Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

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Mastercam X5 Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

Copyright: 1998 -2010 In-House Solutions Inc. All rights reserved
Software: Mastercam X5
Author: Mariana Lendel
ISBN: 978-1-926566-78-8
Revision Date: October 13, 2010
Notice
In-House Solutions Inc. reserves the right to make improvements to this manual at any time and without
notice.
Disclaimer Of All Warranties And Liability
In-House Solutions Inc. makes no warranties, either express or implied, with respect to this manual or
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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial Contents

Getting Started ...................................................................................................A-1
Tutorials
Tutorial #1 ......................................................................................................................... 1-1
Tutorial #2 ......................................................................................................................... 2-1
Tutorial #3 ......................................................................................................................... 3-1
Tutorial #4 ......................................................................................................................... 4-1
Tutorial #5 ......................................................................................................................... 5-1
Tutorial #6 ......................................................................................................................... 6-1
Tutorial #7 ......................................................................................................................... 7-1
Tutorial #8 ......................................................................................................................... 8-1
Tutorial #9 ......................................................................................................................... 9-1
Tutorial #10 ..................................................................................................................... 10-1

General Notes ..................................................................................................... B-1

Creating/Editing tools ......................................................................................... C-1
Quiz Answers ......................................................................................................D-1

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

TUTORIAL #31

TUTORIAL #3
Objectives:
The Student will design a 2-dimensional drawing by:
!Create arcs polar knowing the diameter, location, start and end angles.
!Create parallel lines, by defining the offset direction and distance.
!Create fillets knowing the radius size.
!Create lines on an angle knowing the starting point and angle.
!Mirror the part to create the other 1/2 of the part.
The Student will create toolpaths consisting of two setups:
!An open pocket toolpath to remove the material in the open area.
!Contour remachining toolpath to cut the material which the open pocket left.
!A circle mill toolpath to remove the material in the arc.
!Three drill toolpaths to, spot drill, drill and tap the holes.
!A contour toolpath to remove the material at the parts exterior.
!The contour toolpath will be part of setup #2
The Student will simulate the toolpaths using Mastercam's Verify and Backplot by:
!Defining a 3-dimensional rectangular block the size of the workpiece.
!Running the Backplot to see the path the tool takes to cut the part.
!Running the Verify to simulate the tool cutting from a solid model.
This tutorial takes approximately one hour to complete.

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

SETTING UP THE GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE

TUTORIAL #31

GEOMETRY CREATION

STEP 1:

SETTING UP THE GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE

Before starting the geometry creation we should customize the toolbars to see the toolbars required
to create the geometry and machine a 2D part. See Getting started page A-4 for details.
Make sure that the Grid is enabled. It will show you where the part origin is. See Getting started page
A-6 for further information.
The Operations Manager to the left of the screen can be hidden to gain more space in the graphic area
for design. From the keyboard, press Alt + O keys simultaneously to hide it. Repeat this command to
make it visible again.

Figure: 1.0.1

NOTE: We will create 1/2 of the geometry.

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TUTORIAL #31
STEP 2:

CREATE ARCS POLAR

CREATE ARCS POLAR

In this step you will learn how to create arcs polar. To create arcs polar you need to define center
point, radius, start point or angle and end point or angle.

Step Preview:

2.1 Create the 1.5" diameter arc

Create
Arc
Arc Polar
[Select position for the center of the arc]: Select the Origin.
Figure: 2.1.1

Make sure that when selecting the origin, the visual cue of the cursor changes as shown.

Input a Diameter
End Angle

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of 1.5 inches, hit tab and enter a Start Angle

of 180 degrees.

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

of 0.0 degrees and a

CREATE ARCS POLAR

TUTORIAL #31

Your drawing will appear as shown up to this point.

Figure: 2.1.2

Choose the Apply button to continue.

NOTE: During the geometry creation of this tutorial, if you make a mistake you can undo the
last step using the Undo icon

. You can undo as many steps as needed. If you delete or

undo a step by mistake, just use the Redo icon

first and then press Delete from the keyboard.

. To delete unwanted geometry, select it

Select the Fast Point icon from the Auto Cursor ribbon bar
.
Input the value 1.25, 0.0 and hit enter to place the Arc center point.

Enter a Diameter

of 0.25 inches, hit tab and enter a Start Angle

of 0.0 degrees and a

End Angle
of 180 degrees.
Your drawing will appear as shown up to this point.
Figure: 2.1.3

Choose the apply button to continue.

Select the Origin for the arc center point.
Enter a Radius
an End Angle

of 1.5 inches, hit tab twice and enter a Start Angle

of 90 degrees and

of 180 degrees.

