Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 118

Reference Guide

Mastercam X3 Reference Guide


July 2008
Be sure you have the latest information!
Information might have been changed or added since this document was published. The latest version of this document is installed with Mastercam or can be obtained from your local Reseller. The ReadMe file (R )e includes the latest information about new features and enhancements.
ii MASTERCAM X3 / Reference Guide

Mastercam X3 Reference Guide Date: July 2008 Copyright 2008 CNC Software, Inc. All rights reserved. First Printing: July 2008 Software: Mastercam X3 ISBN: 1-883310-69-5 IMPORTANT NOTICE! PLEASE READ THIS STATEMENT AND THE SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT COMPLETELY BEFORE USING THIS SOFTWARE. BY CONTINUING TO USE THIS SOFTWARE, YOU (EITHER AN INDIVIDUAL OR A SINGLE ENTITY) INDICATE YOUR INTENTION TO BE BOUND BY AND ACCEPT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS SOFTWARE LICENSE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, YOU MAY NOT ACCESS OR OTHERWISE USE THIS SOFTWARE AND WILL IN FACT BE PROHIBITED FROM DOING SO. THIS COMPUTER SOFTWARE MAY BE USED ONLY PURSUANT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH BELOW, AND SOLELY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ACCOMPANYING SECURITY MECHANISM (UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN THE "EXCEPTIONS TO SECURITY MECHANISM REQUIREMENTS" SECTION OF SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS) WHICH MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR COMPUTER (OR NETWORK AS APPLICABLE) AT ALL TIMES DURING SUCH USE. Read This If You Have Received This Software From A Third Party: If you received this Software from someone other than an authorized CNC Software, Inc. reseller, you do not have a legal software license. (For example, if you acquired this Software simply by buying a machine or Software from the former owner or from an auction, you do not have a valid license.) You should contact CNC Software, Inc. (860-8755006) in order to obtain a new and valid license. Use of this Software without a valid software license is unlawful, a violation of the Copyright Act and may expose you to criminal liability under 17 United States Code Sec. 506, including fines and damages. Software License If you have paid a license fee, CNC Software, Inc. ("CNC") a Connecticut corporation with its principal place of business at 671 Old Post Road, Tolland, Connecticut, 06084 hereby grants to you a non-exclusive, non-transferable license (the "License") to use this software program and its accompanying documentation (and, if applicable, to permit your authorized employees to use them), solely in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Software License Agreement. You may use the Software solely for your internal business purposes and solely in conjunction with the accompanying hardware or software device, method, scheme or other security measure provided by CNC which allows a user to access the Software and prevents unauthorized access to the Software (the "Security Mechanism"). The Software, any updates to the Software through purchase or due to enrollment in an authorized software Maintenance program (including any that you download through the Internet), and the Documentation in printed or electronic form shall hereinafter collectively be referred to as the "Software" and are all governed by this License. Restrictions You may not use the Software without a Security Mechanism provided by CNC or

CNC's suppliers. When CNC or CNC's resellers provide you with a single-user Security Mechanism, the Software may only be used (in executable code form only) on a single computer to which the Security Mechanism is physically attached. In the event CNC or CNC's resellers provide you with a multiple-user Security Mechanism for use over an internal network (a "Network Security Mechanism"), the Software
iii

may be used: (a) in executable code form only; (b) only on end-user computers that are connected to the internal network to which the Network Security Mechanism is attached; and (c) only by the number of users and accessed by the number of end-user computers for which licenses were purchased and as further allowed by the Network Security Mechanism. You may physically transfer the Software from one computer equipped with a single-user Security Mechanism to another only if the Security Mechanism is included in the transfer and is installed with the new computer. You shall not: (a) copy (except as provided below), adapt, modify the Software; (b) publish, display, disclose or create a derivative work from the Software or any part thereof; (c) de-compile or translate, disassemble, create or attempt to create, by reverse engineering or otherwise, the source code form of the Software from the executable code of the Software; (d) remove any proprietary notices, labels or marks from the Software; (e) sell, rent, lease, distribute or otherwise transfer or provide all or any part of the Software to any person or entity without the prior written consent of CNC; (f) use the Software to provide outsourcing, service bureau, time sharing or other services to any third party; or (g) sublicense, assign, delegate or otherwise transfer your rights in the Software, under the Software License Agreement or any of the related rights or obligations for any reason without the prior written consent of CNC. You shall not circumvent, bypass, modify, reverse engineer, disassemble, disable, alter, enhance or replicate the function of the Security Mechanism in any manner whatsoever. Any attempt to do so shall result in automatic termination of this License without prejudice to all other legal rights and remedies of CNC. Copying Restrictions You may make one (1) copy of the Software for backup or archival purposes, provided that you reproduce all proprietary notices of CNC on any such copy. Non Transferable You may not transfer or assign the Software or this Software License Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder. Any attempt to do so will automatically terminate this License without the need for notice. This termination is without prejudice to all other legal rights and remedies of CNC. Intellectual Property Rights The Software is and includes intellectual property of CNC. All associated intellectual property rights, including, without limitation, worldwide patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret rights, are reserved. CNC retains all right, title and interest in and copyrights to the Software, regardless of the form or media in or on which the original or other copies may subsequently exist. This Software License Agreement shall not constitute a sale of the Software and no title or proprietary rights to the Software are transferred to you hereby. You acknowledge that the Software is a unique, confidential and valuable asset of CNC, and CNC shall have the right to seek all equitable and legal redress, which may be available to it for the breach or threatened breach of this Software License Agreement including, without limitation, injunctive relief. Unauthorized copying of the Software or failure to comply with the above restrictions shall result in automatic termination of this License and this Software License Agreement without prejudice to all other legal rights and remedies of CNC. Confidentiality You acknowledge that the Software contains proprietary trade secrets of CNC and you hereby agree to maintain the confidentiality of the Software using at least as great a degree of care as you use to maintain the confidentiality of your own most confidential information. You agree to reasonably communicate the terms and conditions of this Software License Agreement to those persons employed by you who come into contact with the Software, and to use reasonable best efforts to ensure their compliance with such terms and conditions, including, without limitation, not knowingly permitting such persons to use any portion of the
iv MASTERCAM X3 / Reference Guide

Software for the purpose of deriving the source code of the Software or defeating the Security Mechanism.

Enforcement Obligations

In the event you become aware that any person or entity in your employ or under your control in a manner not authorized by this Software License Agreement is using the Software, you shall immediately use reasonable best efforts to have such unauthorized use of the Software immediately cease. You shall promptly notify CNC

in writing of any unauthorized use of the Software of which you become aware. Limited Warranties CNC WARRANTS THAT THE MEDIA ON WHICH THE SOFTWARE IS DISTRIBUTED WILL BE FREE OF DEFECTS IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP FOR A PERIOD OF THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY EXCLUDES DEFECTS ARISING OUT OF ACCIDENT, NEGLECT, MISUSE, FAILURE OF ELECTRIC POWER AND CAUSES OTHER THAN ORDINARY AND AUTHORIZED USE. EXCEPT FOR THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY, THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS, WITH ALL FAULTS." YOUR SOLE REMEDY AND CNC'S SOLE OBLIGATION HEREUNDER SHALL BE, AT CNC'S SOLE OPTION, REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE MEDIA OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE SOFTWARE. ANY USE BY YOU OF THE SOFTWARE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY WARRANTY PROVIDED BY CNC REGARDING THE SOFTWARE. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CNC DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CNC IS NOT OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE ANY UPDATES TO THE SOFTWARE. SHOULD THE SOFTWARE PROVE DEFECTIVE FOLLOWING ITS PURCHASE, YOU (AND NOT CNC, ITS DISTRIBUTOR, OR RESELLER) ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION AND ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Note on Documentation: While CNC makes every effort to ensure that its Documentation for the Software is accurate and up-to-date, it cannot guarantee the Documentation at all times represents the latest operation and functionality of the Software. The content of all documentation, in electronic or printed form, for the Software is provided for informational purposes only. The content of the Documentation may be changed without notice to you. CNC expressly disclaims any warranty or representation that the Documentation is an accurate and/or current reflection of the Software's operation and performance. Limitation of Liability IN NO EVENT WILL CNC, OR ITS EMPLOYEES, SHAREHOLDERS, DISTRIBUTORS OR RESELLERS BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, OR LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF EVEN IF CNC HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. CNC'S ENTIRE LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF THE LICENSE FEE PAID BY YOU FOR THE SOFTWARE. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. Indemnification You shall indemnify and hold harmless CNC, its officers, directors, employees, resellers and agents from and against all losses, settlements, claims, actions, suits, proceedings, judgments, awards, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses including,
v

without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees (collectively "Losses") which arise out of or as a result of any breach of this Software License Agreement by you or your employees, agents, resellers, dealers or sub-dealers and shall reimburse CNC for any and all legal, accounting and other fees, costs and expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with investigating, mitigating or defending any such Losses. Educational Pricing If this Software was obtained through or in accordance with a CNC "Educational Pricing" plan, option, grant, schedule or program, it may not be used by anyone, including you, to conduct any computer aided design, computer aided drafting, computer aided machining, or training activities that, directly or indirectly, generate or otherwise result in monetary revenues for the benefit of any individual or any entity, other than the school that originally received this Software. Termination This Software License Agreement is effective until terminated. You may terminate this Software License Agreement at any time by returning to CNC all copies of the Software under your control and by returning the Security Mechanism to CNC. CNC may terminate this Software License Agreement if CNC determines, in its sole discretion, that you have violated the terms of this Software License Agreement. Upon termination of this Software License Agreement, you agree to immediately return to CNC all copies of the Software, return the Security Mechanism to CNC, and certify to CNC in writing that all known copies, including backup copies, have been returned. All provisions relating to confidentiality, proprietary rights, indemnification and non-disclosure shall survive the termination of this Software

License Agreement. You may not transfer this Software to the purchaser of any equipment on which the Software may be resident. You may not transfer this Software via liquidation, bankruptcy, auction, close of business, or any other method that does not involve an authorized Mastercam reseller. This License is for you alone. In the event you breach the provisions of this Section, CNC shall be entitled to liquidated damages in the amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000), plus its reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. General This Software License Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Connecticut, USA without regard for Connecticut's conflicts of law principles. The sole jurisdiction and venue for any litigation arising from or related to this Software License Agreement or the subject matter hereof shall be in an appropriate state or federal court located in Hartford, Connecticut. You hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of the US District Court for the District of Connecticut and the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut. This Software License Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between you and CNC with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any waiver or modification of this Software License Agreement shall be valid only if it is in writing and signed by both parties hereto. If any part of this Agreement is found invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement shall be interpreted so as to reasonably affect the intention of the parties.

U.S. Government Restricted Rights

The Software provided hereunder is a "commercial item," as that term is defined in 48 C.F.R. 2.101, consisting of "commercial computer software" and "commercial computer software documentation," as such terms are used in 48 C.F.R. 12.212. Consistent with 48 C.F.R. 12.212 and 48 C.F.R. 227.7202-1 through 227.7202-4, the Software made available to the United States of America, its agencies and/or instrumentalities, is provided with only those rights set forth in this Agreement. Use, duplication or disclosure of the Software by the government is subject to the restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c) (1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights clause at 48 C.F.R. 52.227-19, as amended, or any successor regulations thereto.
vi MASTERCAM X3 / Reference Guide

Export Restrictions You represent and warrant that you will not, without obtaining prior written
authorization from CNC and, if required, of the Bureau of Export Administration of the United States Department of Commerce or other relevant agency of the United States Government, export or re-export, directly or indirectly, the Software from the United States to (i) any country destination or entity to which export is restricted by the Export Administration Regulations of the United States Department of Commerce; (ii) any country or entity subject to sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, United States Department of the Treasury; or (iii) such other countries or entities to which export is restricted by any other United States government agency. You further agree that you are solely responsible for compliance with any import laws and regulations of the country of destination of a permitted export or re-export, and any other import requirement related to a permitted export or re-export.

Exceptions to Security Mechanism Requirements

CNC Software programs Mastercam Design LT and Mastercam Demo as well as printed and electronic documentation do not require the use of Security Mechanisms, and the provisions in this Software License Agreement relating to Security Mechanisms do not apply to your use of such programs, provided, however, that such provisions shall apply to your use of all other Software and documentation provided hereunder. Survival All provisions of this Software License Agreement relating to confidentiality, nondisclosure, CNC's proprietary rights, disclaimers, and limits of liability, or indemnification by Customer shall survive termination of this License for any reason. Reservation of Rights All rights not expressly granted are reserved by CNC. Trademarks Mastercam is a registered trademark of CNC. Windows, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Mastercam Verify is created in conjunction with MachineWorks Ltd. Mastercam Backplot includes Copyrighted intellectual property rights owned by NWD. Printed in the United States of America. Printed on recycled paper.

vii

Contents
1. Introduction to Mastercam X......................................... 1
Starting Mastercam ............................................................. 2 Mastercam's event logging .................................................... 3 Learning about HASP and NetHASP...................................... 4 Getting Help........................................................................... 5 Using Online Help.................................................................. 5 Mastercam X Documentation................................................ 8 Mastercam Support and Services ........................................ 11 The Mastercam Workspace.............................................. 13 Mastercam Terms and Concepts......................................... 14 Graphics Window ......................................................... 14 Status Bar ...................................................................... 15 Operations Manager ..................................................... 16 Toolbars ........................................................................ 21 Interactive Prompts ...................................................... 21 Tool Tips ....................................................................... 22 Dialog Boxes ................................................................. 22 Ribbon Bars .................................................................. 23 Ribbon Bar and Dialog Box Modality ........................... 27 Learning Mode ............................................................. 27 AutoCursor and Visual Cues ........................................ 28 General Selection Ribbon Bar ...................................... 28 Sketcher ........................................................................ 29 Live, Fixed, and Phantom Entities ............................... 29 Chaining ....................................................................... 30 RightClick Menus ....................................................... 31 Shortcut Keys ................................................................ 32 Machine Definition / Control Definition Managers .... 33 Toolpaths ...................................................................... 33 Libraries (operations, tools, materials) ........................ 34 Function Interruption .................................................. 35 Mastercam's Calculator ............................................... 35
viii Mastercam X3 / Reference Guide

Mastercam Menus ............................................................. 40 File Menu ............................................................................. 41 Edit Menu............................................................................. 42 View Menu............................................................................ 43 Analyze Menu....................................................................... 44 Create Menu......................................................................... 45 Solids Menu.......................................................................... 46 Xform Menu ......................................................................... 47 Machine Type Menu ............................................................ 47 Toolpaths Menu................................................................... 48 Screen Menu ........................................................................ 49 Art Menu............................................................................... 51 Settings Menu ...................................................................... 52 Help Menu............................................................................ 53 The Role of Machine and Control Definitions .................. 54 Toolpath Defaults................................................................. 56 Working with Post Processors.............................................. 57 Opening and Translating Files ........................................... 58 Changing Units of Measure (Metric/Inch) .......................... 59 Saving Files........................................................................... 60 Sharing Files with the Zip2Go Utility................................... 61

Opening Files with Other Applications................................ 62 Project Manager ................................................................. 65

Printing and Plotting ........................................................... 68 File Tracking ........................................................................ 71


Checking the Current File .................................................... 71 Check All Tracked Files ........................................................ 72 Tracking Options.................................................................. 72 Change Recognition............................................................ 75 Changes in Geometry Only .................................................. 75 Changes Affecting Operations ............................................. 76 Using Change Recognition .................................................. 78

2. Drawing and Design Basics.......................................... 81


Using the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar ..................................... 82 Visual Cues ........................................................................... 82
ix

Entering Position Coordinates............................................. 84 Using FastPoint Mode to Enter Coordinates ............... 85 Customizing AutoCursor Behavior...................................... 86 Using AutoCursor Settings ........................................... 86 Using AutoCursor Override .......................................... 88 Using the Relative Ribbon Bar ..................................... 91 Selecting Entities ................................................................ 93 Using the General Selection Ribbon Bar ............................. 93 General Selection Methods.................................................. 94 Entity Selection Settings ...................................................... 96 Masking ........................................................................ 96 Quick Masks ................................................................. 99 Selection Mask Examples................................................... 100 Selection Examples Select All ..................................... 100 Selection Examples Select Only ................................. 101 Entity Selection Tips .......................................................... 101 Selecting Single Entities ............................................. 102 Selecting Multiple Entities ......................................... 102 Selecting All Entities ................................................... 102 Selecting Entities as Chains ........................................ 103 Using Area Selection .................................................. 103 Ending Entity Selection .............................................. 104 Unselecting Entities ................................................... 104 Setting Attributes ............................................................. 105 Setting Attributes for New Entities .................................... 105 Changing Entity Attributes ................................................ 109 Setting/Changing Color ............................................. 110 Mastercam Levels and the Main Level .............................. 111 Setting Z Depth .................................................................. 111 Working in 2D and 3D Mode ............................................. 112 Changing the Graphics Window Display ....................... 114 Zooming............................................................................. 115 Using Viewsheets ............................................................... 116 Setting Viewports ............................................................... 117 Setting Planes / Views / WCS......................................... 119 Views, Planes, and Coordinate Systems ............................ 119 Standard Views ........................................................... 121 Using Gview / Planes / WCS Status Bar Options ....... 122
x Mastercam X3 / Reference Guide

Setting the Tplane Different from the Cplane ............ 126 Work Coordinate Systems .......................................... 127 Coordinate Systems and Machine Definitions.................. 127 Displaying Coordinate Information ........................... 128

Displaying Coordinate Axes ....................................... 129 Understanding the Top View............................................. 129 Managing Views ................................................................. 130 Right-Click Menu Options .......................................... 131 Measuring View Origins ..................................................... 132 Changing View Origins....................................................... 133 Creating Views from Selected Entities ............................... 136 Creating Views by Rotating ................................................ 137 Creating Views from Normals ............................................ 138 Change the Tplane or the WCS?......................................... 139 Example 1: Changing the Tplane ............................... 140 Example 2: Changing the WCS ................................... 142 Why is there a difference? ........................................... 144 Using WCS and Tplanes to Set Up Toolpaths.................... 145 General Guidelines ..................................................... 145 Horizontal Machining Center / Tombstoning ........... 146 Moving the Coordinate System to the Part (Machining Flat) ............................................................................. 146 Machining Two Parts on Different Fixtures ............... 147 Lathe Coordinate Systems ................................................. 147 Lathe Tool and Machine Definitions ......................... 148 Rotating Lathe Tool Axes ............................................ 148 Lathe Cplanes ............................................................. 149 Vertical Turret Lathes ................................................. 150 Editing Your Work............................................................. 152 Undo / Redo....................................................................... 152 Delete / Undelete ............................................................... 153 Deleting Duplicate Entities ........................................ 153 Delete Duplicates (simple) ......................................... 154 Delete Duplicates (advanced) .................................... 154 Delete Entity ............................................................... 154 Undeleting Entities ..................................................... 155 Power User Tips................................................................ 156 Drafting .............................................................................. 156 Drafting Dimensions .................................................. 156
xi

Smart Drafting Dimensions ....................................... 157 Baseline, Chained, and Ordinate Dimensions ........... 158 Working with Ordinate Dimensions .......................... 160 Non-Dimensioned Drafting Entities .......................... 163 Associating Drafting Entities with Geometry ............. 166 Defining Drafting Options ......................................... 169 Working with Levels........................................................... 170 Setting the Main Level ................................................ 170 Using the Level Manager RightClick Menu .............. 172 Creating Level Sets ..................................................... 172 Reusing Level Names (Save/Get) ............................... 173 Hiding Entities ................................................................... 174 Blanking Entities ................................................................ 174 Copying Entities................................................................. 175

3. Creating Geometry........................................................... 177


Using the Sketcher Toolbar ............................................. 178 Editing "Live" Entities ........................................................ 179 Creating Points.................................................................. 181 Create Point Position ......................................................... 181 Create Point Dynamic........................................................ 182 Create Point Node Points................................................... 183 Create Point Segment ........................................................ 183 Create Point Endpoints...................................................... 184 Create Point Small Arcs...................................................... 184

Creating Lines ................................................................... 185 Create Line Endpoint ......................................................... 185 Creating Angular and Polar Lines .............................. 186 Creating Horizontal and Vertical Lines ...................... 186 Creating Multiple Lines .............................................. 187 Create Tangent Lines ................................................. 187 Create Line Closest ............................................................ 187 Create Line Bisect .............................................................. 188 Create Line Perpendicular ................................................. 188 Create Line Parallel ............................................................ 189 Create Line Tangent Through Point .................................. 190 Creating Arcs and Circles ................................................ 191 Create Circle Center Point ................................................. 191
xii Mastercam X3 / Reference Guide

Create Arc Polar.................................................................. 192 Create Circle Edge Point .................................................... 193 Create Arc Endpoints ......................................................... 193 Create Arc 3 Points ............................................................. 194 Create Arc Polar Endpoints................................................ 194 Create Arc Tangent............................................................. 194 Guidelines for Creating Arcs Tangent to Entities .............. 195 Creating Miscellaneous Shapes...................................... 197 Create Rectangle ................................................................ 198 Create Rectangular Shapes ................................................ 199 Base Point Method ..................................................... 200 2-Point Method .......................................................... 200 Create Polygon ................................................................... 200 Create Ellipse...................................................................... 201 Bounding Box..................................................................... 202 Letters................................................................................. 204 Mastercam Fonts ........................................................ 204 TrueType Fonts .......................................................... 205 Create Spiral ....................................................................... 205 Create Helix ........................................................................ 206 Solid to 2D Profile............................................................... 207 Create Relief Groove .......................................................... 208 Create Bolt Circle ............................................................... 211 Create Stair Geometry........................................................ 211 Tips for routing stair stringers .................................... 214 Create Door Geometry ....................................................... 215 Creating Fillets and Chamfers ......................................... 218 Fillet Entities ...................................................................... 218 Fillet Chains........................................................................ 219 Chamfer Entities ................................................................ 219 Chamfer Chains ................................................................. 221 Creating Splines ................................................................ 222 Create Manual Spline......................................................... 222 Create Automatic Spline .................................................... 223 Using the Spline End Conditions Ribbon Bar.................... 224 Create Curves Spline .......................................................... 225 Create Blended Spline........................................................ 225
xiii

Creating Curves ................................................................ 226 Create Curve on One Edge................................................. 227 Create Curve on All Edges.................................................. 227 Create Constant Parameter Curve..................................... 228 Create Flowline Curve........................................................ 228 Create Dynamic Curve....................................................... 229 Create Curve Slice .............................................................. 229 Create Surface Curve.......................................................... 230

Create Part Line Curve ....................................................... 230 Create Curve at Intersection.............................................. 231 Creating Primitives ........................................................... 233 Guidelines for Working with Primitives............................. 233 Create Block ....................................................................... 234 Create Cone........................................................................ 235 Create Cylinder .................................................................. 236 Create Sphere..................................................................... 237 Create Torus....................................................................... 238 Creating Autosynced Rails .............................................. 240

4. Modifying Geometry

....................................................... 243

Editing Entities .................................................................. 244 Trim / Break Submenu ...................................................... 244 Trim / Break / Extend ................................................. 245 Trim Many .................................................................. 248 Break Two Pieces ........................................................ 249 Break at Intersection .................................................. 249 Break Many Pieces ...................................................... 250 Break Drafting into Lines ........................................... 250 Break Circles ............................................................... 251 Close Arc ..................................................................... 251 Edit Menu........................................................................... 251 Join Entities ................................................................ 252 Modify Spline ............................................................. 252 Convert NURBS .......................................................... 252 Simplify ....................................................................... 253 Set Normal .................................................................. 253 Change Normal .......................................................... 254 Transforming Entities ....................................................... 255
xiv Mastercam X3 / Reference Guide

Assigning New Attributes to Transformed Entities ........... 256 Translate............................................................................. 256 Translate 3D ....................................................................... 259 Mirror ................................................................................. 259 Rotate ................................................................................. 261 Scale ................................................................................... 262 Move to Origin ................................................................... 263 Offset .................................................................................. 264 Offset Contour.................................................................... 265 Project ................................................................................ 266 Rectangular Array............................................................... 268 Roll...................................................................................... 269 Drag .................................................................................... 271 Stretch ................................................................................ 271 Stretching Entities ...................................................... 272 Xform STL........................................................................... 273 Xform Geometry Nesting ................................................... 274 Analyzing Entities.............................................................. 276 Analyze Entity Properties ................................................... 277 Analyze Position................................................................. 278 Analyze Distance................................................................ 279 Area / Volume submenu .................................................... 280 Analyze 2D Area .......................................................... 280 Analyze Surface Area .................................................. 280 Analyze Solid Properties ............................................. 281 Analyze Chain .................................................................... 281 Analyze Contour................................................................. 283 Analyze Angle ..................................................................... 284 Analyze Dynamic ............................................................... 284

Number / Database Submenu........................................... 285 Analyze Number ......................................................... 285 Analyze Database ....................................................... 286 Test Surfaces and Solids Submenu.................................... 287 Analyze Test Surfaces ................................................. 287 Analyze Check Solids .................................................. 288 Changing Entity Attributes ................................................ 289
xv

5. Working with Surfaces and Solids.......................... 291


Displaying Surfaces and Solids....................................... 292 Shading Settings................................................................. 294 Entity Selection .......................................................... 294 Colors .......................................................................... 295 Parameters .................................................................. 296 Lighting ....................................................................... 296 Surface Creation ............................................................... 298 Surface Representation...................................................... 299 Maximum Surface Deviation ............................................. 299 Base Surface ....................................................................... 300 Surface Display .................................................................. 300 Surface Drawing Density ............................................ 301 Highlighting Surface Backs ........................................ 301 Creating Ruled or Lofted Surfaces ..................................... 301 Creating Revolved Surfaces ............................................... 303 Creating Offset Surfaces..................................................... 303 Creating Swept Surfaces .................................................... 304 Creating Net Surfaces ........................................................ 305 Guidelines for Creating Net Surfaces ......................... 306 Creating Fence Surfaces..................................................... 307 Creating Draft Surfaces...................................................... 307 Creating Extruded Surfaces ............................................... 309 Filleting Surfaces................................................................ 310 Fillet Surfaces to Surfaces ........................................... 310 Fillet Surfaces to Curves ............................................. 311 Fillet Surfaces to a Plane ............................................ 312 Trimming Surfaces............................................................. 314 Trimming Surfaces to Surfaces .................................. 314 Trimming Surfaces to Curves ..................................... 315 Trimming Surfaces to a Plane .................................... 316 Extending Trimmed Surface Edges.................................... 316 Extending Surfaces............................................................. 317 Creating a Surface from a Solid Face ................................. 317 Creating a Surface from a Flat Boundary........................... 318 Filling Holes with Surfaces................................................. 319 Guidelines for Filling Holes in a Trimmed Surface .... 320 Removing Boundaries from Trimmed Surfaces ................ 321
xvi Mastercam X3 / Reference Guide

