. If you need to change the code, make sure you save it before you close the window down. How the program is sent to the machine depends on the shop setup.


TUTORIAL #11 CREATE THE GEOMETRY OF THE CONICAL HELIX

STEP 8: CREATE THE GEOMETRY OF THE CONICAL HELIX

Conical helix parameters:Major Diameter, D = 4".Minor Diameter, d = 3".Number of spirals, n = 2.Helix length L= 8".

.

8.1 Open the Tutorial1_Cylindricalhelix.MCX-7

File

Open. Select the "Tutorial1_Cylindricalhelix.MCX-7" file.

8.2 Delete the Toolpath

In the Toolpaths Operations Manager, right mouse click on the toolpath.


CREATE THE GEOMETRY OF THE CONICAL HELIX TUTORIAL #11

Select Delete from the list as shown.

Click on the Yes button to allow Mastercam to proceed.

8.3 Modify the Geometry using Analyze Entity Properties Command

Analyze

Entity Properties. Select the line. Change the Z value of the second endpoint to -0.5 (the difference in radius between the major and the minor

diameter) as shown in Figure: 8.3.1.

Figure: 8.3.1

Select the OK button to exit Line Properties dialog box.

NOTE: By deleting the toolpath using the right mouse click options the machine group properties (tool settings and stock setup) are still available. Also the tool will be already selected.


TUTORIAL #11 MACHINE THE CONICAL HELIX - AXIS SUBSTITUTION ABOUT Y AXIS

8.4 Save the File

File

Save As. Save the file as "TUTORIAL1_CONICALHELIX.MCX-7".

STEP 9: MACHINE THE CONICAL HELIX - AXIS SUBSTITUTION ABOUT Y AXIS

Axis substitution replaces the X or Y axis for 3-axis toolpaths. The part moves about the rotating axis and the tool remains perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Used for toolpaths on cylinders. The geometry can be either flat or already properly oriented in 3D space (select the Unroll option if this is so).Rotary diameter sets the size of the cylinder that the toolpath is rotating about.

Toolpath Preview:

9.1 Create the Contour Toolpath using Axis Substitution as per the previous step

NOTE: Use the 1" Flat Endmill and set the contour toolpath parameters as shown in Step 3. The only differences are:The Contour type is automatically set to 3D as the line is not anymore flat.In the Linking Parameters, the Depth is automatically set to incremental as the line is not anymore flat. Enter the Depth value -0.5.


MACHINE THE CONICAL HELIX - AXIS SUBSTITUTION ABOUT Y AXIS TUTORIAL #11

9.2 Backplot the Toolpath

9.3 Verify the Toolpath

NOTE: To rotate the part, move the cursor to the center of the part and click and hold the mouse wheel and slowly move it in one direction.To Zoom In or Out hold down the mouse wheel and scroll up or down as needed.


TUTORIAL #11 SAVE THE UPDATED MCX-7 FILE

9.4 Post Process the Toolpath as shown in Step 6

STEP 10: SAVE THE UPDATED MCX-7 FILE


NOTES: TUTORIAL #11

NOTES:

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