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TUTORIAL #31

CREATE HORIZONTAL LINES

Your drawing will appear as shown up to this point.

Figure: 2.1.4

Select the OK button to exit the Arc Polar command

Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen

STEP 3:

CREATE HORIZONTAL LINES

In this step you will learn how to create horizontal lines.

Step Preview:

Create
Line
Endpoint
Select the horizontal icon

NOTE: Once this icon has been selected you will only be able to create horizontal lines.
Select a point to the left of the large arc. Select another point to the right of the small arc to
create a horizontal line. Enter a value to offset that line in the Y-Axis direction of 1.25".

Select the Apply button to continue

.
Repeat this same step creating a line offset in the Y-Axis direction of 0.75".

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CREATE VERTICAL LINES

TUTORIAL #31

Your drawing will appear as shown up to this point.

Figure: 3.0.1

STEP 4:

CREATE VERTICAL LINES

In this step you will learn how to create vertical lines.

Step Preview:

Create
Line
Endpoint
Select the vertical icon

NOTE: Once this icon has been selected you will only be able to create vertical lines.
Select a point to the right of the small arc. Select another point above the original selected
point to create a vertical line. Enter a value to offset that line in the X-Axis direction of 1.75".

Choose the apply button to continue.

Repeat this same step creating a line offset in the X-Axis direction of 3.0".
Select the OK button once complete

Pick the Fit icon to view all of the entities

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TUTORIAL #31

TRIM TWO ENTITIES

Your drawing will appear as shown up to this point.

Figure: 4.0.1

STEP 5:

TRIM TWO ENTITIES

In this step you will learn how to trim two entities to each other.

Step Preview:

Edit
Trim/Break
Trim/Break/Extend
Select the trim 2 entities command

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and ensure the option to Trim is enabled

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

TRIM TWO ENTITIES

TUTORIAL #31

Select the two lines.

Figure: 5.0.1

NOTE: When selecting the second line you will notice the lines change to a hidden line style.
This is a preview of what is going to be trimmed and lets you select another entity if
necessary.
Repeat the step selecting the lines as shown.
Figure: 5.0.2

Your drawing will appear as shown up to this point.

Figure: 5.0.3

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TUTORIAL #31
STEP 6:

TRIM A LINE TO A POINT

TRIM A LINE TO A POINT

Trim to point trims an entity to a point or any defined position in the graphics window. If the point that
you enter does not lie on the selected entity, Mastercam calculates the closest position on the entity
and trims the entity to that.

Step Preview:

Edit
Trim/Break
Trim/Break/Extend
Select the trim to point
command and ensure the option to trim is enabled
Select the line as shown and then select the Origin as the point to trim to.

Figure: 6.0.1

Select the OK button to exit the trim command

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

CREATE LINE ENDPOINT

STEP 7:

TUTORIAL #31

CREATE LINE ENDPOINT

Create Line Endpoint lets you create lines from a selected endpoint or intersection to a selected point
at a given angle.

Step Preview:

Create
Line
Endpoint
Select the intersection point for the first endpoint.

NOTE: Ensure the vertical or horizontal is not enabled.

Figure: 7.0.1

Pick the second line endpoint point roughly in the area as shown.
Figure: 7.0.2

Change the line Length to 3.0 inches and Angle to 5.00 degrees.

Choose the Apply button once the values have been input

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TUTORIAL #31

CREATE LINE ENDPOINT

Pick the intersection point for another line.

Figure: 7.0.3

Pick the second Line Endpoint point roughly in the area as shown.
Figure: 7.0.4

Change the line Length to 3.0 inches and angle to 175.0 degrees.

Select the OK button once the values have been input

Your drawing will appear as shown up to this point.

Figure: 7.0.5

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

CREATE FILLETS

STEP 8:

TUTORIAL #31

CREATE FILLETS
Fillets are used to round sharp corners.

Step Preview:

Create
Fillet
Entities
Enter a fillet radius of 0.25. Ensure the fillet style is set to Normal and trim is enabled.

Select the Arc and Line.

Figure: 8.0.1

Select the two angled lines.

Figure: 8.0.2

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TUTORIAL #31

CREATE FILLETS

Pick the angled line and the vertical line.

Figure: 8.0.3

Select the Apply button

Input a Fillet Radius of 0.125 in the ribbon bar.

Select the two lines.

Figure: 8.0.4

Your drawing will appear as shown up to this point.