Splitting Surfaces................................................................ 322 Untrimming Surfaces......................................................... 322 Blending Surfaces............................................................... 323 Creating Two-surface and Three-surface Blends ...... 323 Creating a Three-fillet Blend ...................................... 324 Solids.................................................................................. 326 Creating a Solid Model: Process Overview......................... 327 Solids Associativity............................................................. 328 Selecting Solids .................................................................. 330 Combining Solid Operations ............................................. 331 Working with Solid Functions............................................ 332 Solid Extrude .............................................................. 333 Solid Revolve .............................................................. 335

Solid Sweep ................................................................. 336 Solid Loft ..................................................................... 337 Solid Fillet ................................................................... 339 Solid Face-Face Fillet .................................................. 339 Chamfer Functions ..................................................... 341 Solid Shell ................................................................... 343 Solid Trim ................................................................... 344 Solid Thicken .............................................................. 344 Remove Solid Faces .................................................... 345 Draft Solid Faces ......................................................... 346 Boolean Operations .................................................... 350 Solid Find Features ..................................................... 351 Solid From Surfaces .................................................... 353 Layout ......................................................................... 354 Solids Manager................................................................... 358 Checking Solid Models....................................................... 359 Suppress Solid Operations ......................................... 359 Roll Back a Solid ......................................................... 360 Viewing and Naming Solid Models.................................... 361 Rename Solids and Solid Operations ......................... 361 Highlight Solid Operations ......................................... 362 Identify a Solid Operation Based on its Geometry ..... 363 Expand and Contract Solid Operation Details ........... 363 Editing Solid Models .......................................................... 364 Edit Solid Parameters ................................................. 364 Edit Solid Geometry .................................................... 365
xvii

Edit Solid Attributes ................................................... 366 Delete Solids and Solid Operations ............................ 367 Regenerate Solids ....................................................... 367 Duplicate Solids ......................................................... 369 Change the Order of Solid Operations ....................... 369

6. Working with Toolpath Operations......................... 371


Machining Process Overview ......................................... 372 Choosing a Machine Definition ....................................... 373 Opening / Importing / Merging Part Files....................... 374

Using Open dialog box options ......................................... 374 Units of Measure (English / Metric) ........................... 376 Previewing a File ......................................................... 376 Using the Places Bar........................................................... 376 Opening and Importing Files............................................. 377 Merging Pattern Files......................................................... 379 Creating Machine Groups ................................................ 382 Renaming Machine Groups and Toolpath Groups ........... 384 Editing Machine Group Properties.................................... 384 Files Tab ..................................................................... 386 Tool Settings Tab ........................................................ 390 Stock Setup Tab .......................................................... 395 Safety Zone Tab .......................................................... 398 Chaining............................................................................. 400 Chaining Wireframe Geometry.......................................... 402 Wireframe Chaining Tips ........................................... 403 Chaining Solids .................................................................. 404 Working with Open and Closed Chains............................. 404 Chaining Direction ............................................................ 405 Synchronizing Chains ........................................................ 406 Editing Toolpath Chains .................................................... 407 Chain Manager RightClick Menu Options ............... 409 Dynamic chaining ...................................................... 411

Selecting Tools.................................................................. 416 Working with the Tool Selection dialog box .............. 419 Using the Toolpath Parameters Right-Click Menu........ 421 Editing Toolpath Defaults ................................................. 424 Creating and using machine-specific .DEFAULTS files .... 427
xviii Mastercam X3 / Reference Guide

Working with HST defaults ................................................ 429 Configuring how Mastercam applies HST defaults ... 430 Surface HST default formula files ............................... 432 Managing Toolpath Operations ....................................... 437 Using the Insert Arrow ....................................................... 439 Using Toolpath Manager Icons.......................................... 442 Displaying Toolpaths ......................................................... 447 Guidelines for Working with Operations ........................... 448 Editing Operations............................................................. 449 Using the Toolpath Editor.................................................. 449 Guidelines for Editing Toolpaths ............................... 451 Editing a Toolpath Point ............................................ 452 Adding a Point to a Toolpath ...................................... 453 Moving a Point in a Toolpath ..................................... 453 Deleting a Toolpath Section ....................................... 454 Editing Selected Operations............................................... 455 Editing Common Parameters ..................................... 456 Changing the NC File Name ....................................... 459 Changing Program Numbers ..................................... 459 Renumbering Tools .................................................... 460 Renumbering Work Offsets ........................................ 461 Reversing Toolpaths ................................................... 462 Recalculating Feeds / Speeds ..................................... 462 Backplot and Verify........................................................... 463 Backplotting Operations .................................................... 463 Verifying Operations .......................................................... 466 Running the Verification ............................................ 467 Configuring Verification Parameters ......................... 469 Tool Simulation During Verification .......................... 470 Using STL comparison ............................................... 471 Post Processing ................................................................ 474 Post Processors and Control / Machine Definitions .. 475 About PST files ............................................................ 476 About NCI Files ........................................................... 477 Post Processing Toolpath Operations ........................ 479 Power User Tips................................................................ 481 Batch Processing Toolpath Operations ............................. 481 Selecting Files for Batch Processing ........................... 482 Selecting Operations from a Batch File ...................... 482
xix

Selecting Batch Operations from Mastercam Files .... 483 Tagging Operations for Batch Processing .................. 483 Running Batch Jobs .................................................... 483 Reviewing Batch Processing Log Files ....................... 484 Importing Operations ........................................................ 484 Guidelines for importing toolpath operations ........... 485 Exporting Operations......................................................... 485 Transforming Operations .................................................. 486 Selecting Operations to Transform ............................ 488 Choosing Transformation Types ............................... 488 Organizing Transform Operations ............................. 489 Associating Work Offsets ............................................ 489 Trimming Toolpaths .......................................................... 489

Tips for Trimming Toolpaths ..................................... 490

7. Toolpath Types

.................................................................. 493

Mill and Router Toolpaths................................................ 494 Feature Based Machining (FBM)....................................... 495 FBM Drill .................................................................... 497 FBM Mill ..................................................................... 498 2D High Speed Toolpaths .................................................. 499 2D high speed core mill .............................................. 500 2D high speed peel mill .............................................. 501 2D high speed blend mill ........................................... 503 2D high speed area mill .............................................. 503 2D high speed rest mill ............................................... 504 Contour Toolpaths............................................................. 504 Chaining Contour Toolpaths ..................................... 505 Chamfer Contour Toolpaths ...................................... 506 Ramp Contour Toolpaths .......................................... 507 Remachining Contour Toolpaths: .............................. 507 Oscillating Contour Toolpaths ................................... 508 Onion Skin Contour Toolpaths: ................................. 509 Creating Tabs for Contour Toolpaths ........................ 509 Editing tabs ................................................................. 514 Circle Toolpaths ................................................................. 515 Circle Mill Toolpaths .................................................. 516 Helix Bore Toolpaths .................................................. 517 Slot mill Toolpaths ..................................................... 518
xx Mastercam X3 / Reference Guide

Thread Mill Toolpaths ................................................ 518 Drill Toolpaths ................................................................... 520 Choosing a Drill Cycle ................................................ 521 Selecting Drill Points .................................................. 522 Sorting Drill Points ..................................................... 524 Editing Drill Points ..................................................... 525 Customizing Drilling Operations ............................... 526 Automatic Drilling ...................................................... 527 Pocket Toolpaths................................................................ 530 Wireframe Toolpaths ......................................................... 531 Ruled Toolpaths ......................................................... 531 Lofted Toolpaths ........................................................ 532 Revolved Toolpaths .................................................... 532 Coons Patch Toolpaths .............................................. 533 Swept 2D Toolpaths ................................................... 534 Swept 3D Toolpaths ................................................... 534 Specialized Toolpaths ........................................................ 536 Face Toolpaths ........................................................... 536 Point Toolpaths .......................................................... 536 Manual Entry Operations ........................................... 537 Additional Router Toolpaths ............................................ 539 Saw Toolpaths .................................................................... 540 Block Drilling Toolpaths .................................................... 542 Filtering drilling points by depth ............................... 544 Drilling blind holes with the block drilling toolpath .. 545 Working with Aggregate Heads.......................................... 548 Surface Toolpaths............................................................. 550 Standard Surface Toolpaths............................................... 550 Surface Rough and Finish Parallel Toolpaths ............ 551 Surface Rough and Finish Radial Toolpaths .............. 551 Surface Rough and Finish Project Toolpaths ............. 552 Surface Rough and Finish Flowline Toolpaths .......... 552 Surface Rough and Finish Contour toolpaths ............ 552 Surface Rough Restmill Toolpaths ............................. 553

Surface Surface Surface Surface Surface


xxi

Rough Pocket Toolpaths ............................... 554 Rough Plunge Toolpaths ............................... 555 Finish Parallel Steep Toolpaths ..................... 555 Finish Shallow Toolpaths .............................. 556 Finish Pencil Toolpaths ................................. 556

Surface Finish Leftover Toolpaths ............................. 557 Surface Finish Blend Toolpaths ................................. 557 Surface Finish Scallop Toolpaths ............................... 558 Surface High Speed Toolpaths........................................... 562 Answers to surface high speed toolpath FAQs ........... 563 Types of High Speed Toolpaths ................................. 564 Creating Surface High Speed Toolpaths .................... 582 Creating Cutting Passes .............................................. 591 Using the Transition pages ........................................ 610 Linking the cutting passes .......................................... 620 Setting Other Parameters ........................................... 629 Multiaxis Toolpaths .......................................................... 639 Standard Multiaxis Toolpaths............................................ 639 Selecting Geometry for 5-axis Toolpaths ................... 640 5-axis Curve Toolpaths ............................................... 642 5-axis Drill Toolpaths ................................................. 642 5-axis Swarf Toolpaths ............................................... 643 5-axis Multisurface Toolpaths .................................... 643 5-axis Flowline Toolpaths .......................................... 645 5-axis Port Toolpaths .................................................. 646 4-axis Rotary Toolpaths .............................................. 647 Advanced Multiaxis Toolpaths .......................................... 649 Advanced Interface and Customized Interfaces ........ 649 Creating an Advanced Multiaxis Toolpath ................ 653 Advanced Multiaxis parameter tabs .......................... 655 Lathe Toolpaths ................................................................ 701 General Turning Toolpaths................................................ 701 Lathe Face Toolpaths ................................................. 702 Lathe Rough Toolpaths .............................................. 702 Lathe Finish Toolpaths ............................................... 704 Lathe Groove Toolpaths ............................................. 705 Lathe Drill Toolpaths .................................................. 706 Manual Entry .............................................................. 708 Lathe Point Toolpaths ................................................ 710 Lathe Thread Toolpaths ............................................. 711 Cutoff Toolpaths ......................................................... 713 Quick and Canned Toolpaths .................................... 714 Adding to a Chained Contour (Mastercam Lathe) ..... 716 Mill / Turn Toolpaths......................................................... 718 C-axis Contour Toolpath Types ................................. 718
xxii Mastercam X3 / Reference Guide

C-axis Drill Toolpath Types ........................................ 718 C-axis Contour Toolpaths .......................................... 719 C-axis Drill Toolpaths ................................................. 721 Using the CView Utility .............................................. 722 Miscellaneous Operations ................................................. 724 Stock Transfer Operations .......................................... 725 Stock Advance Operations ......................................... 727 Stock Flip Operations ................................................. 728 Chuck Operations ....................................................... 729 Tailstock Operations .................................................. 730 Steady Rest Operations .............................................. 731 Nesting and Engraving Toolpaths ................................... 733 Nesting Toolpaths .............................................................. 733 Nesting Tips and Guidelines.............................................. 735

Engraving Toolpaths .......................................................... 736 Engraving Tips and Guidelines .......................................... 737

8. Machine and Control Definitions.............................. 739


Introducing Machine and Control Definitions ................ 740 Machine Definitions and Machine Groups ....................... 741 Machine Definition Components ...................................... 743 Control Definition Functions............................................. 745 Post Processor Sections .............................................. 747 Differences in Machine Group (local) and Disk (master) Copies................................................... 749 Working with Machine Definitions ................................. 750 Using the Machine Definition Manager ............................ 750 Editing the Local or Master Copy ............................... 753 Machine Definition Requirements ............................ 755 Configuring Start-up / Default Machine Definitions ........ 757 Loading a Machine Definition When You Start Mastercam .................................................................. 757 Overriding the Default Machine Definition ............... 759 Starting up Mastercam with a different machine definition .................................................................... 760 Using System-level Default Machine Definitions ...... 760 Replacing the Machine Definition..................................... 761 Selecting a Different .CONTROL File................................. 764 Selecting a Different Post Processor .................................. 766
xxiii

Locking Machine and Control Definitions ........................ 771 Working with Control Definitions.................................... 774 Using the Control Definition Manager.............................. 774 Editing the Local or Master Copy ............................... 776 Editing Post Text ......................................................... 779 Editing Miscellaneous Values .................................... 786 Adding posts ............................................................... 787 Control Definition Properties ............................................ 794 Tolerances .................................................................. 795 Communications ........................................................ 796 Files ............................................................................. 797 NC Dialog ................................................................... 798 NC Output .................................................................. 799 Miscellaneous Integer / Real Values .......................... 800 Work System ............................................................... 801 Tool ............................................................................. 802 Linear .......................................................................... 804 Arc ............................................................................... 805 Rotary ......................................................................... 806 Feed ............................................................................ 807 Cutter Compensation ................................................. 808 Machine Cycles .......................................................... 810 Drill Cycles .................................................................. 811 Subprograms .............................................................. 814 Operation Defaults ..................................................... 815 Text ............................................................................. 816

9. Customizing and Configuring Mastercam X........ 821


Customizing Your Workspace ......................................... 822 Customizing Toolbar Settings ........................................... 823 Opening, Saving, and Resetting Toolbar Files................... 827 Customizing Toolbar Functions ........................................ 827 Drag and Drop Visual Cues ........................................ 829 Adding Functions and Toolbars ................................. 829 Moving Toolbar Functions ......................................... 830

Deleting Toolbar Functions ....................................... 830 Renaming and Deleting Toolbars .............................. 831 Customizing Drop-down Menus....................................... 831 Creating Drop-down Menus ...................................... 834
xxiv Mastercam X3 / Reference Guide

Renaming Drop-down Menus ................................... 835 Deleting Drop-down Menus ...................................... 835 Adding Drop-down Menu Functions ......................... 836 Moving Menu Functions ............................................ 836 Deleting Menu Functions ........................................... 837 Adding Drop-down Menus to Toolbars ..................... 837 Adding Submenus to Drop-down Menus .................. 837 Customizing the Right-Mouse Button Menu ............. 839 Adding Separators to Toolbars / Menus............................ 840 Creating and Saving Toolbar States ................................... 841 Hiding / Showing Toolbars ........................................ 842 Using the Toolbar RightClick Menu ......................... 845 Mapping Customized Keyboard Shortcuts........................ 846 Opening, Saving, and Resetting Key Mapping Files .. 847 Adding or Modifying Shortcut Assignments .............. 848 Removing Shortcut Assignments ............................... 849 Setting Defaults and Preferences (Configuration)......... 850 Configuring Mastercam X .................................................. 850 Managing Configuration Files ........................................... 851 Setting Default Values ................................................ 852 Analyze ....................................................................... 854 Backplot ...................................................................... 855 CAD Settings ............................................................... 857 Chaining ..................................................................... 858 Colors .......................................................................... 859 Communications ........................................................ 860 Converters .................................................................. 861 Default Machines ....................................................... 863 Dimensions and Notes ............................................... 865 Files ............................................................................. 871 Post Dialog Defaults ................................................... 875 Printing ....................................................................... 876 Screen ......................................................................... 877 Shading ....................................................................... 882 Solids .......................................................................... 883 Start / Exit ................................................................... 884 Tolerances .................................................................. 887 Toolpaths .................................................................... 889 Toolpath Manager ...................................................... 890 Verify Interface ........................................................... 894
xxv

Wire Backplot ............................................................. 898 Merging Configuration Files .............................................. 899


xxvi Mastercam X3 / Reference Guide

Index....................................................................................... 901

chapter 1

Introduction to Mastercam X

This chapter covers the following topics: Starting Mastercam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5 The Mastercam Workspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13 Mastercam Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 40 The Role of Machine and Control Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 54 Opening and Translating Files . . . . . . . . . . . page 58 Project Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 65 Printing and Plotting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 68 File Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 71 Change Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 75 Welcome to Mastercam X! Mastercam X is a powerful CAD/ CAM application you use to design parts and create complete machining operations. To help you make the most of Mastercam X, use this guide to: Get a basic orientation to the interface and functions. Understand the fundamentals of using Mastercam to design and cut parts. Customize and configure Mastercam for optimum efficiency. Power User Tips, located at the end the "Drawing and Design Basics" and "Working with Toolpath Operations" chapters, go beyond the basics and introduce you to using advanced Mastercam features.
2 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Starting Mastercam
This document assumes that you have successfully installed Mastercam X, have completed the necessary post-installation procedures, and are ready to begin using Mastercam to design and machine parts. Note: For information on installing Mastercam (including using Mastercam Launcher to set the startup options for a particular seat of Mastercam), see the Mastercam X3 Installation Guide included with your software, or contact your local Reseller. In this section, you will learn about: Starting up Mastercam Troubleshooting HASP and NetHASP issues (page 4) IMPORTANT: If you have upgraded from a previous Mastercam version, see the Mastercam X3 Transition Guide for important information on converting Mastercam files, libraries, and post processors. Although you access Mastercam from a single executable, it is actually a customized suite of modular products, each of which is optimized for a specific type of machining. The Mastercam family of products includes Mastercam Design, Mastercam Router, Mastercam Mill, Mastercam Lathe, Mastercam Art, and Mastercam Wire. Separate add-on modules are available for Mastercam Solids, Mastercam Nesting, and Mastercam Engraving. Note: This document does not include information on Mastercam Wire and Mastercam Art. For more information, see the PDF documents "Mastercam X3 Wire Getting Started Guide" and "Mastercam X2 Art Tutorial," located in the \Documentation directory of your Mastercam installation.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Starting Mastercam 3

To start Mastercam:

1 Doubleclick the Mastercam icon on your Windows Desktop: Or select Mastercam from the Windows Program menu. By default, Mastercam starts up in the Design application. 2 To open a machine-specific Mastercam product, such as Mill, Router, Lathe, or Wire, select a machine definition from the Machine Type menu. Note: You can also switch between Mastercam products by choosing certain functions from the drop-down menus or toolbars, or by selecting an operation from the Toolpath Manager.

Mastercam's event logging

When you start Mastercam, the Mastercam event logger also starts. This utility keeps a log of events that include error messages and executed functions, as well as timing information, part names, and more. The event logger runs independently of Mastercam, which means that if Mastercam closes suddenly due to an unexpected error, the event log remains accessible. You can then examine the log to discover what happened. The event logger's icon appears in your Taskbar Tray, as shown in the picture below. To view the current log, double-click the Mastercam event log icon. By default, Mastercam directs error messages to both the screen (in the form of message dialogs) and to the event log. To avoid having Mastercam functions interrupted by error dialogs, set the Report toolpaths error messages option to Log file only. You can find this option on the Screen page of the System Configuration dialog box. Toolpath Batch mode handles logs using the Log file only option, regardless of the configuration setting. Mastercam stores event-log contents in the Event logs directory of your Mastercam installation. These data files are in XML format.
4 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

The event logger can track multiple concurrent Mastercam instances. If for some reason an instance of the event logger does not close properly, you can close it manually with the Exit option. To do this, right-click the event logger's icon in your Windows Taskbar Tray, and choose Exit from the menu that displays.

Learning about HASP and NetHASP


Mastercam uses two types of licensing: single-user licensing and network licensing. A single-user license requires a special piece of hardware called a HASP (sometimes called a dongle or SIM) attached to the parallel or USB port on your computer. If you receive the following message when starting Mastercam, this component is either missing or not configured properly: Refer to the Mastercam X3 Installation Guide or contact your local Reseller for assistance. Network licensing requires a NetHASP to be installed on a computer on your network. If any of the following messages display when starting Mastercam, contact your network administrator for assistance: Error checking out a [Mastercam product name] license. No licenses have been purchased for this product. Active NetHASP server not found. All available licenses are in use.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Getting Help 5

Getting Help

Mastercam X provides you with comprehensive context-sensitive Help that is always just one click away. This embedded, compiled HTML Help system is located in the Mastercam \Help directory. You can access it from any dialog box or ribbon bar, and from the Mastercam Help menu. To open Help to its default topic, choose Help, Contents from the Mastercam menu, or press [Alt+H]. To open context-sensitive help for any dialog box or ribbon bar, click the help button to open a related help topic. Topics in this section include: Using Online Help (page 5) Mastercam X Documentation (page 8) Mastercam Support and Services (page 11)

Using Online Help


Tabbed dialogs deliver help on dialog boxes and ribbon bars. The "About this..." tab provides an overview of the function and may include guidelines for its use. This tab also lists any shortcut keys you can use and offers links to related topics. Click the How do I get here? link to display drop-down text that provides navigational information. Figure 1-1: Example: Compressed How do I get here?
6 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 1-2: Example: Expanded How do I get here? TIP: Click any green text in Help topics to display additional information. Click the See field / button definitions tab to access definitions for all of the dialog box fields or ribbon bar buttons. Note: When you move the cursor over the tab the color changes to red indicating that you can click it to access more information.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Getting Help 7

The definitions tab provides links to pop-up topics of all of the dialog box or ribbon bar controls. Click a link to display the selected field / ribbon bar definition. Many topics include links to videos you run to learn more about a function. The Help topic Mastercam video tips includes a link to all videos included in Help. Most topics provide drop-down menus of related topics. Hover the mouse over the menu to view the links. Then click to select a topic.
8 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

At the bottom of every topic, we provide an e-mail link you can use to contact CNC Software Technical Documentation for feedback on our product documentation. Use this link to tell us about the kind of information you need, and about your experiences with using our Help and print documentation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Mastercam X Documentation
The \Documentation folder in your Mastercam installation includes a suite of documentation tools, training videos, and other resources you can use to make the most of your Mastercam experience. These publications and movies are designed to get you up and running

quickly, and to provide ongoing education and support as you work with basic and advanced features. In addition to a PDF version of the Mastercam X3 Getting Started Guide you are currently reading, here are just some of the materials you will find your Mastercam X \Documentation folder. Mastercam X3 Installation Guide (printed document and PDF): Provides detailed instructions for installing HASP and NetHASP devices, and Mastercam X. It also includes information on installing upgrades and update codes, on using Mastercam Launcher to set startup options, and on troubleshooting. Mastercam X3 Quick Reference card (printed document and PDF): Provides a graphical summary of Mastercam X key features and functions. Mastercam X3 Transition Guide (PDF): Assists Mastercam Version 9 users with the process of migrating their settings, libraries, and parts to Mastercam X, and provides guidelines for Mastercam X users who are updating to Mastercam X3. Includes PDF checklists to use as migration worksheets. Mastercam Version 9 to X Function Map (PDF): Maps all functions available in Mastercam Version 9 to a Mastercam X equivalent. Mastercam X3 Reference Guide (PDF): Supplements the Help and other Mastercam product documentation. Includes
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Getting Help 9

comprehensive conceptual information, detailed overviews,

examples, definition of terms, and workflow-related information on using Mastercam X and its functions. To open, choose Help, Reference Guide. Mastercam X3 Wire Getting Started Guide (PDF): Provides information on how to get started with Mastercam X Wire, including discussions about wire geometry, machine and control definitions, and the many supported wire toolpaths. Mastercam X2 Art Tutorial (PDF): Offers process and functional overviews, and step-by-step tutorials that illustrate how to create and cut parts with Mastercam X2 Art. Mastercam X2 Advanced Multiaxis Tutorial (PDF): Introduces the new advanced multiaxis toolpath strategies. Two detailed tutorial examples provide a step-by-step introduction to the key features and concepts. Then a series of application examples discuss how to apply them to specific parts and machining situations. Includes sample parts. Notes: You must install Adobe Reader (version 5.0 or higher) before you can view or print PDF documentation. All PDF documents are available from the Mastercam X \Documentation directory. Sample part projects for use with Mastercam X tutorial PDFs are included in the subfolders: \Documentation\ExampleParts, and \Documentation\Art tutorial parts. To view a PDF document: 1 From the Mastercam menu, choose Help, Reference Guide. Or, use Windows Explorer to navigate to your Mastercam \Documentation folder, and then doubleclick a PDF file in the file list. This automatically opens the Adobe Acrobat Reader to display the document.

10 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

TIP: To display the PDF document in its own window, rather than in a Web browser window, deselect the option to Display PDF in browser in the Reader's Internet preferences page. For more information on setting this and other preferences, refer to the Reader Help. 2 To navigate through the document, use the bookmark list in the leftmost pane of the Reader window, or use the Search functions. 3 To view information, scroll through the pages using the mouse wheel or the scroll bar on the right side of the Reader window. You can view PDF documents in different page layouts. This affects how some Reader functions work, and also affects links in the PDF document. To change the layout, choose View, Page Layout and one of the following options: Single PageDisplays all the text on a page of the PDF document (with the exception of graphics or text that is part of a graphic). ContinuousArranges the pages in a continuous vertical column. FacingArranges pages side by side in a one or two page layout. Continuous-FacingArranges the pages side by side, with the first page displayed on the right.

