Mastercam2018 Indexing Training Tutorial

IMPERIAL – TRAINING TUTORIAL SERIES
HORIZONTAL
MACHINING
WITH INDEXING
Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial
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Mastercam 2018 Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial
Copyright: 1998 - 2018 In-House Solutions Inc. All rights reserved
Software: Mastercam 2018
Author: Mariana Lendel
ISBN: 978-1-77146-656-1
Revision Date: June 9, 2017
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
with respect to the software described in this manual, its quality, performance, merchantability, or
fitness for any particular purpose. In-House Solutions Inc. manual is sold or licensed "as is." The entire risk
as to its quality and performance is with the buyer. Should the manual prove defective following its
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cost of all necessary servicing, repair, of correction and any incidental or consequential damages. In no
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any defect in the manual, even if In-House Solutions Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such
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incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
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not, in whole or part, be copied, photographed, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic
medium or machine readable form without prior consent, in writing, from In-House Solutions Inc.
Trademarks
Mastercam is a registered trademark of CNC Software, Inc.
Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, MS, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation;
Windows 7 and Windows 8 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
MASTERCAM SHORTCUTS MASTERCAM QUICK REFERENCE CARD
MASTERCAM SHORTCUTS
Function Keyboard Function Keyboard Shortcut

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 Repaint F3
Delete entities F5 Rotate Alt+Arrow keys
Drafting global options Alt+D Select all Ctrl+A
Exit Mastercam Alt+F4 Selection grid parameters Alt+G
Fit geometry to screen Alt+F1 Shading on/off Alt+S
Gview–Back Alt+3 Show/hide all axes (WCS, Cplane, Tplane) Alt+F9
Gview–Bottom Alt+4 Show/hide coordinate axes F9
Gview–Front Alt+2 Show/hide displayed toolpaths Alt+T
Gview–Isometric Alt+7 Show/hide Operations Manager panel Alt+O
Gview–Left Alt+6 Undo the last creation or event Ctrl+Z
Previous Plane Alt+P Unzoom to 80% of original Alt+F2
Gview–Right Alt+5 Unzoom to previous or 50% of original F2
Gview–Top Alt+1 Zoom around target point Ctrl+F1
Help Alt+H Zoom with window selection F1
Hide entities Alt+E Zoom/unzoom by 5% Page Up/Page

Down
Levels Manager Alt+Z
Main attributes, set from entity Alt+X

MASTERCAM QUICK REFERENCE CARD CUSTOMIZE MASTERCAM
CUSTOMIZE MASTERCAM
Create Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts Customize the Ribbon

 Right mouse click in the Ribbon.  Right mouse click in the Ribbon.
 Customize the Ribbon.  Select Customize the Ribbon.
 Keyboard shortcuts, select the Customize button.  Select a Mastercam command.
 Select a Tab or create a New Tab.
 Press Add button.
 Select the Category. Customize the right-click menu
 Select a command and under Press new shortcut  Right mouse click in the Ribbon.
key enter the key combinations you want to assign  Select Customize the Ribbon.
to it.  Select Context Menu.
 Select the Category and then the command that
Customize Quick Access Toolbar you want to add.
 Right mouse click on a command in the Ribbon.  Once you click on the Add button the function will
 Select Add to Quick Access Toolbar. be added to the Right mouse button menu.
WAYS TO GET THE MOST FROM MASTERCAM

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Getting Started ........................................................................................................... 1

GETTING STARTED
Tutorial - Horizontal Machining ............................................................................................................15

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
Objectives:
Starting Mastercam.
The student will learn about the Graphical User Interface.
The student will learn how to navigate through Mastercam.
Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial Page|1

GETTING STARTED STARTING MASTERCAM
STEP 1: STARTING MASTERCAM

For Windows 7
 Select the Start button.

 Select All Programs and click on Mastercam 2018.
For Windows 8

 Click on the drop down arrow to open Apps.
 Find and click on Mastercam 2018.
For Windows 10

 Click on the drop down arrow to open Apps.
 Find and click on Mastercam 2018.
 To start the software, from Desktop, click on the shortcut icon as shown.
Page|2 Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial

GUI - GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE GETTING STARTED
STEP 2: GUI - GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE
Quick Access QAT contains a fully customizable set of functions that can be quickly accessed by the
Toolbar user.
Backstage (FILE) Allows you to manage files. You can insert information about files, start a new file,
open an existing one or merge files together. You can also save, convert or print files
as well as access the help resources.
Tabs Contain all the functionality within Mastercam.
Ribbon Displays the commands available for a selected Tab.
Selection Bar Allows you to set the AutoCursor modes and to switch between wireframe or solid
selections.
Quick Mask Buttons Let you select all entities of a specific type. Clicking on the left side of the button or
right side of the button toggles between select all or only.
Right Click Menu Right click menu allows quick access to functions such as zoom, graphic views or
recent functions used. A mini toolbar will also appear that allows you to quickly
change the attributes.
Toolpaths/Solids/ Lists the history of the toolpath operations and solids.
Planes Manager
Graphics Window Workspace area in Mastercam where the geometry is displayed.
Scale Shows you a scale of the object on the screen.
WCS: TOP T/Cplane: Displays the current WCS and T/Cplane information.

GETTING STARTED NAVIGATE THROUGH MASTERCAM
STEP 3: NAVIGATE THROUGH MASTERCAM
In this step, you will learn how to use the menu functions in Mastercam to create geometry.
3.1 Using the Wireframe tab to select the command to create Line Endpoints
 Left click on WIREFRAME.

 Left click on the Line Endpoints icon as shown in Figure: 3.1.1.
Figure: 3.1.1
 Once you select Line Endpoints, the Line Endpoints panel appears on the screen as shown.

NAVIGATE THROUGH MASTERCAM GETTING STARTED
Sketching a line
 To sketch a line, left click on two locations on the screen.
Creating a line knowing the endpoint coordinates
 To make a line knowing the two endpoint coordinates, select the AutoCursor Fast Point icon from the General
Selection toolbar.
 In the coordinates field that opens in the upper left corner enter the coordinates of the first endpoint as shown.
 Press Enter to continue.

 Select the AutoCursor Fast Point icon again and enter in the coordinates of the second endpoint and then press
Enter.
Creating a line knowing an endpoint, the length and the angle
 You can also enter the coordinates of the first endpoint, then enter the Length and Angle if necessary.
 To continue making lines, choose the OK and Create New Operation button from the dialog box or press
Enter.
 To exit the current command, select the OK button or press the Esc button.
 To undo the last command, from the QAT (Quick Access Toolbar) select the Undo button. The Undo
button can be used to go back to the beginning of geometry creation or to the last point of the saved file.
Mastercam also has a Redo button for your convenience.

GETTING STARTED NAVIGATE THROUGH MASTERCAM
3.2 Function Prompt
Prompts the user to execute a command.
 Example: this prompt is used in the Line Endpoints command.
NOTE: To find a command, from the HOME ribbon, select the Command Finder icon and type the function
name in the field that opens up.
For example, to find the Polygon command type "polygon" in the text field.
From the list, select the desired command.

SET THE ATTRIBUTES GETTING STARTED
STEP 4: SET THE ATTRIBUTES
Mastercam attributes are point style, line style, line thickness, color and levels. Before starting to create geometry, you
should set the attributes.
4.1 ‘Attributes’ Group
Point Style Displays and sets the system’s point style.

Line Style Displays and sets the system’s line style.
Line Width Displays and sets the current system’s line width.
Color Assigns the current color to wireframe, solid and surface entities. To change the
current color, click in the specific color field and select a color from the color pallet.
To change an existing geometry color, select the geometry first and then click in the
color field and select a color from the color pallet.
Clear Color When performing a transform function (Xform), Mastercam creates a temporary
group from the originals (red) and a result (purple) from the transformed entities.
These system groups appear in the Groups dialog box. However, they stay in effect
only until you use the Clear Colors function or perform another transform function.
2D / 3D Construction Toggles between 2D and 3D construction modes. In 2D mode, all geometry is
Mode created parallel to the current Cplane at the current system Z depth. In 3D mode,
you can work freely in various Z depths, unconstrained by the current system Z
depth and Cplane setting.
4.2 ‘Organize’ Group
Z Depth Sets the current construction depth. To set this, click the drop down arrow and pick
one from the most recently used list or click the Z: label and pick a point in the
graphics window to use the Z depth values based on the selected entity.
Level Sets the main level you want to work with in the graphics window. To change the
current working level. type the level number in the box.

GETTING STARTED SET THE ATTRIBUTES
Change the Wireframe Color

 Click on the drop down arrow next to the Wireframe Color field as shown.
 Select the desired color from the dialog box as shown.
NOTE: Any geometry on your screen will remain in the previous system color. This change will only affect the
geometry you create going forward.
To change the color of existing geometry, select the entities first and then click on the drop down arrow next to
the Wireframe Color and select the desired color.
The same method can be applied for any other attribute that you want to set or change.