Figure: 8.0.5

Select the OK button to exit the create fillet command

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

DELETE THE CONSTRUCTION LINE

STEP 9:

TUTORIAL #31

DELETE THE CONSTRUCTION LINE

Delete the construction line to remove it from the graphics user interface.

Select the line as shown.

Figure: 9.0.1

Pick the Delete icon to remove the line.

STEP 10:

XFORM MIRROR
Mirror entities by reflecting them symmetrically with respect to a defined axis or point.

Step Preview:

Xform
Mirror

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TUTORIAL #31

XFORM MIRROR

Create a box around the part. Left click and hold the mouse down, drag the mouse down to
the lower left area of the part and left click again.
Figure: 10.0.1

Select the End Selection button.

When the Mirror dialog box appears enable Copy and choose the option to mirror about the
X axis.
Figure: 10.0.2

Select the OK button to exit the Mirror dialog box.

Pick the Clear Colour icon to re-set the drawing colors to the original system colour
Your drawing will appear as shown.

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

JOIN ENTITIES

TUTORIAL #31

Figure: 10.0.3

STEP 11:

JOIN ENTITIES
Join entities is used to join collinear lines, arcs that have the same center and radius.

NOTE: There is no step preview for this step because the drawing will appear the same.
Edit
Join Entities
Select the entities as shown.
Figure: 11.0.1

Once those entities have all been selected pick the End Selection button.

NOTE: If you move your mouse over those entities now they should appear as one solid
entity.

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

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TUTORIAL #31
STEP 12:

SAVE THE FILE

SAVE THE FILE

Figure: 12.0.1

File
Save As
File name: "Your Name_3"
Select the OK button to save your file.

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

SUGGESTED FIXTURE:

TUTORIAL #31

TOOLPATH CREATION

SUGGESTED FIXTURE:

NOTE: In order to machine this part we will have 2 setups and output 2 NC files. To view the
second setup see page 58.

SETUP SHEET:

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

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TUTORIAL #31
STEP 13:

SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK.

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 machines capabilities and features. It acts like a template for setting up your
machine. The machine definition ties together three main components. The schematic model of your
machines components. The control definition that models your control capabilities and the post
processor that will generate the required machine code (G-code). For a Mill Level 1 exercise (2D
toolpaths) we need just a basic machine definition.

NOTE: For the purpose of this tutorial, we will be using the Default milling machine.
To display the Operations Manager press Alt + O.
Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen
Figure: 13.0.1

Machine type
Mill
Default
Select the plus sign in front of Properties in the Toolpaths Manager to expand the Toolpaths
Group Properties.
Figure: 13.0.2

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK.

TUTORIAL #31

Select Tool Settings to set the tool parameters.

Figure: 13.0.3

Change the parameters to match the screen shot as shown.

Figure: 13.0.4

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 get 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.

Select the Stock setup tab to define the stock.

Select the Bounding Box button near the bottom of the Stock Setup page.

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

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TUTORIAL #31

SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK.

Figure: 13.0.5

In the Expand dialog boxes enter 0.125 as shown. This will add 0.125" of stock on each side of
your model.
Figure: 13.0.6

Select the OK button to exit the Bounding Box.

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK.

TUTORIAL #31

Input the overall depth of your stock model.

Figure: 13.0.7

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)

NOTE: The stock model that you create can be displayed with the part geometry when
viewing the file or the toolpaths, during backplot, or while verifying toolpaths. In the
graphics, the plus shows you where the stock origin is. The default position is the middle of
the stock. Click on the corner of the part to set it as the stock origin.
Select the OK button to exit Machine Group Properties.
Select the Isometric view from the graphics view toolbar to see the stock.
Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen

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TUTORIAL #31

OPEN POCKET

The stock model will appear as shown.

Figure: 13.0.8

NOTE: The stock is not geometry and can not be selected.

Select the Top view from the view toolbar to see the part from the top.

NOTE: There will not be facing toolpath because the stock is already to size.

STEP 14:

OPEN POCKET
Open Pocket Mastercam automatically enters and exits the pocket through the opening.

Toolpath Preview:

Toolpaths
Pocket

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

OPEN POCKET

TUTORIAL #31

If a prompt appears, Enter new NC name, select the OK button to accept the default.
Figure: 14.0.1

When the chaining dialog box appears, choose Partial as the chaining method.
Figure: 14.0.2

Select the first entity.

Figure: 14.0.3

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

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TUTORIAL #31

OPEN POCKET

Select the second entity.

Figure: 14.0.4

Choose the OK button to exit the chaining dialog box.

In the Toolpath Type page, the Pocket icon will be selected.
Figure: 14.0.5

NOTE: Mastercam updates the pages as you modify them and then marks them, in the Tree
view list, with a green check mark. Pages that are not changed are marked with a red circle
and slash.