PDF Guidelines

Embedded links in the document are indicated when


the hand icon changes to a pointer as you move the cursor over text that contains a link. You can expand and collapse the Bookmark list. To expand a bookmark (show subtopics), click on its plus symbol (+). To collapse it (hide subtopics), click the minus symbol (). If the Reader toolbar does not appear, press the [F8] key to display it. To search for a word or phrase, click the binocular icon to begin a search. Note: For more information on working with PDFs, refer to the Reader Help.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Getting Help 11

Mastercam Support and Services


Use the following Web sites to find information on Mastercam: For assistance with installing Mastercam, its SIM or NetHASP, or to obtain more information on using Mastercam, contact your local Mastercam Reseller. If your Reseller is unavailable, you can call CNC Technical Support Services Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.5:30 p.m., USA Eastern Standard Time. When calling CNC Software for technical support, please follow these guidelines: Be sure you have already tried to contact your Mastercam Reseller. Provide the serial number of your SIM HASP or NetHASP. Be ready to describe the problem in detail. Write down what happened, particularly if you cannot call immediately after the problem occurs. Be in front of your computer when you call. If possible, try to duplicate the problem before calling. Our Support Services technician may require you to duplicate the problem while you are on the phone. When you call, have ready a complete description of your hardware, including your operating system (OS), central

processing unit (CPU), graphics card and settings, and memory. You can also leave a message for CNC Support Services twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week via our e-mail or Web site addresses. When sending e-mail, please include: The serial number of your SIM HASP or NetHASP Telephone number and contact information where you can be reached Files required to reproduce an issue, such as .MCX and post files www.emastercam.com Mastercam global user forum www.mastercam.com CNC Software, Inc. corporate Web site www.mastercamedu.com CNC Software, Inc. Educational Division Web site
12 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

TIP: Use Mastercam's Zip2Go utility to gather Mastercam part data into a compressed .Z2G file. This utility makes it easy to provide your Reseller or CNC Support Services with a file attachment that contains the information they need. Zip2Go scans the machine groups in your current part file and captures information such as your Mastercam configuration, machine definition, and post files. For more information on using Zip2Go, please refer to the Mastercam Help. Important Contact Information Address CNC Software, Inc. 671 Old Post Road Tolland, Connecticut, 06084-9970 USA Phone (860) 875-5006 Fax (860) 872-1565 FTP Address ftp://ftp.mastercam.com Internet Address http://www.mastercam.com E-mail support@mastercam.com
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 13

The Mastercam Workspace


Use this section to learn about: Mastercam Interface Elements Mastercam Terms and Concepts (page 14) Figure 1-3: Mastercam interface element overview Title bar AutoCursor ribbon bar General Selection ribbon bar Toolbar Function ribbon bar Interactive prompt Graphics Menu bar window Prompt area Toolpath, Solids, and Art Managers Status bar (Operations Manager pane) Vertically docked tool bar and most recently used (MRU) function bar
14 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Mastercam Terms and Concepts

In this section, you will learn more about the terms identified in "Figure 1-3: Mastercam interface element overview" on page 13, and fundamental Mastercam concepts and features, including:

Graphics Window

This is the main workspace in Mastercam where you view, create, and modify geometry, drafting entities, and toolpaths. Graphics Window (page 14) Status Bar (page 15) Operations Manager (page 16) Interactive Prompts (page 21) Toolbars (page 21) Dialog Boxes (page 22) Tool Tips (page 22) Learning Mode (page 27) Ribbon Bars (page 23) General Selection Ribbon Bar (page 28) AutoCursor and Visual Cues (page 28) Live, Fixed, and Phantom Entities (page 29) Sketcher (page 29) Chaining (page 30) RightClick Menus (page 31) Shortcut Keys (page 32) Machine Definition / Control Definition Managers (page 33) Toolpaths (page 33) Libraries (operations, tools, materials) (page 34) Function Interruption (page 35) Mastercam's Calculator (page 35)
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 15

Figure 1-4: Mastercam graphics window

Note: Mastercam is configured to display numeric data using a default Metric or Inch base unit of measure. Mastercam makes it easy to switch between these measurement systems whenever the

part data requires the change. For more information, see "Setting Defaults and Preferences (Configuration)" on page 850 and "Changing Units of Measure (Metric/Inch)" on page 59.

Status Bar

The Status bar appears along the bottom of the Mastercam window. You use its functions to edit the current settings for entity colors, attributes, levels, and groups, and to define the view and orientation of entities in the graphics window. Figure 1-5: Mastercam Status bar Note: You can also access Status bar functions from various Mastercam menus and toolbars. To customize the Status bar by changing the order in which the fields appear or by removing options, click the Status bar configure option (!). This opens the Customize Status bar dialog box where you can change the Status bar layout or reset it to the default setting.
16 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

TIP: Unless you select entities prior to making changes, changing attributes, views, and planes applies only to the entities and toolpaths you create; existing entities and toolpaths retain the attributes that were effective when they were created. You can use the Status bar rightclick and Analyze menu functions to change attributes associated with existing entities. For more information, see "Changing Entity Attributes" on page 289.

Operations Manager

The Operations Manager (shown below) houses the Toolpath Manager, Solids Manager, and Art Manager. It is located to the left of the graphics window. Toolpath ManagerThe Toolpaths tab is where you define setup parameters, such as file defaults, tool settings, stock setup, and safety zones. You also use this tab to view, organize, and edit machine groups, toolpath groups, and operations. A toolpath operation consolidates all the information needed to create a particular toolpath. For more information, see "Managing Toolpath Operations" on page 437. Solids ManagerIf Mastercam Solids is installed, when you work with a solid model, the Solids tab lists each solid in the current file. You can expand the tree structure of a solid to view its history (a list of the operations that were performed to construct the solid) and its toolpaths. For more information, see "Solids Manager" on page 358. Art ManagerIf your Mastercam installation includes Mastercam Art, the Art tab displays a history treea hierarchical representation of the Art base surface and surface operation elements that make up your Art model. It lists all Art base surfaces in the Art model and, for each Art base surface, lists all Art operations and their current status (clean, dirty, deleted). For more information, refer to the Art Tutorial PDF included in your Mastercam \Documentation folder.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 17

TIPS:

Select Help in the Operations Manager drop-down menu to access Help specific to the active tab (Toolpath Manager, Solids Manager, or Art Manager). Use standard Windows methods to resize the Operations Manager pane, the graphics window, or the entire Mastercam window, as necessary.

Showing and Hiding the Operations Manager


Mastercam displays the Operations Manager by default. To hide it, choose View, Toggle Operations Manager. Use the Toggle Operations

Manager command to hide and display the Operations Manager as you work. You can also resize the width of the pane by clicking and dragging the right edge. The display/hide and resize settings remain constant from session to session. In other words, if you hide the Operations Manager and close Mastercam, the next time you open Mastercam, the pane will still be hidden. The Operations Manager will also display whichever tab was active last (Toolpath Manager, Solids Manager, or Art Manager). Note: When the mouse is over the Operations Manager, the Operations Manager becomes active. Move the mouse to the graphics window to activate that window and de-activate the Operations Manager.

Docking/undocking, re-sizing, and closing Operations Manager


Mastercam allows you to move the Operations Manager to a different location, resize its window, and close or re-open it whenever you want. By default, the Operations Manger is docked to the left side of the graphics window.
18 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

You can dock it on the right side of the graphics window (shown below) by grabbing its title bar and dragging it over to the right until it "snaps" into place. You can also undock the Operations Manager, "float" (move) it around on your screen, place it wherever you want to, and re-size it. To relocate the Operations Manager, click its title bar drag it to the location you want, and drop it.This is especially useful if you are working with a dual-monitor setup, where you can move the Operations Manager to the second monitor and enlarge it to improve your working conditions, while leaving the entire graphics window free for drawing. Below is an example of what the Operations Manager looks like when it has been undocked and re-sized.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 19

You can close the Operations Manager by clicking the Close button in the upper right corner. - Close button on docked Operations Manager - Close button on undocked Operations Manager

Customizing the Operations Manager


In the Operations Manager, you can customize the display of: Background colors Line colors Font styles and colors These options can be set differently for each tab (Toolpath Manager, Solids Manager, Art Manager). You can do this by clicking the Options button (shown to the left) and using the Options drop-down menu as shown below: Choose Background color to open the Windows Color dialog box where you can select a color as your new Operations Manager background color (as shown below).
20 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Choose Line color to open the Windows Color dialog box where you can select a different color for the branch lines in the tree hierarchy (as shown below). Choose Font to open the Windows Font dialog box where you can change the font, its size, color, and style of the text in the Operations Manager (as shown below). Select Restore Default Attributes from the drop-down menu to restore the Operations Manager to its default display at any time.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 21

Toolbars

Toolbars are collections of functions represented by icons. Arrows in the toolbar represent a submenu of functions you can view and select in a drop-down list. Choose a function in the toolbar by clicking it. Mastercam provides a set of default toolbars to help you get started, but you can customize them to meet your unique needs. In the Settings, Customize function, you can choose to show, hide, or redefine toolbars, create completely new ones, and define a personalized right-mouse button menu that contains the functions you use most often. For more information, see "Setting Defaults and Preferences (Configuration)" on page 850.

Interactive Prompts

Some functions use interactive prompts. Prompts appear as small text boxes in the graphics window after you select a function. They guide you through the necessary actions required to complete the function. For example, the following prompt appears when you choose the Endpoint function from the Create, Line menu: After you select an endpoint in the graphics window, the first prompt is replaced with another instruction: In this example, as you create additional lines, the prompts continue to appear in succession until you choose to exit the function.
22 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

TIPS: Drag a prompt to any position in the Mastercam window. Subsequent prompts appear in the new position. Change the size of the interactive prompt by scaling it up or down. To do this, position the cursor in the prompt, right click, and choose Small, Medium, or Large. Change the color of the prompt's text or background. Choose Text color or Background color from the prompt's right-click menu, then select a new color from the Colors dialog box.

Tool Tips

Tool tips display when you hover the mouse over a function icon or a button in a dialog box or ribbon bar. They help you to identify the function or option. Figure 1-6: Example: Tool tips

Dialog Boxes

Dialog boxes appear when you must enter information to complete a selected function. Many dialog boxes allow you to interact with the graphics window. For example, you can enter values in the dialog box fields by temporarily returning to the graphics window and selecting a position, entity, or toolpath. You can expand some dialog boxes to show additional fields. By default, they appear in a contracted format. Button Ribbon bar icon
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 23

Figure 1-7: Example: dialog box, contract and expand

Ribbon Bars
Ribbon bars function like dialog boxes but look similar to toolbars. Ribbon bars open when you activate many Mastercam functions. You use them to create, position, and modify geometry.
Figure 1-8: Example: ribbon bar

To expand or contract the dialog box, click the button in the upper left corner.

To return to the graphics window and select a position or point, choose the Position or Select button.
24 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

TIP: When you create geometry with ribbon bars and dialog boxes, you can edit an entity as long as it remains live. You will learn more about entity states later in "Live, Fixed, and Phantom Entities" on page 29. In the Mastercam workspace, a blank Ribbon Bar displays just above the graphics window to indicate the default ribbon bar position. When you choose a function that uses a ribbon bar, the function ribbon bar replaces the blank Ribbon Bar placeholder. You can change the default position, and dock or undock the ribbon bar. If you undock the blank Ribbon Bar, it is removed from the Mastercam window until you choose a function that uses a ribbon bar. Then the ribbon bar displays in the last undocked ribbon bar position.

Navigating Ribbon Bars


There are different ways to move between buttons and fields in ribbon bars. Use the mouse to click buttons and place the cursor in a particular field. Use the [Tab] key to move the cursor between fields. Press a shortcut key to activate the button or field associated with that key. For example, type [T] to activate the Tangent button. TIP: Use tool tips or Learning Mode to identify shortcut keys. Note: Some ribbon bar buttons and fields may be unavailable (appear inactive) depending on the options you choose.

Ribbon Bar Chevrons (>>)


Your monitor's screen resolution can prevent Mastercam ribbon bars from displaying all available options. If the current screen resolution setting is too large, Mastercam shows as many options that will fit and adds a "chevron" at the end of the ribbon bar.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 25

Click the chevron to display a drop-down list of additional options you can choose. Note: You can change your screen resolution so that the ribbon bars display all options. For resolutions less than 1280 pixels in width, use 96 dpi with small fonts.

Locking and Unlocking Fields


The data in ribbon bar fields can be frozen (locked) to prevent the value from changing when you reposition the cursor in the graphics window. Each field has three states:

Entering Values in Fields


In addition to typing values in ribbon bar and dialog box fields, or using the cursor to dynamically update fields, you can use one of the following methods to enter field values. Click the drop-down arrow in the field to choose from a list of values previously entered into the field. These values are UnlockedThe normal and default state of a ribbon bar or dialog box field is unlocked. This state allows the field to change to the position of the cursor in the graphics window. Soft-lockedWhen soft-locked, the data is only frozen for the next entity you create. After an entity is created, the field returns to the

unlocked (default) state. To soft-lock a field, type a value into the field. Notice that the button next to the field appears pressed in, signifying a soft-locked state. Hard-lockedWhen hard-locked, the data is frozen until you manually unlock the field. You hard-lock a field to use a specific value repeatedly, for example, when creating multiple duplicate entities. To hard-lock a field, enter the value and click the button next to the field, or hold down the [Shift] key while using the field's shortcut key. The button remains selected and the field is colored, indicating that the value is locked. To unlock a field, click the button next to the field.
26 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

saved in the registry and remain available, even after you end the current Mastercam session. In many numeric fields, you can rightclick in the field to access a menu of data entry shortcuts. Mastercam's calculator lets you enter complex expressions into most numeric fields. Please refer to "Mastercam's Calculator" on page 35 for more information. Figure 1-9: Data entry shortcuts rightclick menu To choose a shortcut option, select it from the list or type the corresponding letter. Then select an entity in the graphics window to automatically enter its specified value in the field.

Docking and Undocking Ribbon Bars


You can undock a ribbon bar by doubleclicking in any gray space area in the ribbon bar or singleclicking and dragging it to the graphics window. Once the ribbon bar is undocked, you can easily drag and drop it anywhere in the Mastercam window. You can dock it again by dragging and dropping it in the toolbar section or by doubleclicking the ribbon bar title bar.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 27

Notes:

You can dock ribbon bars only in a horizontal position. This differs from toolbars, which can be docked horizontally or vertically. If you undock and then close a ribbon bar (by clicking the x in the upper right corner), it is removed from the Mastercam window. This does not cause a problem; it will display the next time it is required by the function.

Ribbon Bar and Dialog Box Modality

You can configure the modal behavior of Mastercam ribbon bars and dialog boxes using the Screen properties page in Settings, Configuration.(For more information, see "Screen" on page 877.) By default, the modality option in this configuration page is selected. When selected, this option allows ribbon bars and most dialog boxes to retain many of their previous settings, saving you from having to reenter data, or reselect function buttons, or options in a drop-down list. The settings remain in their "last used" state for the remainder of the Mastercam session or until you change them. For example, if you lock down width and height values in the Rectangle ribbon bar, those values stay locked even after you close and reopen the ribbon bar. Note: Action buttons such as OK, Apply, Chain, or Select are not modal and are unaffected by the configuration settings.

Learning Mode
Learning mode is similar to a tool tip, but applies only to ribbon bars. It provides information on the ribbon bar and its functions, including the default shortcut keys. When Learning mode is active, it appears when you place the cursor in any ribbon bar button or field. Figure 1-10: Example: Learning mode To turn Learning mode on or off, choose Settings, Configuration. In the Configuration dialog box, choose the Screen properties page and select/deselect the option to Use Learning Mode prompts.
28 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

AutoCursor and Visual Cues

You use the AutoCursor ribbon bar to: Track cursor position Manually enter X, Y, and Z coordinates Detect and snap to points as you move the cursor over geometry on the screen AutoCursor is active whenever Mastercam prompts you to select a position in the graphics window. The AutoCursor ribbon bar works in conjunction with the cursor to eliminate steps and make it easier to select and enter points in complicated and congested geometry. Figure 1-11: AutoCursor ribbon bar When a position is detected, AutoCursor displays a visual cue to the right of the cursor to identify the type of position. Endpoints and midpoints of curves, lines, arc center points, and point entities are all detected and highlighted by AutoCursor. In addition, AutoCursor can snap to angle, nearest, tangent, perpendicular, horizontal, and vertical conditions. For more information, see "Using the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar" on page 82.

General Selection Ribbon Bar

For most Mastercam functions, you use the General Selection ribbon barin addition to or in combination with standard Window's selection methodsto select entities in the graphics window. The General Selection ribbon bar is also active any time you can select entities prior to choosing a function. The General Selection ribbon bar has a Standard Selection mode and a Solids Selection mode. The default mode is Standard Selection. If you initiate a Mastercam function that might apply to wireframe or solid entities, you can use options to switch between selection modes. Figure 1-12: General Selection ribbon bar For more information on using general selection methods, see "Selecting Entities" on page 93.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 29

Sketcher

Sketcher is the suite of Mastercam X functions you use to create basic geometry dynamically by moving the mouse and clicking in the graphics window. Basic geometry includes points, lines, arcs, miscellaneous shapes (such as ellipse, polygon, helix, letters), fillets, chamfers, splines, and primitive surfaces and solids. Figure 1-13: Sketcher toolbar To sketch an entity, choose an entity type from the Sketcher toolbar drop-down list or from the Create menu, set its ribbon bar or dialog box options, and sketch the entity in the graphics window. For many types of geometry, you also use the AutoCursor to create and edit entity properties. For more information on using Sketcher functions, see "Creating Geometry" on page 177.

Live, Fixed, and Phantom Entities

Entities in Mastercam have three states: live, fixed, and phantom. Live entities are those in the process of being created. You can edit their properties using options in the selected function ribbon bar or dialog box, remove them from the graphics window, or "fix" them. Entities become fixed entities when they have been accepted, for example, when you press Enter or click OK or Apply to complete a function. When you create entities dynamically using the mouse, they are drawn with a dashed white line. This is called the phantom state.
30 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

When you choose the final position to create the entity, the entity becomes live. Note: Dynamic lines, unlike other phantom (dynamic) entities, appear as solid lines. After you create an entity using one of the Sketcher functions, it remains live until you exit the function, start a new function, or create another entity. Live entities are designated by a live entity color. When you accept an entity, it changes to the normal entity color. After entities become fixed, you can edit them using the Edit, Analyze, and Xform menu functions. TIP: To define Mastercam color defaults, choose Settings, Configuration, and select the Colors properties page.

Chaining

Chaining is the process of selecting and linking pieces of geometry so that they form the foundation of a toolpath, surface, or solid. When you chain geometry, you select one or more sets of curves (lines, arcs, and splines) that have adjoining endpoints. Chaining differs from other selection methods because it associates order and direction to the selected curves. Chaining order and direction affect the way Mastercam generates surfaces, solids, and toolpaths. Mastercam provides several chaining methods in the Chaining dialog box, which opens whenever a function requires you to chain entities. As you chain geometry, the entities appear highlighted in the same color as selected entities. The Chain Manager lists all the chains for the operation and provides the utilities you need to rechain geometry. Since chaining determines
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 31

the cut order, tool rapid moves, and the direction of tool movement,

you may find that you need to modify the chaining after generating a toolpath. For more information, see "Chaining" on page 400.

RightClick Menus

Mastercam provides a number of rightclick menus. For example, in the Toolpath Manager tab, rightclick to access an extensive list of functions and submenus for working with machine groups, toolpath groups, toolpaths, operations, setup sheets and more. In the Toolpath parameters dialog box and tab, rightclick to choose from a number of functions related to tools, tool libraries, and toolpath parameters for the selected toolpath operation. Figure 1-14: Examples: Rightclick menus Here are just a few of the places where you can use rightclick menus: Toolpath Manager Toolpath Parameters tab Levels Manager View Manager Toolpath Manager tab Solids Manager tab
32 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

TIP: Rightclick menus are common to many Mastercam functions; when in doubt, rightclick to see if one is available. Two special types of rightclick menus include the customized rightmouse button menu (you configure this menu for quick access to your favorite functions when working in the graphics window), and the data entry shortcut menu, available in many numeric ribbon bar and dialog box fields.

Shortcut Keys

Mastercam provides special keyboard assignments you use, instead of clicking icons, to access ribbon bar and dialog box options. These are referred to as shortcut keys. For example, you can use the following shortcut keys when working with the Create Point Segment ribbon bar function: [D] - Defines the distance between the points [N] - Sets number of points [P] - Applies changes and remains in the function [O] - OK (fixes live entity and exits function) You can view shortcut keys using tool tips and by activating Learning mode. Mastercam help topics also list all available shortcut keys for a specific function, ribbon bar, and dialog box. Another type of shortcut key is associated with every Mastercam function that appears in a menu or toolbar. You use this type of shortcut to choose a function, instead of using the mouse to select it from the menu or toolbar. Typically, function shortcuts are associated with function keys [F1-F12], or a combination of [Shift], [Ctrl], [Alt] keys and other alphanumeric characters. Tool parameters tab (Mill/Router and Lathe) Art Manager tab Tool Manager Chain Manager Drill Point Manager (Mill/Router) Machine Definition Manager Post Text page (Control Definition) Materials List
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 33

IMPORTANT: The default keyboard shortcuts provided with

Mastercam X are consistent with those available in prior versions of Mastercam. For information on mapping Mastercam functions to your own, custom keyboard shortcuts, see "Mapping Customized Keyboard Shortcuts" on page 846.

Machine Definition / Control Definition Managers


Your Mastercam installation includes many default machine definitions, control definitions, and post processors. Use the Machine Definition Manager and the Control Definition Manager functions in the Settings menu to customize or create your own machine and control definitions, and to associate them with selected post processor files. A machine definition describes: The components of the machine tool and their interrelationship. A control definition that provides the post processor with the information it needs to process toolpaths that meet the control's requirements.

The post processor appropriate for the specific machine and


control combination. Note: For more information on using, selecting, and editing machine and control definitions, see "Choosing a Machine Definition" on page 373 and "Machine and Control Definitions" on page 739 and "Power User Tips" on page 481

Toolpaths

In Mastercam, a toolpath represents the tool data and movements used to remove material from stock. The toolpath contains a set of rules that define the types of chains and parameters allowed, as well as how they are applied to an operation. Each operation conforms to the rules of a specific toolpath. An operation typically contains one or more chains. Each toolpath you create displays as an operation in a machine group that you can view and edit from the Toolpath Manager tab. To create a toolpath, you select a machine type, choose a function from the Toolpaths menu or toolbar, and chain one or more pieces of the part's geometry or select points, surfaces, or solids. You then select
34 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

the tool and enter other toolpath parameters. When you accept the parameters, Mastercam generates the toolpath operation, which appears in the Toolpath Manager tab under the active machine group. TIP: You can create different toolpath groups to organize and manage operations.

Toolpaths and Associativity


Associativity in Mastercam refers to the relationship between geometry and the drafting entities, toolpaths or wirepaths that are created from it. When you create a drafting entity, toolpath or wirepath, Mastercam links it to the geometry. This association can be broken only by deleting the drafting entity, its underlying geometry, or the toolpath operation. Mastercam warns you if you try to delete geometry used in a toolpath or associated with a drafting entity. Associativity lets you regenerate toolpaths or drafting dimensions when the geometry changeswithout requiring you to redefine them. When you change an operations's geometry or toolpath parameters, use the Toolpath Manager to regenerate the operation. When you change geometry associated with a drafting entity, use functions in the Create, Drafting, Regen submenu to update the drafting dimension, as necessary.

Libraries (operations, tools, materials)

Mastercam libraries are collections of files that define operations, tools, or materials. Mastercam provides default tool and material libraries to get you started, but you can customize the files and create your own. Once you save a file to a library, it can be used and reused in a Mastercam part file.

Operation Libraries
Operation libraries are collections of toolpath operations that have an .OPERATIONS extension. To save an operation to a library, use the Export function from the Toolpath Manager rightclick menu. You can use the Import function in this menu to import a saved operation, with or without its geometry, into the current part file, provided it can be supported by the selected machine definition.

Tool Libraries
Tool libraries store tool definitions that have a .TOOLS extension. Tool libraries are useful for storing common tools or for storing tools for specific jobs. You can create a separate library for each machine tool in
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 35

your shop or for sets of machines that use similar tools. You can use one of several tool libraries that come with Mastercam, or you can create your own tool libraries. Use the Tool Manager to view and manage libraries and tool definitions. Note: Although you use different tool managers to define mill / router and lathe tools, they are stored in a single tool library.

Material Libraries
Material definitions are stored in libraries, just like tool definitions. When you select a material, Mastercam copies the definition to your part file. Material definition files have a .MATERIALS extension and consist of base feed rates and tables of adjustments for different operation types and tool types. When you select a material and a tool for an operation, Mastercam can use the information in the material definition to help calculate proper default feed rates and spindle speeds for the selected operation and tool.

Function Interruption

Mastercam's Interrupt mode allows you to pause a function, execute a secondary function, and then continue the original function where it was interrupted. For example, you can interrupt chaining, use the Modify Break function to break a line, and then resume chaining. A single button click activates Interrupt mode. To add the Interrupt Mode button to a toolbar, choose Settings, Customize. Then, in the Category drop-down of the Customize dialog box, choose Settings. Finally, drag the Interrupt Mode button to a toolbar, or create a new toolbar by dropping the button on Mastercam's window. To use the Interrupt Mode: When in a function (such as chaining) that you want to pause, click the Interrupt Mode button. Perform the function you need to complete. When the function is finished, Mastercam returns you to the original, paused function.