MANAGER PANELS GETTING STARTED
STEP 5: MANAGER PANELS
5.1 The Toolpaths Manager
The Toolpaths Manager displays all the operations for the current part. You can sort, edit, regenerate, verify and post
any operation as shown in Figure: 5.1.1. For more information on the Toolpaths Manager, please refer to General Notes
or click on the Help icon.
Figure: 5.1.1

GETTING STARTED MANAGER PANELS
 The Toolpaths Manager, Solids Manager, or Planes Manager can be hidden to gain more space in the graphics
area for creating geometry. Use Auto Hide icon to close all Toolpaths, Solids, Planes and Levels Manager
panels.
 The panels will be hidden to the left of the graphics window as shown.
 To un-hide them, click on one of the managers to open it and then click again on the Auto Hide icon a shown.
 Selecting the X (Close icon) instead of the Auto Hide, you will close the manager panel. To re-open them, from
the VIEW tab, select Toolpaths, Solids, Planes or Levels as shown.

SETTING MASTERCAM TO IMPERIAL GETTING STARTED
STEP 6: SETTING MASTERCAM TO IMPERIAL
In this step you will learn how to switch the system to imperial and how to set the imperial system as your default. You will
have to select the Backstage options and select the system configuration.
6.1 Setting Mastercam to imperial for the current session only
NOTE: You may need to switch Mastercam to run in Imperial mode.
FILE
 Configuration.
 Select the drop down arrow beside Current as shown in Figure: 6.1.1.
 Select mcamxm.config <English> as shown.
Figure: 6.1.1
 Select the OK button to exit the System Configuration dialog box.
NOTE: If you have a drawing on the screen it may ask you to scale the current part to imperial. Choose Yes if
you wish to do this.

GETTING STARTED SETTING MASTERCAM TO IMPERIAL
6.2 Setting Mastercam to imperial as a default
NOTE: If you wish to always work in Imperial mode, follow these steps to save imperial as your current
configuration file.
FILE
 Configuration.
 Select Start/Exit from the configuration topics.
 Select the drop down arrow below Configuration in the Startup settings area as shown in Figure: 6.2.1.
 Select mcamxm.config <English> as shown.
Figure: 6.2.1
 Select the OK button to exit the System Configuration dialog box.

 Mastercam will then prompt you to save these settings to your current configuration file, select Yes.

SET THE GRID GETTING STARTED
STEP 7: SET THE GRID
Before beginning to create geometry, it is highly recommended to enable the Grid. The grid will show you where the origin
is and the orientation of the grid gives you a quick preview of the plane you are working in.
FILE
 Configuration.
 Select Screen from the configuration Topics.
 Select the plus sign (+) beside Screen as shown in Figure: 7.0.1.
Figure: 7.0.1
 In Grid Settings, change the Spacing to X = 0.25 and Y = 0.25.

 Set the Size to 1.0.
 Choose the OK button to exit.

 Select the Yes button to save the settings in the System Configuration.
 To see the Grid in the graphics window, from the VIEW tab, enable Show Grid as shown.

GETTING STARTED SET THE GRID
 The grid should look as shown.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:
OVERVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE THE FINAL PART:

From Drawing to CAD Model:
 Import the CAD model from www.emastercam.com/trainingfiles.
Setup the 3D CAD Model used to generate Toolpaths from:

 Merge the part file and set it up on the tombstone.
Create the necessary Toolpaths to machine the part:

 The student will import an STL file to be used as the stock to verify the toolpaths against.
 The student will define the planes.
 The student will create multiple toolpaths on different planes
 The student will transform those toolpaths to completely finish all the parts on the tombstone.
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 one and a half hours to complete.

SELECT THE GEOMETRY FILE TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
This tutorial covers Mastercam's 4-Axis toolpath functionality. To apply these toolpaths to a 4-Axis machine tool, a
customized post processor for your machine is required.
There are no default 4-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 gauge 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: SELECT THE GEOMETRY FILE

Resources - Download the file from www.emastercam.com/trainingfiles/.
FILE
 Open.
 Select "Tombstone.MCAM" from the directory you saved the file in.
 Open the file.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE TOOL SETTINGS
STEP 2: SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE TOOL SETTINGS
In Mastercam, you select a Machine Definition before creating any toolpath. 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 Default.
NOTE: If you already have the default machine in the Toolpaths Operations Manager, do not select another
machine. Otherwise, follow next two steps to add the machine in the Machine short list and then to select it.
2.1 Select the Machine Type
MACHINE
 From the Machine Type group, select the drop down arrow below Mill.
 Select the Default.
NOTE: Once you select the Mill Default, the Ribbon bar changes to reflect the toolpaths that could be used
with Mill Default.
2.2 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.

SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE TOOL SETTINGS TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
 Select the Tool settings to set the tool parameters.
 Change the parameters to match Figure: 2.2.1.
Figure: 2.2.1
Default program number 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.
 Select the OK button to exit the Machine Group Properties.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING MERGE THE PART GEOMETRY
STEP 3: MERGE THE PART GEOMETRY
File Merge/Pattern allows you to import and merge entities from an existing part file into the current file. This function is
useful if you have a part such as a nut or bolt that you use repeatedly in your work. Rather than recreate it each time you
need it, you can import it into the current file as many times as needed. By default, Mastercam merges the selected file
with the current file.
You can use the File Merge/Pattern function to import and merge the following file formats:
MCX files created in Mastercam X.
MC8, MC9 or MCAM files created in Mastercam versions 8, 9, 2017 or 2018.
CAD files in other supported formats (including STL), which Mastercam converts to MCX.
Resources - Download the file from www.emastercam.com/trainingfiles/.
FILE
 Merge.
 Select "TOMBSTONE_PART.MCAM" from the directory you saved the file in.
 Select the Open button.
 Leave the Merge Pattern panel settings as shown.
 Select the OK button to exit the Merge Pattern panel.

 Press Alt + F1 to fit the geometry to the graphics window.

MERGE THE PART GEOMETRY TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
 Press Alt + S to shade or unshade the part as needed.
NOTE: Applying shading to surfaces and solids in the graphics window for the current drawing session helps
you visualize the 3D geometry while you work. Alt + S allows you to toggle between the shaded and unshaded
status.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING DYNAMIC TRANSFORM AND ROTATE THE PART
STEP 4: DYNAMIC TRANSFORM AND ROTATE THE PART
In this step we will use the Dynamic Transform command to position and rotate the parts on the tombstone in the Front
Cplane.
Use Dynamic Transform to manipulate geometry orientation and location through the use of an interactive gnomon in the
graphics window. The gnomon is made up of three axes connected at the origin. There are five selection points along each
axis. Each segment of the axis line is used to produce a different type of transform motion as shown in Figure: 4.0.1.
Figure: 4.0.1
4.1 Change the orientation and locate the part on the tombstone to machine the bottom of the part
Step Preview:

DYNAMIC TRANSFORM AND ROTATE THE PART TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
TRANSFORM
 From the Position group, select the Dynamic icon as shown.
 [Select entities to move/copy]: Click on the solid as shown in Figure: 4.1.1.
NOTE: Press Alt + S to shade or unshade the part if needed.
Figure: 4.1.1
 Click on the End Selection button to finish the selection.

 [Pick gnomon origin position]: Select the Midpoint of the line as shown.
NOTE: Make sure that the Midpoint visual cue appears to the right of the cursor when selecting the point as
shown in Figure: 4.1.2.
Figure: 4.1.2
 In the Dynamic panel, enable Copy and leave the rest of the parameters as shown.

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 [Manipulate geometry: Select gnomon axes to edit or press Apply/OK or Double-click the mouse to accept the
results]: Select the gnomon as shown in Figure: 4.1.3.
Figure: 4.1.3
 Press Alt + S to unshade the geometry.

 [Pick new origin position of selected geometry or Ctrl-right-click for gnomon settings]: Drag the geometry and
select the Midpoint of the bottom magenta line of the upper rectangle from the tombstone as shown in Figure:
4.1.4.
Figure: 4.1.4
 The gnomon needs to be rotated.
NOTE: The Transform Rotate mode can be entered in two ways. You can select the center of the arc between
two axes, as shown below on the left, to produce a rotation about a perpendicular axis. You can also select the
end of an arc with an axis, as shown below on the right, to rotate about the perpendicular axis while retaining
the ability to align the selected axis with an autocursor point.

 Select the middle section of the green arc and rotate the X Axis around the dial in the CCW direction until it
points upwards as shown in Figure: 4.1.5, and the angle in the text box reads -90.0 as shown.
Figure: 4.1.5
NOTE: You can also enter the angle with the numbers on your keyboard if you have difficulties reaching the
exact value by rotating the axis only.
 Click on the screen to accept the rotation.

 Click on the middle section of the red arc spanning from the Z Axis to the Y Axis of the gnomon as shown
in Figure: 4.1.6.
Figure: 4.1.6

 Rotate it around the dial in the CW direction until the angle in the text box reads -90.0 as shown.

 Select the OK and Create New Operation button to accept the results and continue in the same command.
 Press Alt + S to shade the part.

 The geometry should look as shown.

4.2 Change the orientation and locate the part on the tombstone to machine the top of the part
Step Preview:
 [Select entities to move/copy]: Click on the solid as shown in Figure: 4.2.1.
Figure: 4.2.1

 [Pick gnomon origin position]: Select the Midpoint of the line as shown in Figure: 4.2.2.
Figure: 4.2.2
NOTE: Make sure that the Midpoint visual cue appears to the right of the cursor when selecting the point.