14.1 Select a 1/2" Flat Endmill

Select a 0.5" Flat Endmill from the library and set the Tool parameters.
Select Tool from the Tree view list.
Click on Select library tool button.
Select the Filter button.
Figure: 14.1.1

Select the None button and then under Tool Types choose the Flat Endmill Icon.

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

OPEN POCKET

TUTORIAL #31

Under tool diameter pick Equal and input a value 0.5.

Figure: 14.1.2

Select the OK button to exit the Tool List Filter.

In the Tool Selection dialog box you should only see a 1/2" Flat Endmill.
Figure: 14.1.3

Select the 1/2" Flat Endmill in the Tool Selection page and then select the OK button to exit.

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

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TUTORIAL #31

OPEN POCKET

Make all the necessary changes.

Figure: 14.1.4

The Feed rate, Plunge rate,

Retract rate and Spindle
speed are roughly based on
the part material Aluminum
and HSS tooling. You may
change these values as per
your part material and
tools.
In the Comment field enter
a comment to help identify
the toolpath in the
Toolpaths/Operations
Manager such as the one
shown above.

14.2 Cut Parameters

Select Cut Parameters and make the necessary changes.
Figure: 14.2.1

Pocket Type lets you select

from a list several pocket
types which are based on
your pocket geometry.
Open Pocket Mastercam
automatically enters and
exits the pocket through the
opening.
Open pocket cutting
method starts the toolpath
at the open end of the
pocket and cuts from the
inside to the outside.

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

OPEN POCKET

TUTORIAL #31

14.3 Roughing
Select Roughing and make the necessary changes.
Figure: 14.3.1

Cutting Method determines

the cutting method. When
using open pocket the
cutting method is set to
Open.
Stepover percentage/
Stepover distance sets the
distance between cutting
passes in the X and Y Axes as
a percentage of the tool
diameter. Changing this
value automatically adjusts
the stepover distance.

14.4 Entry Motion

Select Entry Motion and pick Off as the entry motion used. We do not need an entry motion
because you will be plunging the tool off the material.
Figure: 14.4.1

Off turns off any entry helix

or ramp moves for the
pocket toolpaths roughing
passes. Mastercam plunges
the tool to the pocket depth
at the start of the toolpath.

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TUTORIAL #31

OPEN POCKET

NOTE: We are using Off because the tool will plunge off the material. This way we wont
waste any time waiting for the tool to get to its cut depth.

14.5 Finishing
Select Finishing and make the necessary changes.
Figure: 14.5.1

For more information

regarding these parameters
please see page 28 in
Tutorial #2.

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OPEN POCKET

TUTORIAL #31

14.6 Lead In/Out

Select Lead In/Out and disable this option.
Figure: 14.6.1

14.7 Depth Cuts

Choose Depth Cuts and enable this option. Input a Max rough step of 0.2.
Enable the option Keep tool down.
Figure: 14.7.1

Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

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TUTORIAL #31

OPEN POCKET

14.8 Break Through

Pick Break Through from the Tree view list. Enable this option and input a break through
amount of 0.1.
Figure: 14.8.1

Break Through allows you

to specify an amount that
the tool will completely cut
through the material by.
This values is always a
positive number.

14.9 Linking Parameters

Pick Linking Parameters and make the necessary changes.
Figure: 14.9.1

Select the OK button to exit the Pocket parameters.

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATHS

STEP 15:

TUTORIAL #31

BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATHS

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 the current X, Y,
and Z coordinates in the lower left corner of the screen.

Make sure that the toolpaths are selected (signified by the green check mark on the folder
icon). If the operation is not selected choose the Select all operations icon
Select the Backplot selected operations button

Make sure that you have the following buttons turned on (they will appear pushed down) to
see the tool and the rapid moves.
Figure: 15.0.1

Select the Isometric view from the view toolbar to see the stock.
Select the Fit button
You can adjust the speed of the backplot.
You can step through the Backplot by using the Step forward or Step back buttons.
Select the Play button in the VCR bar.
Select the OK button to exit Backplot

.
Figure: 15.0.2

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TUTORIAL #31
STEP 16:

VERIFY THE TOOLPATH

VERIFY THE TOOLPATH

Verify allows you to use a solid model to simulate the machining of a part. The model created by
verification represents the surface finish, and shows collisions, if any exist.