Mastercam's Calculator

Fields that take number values have a built-in calculator that let you enter simple formulas directly in the field. For example, type 9/32 in a field, and Mastercam displays the value 0.28125. With the calculator, you can: use a full set of arithmetic operators
36 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

use parentheses to create more complicated expressions enter formulas using algebraic notation specify units of measure, such as degrees or feet call mathematical functions The following sections describe the symbols, operators, constants, and functions you can use with calculable fields. Units default to the current system units (inches or millimeters), but may be overridden in any field by using unit symbols. The calculator converts the entered value to the current units. You can use mathematical expressions in both integer and floatingpoint fields. However, if you are in an integer field, Mastercam discards the decimal portion of the result. Wherever Mastercam accepts real numbers and formulas, you can enter an angle value in degrees/minutes/seconds or gradians/radians format. In FastPoint mode, the entry field accepts numbers, fractions, decimal values, and even formulas. For example, to enter a point position of X6, Y3, Z0.5, you could type X(2*3)Y(5-2)Z(1/2). For more information, see "Using FastPoint Mode to Enter Coordinates" on

page 85. The calculator treats a space between values as an addition operator (+). For example, with Mastercam set to inches, the entry 5 8 3/4 evaluates to 13.75 inches. As another example, still assuming inches, the entry 1m 5cm 4 evaluates to 45.338583 inches. By default, fields in which the calculator is active have a yellow background. You can change this color on the Colors page of the System Configuration dialog box.

Unit Symbols
Use unit symbols to specify a value's measurement unit. For example, use the symbol mm to specify millimeters. If a value has no unit symbol, Mastercam uses the current default units (inches or millimeters, set on the Start / Exit page of the System Configuration dialog box). Table 1 lists the unit symbols you can use in Mastercam's calculable fields. Table 1: Unit Symbols Symbol Description Symbol Description d degrees m meters minutes km kilometers
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 37

Notes: Always place the unit symbol after the numeral (for example, 45mm). One or more spaces between the numeral and the unit symbol are optional. For example, both of these values are acceptable: 25in, 25 in. Use parentheses or additional unit symbols to clarify ambiguous values. For example, suppose Mastercam is set to millimeters. If you want to divide 3mm by 4cm, the entry 3/4cm is incorrect. (It's evaluated as 3/4 of a cm.) Instead, write the expression as 3mm/4cm or 3/(4cm). To convert an entire expression to a unit type, multiply by the desired unit. For example, to convert the expression (22/7)*2.5^2 to centimeters, type ((22/7)*2.5^2)*1cm. (Note the parentheses around the original expression.)

Arithmetic Operators
Mastercam's calculator supports a full set of arithmetic operators, as listed in Table 2. " seconds um microns g gradians in inches r radians ft or f feet mm millimeters yd yards cm centimeters Table 2: Arithmetic Operators Operator Description Example + addition 5+3 (result = 8) - subtraction 5-3 (result = 2) * multiplication 5*3 (result = 15) / division 5/3 (result = 1.666...) \ integer division 5\3 (result = 1) ^ exponent 5^3 (result = 125) Mod modulus 5 Mod 3 (result = 2) Table 1: Unit Symbols Symbol Description Symbol Description
38 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Constants
The calculator also defines a set of constants (pre-defined values) that

you can use when typing field entries. Table 3 lists these constants. Note: Constants are case-insensitive. For example, the entries #pi, #Pi, and #PI are equivalent

Math Functions
You can use a large set of mathematical functions in your calculations. Please refer to Table 4 for a complete list. Note: All trigonometric functions assume angles in degrees. Table 3: Constants Constant Description #pi pi #e e #RadToDeg radians to degrees #DegToRad degrees to radians
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Mastercam Workspace 39

Table 4: Math Functions Function Description Abs() Absolute value Acos() Arccosine Asin() Arcsine Atan() Arctangent Atan2() Two-argument arctangent Cos() Cosine Exp() Exponent (base e) Fix() Remove the fractional part of a number. For a negative value x, Fix(x) returns an integer greater than or equal to x. Int() Remove the fractional part of a number. For a negative value x, Fix(x) returns an integer less than or equal to x. Log() Natural logarithm (base e) Sgn() Sign of Sin() Sine Sqr() Square root Tan() Tangent
40 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Mastercam Menus
In addition to using customizable toolbars and rightclick menus, you can access most Mastercam functions through a series of standard, drop-down menus and submenus located across the top of the Mastercam window. Primary menus include: This section provides a summary of each menu and its functions. File (page 41) Machine Type (page 47) Edit (page 42) Toolpaths (page 48) View (page 43) Screen (page 49) Analyze (page 44) Art (page 51) Create (page 45) Settings (page 52) Solids (page 46) Help (page 53) Xform (page 47)
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Mastercam Menus 41

File Menu

Use File menu functions to open, edit, print, save, track, and compare files.

Mastercam provides seamless integration with most popular CAD/CAM file formats. Converting files from and to non-Mastercam formats occurs automatically when you open and save files in Mastercam. When saving files, you can save all or only some of the entities to a specified format, and include descriptive text and a thumbnail image of the geometry with the file data. You can also import and export files to and from specified directories, and merge data into the current file from a pattern file (for example, a nut or bolt you use repeatedly in Mastercam files).
42 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

The Tracking function notifies you when a newer version of a file is available. You can set several options to control the way Mastercam locates new files. You can also specify when Mastercam looks for newer part-file versions. The Change Recognition feature compares older and newer versions of a part file. During the comparison, you can view geometry differences in various ways, as well as update toolpaths that are affected by changes.

Edit Menu
This menu provides access to functions you use to edit geometry, such as the Join entities, Modify Spline, Convert NURBS, and Simplify functions, and the Trim / Break submenu functions. Other Edit menu functions allow you to cut, copy, paste, delete, or select all entities in the graphics window. Use the Undo and Redo functions to reverse or repeat one or more sequential events that occur as you work with a file. (An event is a single function-based operation such as create line or transform entities.)
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Mastercam Menus 43

You can also use the Set Normal and Change Normal functions to set the direction of multiple surface normals relative to the current construction plane.

View Menu
The View menu helps you manage the appearance and orientation of the Mastercam graphics window. The Viewports submenu lets you choose a particular arrangement of one or more (up to four) viewports. Viewports are partitioned areas of the graphics window where you can assign different views. Use other View menu functions to show or hide the Operations Manager pane, and otherwise modify the graphics window appearance by fitting, repainting, panning, or zooming. From the Orient submenu, you can change views, dynamically rotate the current view, or flip coordinates to reorient the graphics window view.
44 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Analyze Menu
Use Analyze menu functions to view and edit entity properties. Some analyze functions provide a report function that lets you save the information to a file. You can also use analyze functions to modify the color, line style and width, or point style attributes of a single entity, or apply the same attributes to all the entities you select in the graphics window.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Mastercam Menus 45

Create Menu

This extensive menu includes all Sketcher (Create Geometry), Curve, Surfaces, and Drafting functions. Use these functions to create points, lines, arcs, splines, curves, fillets, chamfers, surfaces, drafting entities, and basic geometry, including rectangles, rectangular shapes, polygons, ellipses, spirals, and helixes. From the Primitives submenu, you can create a cylinder, cone, block, sphere, or torus surface. If your installation includes Mastercam Solids, you can also create solid primitive shapes. Additional functions allow you to create letters, define a bounding box, and convert a solid to a 2D profile.
46 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Solids Menu
Functions in this menu are available only if your Mastercam installation includes Mastercam Solids. Use these functions to define a solid by extruding, revolving, sweeping, or lofting chains of curves. Once you create the base operation, you use other Solids menu functions to remove or add material, smooth or bevel edges, shell, and cut entry holes. You can also perform Boolean functions (add solids together, remove solids from one another, and find common solid volumes), draft solid faces, and trim solids to a plane or surface. Note: To define a solid using primitive (pre-defined) shapes, such as a cylinder, cone, block, sphere, or torus, use the Create, Primitives functions.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Mastercam Menus 47

Xform Menu

Use Xform (transform) functions to move or copy selected entities by mirroring, rotating, scaling, offsetting, translating, stretching, and rolling them. With some functions, you can join the copied entities to the originals. When you perform a transform function, Mastercam creates a temporary group from the original entities and a result from the transformed entities.

Machine Type Menu


Use this menu to select a machine type by choosing a machine definition. Your access to the different types of machine definitions in the menu is based on the Mastercam products you have installed. For example, you must have a Mastercam Mill license to choose a Mill machine definition from this menu.
48 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

To appear in the list, the machine definition must be installed, and then added to the Machine Definition Menu using the Manage list function. The machine type you choose modifies the Mastercam interface so that only the toolpath options and limits supported by the machine, control and post processor are available. This prevents Mastercam from creating tool motion that cannot be executed by the machine. In a Mastercam part file, the machine definition is part of the machine group properties you view and modify in the Toolpath Manager. As soon as you select a machine type, only the toolpaths available for the selected machine type are enabled in the Toolpaths menu.

Toolpaths Menu

Functions in this menu allow you to create and edit the toolpaths required to cut the part using the specified machine definition. Toolpath functions appear in this menu only after you select a machine definition from the Machine Type menu, or choose a machine group from the Toolpath Manager. These functions vary based on the machine type associated with the active machine group
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Mastercam Menus 49

(Mill, Lathe, Router, or Wire). Here is an example of the Mill toolpaths

menu: When you create a toolpath, an operation is automatically created and appears in the Toolpath Manager under the active machine group. Note: The machine group you are working with appears highlighted in the Toolpath Manager, indicating that it is active.

Screen Menu
This menu is where you specify default settings and manage the display of geometry in the graphics window. The Clear Colors option lets you remove the group color (red) and result color (purple) that occur after performing a transform function (Xform).
50 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

You can set system attributes, and activate, deactivate, or customize the appearance of the selection grid, which is a matrix of reference points that the cursor snaps to when you sketch a point. You use other Screen menu functions to temporarily remove and restore selected entities, repaint, regenerate, or copy images in the graphics window, and combine all parallel views into a single view.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Mastercam Menus 51

Art Menu

The Art menu displays only if your Mastercam installation includes Mastercam Art. For more information on using Mastercam Art functions, refer to the online Help, and the "Mastercam X2 Art Tutorial" PDF file located in your Mastercam X \Documentation folder.
52 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Settings Menu
Use the Settings menu functions to set up Mastercam to your specifications. You can define, save, or load the default values and preferences (Configuration) you want to work with. Other functions allow you to create customized toolbar configurations and states, drop-down menus, function key mappings, and a customized right-mouse button menu. The configuration and customization parameters you define can be saved to named files that you load when you need them, even on other Mastercam workstations provided they have the same Mastercam version installed. From this menu, you can also run third-party applications, VB scripts, and create, edit, or run Mastercam macros. Ram Saver lets you optimize your PC's RAM management when running Mastercam. You can use the Machine Definition Manager and the Control Definition Manager functions to set up or modify machine and control definitions. Finally, you can manipulate viewsheets from the Settings menu. Notes: Although you can create multiple configuration.CONFIG files, toolbars and states (.MTB), and key map (.KMP) files, each

containing different values, you can load only one of each file
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Mastercam Menus 53

type at a time. For more information on customization tools,

see "Customizing and Configuring MastercamX" on page 821. Changes made to configuration settings apply only to the current session unless you save them to a configuration file.

Help Menu
This menu provides access to a variety of information about Mastercam. This information includes: Mastercam Help contents Mastercam's corporate Web site (www.mastercam.com) Mastercam product information (licensing, version, installed products, serial number) Online updates Zip2Go utility Mastercam Reference Guide PDF (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) Fly-out What's New menu for quick access to new or enhanced functionality Note: For more information on getting help with Mastercam, see "Mastercam Support and Services" on page 11.
54 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

The Role of Machine and Control Definitions


In this section, you will learn about: Machine Definitions (what they are and why you use them) Toolpath Defaults (page 56) Working with Post Processors (page 57) Mastercam machine definitions are virtual descriptions of the actual machine tools you will use to cut a part. They determine the functions and tool parameters you can choose when creating toolpath operations. With machine definitions, you generate more accurate NC output because you define each machine tool and its unique characteristics. Before you can create a toolpath, you need to select a machine definition from the Machine Type menu. When you do this, Mastercam creates a machine group in the Toolpath Manager, which stores the toolpaths and operations that you will program for that machine. Each time you select a new machine from the Machine Type menu, Mastercam creates a new machine group. A single part file can contain several machine groups, each one containing operations that will be performed on a different machine. You can even have multiple machine groups for different types of machines, letting you create and save lathe and mill operations in the same Mastercam part file. When you post the operations, Mastercam automatically saves the output from different machine groups in different NC files. Each Mastercam machine definition consists of:

Machine component groups and components A control definition A pointer to the proper post processor
These three elements of the machine definition represent a single machine tool. Machine ComponentsThe component groups and components you assemble define the machine tool architecture and how it moves. The machine type (mill, lathe, router, or wire) determines which component groups are available for you to assemble.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Role of Machine and Control Definitions 55

Control DefinitionThe control definition provides the post

processor with the information it needs to process toolpath data so that it meets the control's requirements. It is also used to customize the post text, miscellaneous values, and canned text that are stored in the post file. Post ProcessorTypically, each machine and control definition is linked to a single post processor. However, the machine and control definition architecture gives you the flexibility to use the same post with several machine definitions, or you can configure several posts for the same machine. Machine definitions, control definitions, and post processors are all stored in separate files. When you create a machine definition, you select the control definition and post processor to use with the machine. Figure 1-15: Example: Machine Definition Manager When you use the Machine Definition Manager to create and save machine definitions, Mastercam assigns one of the following file extensions, based in the selected machine type:
Open New Save Edit general machine parameters Highlighted buttons are used only for simulation and event-driven programming functions Edit the control definition Edit axis combinations Set password protection File containing control definition Post processor Component tree Save as Unused component groups Component library

.MMD (Mill) .LMD (Lathe)

56 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

TIP: Use one of the following methods to access the Machine Definition Manager: From the Mastercam menu, choose Settings, Machine Definition Manager. From the Toolpath Manager, expand the Machine Group and choose Properties, Files. Then click Edit in the Machine Toolpath copy section. When you select a machine definition and create a machine group, Mastercam loads a copy of the machine and control definition in your part file and saves it with your part. This is referred to as the local copy. This lets you work on the part even if you move the file to another workstation that does not have that machine or control definition. You

can also make job-specific changes to the machine or control definition settings without affecting the master copy stored on your workstation's hard drive. The machine group also stores a copy of all the tools that you use in that group's operations. IMPORTANT: Mastercam does NOT store a copy of the post processor with your part file, only the machine and control definition.

Toolpath Defaults

Mastercam stores the toolpath defaults in separate files. These have a.DEFAULTS extension. You have separate .DEFAULTS files for inch and metric operations. Each control definition points to a set of .DEFAULTS filesone each for inch and metric values. When you select the machine definition, Mastercam automatically loads the .DEFAULTS file specified in its control definition. If you wish, you can select a different .DEFAULTS file in the machine group properties. This will be used for only new operations created in the machine group. Use the Files tab from the Machine Group Properties dialog box to select a different file. To edit a .DEFAULTS file, you can use either the Files tab from the Machine Group Properties dialog box, or the Operation Defaults page in the Control Definition Manager. You can also use either method to create a new .DEFAULTS file. You can create as many sets of default .RMD (Router) .WMD (Wire)
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / The Role of Machine and Control Definitions 57

values as you like, for machine-specific or application-specific

defaults, and save each set in a separate file. Notes: The .DEFAULTS file also stores default values for many machine group properties, such as the default tool numbering method. For more information on working with .DEFAULTS files, see "Editing Toolpath Defaults" on page 424.

Working with Post Processors


Typically, for each machine definition you will use a single control definition and a single post processor. This means that when you select a machine definition to begin creating toolpaths, the post processor is selected at the same time. To select a new post processor, go to the machine group properties and select the machine that uses the desired post processor. Mastercam then validates the toolpaths in the machine group against the new machine. The post processor file also stores post text, canned text, and miscellaneous values. As a convenience, you can use the Text page in the Control Definition Manager to edit these, even though they are saved in the post processor file and not in the control definition file. Mastercam's machine and control definition architecture also gives you the flexibility to configure the same post to be used with multiple machines or controls, or to switch posts without selecting a new machine. These features can be useful for shops with many machines or with advanced application requirements. To learn more, see "Machine and Control Definitions" on page 739, access Help from the Control Definition Manager, or consult your Mastercam Reseller.
58 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Opening and Translating Files


Mastercam seamlessly translates files, importing from and exporting to a variety of popular, proprietary CAD/CAM formats and common file exchange formats. Although options provide control of the

conversion process, conversion occurs automatically when you use File menu functions to open and save filesno pre- or postformatting is required. This flexibility makes it easy to work with nonMastercam files, and with files saved in a prior version of Mastercam. Mastercam X supports the following file formats: Mastercam (prior versions of Mastercam X, V9, and V8) Mastercam X Educational Pro/Engineer 3D ACIS Modeler VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) Rhinoceros 3D NURBS SolidWorks Solid Edge AutoDesk Inventor ASCII CATIA V4 / V5 HPGL Plotter (HewlettPackard Graphics Language) CADKEY AutoCAD KeyCreator Alibre Design Parasolid StereoLithography STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product data) IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Standard) SpaceClaim Professional Postscript Raster to Vector
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Opening and Translating Files 59

Notes:

If you do not have Mastercam Solids installed, you can still machine an imported solid. However, Mastercam Solids must be installed to modify a solid or create additional solids. For more information on the conversion options available for your Mastercam configuration, refer to the Mastercam Help or contact your Mastercam Reseller.

Changing Units of Measure (Metric/Inch)


When you open a part file that uses different units (metric or inch) from those currently in use, Mastercam displays the System Configuration dialog box, which informs you that Mastercam is switching units and loading an alternate default configuration file. Figure 1-16: System Configuration English (inch) / Metric dialog box To complete the operation, you must select one of the following options: Units: Uses only the units from the new configuration file. (default) All settings: Loads all settings from the new configuration file. Note: You can also use the Current field near the bottom of the System Configuration dialog box to switch current units. Select an alternate configuration file from the drop-down list.
60 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Saving Files

When you save a Mastercam file to a native .MCX format, you automatically save all geometry, attributes, levels, views, planes, machine definitions, control definitions, stock setup, machine groups, toolpath groups, and operations data. Note: You can save a Mastercam X3 file to previous Mastercam versions (including previous Mastercam X versions), but only geometry is saved. Toolpath operations cannot be saved to previous Mastercam versions. You can add descriptive text, such as instructions for working with the file or contact information, and set a default directory where the file will be saved. You can optionally save a bitmap thumbnail image of the geometry. You will find the settings for these options in the Settings, Configuration, Files properties page and its AutoSave / Backup subpage. To reduce the amount of navigation required to save files to new file names, choose directory paths from the Recent Folders drop-down menu in the Save as dialog box. To change the Mastercam X file version when saving a file, click the Options button in the Save As dialog box. Mastercam displays the Save as X version dialog box, from which you can select other versions of Mastercam X.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Opening and Translating Files 61

WARNING: When saving a Mastercam X version 2 file as a

version 1 file, Mastercam saves only geometry. Mastercam X version 2 toolpaths cannot be saved to a Mastercam X version 1 file. TIPS: To help you quickly identify the file you want to work with, view the thumbnail image in the Open File dialog box Preview pane. You can view the file's text descriptor in the Descriptor pane. Another helpful function you can use to save only selected entities is the File, Save Some function. When you choose this function, use general selection methodsincluding maskingto select only the entities to save from the current file, and then save the entities to a new file. Use the Project Manager to select the types of files you want to save in a common project folder. (The project folder is the location of the project's MCX file.) For more information, see "Project Manager" on page 65.

Sharing Files with the Zip2Go Utility


Use Mastercam's Zip2Go C-Hook utility to gather Mastercam part data into a compressed .Z2G file. This utility makes it easy to provide your Reseller or CNC Support Services with a file that contains the information they need. Zip2Go scans the machine groups in your current part file and captures information such as your Mastercam configuration, machine definition, and post files. You can choose which files to include. After creating the Zip2Go file, you can view its contents and add / delete files as necessary. In addition to the Mastercam part file, you can optionally choose to add the following file types during the Zip2Go scan: Current Mastercam configuration files (includes .CONFIG, .MTB, .KMP, and .FT file types) Machine definitions (.MMD, .LMD, .RMD, .WMD) Control definitions (.CONTROL) Post processors (.PST) Toolpath operations (.NC)

Tool libraries (.TOOLS)


62 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Material libraries (.MATERIALS)


To run the Zip2Go utility, choose Help, Zip2Go Utility. You can also type [Alt+C] to open to the \chooks directory. Then open the \Zip2Go folder and doubleclick Zip2Go.dll. Zip2Go also creates the following types of reports in a read-only .txt format: Zip2Go_[MCXPartFileName].txt: Contains a collection of relevant files used by each machine group in the Mastercam part file that was scanned. Zip2Go_SystemReport.txt: Contains information on the computer system on which the .Z2G was created. For example: The version of Microsoft Windows. The amount of RAM memory on your computer. A few details on the installed graphics card. Registry setting data used by Mastercam (the CNC Software, Inc. registry keys under HKCU and HKLM). Zip2Go_FileReport.txt: Contains information on all the files for Mastercam. Only the application system folders are scanned. The Mill, Lathe, Router, and Wire folders (and any of their sub-folders) in the Mastercam install folder (MCAMX) are not scanned. Furthermore, any part files found in any folder that is scanned will not be is included in this list. This is to ensure that the collection of data never includes potentially confidential information. Zip2Go_HASP.txt: Contains information from the Mastercam HASP on all the files for Mastercam, including the HASP Serial # and the products licensed on the HASP. It also detects if Mastercam Maintenance is enabled, and if so, the report includes the maintenance expiration date.

Opening Files with Other Applications


Use the File menu, Edit/Open External function to open a file with a selected, external application in its own window.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Opening and Translating Files 63

Figure 1-17: Edit / Open External dialog box

In the Open as drop-down list, you can choose: Text: Displays file content as plain text in the currently selected editor. Auto: Displays file content in the application associated with the selected file type, provided the application is installed on your computer. For example, a file with a .doc extension opens in Microsoft Word. Text files open using the default editor specified in the Settings, Configuration, Start/Exit properties page. However, you can choose to open any file in any editor. To select an editor: 1 Choose File, Edit/Open External. 2 In the Open dialog box, choose Editor. 3 In the Choose File Editor dialog box, use one of the following methods to select the editor: Choose an editor from the list and click OK. Note: All of the editors provided with Mastercam display in the list, along with the most recently used "Other" editors you have selected.

Or, choose Other from the list and click OK. Complete the
following steps:
64 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

a Use options in the Select an editor dialog box to navigate to the location of the editor program, such as Microsoft Excel or Word. b Select the program .EXE file and click Open. This closes the Select an Editor dialog box and returns you to the Open dialog box. 4 In the Open dialog box, select the file to edit and click OK. The editor you chose in Step 3 opens in its own window and loads the selected file for editing.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Project Manager 65

Project Manager

Use the Project Manager to select the types of files you want to save in a common project folder. (The project folder is the location of the project's MCX file.) In addition to your MCX file, you can choose to store some or all of the following types of files in your project folder: Saving these file types along with the part file to a single project folder is a great organizational tool and can be a real time-saver when you need to move or share projects. Figure 1-18: Project Manager dialog box Using the Project Manager to manage files is optional. When the Project Manager is inactive, Mastercam uses the default paths specified in the Files tab of the Machine Group Properties dialog box. (To open this tab, expand the Machine Group in the Toolpath Manager, and choose Properties, Files.) To activate the Project Manager: 1 Choose File, Project Manager from the Mastercam menu. 2 In the Project File Manager dialog box, select at least one file type in the Files to add to project folder list. NC program files NCI files Tool libraries Operation libraries Operation defaults Power libraries Material libraries
66 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

3 Select the option: Apply these settings when adding new machine groups to this part file. 4 Click OK. After you activate the Project Manager, you can see the new paths in the Files tab of the Machine Group Properties dialog box. Suppose, for example, that you have a part named Gear.mcx. This part has a single mill toolpath that uses Mastercam's default file paths (Figure 1-19). When you save this part and post its toolpath (choosing to create both an NC and NCI file), Mastercam creates the files in the locations shown in Figure 1-20: New file paths on page 67. (The file paths assume that c:\mcamx is your Mastercam installation directory.) Figure 1-19: Default file paths To reroute files to the project folder, open the Project Manager, and click Select All in the File to add to project folder box. When you post the toolpath, Mastercam creates the resultant files in your project folder, as shown in Figure 1-20.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Project Manager 67

Figure 1-20: New file paths

Tips for Using Project Manager

When changing Project Manager paths for existing


operations, Project Manager does not copy already generated files to the new directory. Depending on the file type, you must either re-post your operations or manually copy the affected files to the project folder. If you use the project folder for .DEFAULTS files, tool libraries, material libraries, and so on, you must make sure that those files are in the selected project folder. Failure to place the files in the project folder may result in "File does not exist" warnings from Mastercam.
68 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Printing and Plotting


You can print or plot entities in the graphics window using any Windows-based driver that has been configured for your PC, and optionally map colors to specific line widths and line styles. Note: Mastercam supports only Windows-based printer drivers. You can configure Mastercam to use a GDI or OpenGL graphics type. OpenGL is required to display shaded images in the graphics window and to print them. You can print wireframe or shaded images based on the current graphics window display setting. Use the options in the Shading toolbar to change to wireframe or shaded prior to choosing the Print or Print Preview function from the File menu. TIPS: Use the Settings, Configuration function Screen properties page to choose a graphics support type, and the Printing and Shading properties pages to configure additional settings. For more information, see "Setting Defaults and Preferences (Configuration)" on page 850. If you choose the Print Preview function directly from the File menu, the values for your PC's default printer driver are used. To print or plot entities: 1 From the Mastercam menu, choose File, Print.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Printing and Plotting 69

2 In the Print dialog box, set paper orientation, margins,

shading, scaling, line width and other options, as necessary. 3 To view and modify the driver's default properties in the Print Setup dialog box, choose the Property button. Depending on the printer driver type, use options in the Print Setup dialog box or the driver's Properties dialog box to also enter the number of copies to print. 4 To reposition the center point of the image, click in the Preview area where you want to set the new centering position. The crosshairs that display indicate the new position. When you choose Print Preview or click OK, the position marked by the crosshairs becomes the center of the printed output. 5 To view a sample of the printed output, choose the Print Preview button. You can print directly from the Print Preview dialog box, or close it and return to the Print dialog box.
70 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

6 To map color to specific line widths, choose the Color / Width map option and button. Then use options in the Linewidth Attributes dialog box. Click OK to apply your changes and return to the Print dialog box. 7 In the Print dialog box, click OK to print or plot the entities.

INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / File Tracking 71

File Tracking

Turn on file tracking to be notified of newer file versions. Using the File tracking dialog box, you can specify the files that Mastercam tracks, as well as customize how Mastercam searches for newer files. To start file tracking, select a command from the File, Tracking submenu. The following list shows the available commands: Check Current File Check All Tracked Files Tracking Options

Checking the Current File


Select File, Tracking, Check Current File to have Mastercam search for a newer version of the currently loaded file. When you choose this command, the File Tracking Options dialog box displays: Figure 1-21: The File Tracking Options dialog box Use the File Tracking Options dialog box to specify how Mastercam locates newer files, as described in the following list: Search subfolders searches the current folder and any folders inside the current folder. File name must be exact match searches only for files that have the same file name (not including the file extension). If this option is off, Mastercam searches for files that begin with the same file name. For example, if Part.mcx is the currently tracked file, Mastercam looks for files with names like Part_new.mcx and Part_revised.sld.
72 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

File extension must be exact match searches only for files


with the same file extension. Don't ask again prevents the File Tracking Options dialog box from appearing again during the current session. If Mastercam finds a newer file, it asks if you want to run change recognition. Choose Yes to display the Change Recognition dialog box, from which you can view and update geometry and operations. (See "Change Recognition" on page 75.) Choose No to return to the currently open file.

Check All Tracked Files

You can specify a list of files to track, and then use the Check All Tracked Files command to look for new versions. To learn how to set up a file list, please see the following section, "Tracking Options." Once you have your file list created, choose File, Tracking, Check All Tracked Files. If Mastercam finds a newer version of one file in the list, it asks if you want to run change recognition. Choose Yes to display the Change Recognition dialog box, from which you can view and update geometry and operations. Choose No to return to the currently open file. If Mastercam finds multiple newer files, and you choose to run change recognition, you must select one of the changed files. That is, you can run change recognition on only one file at a time.

Tracking Options
To specify tracking options, choose File, Tracking, Tracking Options to display the File Tracking dialog box.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / File Tracking 73

Figure 1-22: The File Tracking dialog box

Use this dialog box to customize how Mastercam searches for newer versions of tracked files. Also use this dialog box to set up multiple file tracking, as described here. To set up multiple file tracking 1 Turn on the Tracking option in the upper left corner of the File Tracking dialog box. Mastercam enables the tracking options. 2 Right-click in the file list pane. A menu displays. 3 Select Add from the menu. The Open dialog box appears. 4 Select a file to add. The file appears in the list. 5 Repeat Steps 2-4 for each file to track. Use the following options to customize the file tracking function: Tracking toggles the tracking function. When this option is off, Mastercam ignores all tracking options.
74 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Check now checks for new versions of the files in the file list. Additional folders lets you specify folders for file tracking to
search. To specify a search folder, right-click the Additional Folders box, and choose Add from the pop-up menu. File name must be exact match searches only for files that have the same file name (not including the file extension). If this option is off, Mastercam searches for any files that begin with the same file name. For example, if Part.mcx is the currently tracked file, Mastercam looks for files with names like Part_new.mcx and Part_revised.sld. File extension must be exact match searches only for files with the same file extension. Automatic tracking tells Mastercam to automatically add files to the tracking list when files are opened. Check current file at File-Open tells Mastercam to check for a newer version of the current file as soon as the file is opened. Check all files at Startup tells Mastercam to check for new versions of files in the list when Mastercam starts. Check all files at File-New tells Mastercam to check files when you choose File, New.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Change Recognition 75

Change Recognition

The change recognition function examines two files and reports on their differences in various ways. To start this function, select File, Change Recognition, and then specify the file you want to compare against. Mastercam then compares the currently loaded file (called the original file) with the specified file (called the incoming file), and displays the Change Recognition dialog box. From this dialog box, you can view differences, as well as update toolpaths.

Changes in Geometry Only


The Change Recognition dialog box has two forms, depending on whether or not the original file contains toolpaths. If the original file contains no toolpaths, the simpler form of the Change Recognition dialog box displays: Figure 1-23: Change Recognition - Geometry Only dialog box Use this dialog box to compare the geometry of the original and incoming files. You can display geometry in various ways: Features of the original file

Features of the incoming file Features the two files have in common Features unique to the original file Features unique to the incoming file Both files combined

76 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Use the Override geometry colors option to select colors for the original and incoming geometry. When this option is off, Mastercam displays the files in the geometry's original colors. Use the Select geometry to mark as being in both Original file and Incoming files button to specify features to merge into the incoming file. Your original file, for example, may contain geometry that is used only to specify special curves like containment boundaries. Such geometry assists with the generation of toolpaths, but does not necessarily represent physical features of the part. This construction geometry rarely appears in the incoming file. So, to force change recognition to preserve this geometry and not mark it as changed, use the Select geometry to mark as being in both Original file and Incoming files function to add the geometry to the incoming file. Before change recognition can identify new features in a file, the original and incoming geometry must be in the same position. To this end, the Re-orient incoming file feature lets you transform your geometry in various ways, including translation, mirroring, scaling, and rotation.

Changes Affecting Operations

When your original file contains both geometry and operations, Mastercam displays the larger Change Recognition dialog box: Figure 1-24: Change Recognition dialog box Use this dialog box to view and manipulate changes between the original file and the incoming file. The following controls let you view and manipulate geometry and operations: The operation drop-down menu contains a list of operations for the part. Select the operation to analyze or update. The icon to the left of the drop-down menu shows the status of the current operation. The status can be up-to-date, affected, or dirty, as described in Table 5 on page 78.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Change Recognition 77

The text box below the operation drop-down menu displays

the tool used in the operation. The slider control provides an alternative way to select operations. The colors in the slider's channel reflect the status of each operation, with cyan, red, and magenta indicating uptodate, affected, and dirty operations, respectively. The First, Previous, Next, and Last buttons manipulate the slider's location. Draw selected operation displays the toolpath for the current operation. Ignore up-to-date operations filters out operations that are unaffected by changes in the incoming file. That is, only affected operations will be available for selection. Geometry display controls the geometry that appears in Mastercam's graphics window. Edit geometry opens the appropriate dialog box for modifying the geometry associated with the selected operation.

Regenerate regenerates the toolpaths for the selected


operation. View summary report displays an operation-byoperation text summary of geometric entities in the original and incoming files. Select geometry to mark as being in both in Original File and Incoming Files lets you specify geometry that change recognition should not identify as changed. Select toolpath display colors lets you choose colors for the selected operation, as well as for the original and incoming geometry. Re-orient incoming file lets you reposition the incoming geometry to match the original file.
78 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Table 5: Operation status symbols.

Using Change Recognition


Mastercam's change recognition feature compares the geometry of two versions of a part file. After identifying changed features, change recognition displays the status of affected operations. You can then update geometry and regenerate toolpaths, bringing up to date the older version of the part. When you use change recognition, the older version of a part file is called the original file. The original file typically comprises various types of geometric entities and their associated toolpaths. The newer version of the part file is called the incoming file. Usually, this file contains only geometric entities. If the incoming file contains toolpaths, change recognition ignores them. That is, change recognition identifies only changed geometry in the incoming file and how those changes affect operations in the original file. Suppose you have a part named Part01.mcx, shown with its toolpaths in the following figure: Up-to-date: No geometry changes affect the operation and the toolpath needs no regeneration. By default, unaffected and clean operations display in cyan. (You can change the display colors by clicking the Select toolpath display colors button, which brings up the Change Recognition colors dialog box.) Affected: Geometry changes in the incoming file affect the toolpath. By default, affected operations display in red. Dirty: The toolpath must be regenerated. By default, dirty operations display in magenta.
INTRODUCTION TO MASTERCAM X / Change Recognition 79

Figure 1-25: The Part01.mcx file

Now, a new version of the part, named Part01_Revised.mcx, comes into your shop. The new version adds four bosses, which look like this: Figure 1-26: The Rect02.mcx part file To compare the two part versions, load the original file (the older one) using File, Open from Mastercam's menu. Then, load the incoming file (the newer one) by choosing File, Change Recognition. Mastercam displays the Change Recognition dialog box (Figure 1-24). Change recognition offers many ways to isolate and view changes in the part. One way is to select Unique to Incoming from the Geometry display drop-down list. Mastercam then displays geometry from the incoming file that is not in the original file, as seen here:
80 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 1-27: Geometry unique to Part01_revised.mcx

This operation's toolpath (from the original file) is red to show that it is affected by the geometry changes. To update the operation, click Edit geometry in the Change Recognition dialog box. In this example, the Chain Manager dialog box displays, from which you can rechain the toolpath. Then you can click the Regenerate button to update the operation. The chain recognition function features many options that control how you can view and modify geometry and toolpaths. For more details about the many controls in the Change Recognition dialog box, please refer to the Field definitions tab of the Change Recognition dialog box help topic.

chapter 2

Drawing and Design Basics


This chapter introduces the concepts, functions, and techniques that you use to create geometry. Drawing in Mastercam can be as free and dynamic as a pencil sketch or as mathematically precise as you need it to be. The cursor and mouse are your drawing tools, and the Create and Xform menu functions are your primary drawing aids. Mastercam Design also provides many other CAD functions to make your job easier. With Mastercam Design, you can create wireframe, surface, and primitive surface geometry. If your installation includes Mastercam Solids, you also have extensive tools for creating solid models. Note: For more information on working with Mastercam Solids, see "Solids" on page 326. In this chapter, you will learn about: Using the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar . . . . . . . page 82 Selecting Entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 93 Setting Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 105 Changing the Graphics Window Display page 114 Setting Planes / Views / WCS. . . . . . . . . . page 119 Editing Your Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 152 Power User Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 156
82 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Using the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar


The AutoCursor ribbon bar becomes active whenever Mastercam prompts you to enter position data. It shows the current cursor position (XYZ coordinates) and also allows you to override the position manually. The AutoCursor ribbon bar makes it easier to select and enter position data in complicated and congested geometry. Use it to: Track cursor position. Enter X, Y, and Z coordinates manually. Detect and snap to specific types of positions as you move the

cursor over geometry on the screen. Figure 2-1: AutoCursor ribbon bar The AutoCursor ribbon bar is dockable. You can leave it docked in the toolbar area or drag it to another position. When docked, it remains visible even when inactive. When undocked from the toolbar area and positioned elsewhere in the Mastercam window, it automatically closes when it is not needed (inactive). When activated by your selections, it reappears where you last placed it. When you move the cursor over geometry on the screen, you can configure AutoCursor to display a visual cue when it detects a specific position type (for example, origin, arc center, endpoint, or midpoint).

Visual Cues

Visual cues are graphic symbols that appear to the right of the cursor when AutoCursor detects a specific position type. They identify the type of position AutoCursor has highlighted to ensure that you select the correct entity and position. For example, if you set AutoCursor to detect and snap to the endpoints of existing entities, as soon as you move the cursor close to an endpoint, it snaps to that position and the visual cue for endpoints appears.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Using the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar 83

Mastercam visual cues include: Note: AutoCursor does not recognize endpoints on surfaces. You can limit the types of positions AutoCursor detects. For more information, see "Customizing AutoCursor Behavior" on page 86. In complex geometry, there may be more than one position located within the detection range of the cursor. In these cases, AutoCursor uses the order shown below to detect and snap to positions. Origin Midpoint Arc Center Point Endpoint Quadrant Intersection Nearest Horizontal / Vertical Tangent Perpendicular 1 Point entities 2 Endpoints of curves or lines 3 Midpoints of curves or lines 4 Quadrant points of arcs 5 Centers of arcs 6 Real curve or line intersections (not intersections projected by Mastercam) 7 Positions on the active selection grid
84 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

TIP: When AutoCursor is active, you can temporarily deactivate its snap-to settings by holding down the [Ctrl] key as you click to select a position.

Entering Position Coordinates


Use the AutoCursor ribbon bar to enter coordinates when Mastercam prompts you to enter position data. Figure 2-2: AutoCursor ribbon bar You can enter coordinates in several ways Enter values into the X, Y, and Z fields by placing your cursor in each field and typing a value. Press [Enter] or [Tab] to apply the value and move to the next field (from left to right). Press [X], [Y], or [Z] to open a field, and then type a value. You

can enter fractions or decimal values (example, 3/8 or .375) and formulas, including addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), and parentheses. You can even enter inch values (example, 3in) or metric values (124mm). If necessary, Mastercam's built-in calculator converts an inch or metric value to the currently used unit type. For more information on the calculator, please refer to "Mastercam's Calculator" on page 35. Click the drop-down arrow to choose from a list of previously entered values. Rightclick inside the field to access a menu of data entry shortcut options you can use to define the coordinate value. Use FastPoint Mode. Click in the graphics window to select a position. Current cursor coordinates AutoCursor settings AutoCursor override FastPoint mode
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Using the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar 85

Press [Shift+Click] to create a new position relative to an


existing entity. For more information, see "Using the Relative Ribbon Bar" on page 91.

Using FastPoint Mode to Enter Coordinates


Use the AutoCursor FastPoint Mode to replace the separate X, Y, Z fields with a single, consolidated field. In this field, you can specify a position by typing the XYZ coordinates separated by commas, or you can use the data entry shortcuts or enter mathematical formulas. To use AutoCursor FastPoint Mode whenever the AutoCursor ribbon bar is active, do one of the following: Press the space bar on your keyboard. Click the FastPoint button located on the AutoCursor ribbon bar. Figure 2-3: AutoCursor FastPoint Mode To enter coordinates: 1 Type the values separated by commas, for example, 2,2,5. 2 Press [Enter] to apply the value or [Esc] to cancel. You can enter fractions or decimal values (example, 3/8 or .375). The FastPoint field also accepts formulas, including addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), and parentheses. In FastPoint mode, you can also convert numbers to the base unit of measure defined in your current Mastercam configuration. When entering values to convert, type the number immediately followed by its unit of measure, such as in or mm. If you have configured Mastercam to work in inches, you can type in a metric value in FastPoint mode (for example, 27mm) and Mastercam converts it from millimeters to the correct length in inches. You can use this conversion function for most numeric data entry fields located in Mastercam dialog boxes and ribbon bars. FastPoint entry field FastPoint button
86 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

TIP: Use algebraic notation when entering formulas. For example, for a position of X6, Y3, Z0.5 enter X(2*3)Y(5-2)Z(1/2), or 6,3,.5. The Fastpoint entry method is consistent with prior versions of Mastercam. Note: FastPoint mode is modal; when you activate it, you cannot move outside of the field into any part of the application,

including other AutoCursor buttons, until you press [Enter] or [Esc].

Customizing AutoCursor Behavior


You can customize AutoCursor to detect only specific types of positions, or to snap to a specific angle, or to the nearest, tangent, perpendicular, horizontal, and vertical positions. You have the following options for customizing the way AutoCursor behaves when you use it to select entities in the graphics window: To configure settings that apply to all selections and remain in effect until you reconfigure them, use AutoCursor Configuration. To change behavior for a single position selection, use the AutoCursor Override drop-down list, and leftclick on the entity type you want to select. To lock the override for multiple selections, rightclick on the entity type in the AutoCursor Override drop-down list.

Using AutoCursor Settings

To customize AutoCursor 1 In the AutoCursor ribbon bar, click the AutoCursor Configuration button. Figure 2-4: AutoCursor Configuration button 2 In the AutoCursor Settings dialog box, select the position types to detect and snap to. AutoCursor configuration
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Using the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar 87

Figure 2-5: AutoCursor Settings dialog box Note: If the position type is not selected, AutoCursor does not detect it. 3 You can also choose to: Set FastPoint mode as the default. Enable one-character power key overrides. 4 Click OK to accept your settings and exit. The AutoCursor settings remain in effect until you use this procedure again to change them. In the following example, you will use AutoCursor Settings to create a series of lines at 45 degrees from the axes. To create angular lines using AutoCursor 1 Choose Create, Line, Endpoint from the menu bar at the top of the screen. Mastercam prompts you to specify the first endpoint, and the AutoCursor ribbon bar buttons become active. 2 Click ! in the AutoCursor ribbon bar to display the AutoCursor Settings dialog box. 3 Click Disable All to clear all selections. 4 Select Angular, and then enter 45 in the field next to it.
88 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

5 Click OK. 6 In the graphics window, click any position to specify the first endpoint. 7 Now move the cursor. Notice that the line snaps in 45-degree increments as you move the cursor around the selected endpoint. Move the cursor so that the line forms a 45-degree angle up, and to the right of the first endpoint then click to specify the second endpoint and create the line. The line is a "live" entity at this point and can be edited. 8 Draw additional lines or, to fix the line and exit the function,

click OK. TIP: Remember to clear AutoCursor settings when they are no longer needed. If you forget that you have customized AutoCursor behavior, you can experience unexpected results when working with other Mastercam functions.

Using AutoCursor Override

You can temporarily modify AutoCursor settings for a single position selection. To do this, when AutoCursor is active, click the AutoCursor Override drop-down button in the AutoCursor ribbon bar. Figure 2-6: AutoCursor Override button From the list, select the position type you want AutoCursor to snap to (applies only to the current selection). This feature is particularly useful when the geometry is crowded or confusing and you need help identifying a specific entity and position type. AutoCursor override
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Using the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar 89

Figure 2-7: AutoCursor Override drop-down list For example, to create a line from the midpoint of another line 1 Choose Create, Line, Endpoint from the menu bar. 2 Click two positions in the graphics window to define the endpoints of a line. 3 For the next line, click the drop-down arrow next to the AutoCursor Override button, and then click Midpoint. The Override button changes to the midpoint icon and becomes active. Rather than prompting you to specify the first endpoint, Mastercam prompts you to select a line, arc, or spline. 4 Click anywhere on the first entity. Mastercam snaps to the midpoint and prompts you to choose the second endpoint. At this point, the AutoCursor Override is inactive and the standard AutoCursor settings are used. 5 Click a position to define the second endpoint of the second line. 6 Click OK to fix the line and exit the function.

AutoCursor Override Power Keys


If you enable power keys in your AutoCursor configuration settings, when AutoCursor is active you can press a power key to temporarily snap only to the point type associated with the power keyregardless
90 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

of the current AutoCursor settings. For example, to force AutoCursor to detect only arc center points, position the cursor in the graphics window and press the Arc Center power key [C]. AutoCursor power keys include:

Locking AutoCursor Overrides


When AutoCursor is active, you can lock an AutoCursor Arc Center, Endpoint, Intersection, Midpoint, Point, or Quadrant override by rightclicking to select it in the Overrides drop down list. A locked AutoCursor override remains in effect until you perform one of the following actions: Right- or leftclick the Override button in the AutoCursor ribbon bar to release it. Use an AutoCursor power key. Press [Esc]. Choose File, New. Open the AutoCursor Settings dialog box.

Exit Mastercam.
TIPS: When you hover the mouse over an AutoCursor override that can be locked, the mouse pointer changes to indicate that you can rightclick to select it. Once activated, the override appears as a pressed button on the AutoCursor ribbon bar. To cancel the override without selecting a point, right- or left-click this button to release it, or press [Esc]. [O] - Origin [C] -Arc Center [E] - Endpoint [I] - Intersection [M] - Midpoint [Q] - Quadrant [P] - Point
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Using the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar 91

Using the Relative Ribbon Bar


When creating a new entity with a Sketcher function, you can position any new point relative to an existing entity. To do this, press [Shift+Click] when choosing a position, or choose Relative from the AutoCursor override list. The current function ribbon bar or dialog box is suspended, and the Relative Position ribbon bar displays. Figure 2-8: AutoCursor Override Relative Position ribbon bar TIP: Choose Select in this ribbon bar to activate the Along mode and create a new entity along an existing entity. When prompted, select a line, arc, or spline at a position nearest to the endpoint from which you will specify the along length. When you select the entity, the Delta, Distance, and Angle fields become inactive and you are prompted to enter a length value. To directly access the Along mode, choose it from the AutoCursor ribbon bar override drop-down list. Note: When you press [Enter] to apply the specified values, the Relative Position ribbon bar closes. Use the current function's ribbon bar or dialog box to select additional positions or modify the live entity. You can enter relative position values using one of the following methods. To specify the new position using Delta coordinates 1 If you used the Shift+click method to select a position and open the Relative Position ribbon bar, skip to Step 2. Otherwise, after selecting Relative from the AutoCursor Override list, choose an existing position to which the new entity will be relative. 2 In the Delta field, type the rectangular or polar XYZ coordinates to position the new endpoint from the selected position. Delta Distance and Angle Length on a selected entity
92 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

3 Click OK to accept the entered coordinates and exit the Relative Position ribbon bar. To specify a position using distance and length 1 If you used the Shift+click method to select a position and open the Relative Position ribbon bar, skip to Step 2. Otherwise, after selecting Relative from the AutoCursor Override list, choose an existing position to which the new entity will be relative. 2 Type values in the Distance and Angle fields to establish the

distance away from the selected position, and the angle at which the new endpoint will be placed. 3 Click OK to accept the specified values and exit the Relative Position ribbon bar. To specify a position along an entity 1 In the Relative Position ribbon bar, click the Select button to activate the Along mode and select a line, arc, or spline nearest to the endpoint from which you will specify the along length. 2 In the Length field, type the distance from the selected entity endpoint where you want to create the current position for the new entity. You can extend the new position along the selected entity and enter positive or negative length values. 3 Press [Enter] or click OK to accept your entries and exit the Relative Position ribbon bar IMPORTANT: When you select a closed arc (circle) in Along mode, the endpoint is always the zero degree quadrant position. If you click the circle anywhere in the bottom half, the along distance from the zero position is calculated in a clockwise direction. If you click the circle anywhere in the top half, the along distance is calculated in a counter clockwise direction.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Selecting Entities 93

2
Selecting Entities
When creating geometry, you can use several selection methods to select positions and other entities in the graphics window, including: Clicking with the left mouse button to choose one or more entities, usually at the prompting of a function. Choosing General Selection ribbon bar options. Note: Chaining (selecting and linking pieces of geometry) is fundamental to the creation of Mastercam surfaces, solids, and toolpaths. Please refer to "Chaining" on page 400 for essential information on chaining techniques.

Using the General Selection Ribbon Bar


The General Selection ribbon bar operates in two different modes Standard Selection and Solid Selection. The availability of either mode is based on the types of entities that are in the current file and the functions you choose from Mastercam menus and toolbars. If you choose a Mastercam function specific to a solid entity, the General Selection ribbon bar automatically switches to the Solid Selection mode. Figure 2-9: General Selection Solid Selection mode Note: For more information on Solid selection techniques, see "Selecting Solids" on page 330. If there are no solids in your file, the Solid Selection mode is not available; you can use only Standard Selection options. Solid Selection options
94 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 2-10: General Selection Standard Selection mode If the General Selection ribbon bar is available for use when no other function is active, you can select entities prior to choosing a function by using the cursor or combinations of the cursor and keystrokes, such as [Shift+Click]. Then choose a function to apply to the selected entities. Some functions work in conjunction with the General Selection ribbon

bar. In these functions, the General Selection ribbon bar becomes active when you are prompted to select entities for the function.

General Selection Methods

Use the General Selection method drop-down list to set the method by which you select entities in the graphics window. Selecting a method option limits selection to that method. You can leftclick a method to choose it for a single selection event, or rightclick a method to lock it for multiple selections. Once you have chosen one of the following selection methods, you can return to the standard selection method by clicking the Standard Selection button. To finalize multiple-entity selections, you can press [Enter], or click the End Selection button in the ribbon bar. Note, however, that you can end a series of selections by doubleclicking the last entity of the selection. For example, to select three lines using the single selection method, click the first two lines. Then double-click the third line to end the selection process. (The double-click method does not work with polygon and vector selections, which instead use the double-click to complete the polygon or vector.) To reselect the entity (or entities) selected for the previous operation, click the Select last button. Masking Selection method list Entity selection Cancel current selection Verify selection toggle Accept current selection Select last entity (or entities)
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Selecting Entities 95

From the General Selection ribbon bar, choose one of the following Selection methods to lock the method in place and disable the others. *The Window and Polygon selection methods are controlled by the choices you make in the Entity selection settings drop-down list. You will learn more about this in "Entity Selection Settings" on page 96. Note: All selection methods, including the Solids selection methods, can be added to toolbars and your graphics window rightclick menu using Settings, Customize. Window and Single selection are Mastercam's standard selection methods; both are active at the same time. When these options are in effect, you can use the mouse and either a single [Click] or [Shift+Click] to select one or more entities. Or, you can drag a window and select all entities that are completely inside the window. TIP: You can switch from any selection method to Window by holding down the [Ctrl] key and selecting the first window position in the graphics window. When you choose a selection method from the drop-down list, it remains set until you perform one of the following actions: Chain: Select/chain entities that are connected to other entities. For example, clicking one side of a rectangle selects all four sides, and clicking one line that is connected to another selects both lines. *Window: Select entities by drawing a window around them.

*Polygon: Select entities by drawing a polygon around the entities. Doubleclick to complete the polygon. Single: Select individual entities by clicking them with the mouse. Area: Select multiple nested shapes with a single mouse click. Vector: Select multiple entities by drawing a vector line through them. All entities the vector intersects are selected.
96 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Click the Standard Selection button in the General


Selection ribbon bar to reset it to the Window method. Choose another method from the list. Hold down the [Shift] or [Alt] keys to override the default (see Tips below for override details.) TIPS: In Standard selection mode, you can switch from the Window method to Vector selection by holding down the [Alt] key. To override any selection method and toggle between the Chain and Area selection methods, hold down the [Shift] key when selecting an entity or a position. If you place the cursor on an entity while holding down the [Shift] key, the Chain method is active; otherwise, the Area method is active.

Entity Selection Settings

The Entity selection field in the General Selection ribbon bar determines how the Polygon and Window selection methods choose to include entities. Before selecting entities with these methods, use this field to choose one of the following: TIP: To instantly reverse entity selection (deselect selected entities and select unselected entities), click the Invert Selection button.

