sample parts

[GI George]

I am looking for some different sample parts to hone my Mastercam skills on. I am farily new to Mastercam having used Powermill, VX, and Think 3 before. The company I work for won't send me for any type of formal training. I would like to work on 3d tool paths as well as 4 and 5 axis.

 

Thanks for any help you might have.

[HEED]

First start with the basics. Make your company buy you a set of books. They are pretty indispenible to learn the system if you are new to it. The in house books have a site on this site. http://emastercam.com/files/ There is an option to download the file with the toolpath. I learn that way pretty well, but most of them wont make sense without a workbook. One of the biggest gripes you will hear is that the books don't really tell you what parameters you are setting. They just say tab to this page, and put these numbers in. You just kind of have to play with the numbers and learn what they control. Learn to draw and manipulate the drawing to set your origin, then just start with the 2d and go from there. This website is truly stellar to have as a resource.

[Bwalker]

http://www.mastercam.com/Support/Downloads...X4/Default.aspx

[GI George]

Thanks.

 

I have been using Mastercam for about 2 years off and on while running two Haas machines. I have the 2d stuff down pretty good but the 3d I want to work on some more. 90% of what we do is 2d work. I make 3d paths and I am just not sure what all the settings are or how to control certain things.

[Thad]

quote:

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I make 3d paths and I am just not sure what all the settings are or how to control certain things.

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George,

 

Most dialog boxes have a "?" at the bottom right corner. Click that and it will bring up context sensitive Help. Look for the "field definitions" tab at the top. There, you'll find a description of what each button on that page does. Very helpful!

 

Thad

[X-L Engineering Corp]

Did you look into Mastercam "U" pretty inexpensive also you can access some files that people here have worked on in the FTP site at the top of the page. And any other questions just post them here these guys know their stuff.

 

HTH

[robh]

"streaming teacher"is pretty cheap for a three month subscription and alot of help IMO. This forum's search function and the help from all the guys on it are priceless.

[LaszloK]

GI, what type of programming do you do, parts or tooling? I can send you a solid model of a thermoforming mold modeled in mastercam.

[GI George]

It varies. Mostly tooling. I would like to see what you have.

 

I used to make forging dies. It was all 3d work, but when the economy started to tank I decided to make a switch to a job shop running a different software and a different type of machining. I have learned alot making the switch.

[MotorCityMinion]

Try downloading some .mcx files from the FTP. Go thru them and observe the tool paths in backplot, closely. Then increase the settings, 1 at a time, by say 100 to 300% and watch what takes place. There's no hard and fast rule that works with all the surfacing routines.

 

Start with just the default settings and shut off all the helical and ramping entry moves so that you can see the tool path clearly.

 

Direction in/outs as well as gap settings and Tangential leads can distort a cutter path or make it smooth as silk.

 

Also note that changing some values by .00005 to .001 can geek up a good path or fix a crappy path. Seat time is a must.

 

Adding a .001 radius to sharp corner geometry can change things quickly.

 

If you have the solids options, make some simple parts and start there.

 

The pros in here speak highly of Powermill. I'm thinking the transition shouldn't be to tough.

HTH.

 

If you don't mind me asking, where abouts in MI are you located?

[GI George]

I live in Northern MI and drive almost 2 hrs for work right now down by Saginaw.

[Thad]

George,

 

I grew up in Auburn. I have a lot of relative that live in Saginaw.

 

Thad

[Thee Rickster ™]

Which version?

 

Don't forget to check the sample files out

that come with the install on your hdrive.

[Jack Sierra Cad/Cam]

Go get HLE it comes with sample parts