In the Operations Manager both operations are selected. If the operation is not selected
choose the Select all operations icon.
Choose the Verify selected operations icon
from the operations manager.
Set the Verify speed by moving the slider bar in the speed control bar as shown.
Select the Play button to start simulation.
Figure: 16.0.1

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REMACHINE THE POCKET CORNERS

TUTORIAL #31

The part will appear as shown up to this point.

Figure: 16.0.2

STEP 17:

REMACHINE THE POCKET CORNERS

Contour Remachine removes the material where the previous tool couldnt fit.

Toolpath Preview:

17.1 Chain selection

Toolpaths
Contour
Enable the Last button in the chaining dialog box this will reselect the geometry we chained
in the previous toolpath.

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TUTORIAL #31

REMACHINE THE POCKET CORNERS

Figure: 17.1.1

Select the OK button to exit Chaining.

In the Toolpath Type page, the Contour icon will be selected.
Figure: 17.1.2

NOTE: Mastercam updates the pages as you modify them and then marks them, in the Tree
view list, with a green check mark. Pages that are not changed are marked with a red circle
and slash.

17.2 Select a 1/8" Flat endmill from the library and set the Tool parameters
Select Tool from the Tree view list.
Click on Select library tool button.
Select the Filter button as shown.

Select the None button and then under Tool Types choose the Flat Endmill Icon.
Under tool diameter pick Equal and input a value 0.125.

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REMACHINE THE POCKET CORNERS

TUTORIAL #31

Figure: 17.2.1

Select the OK button to exit the Tool List Filter.

In the Tool Selection dialog box you should only see a 1/8" Flat Endmill.
Figure: 17.2.2

Select the 1/8" Flat Endmill in the Tool Selection page and then select the OK button to exit.

Make all the necessary changes as shown.

Figure: 17.2.3

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TUTORIAL #31

REMACHINE THE POCKET CORNERS

17.3 Cut Parameters

From the Tree view list, select Cut Parameters and ensure the settings appear as shown.
Figure: 17.3.1

For more information

regarding these parameters
please see page 36 in
Tutorial #2.

17.4 Depth Cuts

From the Tree view list, select the Depth Cuts Parameters. Enable Depth cuts and input a
Max rough step of 0.05 as well enable the option to Keep tool down.
Figure: 17.4.1

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REMACHINE THE POCKET CORNERS

TUTORIAL #31

17.5 Lead In/Out

Select Lead In/Out from the Tree view list. Disable the option to enter/exit at midpoint in
closed contours. Enter an arc radius value of 0.0%. Enable the option to Adjust start of
contour input a length of 100% and choose the option Extend. Select the copy button to
copy the parameters from the entry to the exit options.
Figure: 17.5.1

17.6 Break Through

From the Tree view list, select Break Through and make the necessary changes.
Figure: 17.6.1

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TUTORIAL #31

REMACHINE THE POCKET CORNERS

17.7 Linking Parameters

Select Linking Parameters and input the Depth as shown.
Figure: 17.7.1

Once complete pick the OK button to generate the toolpath.

To Backplot and Verify your toolpath see page 33 to review these procedures.

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Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial

CIRCLE MILL THE LARGE HOLE

STEP 18:

TUTORIAL #31

CIRCLE MILL THE LARGE HOLE

Circle mill toolpath is used to mill circular pockets based on a single point. Mastercam will pocket out a
circular area of the diameter and to the depth that you specify. After milling the center of the circle,
Mastercam calculates an entry arc before approaching the perimeter and then a similar exit arc. You
can add enhancements such as multiple passes, multiple depth cuts and helical plunge moves as well
fine tuning the entry and exit arcs.

Toolpath Preview:

Toolpaths
Circle Paths
Circle Mill

18.1 Select the Geometry

When the Drill Point Selection dialog box appears choose Entities.
Figure: 18.1.1

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TUTORIAL #31

CIRCLE MILL THE LARGE HOLE

Select the arc.

Figure: 18.1.2

Choose the OK button once the arc has been selected.

On the Toolpath Type page Circle Mill will be picked.
Figure: 18.1.3

18.2 Select the 1/2" Tool

Figure: 18.2.1.

NOTE: Pick the 1/2" Flat Endmill from the tool page to use the tool for this toolpath.

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CIRCLE MILL THE LARGE HOLE

TUTORIAL #31

18.3 Cut Parameters

From the tree view list select Cut Parameters ensure the parameters appear the same.
Figure: 18.3.1

Start Angle sets the angle

where the helix bore toolpath
begins.