Masking

A selection mask is a defined set of criteria 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. In / Out Select only entities that lie completely inside or outside the window. In + / Out+ Select entities that lie completely inside or outside and entities that intersect the window. Intersect Select only entities that intersect the window.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Selecting Entities 97

When working with selection masks, you can: Define a selection mask to use once and discard (default). Make the selection mask active until you turn it off or exit the Mastercam session. Save the selection mask criteria to a file (.MASK) that you can later open and reuse. Open an existing selection mask file and apply it. Use left and rightclick Quick Masks to select all or only specific entity type. (You will learn more about this later in "Quick Masks" on page 99.) To use a mask for selection, click the All or Only buttons in the General

Selection ribbon bar. Choosing All opens the Select All dialog box. Use this dialog box to define and apply a mask that automatically selects all entities in the current file that match the mask criteria. You can choose to apply the criteria and select all entities, or only entities in a specified group, including groups created by Xform functions. Choosing Only opens the Select Only dialog box. Use this dialog box to set restrictions on the entities that are available for selection in the graphics window. When you apply the Only mask, you use other General Selection methods to select only those entities that match the mask criteria you define. Until you clear the mask, you are restricted from selecting entities that are excluded by the mask.
98 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 2-11: Masking Select All / Select Only dialog boxes In the Select All or Select Only (Masking) dialog box, choose mask criteria or open an existing mask file (.MASK) to select entities in the graphics window. Selection criteria can include any combination of entity types, colors, levels, line styles, line width, point styles, arc diameters, line lengths, or Z depths that match the values and filters that you define in these dialog boxes. Option buttons Criteria type check boxes and buttons Criteria list Criteria options to Select Entity, Select All, or Clear All Additional masking parameters
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Selecting Entities 99

Quick Masks
Mastercam's Quick Masks are time-saving functions that allow you to select entities by type with a single mouse click, without having to open the All or Only dialog boxes. Figure 2-12: Quick Masks Toolbars By default, the Quick Masks toolbar is docked vertically, directly below the MRU toolbar along the rightmost edge of the Mastercam window. Quick Masks (QM) functions support different rightclick and leftclick actions. Leftclick a Quick Mask function to toggle the selection of all matching entities either on or off. Rightclick a Quick Mask function to toggle the mask in the Select Only dialog box's criteria list. (You can manually select only entities that meet the mask criteria.) For example, suppose you have a rectangle that comprises four lines. If you leftclick the QM Lines function, Mastercam selects all four of the rectangle's lines. If you rightclick the function, you can select lines (and only lines) one by one. QM functions include Points, Lines, Arcs, Splines, Surfaces, Solids, Drafting, Wireframe, Surface Curves, Color, Level, Xform Group, Xform

Results, Last Entity (or Entities), and Clear all masking. The Clear all masking button clears all selection criteria from the Select Only dialog box. Use the General Selection category in Settings, Customize to add QM functions to toolbars. You can also set up keyboard shortcuts for QM functions by choosing the General Selection category in Settings, Key Mapping. For more information, see "Customizing and Configuring MastercamX" on page 821.
100 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Selection Mask Examples


Here are some examples of how you can create and apply All and Only masks. To use these examples, you must open or create a part that contains lines and entities in more than one color.

Selection Examples Select All

To select and delete all line entities in the current part file 1 From the General Selection ribbon bar, choose All. 2 To view and edit the Entities mask criteria, choose the Entities check box. 3 In the Entities criteria list, doubleclick the Lines check box (under Wireframe) to immediately apply the mask and exit the dialog box. 4 All line entities are selected in the graphics window. To delete all lines from the part, press the keyboard Delete key. To select all entities of a specific type and color in the current part file 1 From the General Selection ribbon bar, choose All. 2 In the Select All dialog box, choose the Entities check box. 3 In the Entities criteria list, select one or more entity types to include. 4 To set the Colors criteria, choose the Colors button. 5 Select the check box next to the color of the entities to include. 6 Click OK to apply the mask and exit the dialog box. 7 All entities of the specified type and color are selected in the graphics window. Continue with the current function, if applicable, or choose a function to perform on the selected entities.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Selecting Entities 101

TIP: If you are creating a mask using multiple criteria, to quickly apply the mask and exit the dialog box, hold down the Ctrl key and doubleclick when selecting the last criteria item.

Selection Examples Select Only

To restrict the entities you can select to only line entities 1 From the General Selection ribbon bar, choose Only. 2 In the Select Only dialog box, choose the Entities button and check box. 3 In the Entities criteria list, doubleclick the Lines check box (under Wireframe) to immediately apply the mask and exit the dialog box. 4 In the graphics window, select the lines you want to work with. Until you clear the mask, you cannot select any other entity type. 5 Use one of the following methods to clear the mask Complete the selection. Reopen the Select Only dialog box and clear the selections. Click the Clear all masking button located on the Quick

Mask toolbar. TIP: Use the "Maintain Only Mask" check box in the Select Only dialog box to apply a mask until you close the Mastercam session or choose to deselect the Maintain check box.

Entity Selection Tips

In this section, you will learn to quickly and efficiently select entities in the graphics window by reviewing techniques for Selecting Single Entities (page 102) Selecting Multiple Entities (page 102) Selecting All Entities (page 102) Selecting Entities as Chains (page 103) Using Area Selection (page 103) Ending Entity Selection (page 104)
102 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Unselecting Entities (page 104)

Selecting Single Entities

Click an existing entity to select it. When selected, Mastercam highlights the entity in the selection color (default is yellow).

Selecting Multiple Entities

To select multiple entities, click individual entities. Notice that


selected entities are highlighted, indicating selection. To select multiple entities using the Window selection method, click an area of the graphics window that is not directly on an entity, hold down the mouse button, and start to drag the mouse to anchor the first point. Then release the button and continue to draw a rectangular window around the entities you want to select. Click to set the final position. All entities completely contained within the window are selected. To select multiple entities using the Vector selection method, hold down the Alt key, and then click and drag a line through the entities you want to select. All entities that the line intersects will be selected To select multiple entities using the Area selection method, hold down the Shift key and click inside the outermost entity, but outside the inside entities. Make sure that the cursor is not close enough to an entity to highlight it before you click. To reselect the entity (or entities) selected for the previous operation, click the Select last button in the General Selection ribbon bar. TIP: To improve your view of the selection area when using the Window selection method, after selecting the first window point, use the Pan, Zoom or Fit to screen function before selecting the second point.

Selecting All Entities

To select all entities in the graphics window, hold down the


Ctrl key and press A. In the General Selection ribbon bar, choose All. Then click the All Entities button in the Select All dialog box.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Selecting Entities 103

2
Selecting Entities as Chains
Use the chain selection method to temporarily link connected entities in order to perform a function with them collectively.

Note: This selection method does not physically create a chain in the Mastercam database or otherwise link the entities. It is used only to simplify the selection of connected entities. To select a chain of entities, hold down the Shift key to activate Chain selection and select an entity that is connected to other entities, such as a line used in a rectangle. All connected entities are automatically selected in a single chain (in this example, the entire rectangle). Continue to use this method to select other connected entities as chains. Alternatively, you can lock in the Chain option from the General Selection ribbon bar drop-down list then select connected entities. To select a partial chain of connected entities, activate the Chain selection method using either method described above and select an entity connected to others. Then click again in the location where you want to chain selection to end. The remainder of the entities in the chain are automatically unselected.

Using Area Selection

The area selection method allows you to select multiple nested shapes with a single mouse click. Instead of drawing a box around the entities to be selected (as with the Window method), area selection selects all closed boundaries around the position where you click the mouse. To use the area selection method, hold down the Shift key and click inside the outermost entity, but outside the inside entities. Make sure that the cursor is not close enough to an entity to highlight it before you click.
104 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 2-13: Examples Area selection (nesting on and off) TIP: To enable the selection all of the shapes or chains within a closed boundary, in the Settings, Configuration, Chaining properties page, you must selection the option for Infinite nesting in area chains.

Ending Entity Selection Unselecting Entities

To end any of the selection methods, press [Enter] or choose the End selection option in the General Selection ribbon bar. Use one of the following methods to cancel or unselect entities. Click a single entity again to unselect it. Or, if Mastercam is at the root level (that is, not inside a function), press [Esc]. Choose another selection method. All entities selected in a single action, such as Window selection, are unselected. Choose the Unselect all option in the General Selection ribbon bar to clear all selections.
1 2 3

Click here to select the set of curves marked 1, 2, and 3 (infinite nesting in area chaining is off). Selected curves are shown in bold. Click here to select all of the curves marked within and including the outermost boundary (infinite nesting in area chaining is on). Selected curves are shown in bold.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Attributes 105

2
Setting Attributes
All Mastercam entities have basic attributes (physical characteristics). Based on the entity type, attributes can include: Color Point style Line style and width Level Note: You set default attributes in the CAD Settings page of the System Configuration dialog box and save these settings to a Mastercam configuration file (from the Mastercam menu, choose Settings, Configuration, CAD Settings). When you run Mastercam, attribute settings are loaded, along with other configuration parameters, and appear as default values in the Status bar fields. Changing physical attributes when you are working with complex parts is a very powerful technique you will use often to organize your work. Use the Status bar fields to quickly and easily select new entity attributes. Figure 2-14: Status bar In this section, you will learn about: Setting Attributes for New Entities (page 105) Changing Entity Attributes (page 109)

Setting Attributes for New Entities


The attributes you set using the following methods are automatically applied in the current Mastercam session to the new entities you create. You can set new entity attributes in several ways.
Set main level Set attributes Configure Status bar fields Status bar help 106 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

To use an existing entity to set color, line, point, and level attributes: Press [Alt+X] on the keyboard and select an entity in the graphics window. The Status bar color, point style, line style, and line width fields are changed to the selected entity's attributes. To set a specific attribute: 1 Choose one or more attribute fields and specify the value. a Color: Choose Select from the System color drop-down list and select an entity in the graphics window. Or, click the current color field to select a color from the Colors dialog box. (You will learn more about this in "Setting/Changing Color" on page 110.) b Point Style, Line Style, and Line Width: Select new values from the drop-down lists. c Level: To set the main level: Type the level number in the field. Click the arrow and choose a level from the most recently used list. Click Level to open the Level Manager dialog box, and select an existing level, or create a new level.

(For more information, see "Mastercam Levels and the Main Level" on page 111.) d Attributes: Click to open the Attributes dialog box where you can specify color, level, point and line styles, and line width. Click OK to accept the new attributes and close the dialog box.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Attributes 107

2
Figure 2-15: Attributes dialog box

TIP: You can also access the Entity Attributes Manager from the Attributes dialog box to specify attributes by entity type. To set attributes for specific entity types (such as points, lines, arcs, solids, surface, and drafting dimensions): 1 Click the Attributes button in the Status bar. 2 In the Attributes dialog box, select the EA Mgr (Entity Attributes Manager) check box, and then click the EA Mgr button. 3 In the Entity Attributes Manager dialog box, select the entity types, and set the attributes you want to use in the current Mastercam session.
108 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 2-16: Entity Attributes Manager dialog box

To open the Color palette dialog box and choose a color, doubleclick the color sample. Note: You can also use the EA Mgr to apply attributes to files you convert from other programs. Select the option to Include entities created during File-Open. 4 When all entity attributes are set, click OK to accept them and return to the Attributes dialog box. IMPORTANT: If you deselect the EA Mgr check box in the Attributes dialog box, the Entity Attribute Manager dialog box settings are not used.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Attributes 109

2
Changing Entity Attributes
Use the following methods to change the attributes of existing entities. Note: These methods do not change the values that appear in the Status bar attributes fields; they apply only to the entities you select in the graphics window. To change attributes using the rightmouse button: 1 (optional) Use general selection methods to select the entities to change. 2 In the Status bar, position the cursor over the label of the attribute you want to change until the mouse pointer changes to indicate that a rightclick option is available. Then rightclick. TIP: To change multiple attributes, rightclick the Status bar Attributes button. 3 If you selected entities in Step 1, skip to step Step 4. Otherwise, when prompted to select the entities to change, use general selection methods to select the entities. Then press [Enter] or choose End selection in the General selection ribbon bar. 4 Based on the attribute you chose in Step 2, use options in the

associated dialog box to make the necessary changes. 5 Click OK to apply the change to the selected entities and close the attribute dialog box. To change the attributes of all of a specific type of entity (such as all points, or splines): 1 In the Status bar, click the Attributes button. 2 In the Attributes dialog box, select the EA Mgr (Entity Attributes Manager) check box, and then click the EA Mgr button. 3 In the Entity Attributes Manager dialog box, select the entity types and attributes to use when creating new entities in the current Mastercam session.
110 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

4 To update all of the selected types of entities that exist in the current file and close the dialog box, click Apply to existing entities. Note: To continue to use these attributes for new entities, leave the EA Mgr check box selected in the Attributes dialog box. To use different attributes, deselect the check box. TIP: You can also use Analyze functions to modify entity attributes and other properties. For more information, see "Analyzing Entities" on page 276.

Setting/Changing Color

Mastercam supports a palette of 256 colors, which you can customize. You can reduce the palette to 16 colors by choosing the 16 Colors button in the Colors dialog box, or by deselecting the Show 256 colors check box when setting up system configuration parameters in Settings, Configuration, Colors. Use one of the following methods to access the Colors dialog box: From the Mastercam menu, choose Screen, Geometry Attributes and select the colors palette button. Double-click the System Colors field in the Status bar. Figure 2-17: Colors dialog box
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Attributes 111

To select a color: Type its ID number in the Current color field. Click the color in the color palette. Choose the Select button and click an entity in the graphics window with the color you want to use. Choose the Customize tab and use the fields to create a custom color.

Mastercam Levels and the Main Level


Levels are a primary organizational tool in Mastercam. For example, a Mastercam file can contain separate levels for wireframe, surfaces, drafting entities, and toolpaths. You are always drawing on the main level. The main level is not a fixed level; it is only the level you choose to work with at any given time. To help you keep track of the current main level, it appears in the Status bar Level field which is always visible in the Mastercam window. Use the Status bar Level fields to set the main level to work with in the graphics window. Note: For more information, see "Working with Levels" on page 170.

Setting Z Depth

Use the Z field in the Status bar to set the Z-depth value for the geometry and toolpaths you create. Set the Z depth using one of the following methods: Type a value in the field. Click the drop-down arrow and choose one from the most recently used list. Click the Z label and select a position in the graphics window to use its Z depth value.
112 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Working in 2D and 3D Mode


When creating geometry, use the 2D / 3D Status bar toggle button to set the drawing mode. The default setting is 3D. Click this button to switch between drawing modes. In 2D mode, all geometry is created parallel to the current Cplane and, unless specified, at the current Z-depth setting. You can override the Z-depth setting by typing coordinate values that include a Z-depth value different from the current Z-depth setting. In 3D mode, the X, Y, and Z coordinates are all read from AutoCursor when sketching dynamically. The Z-depth setting in the Status bar is not used. When working in a 3D environment, you can create entities whose points lie in different planes, or create entities (such as arcs or 2D splines) in planes other than the predefined planes. In both modes, use AutoCursor or the selected function ribbon bar or dialog box fields to enter coordinate values. Some exceptions to this apply to specific entity types. IMPORTANT: The 2D / 3D setting has no effect on analyze and toolpath functions. The following functions always provide 3D solutions, regardless of the Status bar 2D / 3D setting: Notes: In 3D mode, if you choose to bisect two lines that are not in the same plane or are not parallel to the current Cplane, a message Fillets and chamfers Surfaces and solids Convert to NURBS Close Arc Modify Spline Simplify Xform: Translate, Translate 3D, Mirror, Rotate, Rectangular Array, Scale
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Attributes 113

informs you that a 3D solution does not exist and asks you to specify the Z depth to use for the 2D solution. When editing entities using the Trim or Break functions, all solutions are calculated based on the current Cplane setting. If the entities cannot intersect in the current Cplane through a 2D projection, they cannot be modified using these functions. TIP: Overlooking the current Cplane and Z depth is a common source of error, which can cause you to create the geometry in unintended orientations. To avoid this mistake, set the graphics view (Gview) to the same setting as the Cplane or to Isometric.
114 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Changing the Graphics Window Display

The View menu and toolbar provide several functions and methods you can use to change the appearance of the geometry and toolpaths in the graphics window. In addition to the functions listed below, this section includes information on using zoom and unzoom techniques, and setting up multiple viewports in the graphics window. Fit geometry to screen: Maximizes your view of visible geometry in the graphics window. This function positions and sizes the displayed geometry to fill as much of the graphics window as possible. Pan: Imagine the graphics window as a camera lens through which you view geometry. Using the keyboard arrow keys, move the "lens" left or right, or up and down over the geometry. Or, if you have set the Middle Button / Wheel use field to Pan in the Settings, Configuration, Screen properties page, press and hold the mouse wheel to drag the image in any direction. Set screen center: Repositions the center of the graphics window, based on the new center point you specify. Repaint screen: Refreshes the graphics window to restore images that appear incomplete or distorted. This may occur as the result of frequent changes to entities, particularly where they overlap. The quality and stability of images in the graphics window are influenced by the graphic capabilities of your PC, and the amount of available memory. Note: If Repaint does not completely restore the graphics window, use the Screen, Regenerate Display List function to rebuild the display list. Regenerate screen: Rebuilds the display list at the current screen scale. Regenerating the display list may also improve display speed and performance.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Changing the Graphics Window Display 115

2
Zooming
Mastercam also offers a number of zoom functions, including: Zoom window: Magnifies a portion of the graphics window. Click an area of the graphics window that is not directly on an entity to anchor the first window point. Then draw a rectangular window by moving the mouse around the entities you want to zoom. Click to set the final position and fill the graphics window with the contents of the selection window. Note: To improve your view of the selection area when using this method, select the first window point, then use the Pan, Zoom target, or Fit to screen function before selecting the second point. Zoom target: Expands a specific area defined by two selected points. The first position you select indicates the center of the target area. As you move the cursor to select the second position, you draw and drag a rectangular area that defines the target boundary. When you select the second position, everything in the target area expands to fill the graphics window, centered around the first point you specified. Unzoom previous / .5: Restores zoom to its previous setting. If no previous setting exists for the current Mastercam session, this function reduces the size of the

displayed geometry to 50% of its current size. Unzoom .8: Reduces the size of the displayed geometry to 80% of its current size. Zoom in/out: Dynamically zooms in or out from a selected point. First, select a focal point in the graphics window. Then use one of the following techniques to zoom: Slide the mouse forwards and backwards. Spin the mouse wheel in either direction. Consecutively press the [Page Up] and [Page Down] keys.
116 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

TIP: You can use the mouse wheel or middle button any timewithout selecting a functionto dynamically spin or pan the contents of the graphics window. You set the spin or pan behavior using the Settings, Configuration, Screen properties page and Middle Button/Wheel use field.

Using Viewsheets

Use viewsheets to create different part views, each on its own viewsheet tab. With a viewsheet you can define a specific view orientation and scale, store modified level settings, and use a bookmark to define a restorable viewsheet state. By default, viewsheets are off. To enable viewsheets, choose Settings, Viewsheets, Viewsheets Enabled from the menu bar. The main viewsheet tab then displays at the bottom of Mastercam's window, as shown below. When you have viewsheets enabled, manipulate them as follows: To define a new viewsheet: Select Settings, Viewsheets, New from the menu bar, or right-click a viewsheet tab, and select New Viewsheet from the pop-up menu. To copy an existing viewsheet: Select Settings, Viewsheets, Copy from the menu bar, or right-click a viewsheet tab, and select Copy Viewsheet from the pop-up menu. Zoom selected: Works only with pre-selected entities. Automatically scales the entities you select to fit the graphics window.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Changing the Graphics Window Display 117

To rename a viewsheet: Select Settings, Viewsheets, Rename from the menu bar, or right-click a viewsheet tab, and select Rename Viewsheet from the pop-up menu. To delete a viewsheet: Select Settings, Viewsheets, Delete from the menu bar, or right-click a viewsheet tab, and select Delete Viewsheet from the pop-up menu. Note: You cannot rename or delete the main viewsheet. To save a viewsheet bookmark: Select Settings, Viewsheets, Save Bookmark from the menu bar, or right-click a viewsheet tab, and select Save Viewsheet Bookmark from the pop-up menu. To restore from a viewsheet bookmark: Select Settings, Viewsheets, Restore Bookmark from the menu bar, or right-click a viewsheet tab, and select Restore from Viewsheet Bookmark from the pop-up menu.

Setting Viewports
A viewport is an area within the graphics window that displays a particular graphics view of the geometry you are working with. A viewport configuration is an arrangement of one or more (up to four) viewports. By default, Mastercam displays geometry from the top view in a single viewport that occupies the entire graphics window. To divide the graphics window into multiple viewports, or panes, each capable of displaying a different graphics view, choose an option from the View, Viewports menu. Mastercam offers four viewport configurations. The following graphic shows the default views assigned to each viewport configuration. VP1 = Top view VP2 = Isometric view
VP1 VP1 VP1 VP1 VP2 VP3 VP4 VP2 VP2
118 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

To change the view that appears in a viewport: 1 Use the cursor to select the pane. Then use one of the following methods to choose a different view: Choose View, Standard Views. Then select a standard graphics view from the drop-down list. Choose View, Orient, Named Views. In the Views Selection dialog box, select a named view from the list of standard and custom defined views. From the Status bar, click Gview and select the view from the list. 2 In the active pane of a multi-viewport configuration, move the mouse over the axes coordinate display until the cursor changes to an arrow. Click the axes marker to enlarge the viewport and make it the only visible viewport. TIP: To change the size of the viewport panes, grab and drag the vertical or horizontal inside edge. VP3 = Front view VP4 = Right side view
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 119

Setting Planes / Views / WCS


The Work Coordinate System (WCS) is the active coordinate system in use by Mastercam at any given time. It contains the orientation of the XYZ axes plus the location of the zero point (the origin). Manipulating the WCS and setting planes and views to simplify the creation of geometry, solids, and toolpaths are essential Mastercam skills you will use often. In this section, you will learn about: Views, Planes, and Coordinate Systems (page 119) Displaying Coordinate Information (page 128) Understanding the Top View (page 129) Managing Views (page 130) Measuring View Origins (page 132) Changing View Origins (page 133) Creating Views from Selected Entities (page 136) Creating Views by Rotating (page 137) Creating Views from Normals (page 138)

Change the Tplane or the WCS? (page 139) Lathe Coordinate Systems (page 147)
TIP: Mastercam saves the most recently used plane, view, and WCS selections for each machine group, and restores them whenever you activate the machine group. For example, if one machine group has toolpaths on the front of the part, and another machine group has toolpaths on the side of the part, when you activate either machine group, Mastercam automatically activates the views and planes you were using the last time the group was active.

Views, Planes, and Coordinate Systems


Mastercam uses a 3D Cartesian coordinate system to locate your work in three-dimensional space. The positions of geometry and toolpaths
120 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

are expressed in terms of three coordinate axes: X, Y, and Z. Each axis is signed to indicate a positive (+) and a negative (-) direction. Machining jobs often require you to work with coordinate locations in sophisticated ways. Mastercam includes several useful tools you can use to transform, overlay, slice, and otherwise manipulate the coordinate system so that you can draw and machine a part any way you choose. To apply coordinate systems in Mastercam, you use functions to set specific views. A view consists of two main parts: A plane, or slice through the coordinate system An origin, or zero point You can use views as graphics views (Gviews) to view the part, as construction planes (Cplanes) to orient geometry, and as tool planes (Tplanes) to orient toolpaths. Gviews define the perspective from which you view the part in the graphics window. Cplanes represent the planes in which you create new geometry. Tplanes are the cutting planes for the toolpaths you define. Standard and custom views have assigned names, are saved with the part information (making them portable), and can be selected as you work with the part to change its orientation in 3D space. +Z +Y -Y -X +X -Z
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 121

TIPS: Use the following mouse and keyboard methods to dynamically change the Gview: To zoom in and out, spin the mouse wheel forward and backward. In Settings, Configuration, Screen properties, you set the middle mouse button / wheel action to spin or pan. To temporarily change this setting to the alternate behavior, position the cursor in the graphics window, hold down the [Alt] key and press down on the middle mouse button / wheel to grab the contents of the graphics window. Continue to press down while moving the mouse to either spin or pan. To move the image around, use the up, down, left, and right keyboard arrow keys. To spin the image, hold down the [Alt] key and use the up,

down, left, and right arrow keys.