 From the Dynamic panel, make sure that Copy is enabled as shown.
 [Manipulate geometry: Select gnomon axes to edit or press Apply/OK or Double-click the mouse to accept the
results]: Select the gnomon as shown in Figure: 4.2.3.
Figure: 4.2.3

 Press Alt + S to unshade the part.

 [Pick new origin position of selected geometry]: Drag the geometry and select the Midpoint of the bottom
magenta line of the lower rectangle from the tombstone as shown in Figure: 4.2.4.
Figure: 4.2.4
 To rotate the part, click on the red arc (closest to the Z axis) spanning from the Y Axis to the Z Axis of the
gnomon.

 Rotate the Z Axis around the dial in the CCW direction until it points as shown in Figure: 4.2.5, and the angle in
the text box is set to 90.0 as shown.
Figure: 4.2.5
NOTE: You can also enter the angle on your keyboard if you have difficulties reaching the exact value by
rotating the axis only.
 Select the OK button to exit the command.
NOTE: When performing a transform function, Mastercam creates a temporary group from the originals (red)
and a result (purple) from the transformed entities. These system groups appear in the Groups dialog box.
However, they stay in effect only until you use the Clear Colors function or perform another transform
function.
 Right mouse click in the graphics area, and from the Mini Toolbar select the Clear Colors icon as shown.

 Press Alt + F1 to fit the geometry to the screen. The parts should be located on the tombstone as shown.

MOVE THE ORIGINAL PART ON LEVEL 200 TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 5: MOVE THE ORIGINAL PART ON LEVEL 200
In this step you will move the original part on Level 200 and make this level invisible.
By organizing your files into levels, you can more easily control which areas of the drawing are visible at any time and
which parts are selectable so that you do not inadvertently make changes to areas of the drawing you do not want to
change.
 Select the part with the wireframe included by making a window around it as shown in Figure: 5.0.1.
Figure: 5.0.1
NOTE: To select the geometry using window selection, select the upper corner of the window and then drag
the cursor above the geometry and select the opposite corner, making sure that the entire geometry is inside
of the window.
 Right mouse click in the graphics window and from the Mini Toolbar, click on the Change Level icon as shown.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING MOVE THE ORIGINAL PART ON LEVEL 200
 From the Change Levels dialog box, make sure that Move is enabled, disable Use Active Level and enter 200 as
Figure: 5.0.2
 Select the OK button to exit the Change Levels dialog box.

 Click on the Levels tab located below the Toolpaths Manager as shown.
 Click in the Visible column next to Number 200 to remove the X as shown in Figure: 5.0.3.
Figure: 5.0.3
NOTE: Make sure that only Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 have the X mark in the Visible column next to them.

MOVE THE ORIGINAL PART ON LEVEL 200 TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
 Click on the Toolpaths tab to open the Toolpaths Manager as shown.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING TRANSFORM ROTATE TO CREATE REST OF THE PARTS
STEP 6: TRANSFORM ROTATE TO CREATE REST OF THE PARTS
In this step you will generate the rest of the parts using the Transform Rotate command.
The Transform Rotate command allows you to move, copy, or join selected geometric and drafting entities around a center
point. You can rotate the entities around the selected center point by a specified angle.
Step Preview:
TRANSFORM
 From the Position group, select the Rotate icon.

TRANSFORM ROTATE TO CREATE REST OF THE PARTS TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
 [Select entities]: From the right side of the graphics window, click on the Select all entities by color button.
NOTE: Quick Mask buttons allow you to control entity masking. A selection mask is a defined set of criteria
that you use to quickly select entities in the graphics window. Using a selection mask with a complex part file
ensures that you select only and all of the specific entities you want. Select all entities by color allows you to
select the entities based on their color. All buttons are divided into two halves. The left side of the button
allows you to select all of the entities matching the mask option. The right side of the button allows you to
select only the entities matching the mask option.
 Select the gray color no. 8 and the red color no. 12 as shown.
 Select the OK button to exit the dialog box.


TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING TRANSFORM ROTATE TO CREATE REST OF THE PARTS
 Make sure that Copy is enabled and enter 3 in the Number field and 90.0 in the Angle field as shown in
Figure: 6.0.1.
Figure: 6.0.1
 Select the OK button to exit the panel.
 Right mouse click in the graphics area, and from the Mini Toolbar select the Clear Colors icon as shown.

SAVE THE GEOMETRY TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 7: SAVE THE GEOMETRY

FILE
 Save As.
 Save the file as "Tombstone Tutorial.MCAM".

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING SET THE CPLANE AND TPLANE TO FRONT
STEP 8: SET THE CPLANE AND TPLANE TO FRONT
In this step you will learn how to set the Cplane (Construction plane) and the Tplane (Tool plane) to the Front, maintaining
the origin at the center bottom of the tombstone.
NOTE: In this tutorial you will generate the toolpaths for the two parts that are located in the front plane.
Then, you will generate several TRANSFORM/Rotate toolpaths to machine the rest of the parts. All of the parts
are programmed from the work zero situated at the center bottom of the tombstone, which is also the
machine table zero.
 Select the Planes tab located below the Toolpaths Manager as shown.

SET THE CPLANE AND TPLANE TO FRONT TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
 In the Planes Manager panel, select the Front plane from the list.
 Click in the C column of the Front plane as shown.
NOTE: Both the Cplane (construction plane) and the Tplane (Tool plane) are selected. In the area below the
graphics window you should see the current planes selection as shown.
 Click on the Toolpaths tab to open the Toolpaths Manager panel again.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING FACE THE UPPER PART IN THE FRONT PLANE
STEP 9: FACE THE UPPER PART IN THE FRONT PLANE
In this step you will learn how to face mill the upper part from the front plane.
TOOLPATH PREVIEW:
TOOLPATHS
 From the 2D group, select the Face icon.

FACE THE UPPER PART IN THE FRONT PLANE TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
 From the Chaining dialog box enable C-plane and select the Options button as shown.
 From the Chaining Options dialog box, enable Color and select the Color button.
 Select the magenta color no. 13 as shown.
 Select the OK button to exit from the Color Mask dialog box.

 Select the OK button to exit from the Chaining Options dialog box.
NOTE: Press Alt + S as needed to unshade the geometry.
 [Select Face chain 1]: Select the magenta colored rectangle as shown in Figure: 9.0.1.
Figure: 9.0.1
 Select the OK button to exit from the Chaining dialog box.
9.1 Toolpath Type
 In the Toolpath Type page, the Facing toolpath should already be selected.
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.

9.2 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 list, select Tool.

 To select the tool, click on the Select library tool button.
 Select the Filter button.

 Select the None button to unselect any previous tool selection as shown in Figure: 9.2.1.
 Select the Face mill in the Tool Types list.
 Select the drop down arrow in the Tool Diameter field and select Equal.
 Enter 2.0 in the Tool Diameter value box.
Figure: 9.2.1
 Select OK button to exit Tool List Filter.

 Select the tool in the Tool Selection window and click on 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 speeds 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 Toolpaths Manager and also in the NC file.
 The Tool page should look as shown in Figure: 9.2.2.
Figure: 9.2.2
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 Manager such as the one shown
above.

9.3 Set the Cut Parameters
The Cut Parameters page is used to enter the cutting parameters for a contour toolpath.
Tool compensation adjusts the toolpath to allow for the cutting tool’s radius. The tool can be offset to the right or left of
the geometry, with respect to the chaining direction used when selecting the geometry.
 Select the Cut Parameters page and change the parameters as shown in Figure: 9.3.1.
Figure: 9.3.1
The Style (facing cutting method) Zigzag creates a back and forth cutting motion.
Roughing angle sets the angle that the tool moves at during the roughing passes for Zigzag and One Way cutting methods.
Move between cuts determines how the tool moves between each cut. This is only available if you select the zigzag
cutting method.
High speed loops create 180 degrees arcs between every cut.

9.4 Linking Parameters
On this page you can set the Clearance, the Retract, the Feed plane heights, the Top of stock and the final machining depth.
 From the Tree View list, select Linking Parameters and change the heights as shown in Figure: 9.4.1.
Figure: 9.4.1
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.
Top of stock sets the height of the material in the Z Axis.
Depth determines the final machining depth that the tool descends into the stock.
Incremental values are relative to other parameters or chained geometry. Depth and Top of Stock parameters are
relative to the location of the chained geometry. Clearance, Retract, and Feed plane are relative to the Top of stock.

9.5 Set the Planes page
The Planes page is used to set the planes in which your toolpath will be created. The tool plane is the plane normal to the
tool axis, while the construction plane is the plane in which the tool movements are created. For most applications, these
will be the same.
 From the Tree View list, select the Planes (WCS) page.
 The planes should be already set to Top for the Working coordinate system, Front for the Tool plane and
Comp/construction plane as shown in Figure: 9.5.1.
 Enable Manual under Work offset and change it to 0 to not assign any offset to the view. Press Enter after 0.
Figure: 9.5.1
 Leave Update the plane and all operations that use this plane enabled as shown.

BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATH TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
 Select the OK button to exit Update Plane.
 Select the OK button to exit the 2D Toolpaths - Facing parameters.
STEP 10: 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 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.
 In the Backplot dialog box, enable the Display with color codes, Display tool and the Display rapid moves icons
as shown.
 To see the part from an Isometric view, right mouse click in the graphics window and select Isometric as
shown.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATH
 To fit the workpiece to the screen, if needed, right mouse click in the graphics window again and select Fit.
 You can step through the Backplot by using the Step forward or Step back buttons.
 You can adjust the speed of the backplot.
 Select the Play button to run Backplot.

 After Backplot is completed, the toolpath should look as shown.
 Select the OK button to exit the Backplot dialog box.

 Press Alt + T to remove the toolpath display.

FACE THE LOWER PART IN THE FRONT PLANE TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 11: FACE THE LOWER PART IN THE FRONT PLANE
In this step, you will learn how to face mill the lower part in the front plane.
TOOLPATH PREVIEW:
TOOLPATHS
 From the 2D group, select the Face icon.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING FACE THE LOWER PART IN THE FRONT PLANE
 From the Chaining dialog box enable 3D as shown.
NOTE: Press Alt + S as needed to shade/unshade the geometry as needed.
 [Select Face chain 1]: Select the magenta colored rectangle as shown in Figure: 11.0.1.
Figure: 11.0.1
 Select the OK button to exit from the Chaining dialog box.

11.1 Toolpath Type
 In the Toolpath Type page, the Facing toolpath should be already selected.
11.2 Set the Tool page parameters
 From the Tree View list, select Tool.

 The same 2.0" Face Mill should be selected.
 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: 11.2.1.
Figure: 11.2.1

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 From the Tree View list, select the Cut Parameters page.
 Change the Roughing angle to 0.0 and leave the rest of the parameters as shown in Figure: 11.3.1.
Figure: 11.3.1

 From the Tree View list, select Linking Parameters and change the values as shown in Figure: 11.4.1.
Figure: 11.4.1

11.5 Set the Planes page
 From the Tree View list, select the Planes (WCS) page.
 The planes should be already set as in the previous toolpath and the Work Offset should be set to 0 to not
assign any offset to the view as shown in Figure: 11.5.1.
Figure: 11.5.1
 Select the OK button to exit the 2D Toolpaths - Facing parameters.
11.6 Backplot the toolpath
 Make sure that the toolpath is selected.


 The toolpath should look as shown.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING VERIFY THE TOOLPATHS
STEP 12: VERIFY THE TOOLPATHS
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.
12.1 Save the stock as an STL file
NOTE: If you are running the Home Learning Edition (HLE) you cannot save the file as an STL. Please download
it from emastercam.com/trainingfiles.
 Make Level 5 the Main Level by clicking to the left of number 5 and turn off Levels 2 and 3 as shown in Figure:
12.1.1.
Figure: 12.1.1
NOTE: Mastercam adds an X in the Visible column once it is active.

VERIFY THE TOOLPATHS TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
 Right mouse click in the graphics window and select the Isometric view as shown.
NOTE: Make sure that the Cplane and Tplane are set to Top.
FILE
 Save As.
 Browse and find the folder where you want to save the file.
 From the Save as type select StereoLithography Files (*.STL) and save the file, with same name as shown, to a
known location.
 Select the Save button to generate the file.

12.2 Set the Verify Options
 From the Toolpaths Manager, select the Simulator Options icon as shown in Figure: 12.2.1.
Figure: 12.2.1
 Enable the File option and the select the Browse option as shown in Figure: 12.2.2.
Figure: 12.2.2

 Locate the STL file in the location that you have saved it and select the Open button as shown in Figure: 12.2.3.
Figure: 12.2.3
 The Simulator Options should look as shown in Figure: 12.2.4. Select OK button to exit the dialog box.
Figure: 12.2.4

 From the Toolpaths Manager, click on the Select all operations icon.
 Select the Verify selected operations icon.
 The stock will appear as shown in Figure: 12.2.5.
Figure: 12.2.5
 The settings should look as shown.
 Set the Verify speed by moving the slider bar in the speed control bar.
 Select the Play Simulation button to run Verify.

 The part should look as shown.
 To go back to the Mastercam window, minimize the Mastercam Simulator window as shown.
12.3 Make Level 3 Visible and Level 5 Invisible
 Click in the Number column on # 3 to make it the Main Level as shown in Figure: 12.3.1.
 Click in the Visible column next to Level 2 to make it visible and click to remove the X next to Level 5 as shown
in Figure: 12.3.1.
Figure: 12.3.1
NOTE: Make sure that only Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 have the X mark in the Visible column next to them.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING CIRCLE MILL THE 3/4" DIAMETER HOLES
STEP 13: CIRCLE MILL THE 3/4" DIAMETER HOLES
In this step you will create a Circle Mill toolpath to machine the 3/4" diameter hole in the lower part.
Toolpath Preview:
13.1 Reselect the tool plane
NOTE: In the Planes, in the Follow rules, the Cplane follows Gview is enabled as shown:
Mastercam automatically changes the Cplane and Tplane to match Gview whenever you change Gview.
If Cplane = Top in Iso Gview is enabled, Mastercam automatically changes the Cplane and Tplane to Top plane
whenever you change Gview to Isometric.

CIRCLE MILL THE 3/4" DIAMETER HOLES TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
13.2 Circle mill the 3/4" diameter hole in the lower part
TOOLPATHS
 From the 2D group, select the Expand gallery arrow as shown.
 In the Hole making area, select the Circle Mill icon.

 From the Drill Point Selection, select the Entities button.
 [Select entities]: Select the circle as shown in Figure: 13.2.1. Press Enter when done.
Figure: 13.2.1
 Select the OK button to exit Drill Point Selection.

13.3 Toolpath Type
 In the Toolpath Type the Circle Mill is already selected.
13.4 Tool
 From the Tree View list, select the Tool page.

 Click on the Select library tool button and using the Filter options, select the 3/8" Flat Endmill.
 Make changes to the Tool page as shown in Figure: 13.4.1.
Figure: 13.4.1

13.5 Cut Parameters
The Cut Parameters page allows you to enter values for different cutting parameters and compensation options for a Circle
Mill toolpath.
 From the Tree View list, select the Cut Parameters page and change the Compensation type to Wear as
shown. Set Stock to leave on walls/floors to 0.0.
Compensation type set to Wear allows Mastercam to calculate the compensated tool positions based on the tool
dimensions that are stored in the tool library just as if Computer was selected, but also outputs the G41/G42 codes. This
lets the operator adjust for tool wear at the control. Enter the difference between the selected tool size and the
reground tool size at the control as a negative number.
Circle diameter sets the height that the tool moves up to before the next tool pass.
Start angle sets the angle where the helix bore toolpath begins.
Stock to leave on walls/floors allows you to enter the amount of stock to leave on the walls and floors.

13.6 Roughing
You will use the Roughing page to clean out the circle geometry with motion similar to the Spiral pocket style. This style
creates roughing passes using tangent arcs. The result provides a smooth motion for the tool, a short NC program, and
good clean out.
The Helical Entry option creates a helical motion while breaking into the material.
 From the Tree View list, select Roughing and enable it.
 Make the changes as shown.
Roughing activates roughing passes and applies 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.

13.7 Finishing
You will use the Finishing page to define multiple cutting passes to finish the hole.
 From the Tree View list, select Finishing and enable it.
 Make the changes as shown in Figure: 13.7.1.
Figure: 13.7.1
Finishing page allows you to active the Semi-Finish and Finish passes that are performed at the cutting depth to finish the
hole.
Number sets the number of cutting passes.
Spacing sets the amount of stock to remove at each cut.

13.8 Transitions
The Transitions page allows you to control the tool motion during the transition between passes and the lead in/out
behavior.
 From the Tree View list, select Transitions and enable Lead In/Out as shown in Figure: 13.8.1.
Figure: 13.8.1
High speed entry motion allows the tool to transition from one pass to another using a small arc to and from the pass,
connected by a straight line. You define the angle. Mastercam calculates the arc radius as a percentage of the pass
stepover. High speed entry minimizes tool motion outside of the cutting passes as shown.
Lead In/Out allows you to set the included angle of each entry/exit.
Start at center starts the toolpath at the center of the selected circle.

13.9 Depth cuts
The Depth Cuts page allows you to activate depth cuts for the toolpath. When selected, Mastercam uses the parameters
you define on this page to divide the total depth into multiple depth cuts.
 From the Tree View list, select and enable Depth Cuts.
 Set the Max rough step and enable Keep tool down as shown.
Max rough step sets the maximum amount of material removed in the Z Axis with each rough cut. Mastercam will
calculate equal rough cuts no larger than the maximum rough step until it reaches the final Z depth.
Keep tool down determines whether or not to retract the tool between depth cuts/multi-passes.

13.10 Break Through
The Break Through page allows you to cut completely through the material by an amount that you specify. Break through
causes the tool to cut into the spoil board to ensure a clean cut through the material. Always enter the break through
amount as a positive number.
 From the Tree View list, select and enable Break through.
 Set the Break through amount as shown.
Break through amount sets the amount that will be added to the final depth of the toolpath to ensure through-cutting.