18.4 Roughing
Enable Roughing and ensure your parameters appear as shown.
Figure: 18.4.1
Roughing select to activate
roughing passes and apply a
step-over amount and
helical entry move to your
circle mill toolpath.
Helical entry creates a helix
at the center of the circle to
begin the roughing motion.
Output arc moves writes
the entry helix to the NCI
file as arcs. Use this option
to create shorter NC files. If
this option is off the helix is
turned into linear
segments.

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CIRCLE MILL THE LARGE HOLE

18.5 Depth Cuts

Choose Depth Cuts from the tree view list. Input a Max rough step of 0.25 and enable keep
tool down. The depth cuts will only be applied to the roughing portion of the toolpath.
Figure: 18.5.1

18.6 Break Through

Select Break Through from the Tree view list and enable the option. Input a Break through
amount of 0.1.
Figure: 18.6.1

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18.7 Linking Parameters

Select Linking Parameters from the Tree view list. Set the depth to -0.75.
Figure: 18.7.1

Select the OK button to exit the Circle Mill Parameters.

To Backplot and Verify your toolpath see page 33 to review these procedures.

STEP 19:

SPOT DRILL THE HOLE

Spot Drilling the holes allows you to start the hole. In this operation we will use the spot drill to
chamfer the hole before drilling it.

Toolpath Preview:

Toolpaths
Drill

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SPOT DRILL THE HOLE

In the Drill Point Selection dialog box choose the option Entities.
Figure: 19.0.1

Select the small arc.

Figure: 19.0.2

Select the OK button in the Drill Point Selection dialog box once you have picked the arc.

In the Toolpath Type page, the Drill toolpath will be selected.

Figure: 19.0.3

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19.1 Select a 1/2" Spot Drill from the library and set the Tool parameters
Select Tool from the Tree view list.
Click on Select library tool button.
To be able to see just the spot drill select the filter button.

Under Tool Types select the None button and then choose the Spot Drill Icon.
Figure: 19.1.1

Select OK button to exit the Tool List Filter dialog box.

At this point you should only see Spot Drills.
From that list select the 1/2" Spot Drill.
Figure: 19.1.2

Select the tool in the Tool Selection page and then select the OK button to exit.

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SPOT DRILL THE HOLE

Make the necessary changes to the Tool page.

Figure: 19.1.3

19.2 Cut Parameters

Select Cut Parameters and make the necessary changes.
Figure: 19.2.1

Drill/Counterbore
recommended for drilling
holes with depths of less
than three times the tools
diameter.
Dwell sets the amount of
time in seconds that the
tool remains at the bottom
of a drilled hole.

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19.3 Linking Parameters

Choose Linking Parameters, ensure clearance is enabled and set the Top of stock to zero.
To input the depth select the Calculator icon
.
Input the following equation in the Finish diameter area. 0.25+0.05 and hit Enter to calculate
the Depth.
Figure: 19.3.1

Select the OK button to exit the Depth Calculator.

You will now see the depth we calculated for the spot drilling operation set in the Depth
field.
Figure: 19.3.2

Select the OK button to exit the Drill/Counterbore parameters.

To Backplot and Verify your toolpath see page 33 to review these procedures.

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STEP 20:

DRILL THE HOLE

DRILL THE HOLE

In this example we will drill the holes to a specified depth.

Toolpath Preview:

Toolpaths
Drill
In the Drill Point Selection dialog box choose the option Last.
Figure: 20.0.1

This option will automatically select the hole for you based off the selection from the
previous drill operation.
Select the OK button in the Drill Point Selection dialog box to accept the drill point.

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In the Toolpath Type page, the Drill toolpath will be selected.

Figure: 20.0.2

20.1 Select a #7 Drill from the library and set the Tool parameters
Select Tool from the Tree view list.
Click on Select library tool button.
To be able to see just the Spot Drill select the Filter button.

Under Tool Types select the None button and then choose the drill Icon. For the Tool
Diameter select Ignore.
Figure: 20.1.1

Select OK button to exit the Tool List Filter dialog box.

At this point you should see a list of drills.
From that list, select the NO. 7 Drill as shown.
Figure: 20.1.2

Select the tool in the Tool Selection page and then choose the OK button to exit.

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DRILL THE HOLE

Make the necessary changes to the Tool page.

Figure: 20.1.3

20.2 Cut Parameters

Select Cut Parameters, change the drill cycle to Chip Break and input a 1st peck value of 0.1.
Figure: 20.2.1

Chip Break drills holes with

depths of more than three
times the tool diameter.
Retracts partially out of the
drilled hole to break
material chips.
1st peck sets the depth for
the first peck move which
plunges in and out of the
material to clear and break
chips.