Standard Views

Every Mastercam part includes standard views that correspond to the six faces of a cube (Top, Front, Back, Right, Left, Bottom) plus an Isometric view. Standard views are available in all Mastercam files. Their names and coordinates cannot be modified. Figure 2-18: Standard Views The Status bar Gview, Planes, and WCS menus provide options you use to select standard views, create custom views, and set the Gview, Tplane / Cplane, and WCS. Use options in the Gview menu to orient the graphics view and control the perspective from which you view the part. You
122 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

can also use options in the Mastercam View menu to modify the graphics window display. To draw geometry or create toolpaths on a specific plane, use options in the Planes menu options to change the construction plane and tool plane. The options in this menu set both the construction plane and the tool plane at the same time. Each function in this menu lets you set both the planar orientation and the origin. TIP: To set the Cplane and Tplane independently, you must use the Status bar setup option [!] to add a Cplane and Tplane pane to the Status bar. In the Customize status bar dialog box, use the rightclick menu to insert the Tplane and Cplane fields. After saving the changes, use the Tplane and Cplane Status bar menus to set each plane to a specific orientation. The WCS menu options allow you to align the work coordinate system with a specific view. You can select a standard view, access the list of saved views, or create a new view based on part geometry or by manipulating the current view. Because Mastercam breaks views and planes into separate functions, you can maintain the plane selections for each function independently. For example, you can be looking at the part in an isometric view (Gview = Isometric) while drawing geometry on the front of the part (Cplane = Front). Note: For simple 2D geometry, the Top Tplane / Cplane (default) corresponds to the standard XY plane . Many of the same options are available from the Status bar Gview, Planes, and WCS menus. Use these options in a similar manner to set the specified plane.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 123

Using Gview / Planes / WCS Status Bar Options

Figure 2-19: Gview / Planes / WCS Status bar menus If you configure the Status bar to include separate Cplane and Tplane panes, these menus also share many common fields. Gview Planes WCS
124 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 2-20: Cplane and Tplane Status bar menus To help you become familiar with using view, planes, and WCS Status bar menu options, descriptions and tips for each option are provided below, organized by the their general category. Standard views: Select Top, Front, Back, Right, Left, Bottom, or Isometric to quickly set a standard plane. When selecting a

standard view from the Gview or Planes menus, the plane you set is relative to the current WCS. This is why (WCS) is part of the standard view name in these menus. Standard planes line up with a cube which has been shifted so that it is parallel to the WCS axes. TIP: To reset the Gview or Cplane / Tplane to the default Top system view, regardless of the WCS setting, select Named, and then choose Top from the View Selection dialog box. Named views: Options that include "by Name" or "named views" orient the selected view or plane with a view you select from the View Selection dialog box. This dialog box displays all the views that have been created and saved with the part, including standard and custom views. Cplane Tplane
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 125

Geometry / Entity: Aligns the selected plane with geometry


that you select from the graphics window. For example, if you select a face of the part, the plane is oriented as if you are looking straight down on a line normal to the part face. When you choose this option, you must select an arc, two lines, or three points to define the plane. Solid face: Similar to the Geometry option, but aligns the plane to a selected solid face. Note: For step-by-step instructions on using the Geometry and Solid face functions, see "Creating Views from Selected Entities" on page 136. Rotate: Creates a new view by rotating the current view about any or all of the axes by a specified number of degrees. Dynamic: (Gview only) Creates a new view by rotating the view perspective as you drag the mouse. Note: For step-by-step instructions on using the Rotate and Dynamic functions, see "Creating Views by Rotating" on page 137. Last: Sets the plane equal to whatever it was oriented to before the current selection. Normal: Creates a new view using a selected line that is normal to the desired plane. You must also select the orientation of the coordinate system relative to the normal line. For step-by-step instructions, see "Creating Views from Normals" on page 138. = Gview: Sets the selected plane with the same view as the current Gview. =Tplane, =Cplane: Aligns the selected plane with the same view as the current Tplane or Cplane. = WCS: (Planes only) Sets the Tplane and Cplane equal to the same view as the current WCS. Planes Always = WCS: (Planes only) Links the Tplane and Cplane to the WCS so that if you change the WCS, it will also update the Tplane and Cplane. Selecting this option disables the other options in the menu. Origin: Displays the origin of the selected view / plane and, if enabled, allows you to click and change it. Using this method to change the origin automatically creates a new view that you can name and save to the view catalog. You can also use the
126 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

View Manager to change the origin of an existing view and update the origin of all planes that are linked to the view,

including the WCS. Saved as: Indicates whether the new view has been saved and displays its name. Name and Save: (Gview only) If the current view has not been saved, use this option to open the New View dialog box where you can set parameters and save the custom view. (If the current view has not been saved, Mastercam displays Gview: Not Saved in the graphics window.)

Setting the Tplane Different from the Cplane


You can set the tool plane and construction plane to the same view at the same time using the Planes function on the Status bar. However, some applications may require you to set these planes independently. Use one of the following methods to accomplish this: From the Status bar, choose WCS, View Manager. Use the View Manager dialog box to select different views for each plane. Use other dialog box options to customize the origin and assign work offsets. Figure 2-21: View Manager dialog box When creating a toolpath, choose the Planes button in the Toolpath parameters tab. Then use the Toolpath Coordinate System dialog box to select the different views.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 127

Note: Using this method affects only the current toolpath. Choose the Status bar configure option [!] and use the right-click menu to insert separate Cplane and Tplane planes into the Status bar. Then use the Status bar Cplane and Tplane menu functions to set the planes independently.

Work Coordinate Systems

You can shift and move the Mastercam coordinate axes to create a work coordinate system (WCS). Defining a WCS lets you easily move the coordinate system to your part when creating geometry, solids, or toolpaths. Using this technique eliminates the need to perform complex calculations, or otherwise transform the part to the coordinate system. Instead of moving the part, you are moving its orientation. Gviews, Cplanes, and Tplanes are all measured relative to the WCS and its origin. However, you change the WCS in exactly the same way that you change other views: create a view which captures the orientation and origin that you want to work with, then set the WCS equal to it. To realign or create a new work coordinate system: From the Status bar, choose WCS. Then select an option in this menu to align the WCS with a different view. You can select a standard view, access the list of saved views, or create a new view based on part geometry or by manipulating a current view. Note: From the WCS Status bar menu, choose the View Manager option to access the View Manager dialog box. This dialog box provides a central location for working with all views that have been created for the part. You can modify existing views, create new ones, and set the Cplane, Tplane, and the WCS to selected views.

Coordinate Systems and Machine Definitions


The WCS and custom views are not used to model your machine tool

or axis orientation. Instead, the properties of the machine definition are used to accomplish this.
128 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Mastercam maintains a separate coordinate system, called the world coordinate system, to model the machine tool. The machine definition defines how the axes of the machine tool are physically laid out and oriented, for example, the orientation of the Z axis on a horizontal mill. When you create a toolpath and select its tooling, the machine definition provides the necessary information on axis combinations, turret and spindle orientations, and how the machine tools are mounted. This information is available to the post processor. You can move a part file transparently from a vertical mill to a horizontal mill, or from one spindle of a lathe to another, without having to manually transform the coordinate system in the part file.

Displaying Coordinate Information

Mastercam integrates several different status indicators into the graphics window so you can tell at a glance how your work is oriented. The following information always displays in the lower left corner of the graphics window. The picture of the coordinate axes (the gnomon) shows the orientation of the current Gview. The lower line displays the name of the views aligned with the Gview, WCS, Cplane, and Tplane. Note: The Tplane view information displays only when a machine definition or machine group is active. The following picture shows the same display when a machine is active. In this example, the Tplane and Cplane are set to the same view (the front of the part):
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 129

The following picture shows the same display when the Tplane and Cplane are oriented differently. In this case, both are set to align with different custom views:

Displaying Coordinate Axes

At any time, you can press F9 to display the coordinate axes and origin. The default color for these axes is brown. The axes for the Cplane and Tplane views also display, if they are different (the Cplanes axes in blue, and the Tplane axes green). To see an enhanced axis display that includes additional gnomons, press Alt+F9:

Understanding the Top View

When you work in the default WCS, the Top view is parallel to the XY plane. If you have simple 2D geometry, you are looking straight down on it in the Top view. This perspective gets more complicated when the WCS is aligned with a different view. Remember, the Gview, Tplane, and Cplane are all measured relative to the WCS. When the WCS changes, the Top plane also changes to remain parallel to the WCS. You can work with the Top view in the following ways: Regardless of the current WCS setting, you can always return to the standard, pre-defined Top view. In the example below, In the upper left corner of the graphics window, a gnomon shows the Cplane orientation. In the upper right corner, another gnomon shows the Tplane orientation. A third gnomon displays at the WCS

origin to indicate its orientation. It appears in the color assigned to the WCS view in the View Manager.
130 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

the T/Cplane is set to Top. Whenever you see Top displayed in this way, whether it is for a Cplane, Tplane, Gview, or WCS, it is in reference to the standard Top view. Use the View Selection dialog box to select the standard, predefined Top view. You can choose this view without affecting the view used to align the current WCS. For example, if the WCS is aligned to a custom view but you want to draw geometry in the default XY plane, from the Status bar, choose Planes, Named. Then select Top from the View Selection dialog box. To select the Top plane relative to the WCS, from the Status bar, choose Planes, Top (WCS). When you look at the status area, instead of Top, the same view name as the WCS displays, instead of Top, indicating that the top plane is now parallel to the WCS instead of to the system XY plane. If you create 2D geometry in this orientation, it will be parallel to the WCS view, not the XY plane.

Managing Views

The View Manager dialog box is a central point where you can select, edit, create and manage views.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 131

Figure 2-22: View Manager dialog box Some of the tasks that you can accomplish here include: Applying selected views to the Cplane, Tplane, and the WCS Editing the origin of a view Assigning a work offset to a view (when you select the view for a toolpath, the work offset code is automatically generated) Creating a new view relative to existing views or by copying existing views The list contains all of the views that have been defined in the current part file. Click a view to select it, then use the buttons in the Set current view and origin section to apply it to the WCS, Cplane, or Tplane.

Right-Click Menu Options

The View Manager rightclick menu provides quick access to additional view management options, including: Rename: Change the name of a custom view; you cannot rename a standard view. Delete: Permanently remove a custom view from the view list and part file; you cannot delete a standard view. Import: Import views from another part and add them to the view list. First, choose a part file that contains the views to import. Then, in the View Selection dialog box, select one or
132 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

more views to import. The selected views are added to the current file. Info: Display a report with detailed information about all the views in the view list.

Measuring View Origins


When you work with the origin of a view, you often see its location

expressed in view coordinates. The coordinate values of the origin express a vector from the original system origin to the view origin, which is measured along the view axes. This might be easier to understand with an example. Consider the following rectangle, anchored at the point indicated in the following graphic. The anchor point has coordinates X2, Y1.5, Z0. Using this example, suppose we create a view aligned with this rectangle, with its origin at the anchor point. If the axes of the new view are parallel to the system axes, its origin in view coordinates is the same as the original coordinates of the point (as displayed in the View Manager). Next, create another view anchored on the same point but with the X and Y axes flipped. In the View Manager, you will see that the
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 133

coordinate values for its origin are reversed. Finally, consider what happens if you rotate the rectangle 25 degrees about its edge closest to the X axis, and create a new view. The anchor point has not moved, but the axes are aligned, as shown below. In this example, the X axis orientation is the same as the standard system view, but the Y and Z axes are rotated. The X coordinate of the origin is X=2, and the Y and Z coordinates reflect the axis rotation.

Changing View Origins


You can use several techniques to change the origin of a view. You can use the View Manager to edit the origin, or you can select a new origin
134 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

for the Tplane or Cplane. When you do this, you can apply the new origin to the view which is currently mapped to those functions, or create a new view. Note: When you change the origin for an existing view, Mastercam automatically updates the tool origin for any toolpaths created in that view. These toolpaths will need to be regenerated before they can be posted. To change the origin from the View Manager: 1 From the Status bar, choose WCS, Display View Manager. 2 In the View Manager dialog box, select a view from the list. 3 In the Origin section, enter the coordinates of the new origin in any of the following ways: Type the coordinates of a new origin in the X-Y-Z fields. Choose the Select button to choose a new origin from the graphics window. Choose the Reset button to reset the origin to 0,0,0.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 135

TIPS: Deselect the Enable origin check box if the selected view sets only the orientation of a plane, and you do not want to change the origin. Select the Associative check box to maintain a link to geometry in the graphics window. For example, you might create a view aligned with a face of your part. If you select the Associative option, Mastercam updates the view's orientation and origin when the underlying geometry moves. Deselect this option if you are creating the view from temporary guides or construction lines that you plan to

delete. 4 Click OK to save the changes and exit the function. The origins of any functions that are currently aligned with the view (such as the Tplane or Cplane) are immediately updated to reflect the new origin. To change the origin from the Planes menu: 1 From the Status bar, select Planes, Cplane and Tplane Origin. 2 In the graphics window, select the point for the new origin. 3 In the Update Origin or Create New View dialog box, choose one of the following options: To modify the origin of the view currently assigned to the Cplane / Tplane, click Update. This completes the procedure. To create a new view at the new origin, click Create new and continue with the next step. 4 In the New View dialog box, use the following steps to define a new view: a Type in a new name for the view. b Reset the origin for the view, as necessary, by clicking the Select button and picking a point in the graphics window. c To associate a work offset with the view, select the Work Offset # check box. Then type the number of the offset in the field, or choose Get unique to assign the next unused offset number. d To immediately align the work coordinate system to the new view, choose the Set as WCS option.
136 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

e Click OK to save the new view and add it to the view catalog stored in the part file.

Creating Views from Selected Entities


Use these steps to create a new view from entities you select in the graphics window. The steps are similar whether you create the view from wireframe or surface geometry, or a solid face. To create a new view from wireframe or surface geometry: 1 From the Status bar Planes or WCS menu, select the option to define planes / WCS "by Geometry". 2 Select sufficient geometry to define a plane. Select either: Three points (these must be individual point entities, not locations based on other entities, like endpoints, midpoints, or intersections) Two intersecting lines A flat 2D entity, such as an arc or flat surface (not a solid face) Note: Use general selection methods to select entities in the graphics window. To select a hidden face, use the Select from back option in the General Selection ribbon bar (available only in Solids mode). 3 Use the following steps in the Select View dialog box to select the positive directions for the axes: a Click the arrows to preview different sets of axis combinations. b Click OK to accept the displayed axis combination. 4 Use options in the New View dialog box to define the new view. Mastercam displays default origin coordinates based on the selected geometry, but you can use the Select button to choose a different location. Select the Set new origin check box to align the Cplane, Tplane, and/or the WCS origins relative to the view origin when applying the view. If unselected, when you work in

the view, its planar orientation is applied to the WCS,

DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 137

Tplane and Cplane functions, but their origin does not change in. To make the view associative with the geometry that you just selected, select the Associative check box. If selected, when the geometry moves, the definition and origin of the view are automatically updated. 5 Choose OK to save the view. It is immediately applied to the function that was active when you started this process. For example, if you started from the WCS menu, the new view is applied to the WCS. To create new Gviews from geometry You can also create a new graphics view from selected geometry using one of the following methods: From the Gview Status bar menu, select View by Entity. From the View menu, choose Orient, View by Entity. The new view is created and applied to the Gview immediately after you select geometry or an entity, but it is not named or saved. To save the new view, choose Save from the Gview Status bar menu. Then use options in the New View dialog box to name the view, set the origin and other parameters and save it to the part file.

Creating Views by Rotating

You can create new views by rotating the current view either a fixed angular amount in each axis, or dynamically. To rotate a view by a fixed amount: 1 From the Planes or WCS Status bar menu, select the option to Rotate planes (Rotate WCS). 2 In the Rotate view dialog box, type the angle of rotation about each of the axes and choose OK. A preview of the orientation displays in the graphics window as you enter each value and tab to a new field (you might need to move the dialog box to see it). 3 Use options in the New view dialog box to name the view, set the origin and specify other parameters. 4 Choose OK to save the view. It is automatically applied to the function that was active when you started. For example, if you
138 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

started from the Planes menu, the new view is applied to the Tplane /Cplane. Note: You can also select Rotate Graphics View from the Gview Status bar menu. To name and save the new view you create using this method, you must choose Save from the Gview Status bar menu and complete the fields in the New View dialog box, as described. To rotate a view by dragging it in the graphics window. 1 Use one of the following methods to select the Dynamic Rotation function: From the Mastercam menu, choose View, Orient, Dynamic Rotation. From the Gview Status bar menu, choose Dynamic Rotation. Rightclick in the graphics window and choose Dynamic Rotation from the rightclick menu. 2 Set a rotation point by clicking a point in the graphics window.

3 Drag the mouse to rotate the Gview about the selected point. 4 To fix the view and exit the function, click the mouse again. The status display in the graphics window should read Gview: Not saved: To cancel the rotated view, from the Gview Status bar menu, choose Previous View. To save the rotated view, from the Gview Status bar menu, choose Save. Complete the fields in the New View dialog box and click OK to save the view and exit the function.

Creating Views from Normals


The normal of a line is perpendicular (90) to it. Use the Normal function in the Planes and WCS Status bar menus to quickly create a new view by defining a plane perpendicular to a selected line. The Z axis lies on the line that you select. Use the New View Orientation ribbon bar and the Select View and New View dialog boxes to:
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 139

Specify a rotation value


(to fix the angular position of the X Y axes about the Z axis) Choose an axis orientation Set the rotation point Name and save the new view To define a new normal view: 1 From the Planes or WCS Status bar menu, select the option to set "by normal". 2 In the graphics window, select the normal line and press [Enter] to set the Z axis parallel to the selected line. 3 Use the Select View dialog box to cycle through the possible axis orientations and choose the one you want. Click OK to accept the view orientation. 4 If you entered a rotation value in Step 3, you are prompted to select a rotation point for the selected axes orientation. Click a point in the graphics window and drag the mouse to preview the axis orientations at different index positions. For example, if you entered an angle of 30 degrees in the ribbon bar, drag the mouse around the rotation point to see the axes at every 30 degree position. Press [Enter] to fix the axes in position. 5 Use options in the New View dialog box to name the view, set the origin and specify other parameters. 6 Choose OK to save the view. It is automatically applied to the function that was active when you started. For example, if you started from the WCS menu, the new view is applied to the WCS. Note: You can also create a normal view from the Gview functions. You can select Normal from the Gview Status bar menu, or, from the Mastercammenu, choose View, Orient, Normal View. To name and save the new view you create using these methods, you must choose Save from the Gview Status bar menu and complete the fields in the New View dialog box, as described.

Change the Tplane or the WCS?


To machine a part that is not lying flat in the XY plane, do you change the tool plane or the WCS to get the correct NC output? To help you answer this question, this section uses examples to illustrate the
140 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

practical differences between each approach. An important difference to consider is that changing the Tplane typically results in a rotary

motion code (A, B, or C) when you post the toolpath (assuming that you are using a post processor configured for rotary output), while changing the WCS does not. The part we are using in this example consists of a contour toolpath around a block that sits at a 20-degree angle about the Y axis. A custom view has been created which aligns with the rectangle; it has been named SLANT 20 DEG and saved to the view list. The examples which follow show the effect of changing the Tplane or the WCS to align the toolpath with the part geometry.

Example 1: Changing the Tplane

In the first example, you will not modify the WCS. Instead, you will align the Tplane with the part. Click Planes on the status bar, choose Named, and select the SLANT 20 DEG view. The status display in the graphics window should look like this. Next, create a simple contour toolpath around the rectangle. In the Toolpath Parameters tab, click the Planes button to open the Toolpath Coordinate System dialog box and verify the plane settings.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 141

Figure 2-23: Example 1 Toolpath Coordinate System dialog box When you backplot the toolpath, you can see that the tool axis is normal to the part geometry. When you post the part with a 5-axis post processor, a B20 code is output, rotating the tool axis or table 20 degrees before the part is cut. The Tplane selection is what triggered the rotary motion.
142 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Example 1 NC Code: If the part will be mounted on a rotary fixture, this would be the proper approach.

Example 2: Changing the WCS

In this example, you will create the exact same toolpath on the same part as in Example 1, but instead of setting the Tplane to the SLANT 20 DEG view, you will set the WCS to this view. (Click WCS on the status bar, then Named and select SLANT 20 DEG from the list). After setting the WCS, click Planes in the status bar and choose Top (WCS). The status display in the graphics window should look like this. The T/Cplane displays SLANT 20 DEG because the Top view that you selected for the T/C plane is relative to the WCS. Since this matches a named view from the catalog (SLANT 20 DEG), Mastercam displays the view by name. Next, you will create the same contour toolpath. In the Toolpath Parameters tab, click the Planes button to verify the plane settings. ... N140 ( 1/4 FLAT ENDMILL TOOL - 1 DIA. OFF. - 0 LEN. - 0 DIA. - .25 ) N150 T1 M6 N160 G0 G54 G90 X1. Y-1.125 C0 B20. S2139 M3 ...
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 143

Figure 2-24: Example 1 Toolpath Coordinate System dialog box The Tplane matches Example 1, but the WCS is different. Select the Display relative to WCS option to see the relationship between the Tplane and the WCS.
144 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

When you backplot the toolpath, the toolpath and tool orientation look exactly the same, but when you post it, there is no rotary motion. Example 2 NC Code: If the part will be mounted flat on the table instead of a rotary fixture, this would be the proper approach.

Why is there a difference?

In Example 1, selecting the Tplane told Mastercam that it needed to produce the rotary motion. In Example 2, the Tplane was the same. However, because the WCS was set to the same planeand Mastercam measures tool and construction planes relative to the WCS, the part appeared to be lying flat in the XY plane and so no rotary motion was created. ... N140 ( 1/4 FLAT ENDMILL TOOL - 1 DIA. OFF. - 0 LEN. - 0 DIA. - .25 ) N150 T1 M6 N160 G0 G54 G90 X1. Y-1.125 C0. B0. S2139 M3 ...
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 145

Use the Tplane technique described in Example 1 when the part, or a portion of the part, will be physically mounted at an angle or rotated in the machine tool, for example, when tilting the tool axis, or rotating a fixture or table. Tombstoning applications also require you to change Tplanes for each face of the fixture to produce the proper rotary output. Use the WCS technique in Example 2 when the part will be machined flat but the part geometry is at an angle and you do not want to, or cannot, transform it. Use the WCS to bring the coordinate system to the part, instead of the other way around.

Using WCS and Tplanes to Set Up Toolpaths


In this section, you will review common machining situations and examples of how you might use WCS and Tplanes to set up specific jobs. While the details of your specific machining problems are unique, reviewing this information can help you determine when to create a new WCS and when to use Tplanes.

General Guidelines

If you are programming moves that the machine can


accomplish in one setup, use a single WCS. If the application requires you to manually change the part orientation in the machine, use a different WCS. For most common milling applications on a 3-axis knee mill or VMC, leave the WCS aligned to the Top view and use the Top tool plane for your work. If you have a rotary axis, do the following: If the fixture rotates continuously while cutting the part, leave the WCS and Tplane alone, and use the Rotary options from the Toolpath parameters tab. If the fixture must rotate to a fixed position before the toolpath starts to machine a regular 2D or 3D toolpath, set the Tplane to the desired plane before creating the toolpath. For 5-axis machines and multiaxis toolpaths, use tool planes to work on the various faces.

146 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Horizontal Machining Center / Tombstoning


If you are machining a block on the B axis of an HMC, as you work your way around the block for each toolpath, set the Tplane equal to the Front, Right, Back and Left views accordingly, with respect to the WCS.

Moving the Coordinate System to the Part (Machining Flat)


Suppose a part must be machined lying flat on the table. The drawing in the Mastercam file is oriented in a non-standard plane and you cannot rotate, transform, or move the geometry in the file. To address this situation, create a new view aligned with the part geometry. Choose WCS from the Status bar, select WCS by Geometry, and select either two lines from the contour or one of the arcs. When the New View dialog box displays, assign a name, locate the origin at a suitable point, and, optionally, assign a work offset for the view. Click OK to save the new view. Select the new view for the WCS, and then align the Tplane and Cplane to it. Choose Planes from the Status bar, then Top (WCS). Create a 2D toolpath as usual. When you post the part, 2D tool motion commands are dimensioned from the part origin, as if the part is lying flat.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 147

Machining Two Parts on Different Fixtures


Suppose you must create operations to machine two different parts. Each part is mounted on a different fixture on the table. In this situation, assign a different work offset to each fixture. Then, when you create the toolpaths for each part, include the offset number in each toolpath. By basing each toolpath on an offset number instead of a coordinate position, you can run the job without worrying about how the fixtures are positioned on the table. Before running the job, the operator needs only to touch off the parts properly to set each offset position in the control. To accomplish this in Mastercam, choose View Manager from the WCS Status bar menu and use the View Manager dialog box to create a new view for each fixture. To create each view, click on the Top view, and choose Copy. Then type a name for the new view and enter the offset for the fixture. To define an origin for the view, in the Origin section, choose Select and pick a point on the fixture as shown in the above picture. Before creating operations for each part, choose Named from the Planes Status bar menu, and select the view you created for the fixture. When you post the operations, Mastercam automatically outputs the correct offset codes and creates tool positions relative to the origin specified for each fixture.

Lathe Coordinate Systems


148 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Traditional lathe applications use a very different coordinate system from milling applications. Instead of a 3D, XYZ space, a typical lathe coordinate system is 2D with the tool axis perpendicular to the spindle (Z axis) instead of parallel to it. Mastercam includes a number of functions you use to create lathe parts and toolpaths for different types of lathes. These tools include machine definitions, Cplanes, and the WCS. In the following sections you will learn techniques for working with lathe coordinates.

Lathe Tool and Machine Definitions


Tool and machine definitions provide important information that allows Mastercam to interpret the lathe coordinates. The machine definition describes where the spindle and tool turrets are mounted, and the direction and orientation of each of the machine axes, including the angle of a slant-bed lathe. For sophisticated multi-turret and multi-spindle lathes, where individual axes can exist on several components, you can set up axis combinations that link the axes of specific components together. The tool definition specifies the turret/spindle where the tool is mounted, its orientation, and mounting direction. When you select a tool (and axis combination, if applicable) for an operation, the turret, spindle, and tool orientation are read from the tool definition. For the most part, axis orientation information from the machine definition is not used by the Mastercam interface; it is read by the post processor. You use standard views and planes to work with part geometry. When you post operations to create the NC code, the post processor reads machine-specific axes information from the machine definition.

Rotating Lathe Tool Axes

Mastercam supports "B-axis" lathes where the tool is mounted on a rotary axis (typically B) similar to a mill. The rotary axis can be Lathe 2D, XY Mill 3D, XYZ +X -X -Z +Z +Z +Y -Y -X +X -Z
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 149

swiveled to change the angle at which the tool is used. The tool can also be rotated about its long axis to a specific orientation; this allows you to use the same tool on both the main and sub-spindles. To generate the proper rotational output, rather than change the Tplane as you might with a mill, enter the tool angle for a lathe toolpath by clicking the Tool Angle button in the Toolpath parameters tab. Note: This option is available only if the appropriate rotary axes have been defined in the active machine definition. Use the Tool Angle dialog box that displays to enter the angle of the tool. You can enter the angle directly in the field, or select a line parallel to the Feed Direction or Plunge Direction by clicking the appropriate button. Then enter the rotation angle of the tool about its axis. You can select 0 or 180, or choose Other and type the desired angle in the field. TIP: You can also store a tool angle in the tool definition. Typically, this is done to support lathes without a B axis in order to create tools that are at an angle to the primary axes. For lathes with true B-axis capability, enter a tool angle of 0 in the tool definition so that the tool is parallel to the axis for compatibility with a tool changer. Then use the Tool Angle button and dialog box to set the desired tool angle for each

operation. IMPORTANT: The angle entered in the Tool Angle dialog box is measured relative to any tool angle stored in the tool definition; it does not simply replace or overwrite it.

