it would probably end up as me proving that mastercam can achieve the level of optical precision on a few test parts (or failing misserably!). Think of the machine I am running like its a 5 axis mill. table is x,y,c while the head is z,b. All of the tooling is diamond impregnated. I think spheres and plano could be done in mastercam. Sphere and plano are only one axis in motion (Z) and C spinning at whatever #rpm. Asphere and freeforms are where things seem like they will get tricky. You are right, it should have been purchased at the same time. Unfortunately I joined this team after the machine was purchased (brand new and setup, but not running yet). The software is a $40k bullet, so I just want to do my due diligence before I throw that at them.

Hi there, I was wondering if anyone is using Mastercam to generate toolpaths for optics grinding. I'm thinking spheres, aspheres and plano surfaces. The reason for this question is a machine manufacturer has things like aspheres locked behind a paywall in their conversational control software, and requires their own brand of CAM software to do freeforms. I have a significant amount of 5 axis programing experience with Mastercam, so I know I can generate toolpaths to create the optical profiles using Mastercam toolpaths. But maybe Mastercam cannot generate a precise enough toolpath for optics and so these manufacturers feel the need to create their own CAM software? Curious what you guys think. Iv been a machinist/programmer for 15 years, but just moved into a position at what is effectively an optics startup to run a 5 axis CNC grinder and eventually CNC polishing. The folks here are very experienced, with extensive knowledge optics, but all of it from a non CNC background. Very interesting work and optics is mind blowing levels of precision/accuracy.