 Select the Linking Parameters page and make the following changes as shown.
 Select the OK button to exit the 2D Toolpaths - Circle Mill toolpath.
13.12 Backplot the last toolpath
 Make sure that only the last toolpath is selected in the Toolpaths Manager (signified by the green check mark
on the folder icon).
 Hover the cursor roughly above the center of the circle selected for the circle mill toolpath, and scroll up the
mouse to zoom in.


13.13 Verify all toolpaths
 From the Toolpaths Manager, click on Select all operations icon to make sure that all of the toolpaths are
selected.
 Select the Verify selected operations button.

 For a better display of the solid, in the Verify tab, enable Show Edges.
 The part should look as shown in Figure: 13.13.1.
Figure: 13.13.1
 Press Alt + T to remove the toolpaths from the graphics area.

2D HIGH SPEED DYNAMIC MILL TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 14: 2D HIGH SPEED DYNAMIC MILL
2D High Speed Dynamic Mill toolpath utilizes the entire flute length of the cutting tool to achieve efficiency in milling. It
maximizes material removal while minimizing tool wear. The toolpath can be used to machine pockets, standing core
shapes or material left from previous operations.
Toolpath Preview:
14.1 Solid Selection
 Select the solid as shown.
NOTE: To make the selection easier, you will use the Hide entity function to keep only the solid part that has
been machined in this operation on the screen.
 Press Alt + E to hide the rest of the geometry.

 Make sure that the Cplane/Tplane are set to Front as shown.

Otherwise, select the Planes tab and set them as previously shown.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING 2D HIGH SPEED DYNAMIC MILL
TOOLPATHS
 From the 2D group, select the Expand gallery arrow and select the Dynamic icon as shown.

 From the Chain Options dialog box, set the Machining region strategy to From outside before proceeding to
select the Machining regions.

 In the Chaining dialog box switch to Solid selection and enable Face.
 Make sure that the Loop button is the only one selected as shown.
 [Solid Toolpath Chain: Select faces, edges, and/or loops]: Pick the first edge as shown in Figure: 14.1.1.
Figure: 14.1.1
NOTE: The Pick Reference Face dialog box might appear on the screen to allow you to cycle through possible
reference faces of the solid. Make sure that the chain selected is the one shown in Figure: 14.1.2. Otherwise,
click the Other face button until the desired face is selected.

 If the Pick Reference Face appears, select the Other face button until the back face is selected as shown
in Figure: 14.1.2.
 Select the OK button to accept it and exit Pick Reference Face.
 Click OK to exit the Chaining dialog.
Figure: 14.1.2

 When the Chain Options open back up, click on the button to select Avoidance Regions as shown.
 Select the edge at the front of the part as shown in Figure: 14.1.3.
Figure: 14.1.3

 Click on the Other face button until the desired face as shown in Figure: 14.1.4 is selected, and then select the
OK button to accept it.
Figure: 14.1.4
 Select the OK button to exit the Chaining dialog box.
 Select the OK button to exit the Chain Options dialog box.

 In the Toolpath Type page, select Dynamic Mill.

14.2 Tool
 Select Tool from the Tree View list.

 Use the same 3/8" Flat Endmill and add a comment for future reference as shown in Figure: 14.2.1.
Figure: 14.2.1

 From the Tree View list, select Cut Parameters. Match the parameters as shown in Figure: 14.3.1.
Figure: 14.3.1
Approach distance available only when open pocket machining is selected. Adds the specified absolute distance to the
beginning of the toolpath’s first cut.
Stepover sets the distance between cutting passes in the X and Y Axis.
Toolpath radius reduces sharp corner motion between cut passes.
Micro lift distance enter the distance the tool lifts off the part on the back moves. Microlifts are slight lifts that help clear
chips and minimize excessive tool heating.
Back feedrate controls the speed of the backfeed movement of the tool.
Retract controls retracts in the toolpath when making a non-cutting move within an area where the tool can be kept down
or microlifted.
Optimize cut order defines the cut order Mastercam applies to different cutting passes in the Dynamic Mill toolpath.

14.4 Set the Linking Parameters
 Select Linking Parameters and input the Clearance, the Top of stock and the Depth as shown in Figure: 14.4.1.
Figure: 14.4.1

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 Select Planes and ensure that the Tool plane and Comp/construction plane are set to Front as shown.
 Once complete pick the OK button to generate the toolpath.

 Press Alt + E to bring back the hidden solids.
 Make sure that only the last toolpath is selected in the Toolpaths Manager.


 From the Toolpaths Manager, click on Select all operations icon to make sure that all toolpaths are selected.


TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING MACHINE THE POCKET OF THE UPPER PART
STEP 15: MACHINE THE POCKET OF THE UPPER PART
Pocket toolpaths remove the material from an enclosed boundary.
Toolpath Preview:
15.1 Chain selection
A chain of entities consists of one or more entities linked together in order and direction. The distance between the
endpoints of two consecutive entities of the chain has to be equal to or less than the chaining tolerance (0.0001"). In an
open chain, the start point is placed at the end of the chain closest to the selection point and the chain direction points to
the opposite end of the chain.
NOTE: Make sure that you reset the Front plane as the Cplane/Tplane before starting the toolpath.

MACHINE THE POCKET OF THE UPPER PART TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
TOOLPATHS
 From the 2D group, select the Expand gallery arrow, and click on the Pocket icon as shown.

 Enable the Wireframe button in the Chaining dialog box as shown and click on the Options button.
 Disable Color as shown.
 Select OK to exit Chaining Options dialog box.


 Move the cursor above the upper part and scroll up the mouse wheel to zoom in.
 Select the chain, as shown.
 Select the OK button to exit Chaining.

 In the Toolpath Type page, the Pocket icon will be selected.

15.2 Select a 1/2" Flat Endmill from the library and set the Tool parameters

 Click on the Select library tool button and use the Filter options to select the 1/2" Falt Endmill.
 Make sure that the 1/2" Flat Endmill is selected and add a comment as shown in Figure: 15.2.1.
Figure: 15.2.1

15.3 Cut Parameters
 From the Tree View list, select Cut Parameters and ensure the settings appear as shown in Figure: 15.3.1.
Figure: 15.3.1
Machining direction sets the machining direction for the toolpath.
Climb cuts with the tool rotating in the opposite direction of the tool motion.
Conventional cuts with the tool rotating in the same direction as the tool motion.
Pocket type defines the type of pocket toolpath Mastercam creates.

15.4 Roughing
 From the Tree View list, select Roughing. Choose the option Parallel Spiral, Clean Corners and change the
necessary settings as shown in Figure: 15.4.1.
Figure: 15.4.1
Parallel Spiral roughs the pocket in a spiral that offsets the outer boundary by the stepover amount each time and adds
small cleanout moves in the corners of the pocket to remove more stock. This option does not always guarantee a good
cleanout.
Spiral inside to outside applies to all spiral pocket toolpaths. The toolpaths spiral from the center to the wall of the
pocket.

15.5 Entry Motion
 Set the Entry Motion of the Roughing portion of the toolpath to Helix. Make any necessary changes as shown
in Figure: 15.5.1.
Figure: 15.5.1
Helix for pocket roughing will always try to use the maximum radius to use more of the side of the endmill and less
plunging. The direction of the helix usually matches the toolpath direction.

15.6 Finish
 From the Tree View list, select Finishing. Once there, ensure Finish is enabled as shown. This will add a finish
pass after roughing the pocket.
 Enable Finish outer boundary, Start finish pass at closest entity, Keep tool down and Machine Finish passes
only at final depth. For an explanation of these parameters, see below the figure.
 Set the Cutter compensation to wear.
Finish creates a finish pass and enables the finishing parameters. If this option is unselected, only a roughing operation will
be created.
Finish outer boundary makes a finish pass on the pocket wall.
Start finish pass at closest entity finishes the pocket starting with the closest endpoint of the closest entity at the end of
the roughing toolpath.
Keep tool down determines whether or not to retract between finish passes.
Machine finish passes only at final depth performs the finish passes at the final cutting depth only.

15.7 Lead In/Out
 From the Tree View list select Lead In/Out and ensure this option is enabled as shown in Figure: 15.7.1.
 Enter Length, Radius and Sweep angle. The Lead In/Out parameters will only be applied to the Finish
parameters.
Figure: 15.7.1
Lead In/Out moves are a combination of lines and arcs at the beginning and end of a pocket toolpath finish pass.
Overlap sets how far the tool goes past the end of the toolpath before exiting for a cleaner finish.
Line Length sets the line length for entry or exit lines.
Arc Radius defines the entry or exit arcs radius. This arc is always tangent to the toolpath.
Sweep sets the sweep angle of the entry or exit arc.

 Select Linking Parameters from the Tree View list. Change the values as shown in Figure: 15.8.1.
Figure: 15.8.1
Absolute values are always measured from the origin 0,0,0.
Incremental values are relative to other parameters or chained geometry.
 Select the OK button to exit the 2D Toolpaths - Pocket.

 Make sure that only the last toolpath is selected in the Toolpaths Manager (signified by the green check mark
on the folder).


 From the Toolpaths Manager, click on Select all operations icon to make sure that all toolpaths are selected.