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20.3 Linking Parameters

Choose Linking Parameters and input a depth value of -0.75.
Figure: 20.3.1

20.4 Tip Comp

Pick Tip Comp and enable this option. Input a Break through amount of 0.1.
Figure: 20.4.1

Select the OK button to exit the Drill/Counterbore parameters.

To Backplot and Verify your toolpath see page 33 to review these procedures.

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STEP 21:

TAP THE HOLE

TAP THE HOLE

Tap cycle Taps right or left internal threaded holes.

Toolpath Preview:

Toolpaths
Drill
In the Drill Point Selection dialog box choose the option Last.
Figure: 21.0.1

This option will automatically select the hole for you based off the selection from the
previous drill operation.
Select the OK button in the Drill Point Selection dialog box to accept the drill point.

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In the Toolpath Type page, the Drill toolpath will be selected.

Figure: 21.0.2

21.1 Select a 1/4 - 20 RH Tap from the library and set the Tool parameters
Select Tool from the Tree view list.
Click on Select library tool button.
To be able to see just the spot drill select the filter button.

Under Tool Types select the None button and then choose the Tap RH Icon. Under Tool
Diameter select Ignore.
Figure: 21.1.1

Select OK button to exit the Tool List Filter dialog box.

At this point you should see a list full of taps.
From that list select the 1/4 - 20 Tap RH.
Figure: 21.1.2

Select the tool in the Tool Selection page and then choose the OK button to exit.

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TAP THE HOLE

Make the necessary changes to the Tool page.

Figure: 21.1.3

21.2 Cut Parameters

Select Cut Parameters, change the drill cycle to Tap.
Figure: 21.2.1

Tap Cycle Taps right or left

internal threaded holes.

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21.3 Linking Parameters

Choose Linking Parameters and input a depth value of -0.75.
Figure: 21.3.1

21.4 Tip Comp

Pick Tip Comp and enable this option. Input a Break through amount of 0.1.
Figure: 21.4.1

Select the OK button to exit the Drill/Counterbore parameters.

To Backplot and Verify your toolpath see page 33 to review these procedures.

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SUGGESTED FIXTURE:

TOOLPATH CREATION

SUGGESTED FIXTURE:

NOTE: In order to machine this part we will have 2 setups and output 2 NC files.
Setup Sheet:

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STEP 22:

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CREATING AND RENAMING TOOLPATH GROUPS

To machine the part in two different setups, we will need to have two separate programs. To be able
to post process separately the operations of each setup, we will create them under different toolpath
groups with different NC names.

22.1 Rename the current Toolpath Group - 1 and NC file

Click two times on the Toolpath Group - 1 to highlight it and rename it "Setup #1."
Figure: 22.1.1

Right mouse click on the toolpath group and select Edit selected operations and then, select
Change NC file name.
Figure: 22.1.2

Enter the new NC name: Setup #1.

Figure: 22.1.3

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CONTOUR TOOLPATH

Select the OK button to accept the new NC name.

Create a new Toolpath Group.
Right mouse click on the Setup #1 and hold the mouse button down. Drag the cursor below
the insert arrow and select Copy After. This will create a new toolpath group and copy the
toolpaths below. At this time with the toolpaths selected press delete on your keyboard. A
message will pop up asking you if you want to delete the toolpaths. Select Yes from this
message. Rename the toolpath group "Setup #2".
Figure: 22.1.4

STEP 23:

CONTOUR TOOLPATH
Contour toolpath removes material along a path defined by a chain of curves. A Contour toolpath only
follows a chain, it does not clean out an enclosed area.

Toolpath Preview:

Toolpaths
Contour

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Leave the default settings in the Chaining dialog box as shown.

Figure: 23.0.1

Select the chain and ensure the chaining direction is the same.
Figure: 23.0.2

Select the OK button to exit the chaining dialog box.

In the Toolpath Type page, the Contour toolpath will be selected.
Figure: 23.0.3

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CONTOUR TOOLPATH

23.1 Pick a 1.0" Flat endmill from the library and set the Tool parameters
Select Tool from the Tree view list.
Click on Select library tool button.
To be able to see all the tools from the library disable Filter Active.

Scroll down and select the 1.0" Flat Endmill.

Figure: 23.1.1

Select the tool in the Tool Selection page and then select the OK button to exit.
Make all the necessary changes.
Figure: 23.1.2

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23.2 Cut Parameters

Select the Cut Parameters page and make the necessary changes.
Figure: 23.2.1
Roll cutter around corners
inserts arc moves around
corners in the toolpath
None guarantees all sharp
corners
Sharp rolls the tool around
sharp corners (135 degrees
or less)
All rolls the tool around all
corners and creates smooth
tool movement.