 The part should look as shown in Figure: 15.10.1.
Figure: 15.10.1

SPOT DRILL THE FOUR 1/4" DIAMETER HOLES TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 16: SPOT DRILL THE FOUR 1/4" DIAMETER HOLES
Spot Drilling the holes allows you to start the hole. In this operation we will also use the spot drill to chamfer the holes
before drilling them.
Toolpath Preview:
NOTE: Make sure that both the Cplane and the Tplane are set to Front. Check step 8 if needed for further info
on how to select the planes.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING SPOT DRILL THE FOUR 1/4" DIAMETER HOLES
TOOLPATHS
 From the 2D group, select the Expand gallery arrow and then click on the Drill icon.
 In the Drill Point Selection dialog box choose the Entities button.

 Hover the cursor above the center of the lower part and scroll the mouse wheel up to zoom in.
 [Select entities. Press <Enter> when done]: Select all four arcs as shown in Figure: 16.0.1.
Figure: 16.0.1
 Select the OK button in the Drill Point Selection dialog box to accept the 4 drill points.
 In the Toolpath Type page, the Drill toolpath will be selected.

16.1 Select a 3/8" Spot Drill from the library and set the Tool parameters

 Click on the Select library tool button and use the Filter options to select the 3/8" Spot Drill.
 Make the necessary changes to the Tool page as shown in Figure: 16.1.1.
Figure: 16.1.1

 Select Cut Parameters and make the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 16.2.1.
Figure: 16.2.1
Drill/Counterbore is recommended for drilling holes with depths less than three times the tool’s diameter.
Dwell sets the amount of time in seconds that the tool remains at the bottom of a drilled hole.

 Choose Linking Parameters, ensure Clearance is enabled and all the rest of the heights are set to Incremental
values as shown in Figure: 16.3.1.
Figure: 16.3.1
 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 as
Figure: 16.3.2
 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.
 The Depth will be automatically calculated as shown in Figure: 16.3.3.
Figure: 16.3.3
 Select the OK button to exit the 2D Toolpath - Drill/Circles Simple drill - no peck parameters.

 Make sure that only the last drilling toolpath is selected in the Toolpaths Manager (signified by the green check
mark on the folder icon).


 From the Toolpaths Manager, click on the Select all operations icon to make sure that all toolpaths are
selected.
 Right mouse click in the graphics window of the Simulator and select Fit to fit the stock.

 The parts should look as shown.
 For a better view of the part, hover the cursor above the center of the part and holding down the mouse wheel
and slightly move the cursor to the right of the part to rotate it.


CREATE A NEW PLANE USING THE PLANES MANAGER TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 17: CREATE A NEW PLANE USING THE PLANES MANAGER
In this step you will learn how to set, in the Planes Manager, the Cplane (Construction plane) and the Tplane (Tool plane) to
a new plane defined by a solid face. Select the solid face button to create a new view based on a solid face in your part.
Mastercam will prompt you for the necessary geometry and other information needed to create the view. You will
maintain the origin at the center bottom of the tombstone.
The Planes Manager allows you to create, select, or edit the Cplane, Tplane or the Work Coordinate System (WCS). You can
also edit the origin of a view and assign a work offset to a view.
 Select the Planes tab as shown.
 From the Planes Manager, click on the Create a new plane arrow and select From solid face as shown.
 Hover the cursor above the center of the hole and scroll up the mouse wheel to zoom in.
 Hover the cursor above the center of the hole and holding down the mouse wheel, move the cursor to the right
until the part is oriented as shown in Figure: 17.0.1.
 [Select a flat solid face]: Select the flat area of the counterbore hole as shown in Figure: 17.0.1.
Figure: 17.0.1

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING CREATE A NEW PLANE USING THE PLANES MANAGER
NOTE: The axis for the new view will be automatically shown. The system gives you eight views to choose from
which have different axis orientations.
 Hover the cursor above the center of the hole and holding down the mouse wheel slightly rotate the part to the
left as shown in Figure: 17.0.2.
 Press Alt + S to unshade the part if needed.
 The Select plane dialog box is already open as shown.
 The axis should be oriented as shown in Figure: 17.0.2. Otherwise, select the Forward button from the Select
plane dialog box.
Figure: 17.0.2
 From the Select plane dialog box, select the OK button to accept the view.

CREATE A NEW PLANE USING THE PLANES MANAGER TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
 From the New Plane panel, in the Name field enter "Plane for the side hole".
 Enable Manual and set the Work Offset to 0 to maintain the origin at the bottom center of the tombstone.
 Select the OK button to exit the New Plane panel.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING CREATE A NEW PLANE USING THE PLANES MANAGER
 Click on the C column of the Plane for the side hole to set both the Cplane and the Tplane to the new plane.
Leave the WCS set to the Top plane as shown.
 The Planes Manager parameters should look as shown in Figure: 17.0.3.
Figure: 17.0.3
NOTE: You should see the T/Cplane set to PLANE FOR THE SIDE HOLE in the graphics window.
 Click on the Toolpaths tab to return to the Toolpaths Manager.

SPOT DRILL THE 1/4" DIAMETER SIDE HOLE TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 18: SPOT DRILL THE 1/4" DIAMETER SIDE HOLE
In this operation you will spot drill the side hole before drilling it.
Toolpath Preview:
TOOLPATHS
 From the 2D group, select the Drill icon.
 In the Drill Point Selection dialog box choose the option Entities.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING SPOT DRILL THE 1/4" DIAMETER SIDE HOLE
 [Select entities. Press <Enter> when done]: Select the arc as shown in Figure: 18.0.1.
Figure: 18.0.1
 Select the OK button in the Drill Point Selection dialog box to continue.
 In the Toolpath Type page, the Drill toolpath will be selected.

18.1 Set the Tool parameters

 Select the existing 3/8" Spot Drill.
 Make necessary changes to the Tool page as shown in Figure: 18.1.1.
Figure: 18.1.1
NOTE: The Cut parameters are maintained from the previous spot drilling operations and you do not need to
change them.

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 Choose Linking Parameters, ensure Clearance is enabled and all the rest of the heights are set to Incremental
values as shown.

 Make sure that only last drilling toolpath is selected in the Toolpaths Manager (signified by the green check
mark on the folder).


selected.

 For a better view of the part, hover the cursor above the center of the part and holding down the mouse wheel,
slightly move the cursor to the left of the part to rotate it.

DRILL THE 1/4" DIAMETER SIDE HOLE TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 19: DRILL THE 1/4" DIAMETER SIDE HOLE
In this operation you will copy the spot drill toolpath for the side hole and change the settings to drill it.
Toolpath Preview:
 From the Toolpaths Manager select only the last Drill operation.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING DRILL THE 1/4" DIAMETER SIDE HOLE
 Right mouse click on the last operation and select Copy.
 Right mouse click again and select Paste.
NOTE: Another Drill/Counterbore operation (number 8) is added in the Toolpaths Manager. You will modify
the parameters of this operation to drill the hole with a 1/4" Drill using a chip break cycle.

 From the Toolpaths Manager, select Parameters from the last operation.

19.1 Set the Tool parameters.

 Click on the Select library tool button and using the Filter options, select the 1/4" Drill.
Figure: 19.1.1

Figure: 19.2.1
Chip Break recommended for drilling holes with depths of bigger than three times the tools diameter. Retracts partially
out of the drilled hole to break material chips.
Peck sets the amount of the depth for the peck move, which plunges in and out of the material to clear and break chips.

 Choose Linking Parameters, ensure Clearance is enabled and all the rest of the height are set to Incremental
values as shown Figure: 19.3.1.
Figure: 19.3.1

19.4 Tip Comp
Tip Comp allows you to add to the final depth the tip of drill. Mastercam automatically calculates the tip of the drill based
on the drill diameter and tip angle. You can also add a break through amount that allows the drill toolpath to pass the final
depth to break through the stock.
 From the Tree View list, select Tip Comp and enable it.
 Leave the rest of the settings as shown.
 From the Toolpaths Manager, select Regenerate all selected operations to regenerate the toolpath.

 Make sure that only the last drilling toolpath is selected in the Toolpaths Manager.
 Right mouse click in the graphics window and change the graphics view to Front as shown.
 Using the mouse wheel, slightly rotate the part.


selected.

 Change the 3D View to Isometric by right clicking on the screen.
 For a better view of the part, hover the cursor above the center of the hole and holding down the mouse wheel,
slightly move the cursor to the right of the part to rotate it.

 To check if the hole is through, hover the cursor above the center of the hole and holding down the mouse
wheel, slightly move the cursor to the left of the part to rotate it as shown.

DRILL THE FOUR 1/4" DIAMETER HOLES IN FRONT VIEW TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 20: DRILL THE FOUR 1/4" DIAMETER HOLES IN FRONT VIEW
In this operation we will copy the first spot drill toolpath in the Toolpaths Manager and then modify it to drill the four holes
with the 1/4" Drill.
Toolpath Preview:
 From the Toolpaths Manager, select only the first Drill operation.
 Right mouse click on the first drill operation (Operation 6) and select Copy.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING DRILL THE FOUR 1/4" DIAMETER HOLES IN FRONT VIEW
the parameters of this operation to drill the hole with a 1/4" Drill using a peck drill cycle.


 Select the 1/4" Drill.
Figure: 20.1.1

Figure: 20.2.1
 From the Tree View list, select Linking Parameters, ensure Clearance is enabled and all the rest of the heights
are set to Incremental values as shown.

20.4 Tip Comp
 From the Tree View list, select Tip Comp and disable it if needed.
selected.

 For a better view of the part, hover the cursor above the center of the part and holding down the mouse wheel,
slightly move the cursor to the left of the part to rotate it.

 To exit the Mastercam Simulator, click on the Close icon.

CONTOUR THE CHANNEL IN THE LOWER PART TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 21: CONTOUR THE CHANNEL IN THE LOWER PART
A 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. To machine the channel we will use a tool with the diameter the same size as the
width of the channel.
Toolpath Preview:
 Press Alt + F1 to fit the geometry to the screen.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING CONTOUR THE CHANNEL IN THE LOWER PART
21.1 Set the current Cplane and Tplane to Front
NOTE: Both the Cplane (construction plane) and the Tplane (Tool plane) are selected. In the area below the
graphics window you should see the current plane selection as shown.
TOOLPATHS
 From the 2D group, select the Contour icon as shown.

 Leave the default settings in the Chaining dialog box.

 Hover the cursor over the hole in the lower left side part, and scroll up to zoom in.
 [Select Contour chain 1]: Select the circle as shown to ensure the chaining direction points upward as shown in
Figure: 21.1.1. Click the Reverse chain button if needed.
Figure: 21.1.1

 In the Toolpath Type page, the Contour toolpath will be selected.


 Click on Select library tool button and use the Filter options to select the 1/8" Flat Endmill.
 Make all the necessary changes as shown in Figure: 21.2.1.
Figure: 21.2.1

21.3 Cut Parameters
 From the Tree View list, select the Cut Parameters.

 Change the Contour type to Ramp and set the rest of the parameters as shown in Figure: 21.3.1.
Figure: 21.3.1
Contour type set to Ramp generates a continuous ramp to transition smoothly between depth cuts, instead of individual
plunge cuts. You can ramp by a set angle, by a set depth, or to plunge directly between depth cuts. This technique is
especially useful in high speed machining.
21.4 Lead In/Out
 Choose the Lead In/Out and disable it.

 Select Linking Parameters from the Tree View list and set all the heights to Incremental values as shown
in Figure: 21.5.1.
 Set the Top of stock to zero and the Depth to -0.125.
Figure: 21.5.1
 Select the OK button to exit the 2D Toolpaths - Contour.
21.6 Verify the toolpaths as shown in previous steps

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING MACHINE THE 3/8" COUNTERBORE
STEP 22: MACHINE THE 3/8" COUNTERBORE
In this operation you will copy the spot drill toolpath for the side hole and change the settings to machine the 3/8"
diameter counterbore.
Toolpath Preview:
 From the Toolpaths Manager select only the second Drill toolpath Operation number 7.
 Right mouse click on the last operation and select Copy.
the parameters of this operation to drill the hole with a 3/8" Flat Endmill.

MACHINE THE 3/8" COUNTERBORE TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING


 Select the 3/8" Flat Endmill.
Figure: 22.1.1
NOTE: The Cut Parameters page does not need to be changed. The Drilling cycle should be set to Drill/
Counterbore.

MACHINE THE 3/8" COUNTERBORE TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
22.2 Set the Linking Parameters
 From the Tree View list, select Linking Parameters and make sure that the Depth value is changed as shown in
Figure: 22.2.1.
Figure: 22.2.1

selected.

 Change the View to Isometric.
 For a better view of the part, hover the cursor above the center of the hole and holding down the mouse wheel,
slightly move the cursor to the right of the part to rotate it.
 To go back to Mastercam window, minimize the Mastercam Simulator window as shown.

CONTOUR THE RIGHT SLOT TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 23: CONTOUR THE RIGHT SLOT

Toolpath Preview:
 Press Alt + F1 if needed to fit the geometry onto the screen.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING CONTOUR THE RIGHT SLOT
23.1 Set the current Cplane and Tplane to Right
 Select the Planes tab.
 Select the Right side plane from the list and click in the C column to assign both the Cplane and the Tplane to
this plane as shown.
 Select the Toolpaths tab to open Toolpaths Manager.
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 [Select Contour chain 1]: Select the contour shown and ensure the chaining direction is the same as shown
in Figure: 23.1.1 (CW). Use the Reverse chain button, if necessary.
Figure: 23.1.1

 Select the OK button to exit Chaining dialog box.


 Click on Select library tool button and use the Filter options to select the 1/4" Flat Endmill.
Figure: 23.2.1

23.3 Cut Parameters
 From the Tree View list, select the Cut Parameters.

 Make sure that the Contour type is set to Ramp and the rest of the parameters are set as shown in Figure:
23.3.1.
Figure: 23.3.1
Contour type set to Ramp generates a continuous ramp to transition smoothly between depth cuts, instead of individual
plunge cuts. You can ramp by a set angle, by a set depth, or to plunge directly between depth cuts. This technique is
especially useful in high speed machining.
Ramp Depth sets the depth at which each full motion of the depth cuts ramp descends before reaching the final contour
depth.
NOTE: The parameters are maintained from the previous contour operation. Lead In/Out should be already
disabled.

 Select Linking Parameters from the Tree View list and set all the heights to Incremental values.
 Set the Depth to -0.25 as shown in Figure: 23.4.1.
Figure: 23.4.1

23.5 Planes
 Select Planes (WCS) from the Tree View list and set the Work Offset to Manual and 0 as shown. Press Enter
after entering 0.
 Leave Update the plane and all operations that use this plane enabled as shown.
 Select the OK button to exit the Update Plane dialog box.

23.6 Backplot and Verify your toolpaths as shown in previous steps

CONTOUR THE LEFT SLOT TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 24: CONTOUR THE LEFT SLOT

Toolpath Preview:

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING CONTOUR THE LEFT SLOT
 Hover the cursor above the center of the tombstone and holding down the mouse wheel, move the cursor to
the right until you can see the left side of the same part that previous toolpaths were applied to.
NOTE: You must make sure that you are viewing the left side of the same part you have already chained your
other toolpaths to.

24.1 Set the current Cplane and Tplane to Left
 Select the Planes tab as shown.
 Select the Left side plane from the list and click in the C column of the plane to assigned both Cplane and
Tplane as shown.
 Select the Toolpaths tab as shown.
TOOLPATHS

 [Select Contour chain 1]: Select the contour as shown to ensure the chaining direction (CW) is the same as
shown in Figure: 24.1.1. Use the Reverse chain button if necessary.
Figure: 24.1.1



 Select the existing 1/4" Flat Endmill.
Figure: 24.2.1

24.3 Planes
 Select Planes (WCS) from the Tree View list and set the Work Offset to Manual and 0 as shown. Press Enter
after entering 0.
 Leave Update the plane and all operations that use this plane enabled as shown once this dialog box appears.
 Select the OK button to exit the Update Plane dialog box.

NOTE: The rest of the parameters can be maintained as they were set for the previous contour toolpath that
was used to machine the right side slot.
24.4 Verify the toolpaths as shown in previous steps

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING TRANSFORM - FACE ALL PARTS
STEP 25: TRANSFORM - FACE ALL PARTS
In this step you will use the Transform - Rotate toolpath to face all of the parts.
Use transform toolpaths when you want to run the same toolpaths in different locations or at different orientations in the
same part file. You can transform single toolpaths, or several at a time.
NOTE: We are transforming both operations that are machined with the same tool; in this case the 2.0" Face
Mill.
Toolpath Preview:
TOOLPATHS
 From the Utilities group, select the Toolpath Transform icon as shown.

TRANSFORM - FACE ALL PARTS TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
25.1 Set the Type and Methods parameters
 From Type enable Rotate as shown in Figure: 25.1.1.

 As Method enable Tool plane which creates a new tool plane for the transformed toolpath.
 Make sure that only the first and second operations are selected in the list (Hold down the Ctrl key while
selecting the toolpaths).
 The Source is set to NCI as we are rotating the toolpath and not the geometry.
 Group NCI output by Operation order.
 Enable Copy source operations and ensure Disable posting in selected source operations is enabled as well.
Figure: 25.1.1
Tool plane creates a new tool plane (Tplane) for the transformed toolpath.
Group NCI output by Operation type groups the transformed operations by the operation type. For example, if you
selected a pocket and a contour operation, all transformations of the pocket operation would be executed together, as
would all transformations of the contour operation (pocket, pocket, contour, contour, etc.).
Work offset numbering set to Maintain source operation’s to use the work offset settings from the source operation for
each transformation.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING TRANSFORM - FACE ALL PARTS
25.2 Set the Rotate parameters
 Select the Rotate tab.

 Enable Origin as the Rotation point as shown in Figure: 25.2.1.
 Instances # set to 3 as we have 3 faces left.
 Enable Angle between.
 Start angle = 90.0.
 Rotation angle = 90.0.
 Enable Rotate plane and make sure that it is set to Top as shown.
Figure: 25.2.1
 Select the OK button to exit the Transform Operations Parameters dialog box.

TRANSFORM - FACE ALL PARTS TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
25.3 Verify only the last toolpath
 Select only the transform operation and click on Verify selected operations icon as shown.