23.3 Depth Cuts

Select Depth Cuts and enable it. Input a Max rough step of 0.5 and enable Keep tool down.
Figure: 23.3.1

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CONTOUR TOOLPATH

23.4 Lead In/Out

Choose the option Lead In/Out and input an Overlap value of 0.05.
Make any other necessary changes.
Figure: 23.4.1

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23.5 Multi Passes

Select Multi Passes, enable the option. Set the Number of Rough passes to 1 with Spacing of
0.1 and number of Finish passes to 1 with Spacing of 0.02. This will have the system make a
rough pass and then proceed with a 0.02" finish pass.
Enable the option to Machine finish passes at the Final depth.
Figure: 23.5.1

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CONTOUR TOOLPATH

23.6 Linking Parameters

Select the Linking Parameters from the Tree view list. Set the Depth to -0.75.
Figure: 23.6.1

Select OK exit the Contour parameters.

To Backplot and Verify your toolpath see page 33 to review these procedures.

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RENAME NC FILE

STEP 24:

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RENAME NC FILE
The contour operation in Setup #2 kept the NC name from Setup #1. We need to rename this
operation.

Right Click on Operation #7, choose the option Edit selected operations and then pick
Change NC file name.
Figure: 24.0.1

When the Enter new NC name dialog box appears select "Setup #2".
Figure: 24.0.2

Select the OK button apply the changed NC name to operation #7.

The result you should see Setup #2.NC in the last item of text for operation #7.
Figure: 24.0.3

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STEP 25:

POST THE FILE

POST THE FILE

Ensure all operations are selected, if they are not use the button Select all operations
the Operations Manager.

in

Select the Post selected operations

button from the Operations Manager.
In the Post processing window make the necessary changes.
Figure: 25.0.1

NC File enabled allows you to keep the NC file and to assign the
same name as the MCX file.
Edit enabled allows you to automatically launch the default editor.

Select the OK button to continue.

Select the OK button to save Setup #1 NC file.
Select the OK button to save Setup #2 NC file.

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A window with both NC programs will appear.

Figure: 25.0.2

To view the two files as shown in the graphic above select window and pick Tile Horizontal.
Figure: 25.0.3

Select the red "X" box at the upper right corner to exit the editor.

STEP 26:

SAVE THE UPDATED MCX FILE

Select the Save icon

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CREATE THE GEOMETRY FOR TUTORIAL #3 EXERCISE

Use these commands to create the geometry.
Create 1/2 of the geometry.
Create circle center point.
Fast Point to locate arcs.
Create Vertical and Horizontal lines.
Create Tangent Lines.
Edit Trim/Break Two Pieces.
Create Line Parallel.
Create fillet entities.

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CREATE THE TOOLPATHS FOR TUTORIAL #3 EXERCISE

CREATE THE TOOLPATHS FOR TUTORIAL #3 EXERCISE

Create the Toolpaths for Tutorial #3 Exercise as per the instructions below.

Set the machine properties including the

stock setup.
Remove the material in the open pocket.
Use a 1/2" Flat Endmill.
Set the Pocket type to Open.
The cutting method will be set to Open.
Entry Motion set to Off.
Enable finishing and set the necessary
parameters.
Disable Lead In/Out.
Use Depth Cuts.
Enable Break through.
Set the Depth according to the drawing.

Drill the 3/4" Hole.

Choose a 3/4" Drill.
Set the Cycle to Drill/Counterbore.
Input a Depth according to the drawing.
Enable Tip Comp.

Machine the Pocket.

Use a 1/4" Flat Endmill.
Set the Pocket type to Standard.
Choose a cutting method.
Entry Motion set to Off.
Enable finishing and set the necessary
parameters.
Disable Lead In/Out.
Use Depth Cuts.
Disable Break through.
Set the Depth according to the drawing.

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Setup on 2nd Fixture.

Remove the Material around the part (Contour
2D)
Select the 1/2" Flat Endmill from the Tool page.
Set your compensation direction according to
your chaining direction to ensure your tool is
cutting on the correct side of the part.
Enable Depth cuts.
Enable and set the Lead In/Out parameters.
Set a Break through amount.
Enable Multi Passes and set Parameters.
Set the Depth according to the drawing.

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NOTES:

NOTES:

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TUTORIAL #3 QUIZ

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TUTORIAL #3 QUIZ
What does Open Pocket cutting method do?

What does Contour Remachine do?

What does the Open Pocket cutting method do?

What is the process used to be able to post different operations as different programs?

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TUTORIAL #3 QUIZ

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