 Hover the cursor in the middle of the tombstone and holding down the mouse wheel, rotate the tombstone as
needed to check all 4 faces.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING TRANSFORM - OPERATIONS 3, 4 AND 5
STEP 26: TRANSFORM - OPERATIONS 3, 4 AND 5
In this step you will use the Transform - Rotate toolpath to rotate the Circle Mill, the Dynamic Mill, and the Pocket
toolpaths.
Toolpath Preview:
TOOLPATHS

TRANSFORM - OPERATIONS 3, 4 AND 5 TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
 Make sure that only the next three operations are selected in the list as shown in Figure: 26.1.1.
 The rest of the parameters should remain the same as set in the previous transform toolpath.
Figure: 26.1.1
NOTE: The parameters in the Rotate page are maintained from the previous operation and should not be
changed.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING TRANSFORM - OPERATIONS 3, 4 AND 5
26.2 Verify only the transform operations
 Hold down the Ctrl key and select the two transform operations.


TRANSFORM - OPERATIONS 6 AND 7 TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 27: TRANSFORM - OPERATIONS 6 AND 7
In this step you will use Transform-Rotate toolpath to rotate the two spot drilling toolpaths that are machined with the
3/8" Spot drill.
Toolpath Preview:
TOOLPATHS

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING TRANSFORM - OPERATIONS 6 AND 7
 Make sure that only the two spot drill operations are selected in the list as shown in Figure: 27.1.1.
 The rest of the parameters should remain the same as in the previous transform toolpath.
Figure: 27.1.1
NOTE: The parameters in the Rotate page are maintained from the previous operation and should not be
changed.

 Hold down the Ctrl key and select the three transform operations.


In this step you will use the Transform - Rotate toolpath to rotate the two drilling toolpaths that are machining the 1/4"
holes.
Toolpath Preview:
TOOLPATHS

 Make sure that only the two drill operations are selected in the list as shown in Figure: 28.1.1.
 Change Group NCI output by to Operation type.
Figure: 28.1.1
 Select the OK button to exit the Transform Operation Parameters dialog box.

 Hold down the Ctrl key and select the four transform operations.


In this step you will use the Transform - Rotate toolpath to rotate the two toolpaths that are not machined with the same
tool. You will group the toolpaths by Operation type to complete one operation before you start the second one. This
setting ensures minimum tool change in the program.
Toolpath Preview:
TOOLPATHS

 Make sure that only operations 10 and 11 are selected in the list as shown in Figure: 29.1.1.
Figure: 29.1.1

 Hold down the Ctrl key and select the five transform operations.


In this step you will use the Transform - Rotate toolpath to rotate the two contour toolpaths used to machine the slots.
Because we are using the same tool in both operations, you will group the toolpaths by Operation order. This setting
ensures minimum tool movement in the program.
Toolpath Preview:
TOOLPATHS

 Make sure that only operations 12 and 13 are selected in the list as shown in Figure: 30.1.1.
Figure: 30.1.1

30.2 Verify all operations
 Click on the Select all operations icon.

 To exit Verify, click on the Close icon.

POST THE FILE TO GENERATE NC CODE TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING
STEP 31: POST THE FILE TO GENERATE NC CODE

 Select Post selected operations button from Toolpaths Manager.
NOTE: The active Post Processor is a generic Fanuc post processor. Please check the information about the
post processor on page 18.
 In the Post processing window, if needed, make any necessary changes as shown in Figure: 31.0.1.
Figure: 31.0.1
 Select the OK button to continue.

TUTORIAL - HORIZONTAL MACHINING SAVE THE UPDATED MCAM FILE
NOTE: All the parts were programmed from the center of the tombstone and the output G-code should have
only one Work offset, G54 as shown in Figure: 31.0.2.
 In the NC File name field, enter the same name as the file name.
 Save the NC file.
 The NC file will appear on the screen as shown in Figure: 31.0.2.
Figure: 31.0.2
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.
 Select the "X" box at the upper right corner to exit the Editor.
STEP 32: SAVE THE UPDATED MCAM FILE

INDEX
Numerics WCS ............................................................ 3

2D High Speed Dynamic Core Mill .................. 81 L
A Lead In/Out ................................................... 103
Approach distance .......................................... 89 Line Endpoints .................................................. 4
Assign tool numbers sequentially ................... 19 Endpoint Coordinates ................................ 5
Attributes .......................................................... 7 Endpoint, Length and Angle ....................... 5
2D / 3D Construction .................................. 7 Linking Parameters ...................................50, 78
Clear Color .................................................. 7 M
Color ........................................................... 7 Manager Panels ................................................ 9
Level ........................................................... 7 Auto Hide ................................................. 10
Line Style .................................................... 7 Toolpaths Manager .................................... 9
Line Width .................................................. 7 Mastercam To Metric
Point Style .................................................. 7 Current Session Only ................................ 11
Z Depth ....................................................... 7 Default ...................................................... 12
B Merge the Part Geometry .............................. 20
Back feedrate .................................................. 89 Micro lift distance ........................................... 89
Backplot the last toolpath .............................. 78 O
Break Through ................................................ 77 Optimize cut order .......................................... 89
C Override defaults with modal values .............. 19
Change the Wireframe Color ............................ 7 P
Chip Break ..................................................... 131 Peck .............................................................. 131
Circle diameter ............................................... 72 Program # ....................................................... 19
Compensation type set to Wear, .................... 72 R
Contour The Channel in the Lower Part ....... 143 Reorganizing The Toolbars ............................... 4
Contour type set to Ramp ............................ 148 Retract ............................................................ 89
Create a New Plane using the View Manager 117 Roughing ......................................................... 73
D S
Depth cuts ...................................................... 76 Set the Cplane and Tplane to Front ................ 42
Dynamic Xform to Position and Rotate the Part 22 Set the Cut Parameters ................................... 50
F Set the Grid ..................................................... 13
Feed Calculation set From tool ....................... 19 Set the Planes page ........................................ 52
Finishing .......................................................... 74 Start angle ...................................................... 72
G Stepover ......................................................... 89
GUI - Graphical User Interface .......................... 3 Stock to leave on walls/floors ......................... 72
Backstage (FILE) .......................................... 3 T
Graphic Area .............................................. 3 Toolpath radius ............................................... 89
QAT - Quick Access Toolbar ....................... 3 Transitions ...................................................... 75
Quick Mask Buttons ................................... 3 U
Ribbon ........................................................ 3 Use Xform Rotate ........................................... 38
Right Click Menu ........................................ 3
V
Scale ........................................................... 3
Selection Bar .............................................. 3 Verify all toolpaths ......................................... 79
Tabs ............................................................ 3 W
Toolpaths/Solids/Planes Manager ............. 3 Warn of duplicate tool numbers .................... 19

INDEX
Page |192 Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial

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Function Keyboard 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

Cut to clipboard Ctrl+X Repaint F3

Delete entities F5 Rotate Alt+Arrow keys

Drafting global options Alt+D Select all Ctrl+A

Exit Mastercam Alt+F4 Selection grid parameters Alt+G

Fit geometry to screen Alt+F1 Shading on/off Alt+S

Gview–Back Alt+3 Show/hide all axes (WCS, Cplane, Tplane) Alt+F9

Gview–Bottom Alt+4 Show/hide coordinate axes F9

Gview–Front Alt+2 Show/hide displayed toolpaths Alt+T

Gview–Isometric Alt+7 Show/hide Operations Manager panel Alt+O

Gview–Left Alt+6 Undo the last creation or event Ctrl+Z

Previous Plane Alt+P Unzoom to 80% of original Alt+F2

Gview–Right Alt+5 Unzoom to previous or 50% of original F2

Gview–Top Alt+1 Zoom around target point Ctrl+F1

Help Alt+H Zoom with window selection F1

Hide entities Alt+E Zoom/unzoom by 5% Page Up/Page

Levels Manager Alt+Z

Main attributes, set from entity Alt+X

Create Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts Customize the Ribbon

WAYS TO GET THE MOST FROM MASTERCAM

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Getting Started ........................................................................................................... 1

Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial

Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial

Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial Page|1

STEP 1: STARTING MASTERCAM

 Select the Start button.

 Select the Start button.

 Select the Start button.

Page|2 Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial

STEP 2: GUI - GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial Page|3

STEP 3: NAVIGATE THROUGH MASTERCAM

 Left click on WIREFRAME.

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 Press Enter to continue.

Mastercam also has a Redo button for your convenience.

Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial Page|5

3.2 Function Prompt

Prompts the user to execute a command.

 Example: this prompt is used in the Line Endpoints command.

From the list, select the desired command.

Page|6 Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial

STEP 4: SET THE ATTRIBUTES

4.1 ‘Attributes’ Group

Point Style Displays and sets the system’s point style.

4.2 ‘Organize’ Group

Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial Page|7

Change the Wireframe Color

 Select the desired color from the dialog box as shown.

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STEP 5: MANAGER PANELS

5.1 The Toolpaths Manager

or click on the Help icon.

Horizontal Machining With Indexing Training Tutorial Page|9

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STEP 6: SETTING MASTERCAM TO IMPERIAL