Lathe Cplanes

Mastercam provides special lathe construction planes that allow you work in familiar lathe coordinates. For conventional 2D turning applications, use the Status bar Planes menu to select the coordinate
150 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

system. Select Lathe Radius or Lathe Diameter coordinates, and then specify the desired X and Z directions. This sets the Cplane and Tplane; there is no need to change the WCS. For conventional 2D turning applications, you can leave the WCS as the system Top view.

Vertical Turret Lathes

Mastercam includes a special system-defined view which transforms the lathe coordinate system for a vertical turret lathe. From the Status bar, choose WCS, View Manager. Then select LATHE Z = WORLD Z. Click the Set WCS icon to align the work coordinate system with this view and choose OK. This maps the lathe Z axis so that it is vertical. You can now choose a diameter or radius coordinate system from the Planes menu. When you work with the part in the graphics window, it is oriented vertically, as it will be on the machine.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Setting Planes / Views / WCS 151

Note: Prior to Mastercam X Lathe, when you generated a lathe turning toolpath, Mastercam automatically wrote the coordinates to the NCI file in terms of a typical lathe coordinate system. Instead of using the standard XYZ axes like Mastercam Mill, the coordinates in the NCI file were written using standard lathe axes. This is no longer true. In Mastercam X Lathe, you can still work in familiar lathe coordinate systems (either radius or diameter) by selecting them from the Planes menu on the Status bar. However, if you are a post writer and familiar with creating posts for earlier versions of Mastercam Lathe, your post processors may now need to perform this initial coordinate transformation rather than just reading it from the NCI file. For more information on MP post processors or detailed information about the NCI file, see the "MP Post Processor Reference Guide", available on CD from your Mastercam Reseller.
152 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Editing Your Work


Functions in the Edit menu allow you to undo / redo and delete / undelete actions you perform when working with CAD functions. You will use these functions often, particularly when you are learning to use Mastercam. TIP: You can also use functions in the Xform and Analyze menus to modify entities. For more information, see "Modifying Geometry" on page 243.

Undo / Redo

You can undo and redo one or more sequential events that occur while working with the current file and design functions. An event is defined as a function-based operation. There is no

difference between creating a single line or using an Xform function that creates 100 lines. Each is a single event. By default, Mastercam can save up to 2 billion undo / redo events, restricted only by the amount of random access memory (RAM) available on your PC. To enhance your PC performance, you can configure Mastercam to store only a specific number of events and allocate a maximum amount of RAM to the undo / redo functions. For more information, see "Setting Defaults and Preferences (Configuration)" on page 850. Notes: Each time you open a part file or create a new file, the list of undo / redo events is cleared from memory. However, saving or merging the current file does not clear this list. Due to the complex and associative nature of creating and modifying toolpaths, you cannot undo or redo toolpath-related functions. You can undo / redo the creation of a solid and Xform events involving a solid. However, other Solids functions, including changes you make to solid operations in the Solids Manager, are not stored as undo / redo events.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Editing Your Work 153

The events you can undo and redo are limited to Mastercam CAD functions, including those you use to create or edit geometry, drafting entities, file annotations, and entity attributes. If your Mastercam installation includes Mastercam Solids, you can also undo / redo solids creation and transform operations. The following CAD functions are not saved as events: Editing live entities. However, fixing the entity by exiting the function is saved as an event. If you undo this type of event, you delete the entity. Delete / undelete Blank / unblank Hide / unhide Setting system attributes (color, level, point and lines styles) Status bar functions (Gview, Cplane, Tplane, WCS, Z depth, Levels, Groups, 2D / 3D construction) Zooming or panning images in the graphics window

Delete / Undelete
The delete and undelete functions in the Edit, Delete submenu allow you to permanently remove or restore one or more selected entities from the graphics window and from the part file. You can also use the Delete Duplicates (simple) and Delete Duplicates - Advanced functions to find and automatically delete duplicate entities in the current file. This section describes each delete and undelete function and how and when to use it.

Deleting Duplicate Entities

Duplicate entities make files larger than necessary and interfere with chaining. Mastercam provides a number of options you use to delete duplicate entities. File Open: Configure Mastercam to automatically find and delete duplicate entities every time you open a file, and provide an online summary of the types and number of duplicate entities that were deleted. For more information, see "Start / Exit" on page 884. Translate /Join: When you translate and join entities,

duplicate lines sometimes result. You can configure Mastercam to automatically delete all duplicate lines created
154 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

during join operations. For more information, see "CAD Settings" on page 857. Editing: Use the Delete duplicates and Delete duplicates (advanced) functions in the Edit menu to find and delete duplicate entities in the current file. Each function is described below.

Delete Duplicates (simple)

You can automatically delete duplicate entities based on their XYZ position and entity type. If you select entities before choosing this function, Mastercam searches only for duplicates that match the selected entity types. Otherwise, it locates and deletes all duplicates for all entity types. An online summary informs you of the entities that were deleted. Figure 2-25: Example: Delete Duplicates summary

Delete Duplicates (advanced)

Use this function to find and delete duplicate entities in the current file based on their XYZ position, selected entity type, and the entity attributes you specify, including: This function also provides an online summary of the entities that were deleted.

Delete Entity

You can use different methods to delete entities, based on whether you select entities before or after choosing the Delete function. First use the General Selection ribbon bar options to select entities. Then press the Delete key on your PC keyboard or choose the Delete entity function from the Edit menu. Color Line Style Point Style Level Line Width
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Editing Your Work 155

First choose the Delete entity function. Then select the


entities to delete and press the [Enter] key or choose the End selection button in the General Selection ribbon bar. Notes: To recover the entities you delete in error, use the Undelete or Undo functions. To temporarily remove selected entities from the graphics window, use the Hide or Blank functions. For more information, see "Hiding Entities" on page 174 and "Blanking Entities" on page 174.

Undeleting Entities

Use the Undelete functions to restore one or more deleted entities to the current file. You can undelete only the entities you deleted while working with the current file. For example, if you delete entities from File 1, you can "undelete" them only until you open File 2. Undelete functions include: Undelete entity: Restores the last entity you deleted. You can continue to select this option to incrementally undelete entities. Undelete # of entities: Restores the number of specified entities by reversing the sequence in which they were deleted. For example, if you deleted

20 entities and wanted to only delete the first 15, choose this function and type 5 in the field. The last 5 entities that were deleted are "undeleted" and restored to the part file. Undelete entities by mask: Opens the Selection mask dialog box where you can specify the criteria you want to use to select the entities to undelete. TIP: To recover the entities you delete in error, you can also use the Undo function.
156 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Power User Tips


Power user tips go beyond design basics to help you master advanced Mastercam CAD features, including: Drafting (page 156) Working with Levels (page 170) Hiding Entities (page 174) Blanking Entities (page 174) Copying Entities (page 175)

Drafting
Use functions in the Create, Drafting menu and its submenus to work with drafting entities. In this section, you will learn to create and modify different types of drafting entities, and apply them effectively. For more information, see: Drafting Dimensions on page 156 Smart Drafting Dimensions on page 157 Baseline, Chained, and Ordinate Dimensions on page 158 Working with Ordinate Dimensions on page 160 Non-Dimensioned Drafting Entities on page 163 Associating Drafting Entities with Geometry on page 166 Defining Drafting Options on page 169

Drafting Dimensions
Drafting dimensions measure the size of geometric entities or the distances or angles between entities. All dimensions contain text, up to two leader lines, and/or up to two witness lines.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Power User Tips 157

Figure 2-26: Drafting dimensions To create drafting dimensions for geometric entities, you use functions in the Drafting Dimension and Ordinate submenus. Mastercam supports linear, angular, and radius/diameter dimension formats, and for each format, a variety of dimension types. Linear dimensions measure the length of a line or the distance between two points and include the following dimension types: horizontal, vertical, parallel, perpendicular, baseline, chained, and tangent. You can also use horizontal and vertical dimensions to measure the radius or diameter of arcs and circles. Radius/diameter dimensions display rotating leader lines and measure the radius or diameter of arcs and circles. Angular dimensions measure the angle formed by any of the following: two non-parallel lines, two points and a line, three points, or by a line and a horizon (a virtual line is defined by specifying an angle relative to the X axis of the Cplane). Note: For more information on baseline, chained, and ordinate drafting entities, see page 158.

TIP: You can assign drafting entities to their own level, which makes it easy to filter the display of drafting entities, as necessary.

Smart Drafting Dimensions

Smart Drafting Dimensions is an intelligent, modal drafting environment you use in conjunction with the Dimension ribbon bar to quickly create and edit dimensions applied to geometric entities. To activate Smart Drafting Dimensions,
158 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

choose the Smart Drafting Dimensions function in the Create, Drafting submenu. Most of the singular dimension functions that appear in the Create, Drafting, Dimensions and Ordinate submenus (such as Horizontal, Vertical, Parallel) can be accessed directly from the Dimension ribbon bar.
Figure 2-27: Dimension ribbon bar

With Smart Drafting Dimensions, you can dynamically create and edit dimensions for lines, circles, and arcs using select, drag, and draw techniqueswithout selecting any other Drafting menu functions. You can also edit and reposition notes and labels.

Dimension Ribbon Bar Shortcut Keys


All Dimension ribbon bar functions have shortcut keys, making it easy to modify the type and format of drafting entities. For example, when dimensioning a closed arc in Smart Drafting Dimensions, the default dimension type is diameter (D). To change to radius, type [R] after selecting the dimension, or as you drag and draw the dimension. To change it back to diameter, type [D]. TIP: To become familiar with ribbon bar shortcut keys, activate Learning Mode in the Settings, Configuration, Screen page. When Learning Mode is active, you can view all shortcut keys associated with ribbon bar options by moving the mouse over the ribbon bar.

Baseline, Chained, and Ordinate Dimensions


Baseline, chained, and ordinate dimensions are similar in that they reference other dimensions and are created as a series of dimensions. These dimensions are useful in applications such as sheet metal design, where you specify a grid pattern for drilling holes. To create these types of dimensions: Witness Position Witness Arrows Centered Format / Type Alignment Leaders Options Horizontal Vertical Orientation Lock Adjust Tex t Diameter Font Radius Box Number Height Angle Quadrant Align Add leaders Remove leaders Options

Update

DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Power User Tips 159

From the Create, Drafting, Dimension submenu,


choose Baseline. From the Create, Drafting, Dimension submenu, choose Chained. Choose a function from the Create, Drafting, Dimension, Ordinate submenu (For more information, see "Working with Ordinate Dimensions" on page 160.) Dimensions that reference a single base point (baseline or ordinate) or an adjacent dimension (chained) and highlight the distances within or between entities can be easier to understand and to program than dimensions that measure individual geometry. There are some differences in how baseline, chained, and ordinate dimensions measure and display distances. These differences are discussed below and may affect your choice of which dimension is most appropriate in a given situation. Figure 2-28: Baseline, chained, and ordinate dimensions

Baseline Dimensions
Baseline dimensions reference an existing linear dimension which becomes the base, or zero point, for all baseline dimensions in the series. Baseline dimensions inherit their orientation from the initial dimension but are not associated. Create baseline dimensions when: Associativity is not important "Stacked" display and orientation suits the rest of the drawing
160 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Measurement from a common reference point is desired

Chained Dimensions
Chained dimensions, like baseline dimensions, are linear. However, instead of referencing a single base point, each dimension in a chain references the previously created dimension. Chained dimensions inherit their orientation from the initial dimension but are not associated. Create chained dimensions when: Relative associativity is important "Stacked" display and orientation suit the rest of the drawing Measurement of interval between points is desired

Ordinate Dimensions
Ordinate dimensions reference an initial base ordinate dimension that you create or select and whose position Mastercam designates as zero. Because they are not linear, ordinate dimensions give you greater flexibility with regard to positioning, alignment, and orientation. Base (parent) or secondary (child) ordinate dimension may be associated with geometry. Create ordinate dimensions when: Associativity is important Non-linear display and flexible positioning, alignment, and orientation suit the rest of the drawing Measurement from a common reference point is desired

Working with Ordinate Dimensions


While non-linear in format, ordinate dimensions can display tolerances. The base dimension is an initial ordinate dimension that you create or select and whose position Mastercam designates as 0.0000. For each child dimension, Mastercam calculates its distance from the base dimension to determine its text value. Base or child ordinate dimensions may be associated with geometry independently of each other. However, if a change in geometry causes an associated

base ordinate dimension to become dirty, all children of that dimension become dirty as well. (For more information, see "Associating Drafting Entities with Geometry" on page 166.) Use the following options from the Drafting menu to create and modify ordinate dimensions.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Power User Tips 161

2
Ordinate, Horizontal
Choose this function to create horizontal ordinate dimensions that measure the horizontal distance, from a common base point, along the X axis of the current Cplane. Figure 2-29: Ordinate, Horizontal

Ordinate, Vertical
This function allows you to create vertical ordinate dimensions that measure the vertical distance, from a common base point, along the Y axis of the current Cplane. The following example shows a vertical ordinate dimension. Figure 2-30: Ordinate, Vertical

Ordinate, Parallel
With this function, you can create parallel ordinate dimensions that measure the distance, from a common base point, along the axis formed by two points that you enter. The following example shows a parallel ordinate dimension.
162 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 2-31: Ordinate, Parallel

Ordinate, Add to an Existing


Use this function to add secondary, or child, ordinate dimensions to an existing ordinate base dimension that you select and which Mastercam designates as 0.0000.

Ordinate, Window
To create multiple sets of ordinate dimensions from a common origin (base point), choose the Ordinate, Window function. Then set parameters for dimensioning the selected entities in the Ordinate Dimension: Automatic dialog box. Figure 2-32: Drafting, Ordinate Window dialog box Once you set a base point and other dimension parameters, Mastercam automatically creates a base (parent) dimension and all possible child dimensions relative to this point based on the selected parameters and entities.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Power User Tips 163

You can create horizontal and/or vertical ordinate dimensions, and create dimensions at the center points of arcs, the endpoints of arcs, and/or the endpoints of lines, splines, and surface curves. Using this method saves time because you create many ordinate dimensions at once, eliminating the need to enter individual points. The ordinate dimensions you create using this method are not associated with any geometry; however, child dimensions are associated with the base point.

Ordinate, Align
Choose this function to select, reposition, and align the text of all related ordinate dimensions along a common axis. Aligning ordinate dimensions can improve neatness in a drawing while highlighting their relatedness. However, if

aligning the ordinate dimensions interferes with other entities in the drawing, you can use the Dimension Ribbon bar Align option to move a selected ordinate dimension independently from the others.

Non-Dimensioned Drafting Entities

Non-dimensioned drafting entities do not measure the size of geometric entities or the distances or angles between entities. They consist of freestanding witness and leader lines, notes, and hatch patterns. Each Drafting function you use to create non-dimensioned drafting entities is described below.

Create Witness Line


Use this function to create freestanding witness lines. You can associate freestanding witness lines with the geometry you select during their creation or by entering points relative to an entity, such as midpoints, endpoints, center points, or quadrant points.

Create Leader
In Mastercam, leader lines (drafting lines with single arrowheads that function as pointers) most often point from a dimension's text to its witness lines. Unless you turn off the display of leader lines, Mastercam creates leader lines automatically when you create dimensions. You can use this function to manually add leader lines with or without note text to create labels or freestanding leader lines.
164 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Create Note
This function allows you to create drafting notes and labels, and as an alternative way to create freestanding single, segmented, or multiple leader lines. Drafting notes and labels are blocks of text (one or more lines) which you can insert into a drawing. Notes are standalone blocks of text, whereas labels have one or more leader lines used as pointers. Figure 2-33: Drafting Note dialog box You enter note or label text by typing it or by loading it from an ASCII file. You can also create line and paragraph breaks within a block of note or label text.

Create X-Hatch
To fill a selected closed curve boundary with a specific hatch pattern, use the Hatch function and choose from standard and user-defined patterns.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Power User Tips 165

Figure 2-34: Drafting Hatch dialog box Figure 2-35: User-defined Hatch dialog box You can also customize the spacing, and rotation angle of the selected pattern.
166 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Note: Hatch patterns fill closed boundaries, with the exception of nested chains which form holes in the pattern.

Associating Drafting Entities with Geometry


In Mastercam, you can associate drafting entities (dimensions, labels, leaders, and witness lines) with geometric entities. If the geometry changes size or position, you use functions in the Drafting, Regen submenu to regenerate associated drafting entities to reflect the change. Regenerating associated drafting entities eliminates the need to recreate new drafting entities each time the geometry changes. Note: Use the Settings, Configuration, Dimensions and Notes,

Dimension Settings properties page to activate drafting associativity and further define its parameters. For more information, see "Dimensions and Notes" on page 865. Read the following topics for more information on: Creating Associated Drafting Entities (page 166) Changing Associated Drafting Entities (page 167) Associated Drafting Entity Status (page 167) Regenerating Associated Drafting Entities (page 167)

Creating Associated Drafting Entities


You can configure Mastercam to turn associativity on or off for drafting sessions. For most drafting applications, you work with associated entities because of their labor-saving benefits. You can associate labels, freestanding leader lines and witness lines, and the following dimension types: horizontal vertical parallel perpendicular baseline angular circular (diameter, radius) ordinate (base only) tangent point
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Power User Tips 167

Notes: Chained dimensions cannot be associated with geometric entities. For more information on setting drafting configuration parameters, see "Defining Drafting Options" on page 169. To be associated, you must use Mastercam to create a drafting entity for a selected geometric entity when the Associativity parameter is selected (active) for the drafting session. TIP: For preliminary drawings, it may be easier to work with non-associated drafting entities when geometry is frequently changing, parts are not drawn to scale, precise or current dimensions are not essential, or you want to lock original dimensions in place.

Changing Associated Drafting Entities


Once a drafting entity is created, you cannot change it from associated to non-associated, or vice versa. You can only delete the existing drafting entity and create a new one that has the desired property. If you delete geometry with an associated drafting entity, Mastercam prompts you to delete the associated entity or dissociate it.

Associated Drafting Entity Status


The status of an associated drafting entity is clean or dirty, depending on whether it currently matches its associated geometry. Each status is defined below. CleanThe drafting entity's position and value (if a dimension) match the geometry. This status applies to a newly created or regenerated dimension. DirtyThe drafting entity's position and/or value do not match the geometry. This status occurs if you move or resize an object without regenerating associated dimension. Dirty dimensions are highlighted in a specific color (red is the default color).

Regenerating Associated Drafting Entities


When you create associated drafting entities, changing the size or position of geometry changes the status of associated drafting entities from clean to dirty.
168 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Regenerating the drafting entity updates its position and/or value so that they match the geometry. You typically regenerate associated drafting entities after you: Resize an entity to update the associated dimension's value. Move an entity to also move the associated dimension. Modify / trim an arc so that a dimensioned quadrant point is no longer valid. Mastercam prompts you to convert the dimension to a radius/diameter format or to dissociate it. Notes: Use one of the following methods to specify regeneration parameters: Dimension Settings page under Dimensions and Notes in Settings, Configuration. Settings tab of the Drafting Options dialog box (Create, Drafting, Drafting Options). To regenerate associated drafting entities, choose one the following Regenerate options from the Create, Drafting, Regen submenu. AutomaticUse this function to regenerate all associated drafting entities automatically during the current drafting session, whenever a change in geometry requires it. ValidateThis function lets you regenerate all drafting entitiesassociated and non-associated. It runs each entity through the regeneration process, recreating or reformatting the entity based on the Drafting Options parameters used in the current drafting session. SelectThis function allows you to select the associated drafting entities you want to regenerate. AllChoose this function to immediately regenerate all associated drafting entities. Note: Only associated drafting entities can be regenerated. However, you can validate both associated and non-associated drafting entities.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Power User Tips 169

Defining Drafting Options


To edit parameters that define drafting entities, choose the Drafting Options or Multi-Edit function from the Create, Drafting menu. Both functions open the Drafting Options dialog box. However, you use the Options function to make changes that apply only to all new drafting entities that you create. Use the Multi-Edit function to change the characteristics of existing drafting entities that you select in the graphics window. Figure 2-36: Drafting Options dialog box Another important difference between these functions is that the Options function lets you view and modify all Drafting Options pages, (Dimension Attributes, Dimension Text, Dimension Setting, Note Text, and Leaders/Witness). With the Dimension Multi-Edit function, you view and modify only the pages with parameters that are associated with the drafting entities you select. For example, if you do not select drafting entities that are notes, the Notes Text page does not appear. To set drafting parameters in the Drafting Options dialog box, define parameters in each page.
170 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

IMPORTANT: The changes you make using the Drafting Options and Dimension Multi-Edit functions apply only to the current Mastercam session. To save drafting parameters with your Mastercam configuration file, use the Settings, Configuration function.

Working with Levels


A Mastercam file can contain separate levels for wireframe, surfaces, drafting entities, and toolpaths. By organizing your files into levels, you control the areas of the drawing you want to be visible at any time and the entities you can select. This control makes it easier to work with the file, and helps prevent you from affecting areas of the drawing you do not want to change. You can name levels and organize multiple levels into Level Sets, which you can hide or display as a group. In this section, you will learn about: Setting the Main Level (page 170) Using the Level Manager RightClick Menu (page 172) Creating Level Sets (page 172) Reusing Level Names (Save/Get) (page 173)

Setting the Main Level

In Mastercam, you can create and name up to 2 billion levels and set any one to be the main level. For each level you create, you assign a unique number and, optionally, a name. The main level is the current working level. Any geometry that you create is always placed on the main level. There can be only one main level at a time, but you can change the main level as often as necessary to work with the part. The current main level appears in the Level field in the Status bar to help you keep track of the level you are working in. To set the main level using the Status bar Level field: Type the level number in the field. Click the drop-down arrow in the Level field and choose a level from the MRU list. Click the Levels button to open the Level Manager dialog box.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Power User Tips 171

In the Level Manager dialog box (Figure 2-37), the main level is highlighted in yellow. Take any one of the following actions to set the main level: Click once on the level number in the Number column. Choose a level to select it. Then rightclick and choose Make Main. Type a number in the Main Level, Number text box. Choose the Select button. The Levels Manager dialog box minimizes so that you can return to the graphics window and select an entity on the level that you want to use. When you select the entity, the Level Manager dialog box expands and shows the main level set to the level of the selected entity. Figure 2-37: Level Manager dialog box Main level Hidden levels Visible level indicator Set main level by typing the number Set main level by selecting an entity in the graphics window
172 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Using the Level Manager RightClick Menu


The Level Manager offers an extensive rightclick menu you can choose from, including: Make Main: Set the selected level as the main level. Get Named Levels: Load a previously saved .CSV (comma

separated value) file containing a level and level set naming scheme into the current file. Save Named Levels: Save all levels and level set names in the current file as a .CSV file for reuse in other Mastercam files. Report: Create a text-based report of all level details defined in the Levels Manager dialog box. You can edit, print, and save this report to a file. Contrast Rows: Enhance visibility between rows by shading every other row in the Level Manager list. Refresh levels list: Redraws the information displayed in the levels list. The following options are enabled only when you rightclick in the Level Set column. All Level Set On: View a set of levels based on their Level Set name. All Level Set Off: Hide a set of levels based on their Level Set name.

Creating Level Sets

Creating sets of levels helps you to organize levels. Only one set name can be assigned per level. To create a set or assign a level to a set: 1 In the Levels Manager dialog box and Level Set column, double-click to access an editable cell. 2 Type the level set name. 3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all levels you want to assign to the same named set.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Power User Tips 173

Notes: To sort all levels by set name, click the Level Set column heading. To show or hide a set of levels based on their Level Set name, right-click in the Level Set column cell of one member of the set and choose All Level Set On or All Level Set Off.

Reusing Level Names (Save/Get)

Use the Get Named Levels and Saved Named Levels functions (available in the right-click menu of the Levels Manager dialog box) to save all levels and level set names and reuse them in other Mastercam files. This allows you to standardize a naming scheme and use it in other Mastercam files without having to manually recreate it in each file. This standardization makes it easier to share files between work stations, other departments in your organization, and with other companies. To save all levels to a file: 1 After you define levels and set names in the Levels Manager dialog box, right-click in any column and choose Save Named Levels. 2 Use the fields in the Save As dialog box to save the named file to a specified location. Notes: The CSV file format is compatible with many applications, including Microsoft Excel. You can also manually create a CSV file in Excel. An Excel CSV file usually contains three columns of information: level number, level name, and level set name. Level number and level name columns are required, while the set name column is optional.

To get saved levels from a file: 1 Rightclick in any column in the Level Manager and choose Get Named Levels. 2 Use the fields in the Open file dialog box to navigate to the file location and select the .CSV file to use.
174 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

3 Click Open to copy the levels and level set names defined in the specified file to the current file.

Hiding Entities
To temporarily remove and restore selected entities in the graphics window display, use the following Hide and Unhide functions, available from the Screen menu.

Hide Entity
Use this function after selecting the entities you want to keep in the graphics window. It temporarily removes all unselected entities from view in the graphics window, allowing you to focus on a small amount of geometry. If hidden entities already exist in the file, this function acts as a toggle to "unhide" them.

Hide More Entities


This function is available only if hidden entities already exist in the file. It allows you to select additional entities from the current display and remove the unselected entities, hiding even more entities from view.

Unhide Some
You use this function only if you are already working with a file that contains hidden entities. It displays only the entities that are hidden and allows you to select the entities you want to "unhide" and add back to the graphics window view.

Blanking Entities
Blank Entity

You use the following Blank and Unblank Screen menu functions to selectively remove and restore a limited number of entities from the graphics window view. To reduce the complexity of the screen display, choose this function and select the entities to remove from view in the graphics window. You can select entities on any level.
DRAWING AND DESIGN BASICS / Power User Tips 175

Unblank Entity
If blanked entities exist in the file, use this function to "unblank" them and restore all previously blanked entities to the graphics window. IMPORTANT: There are important differences between the Blank and Hide functions: With Hide, you select the entities that will remain in the graphics window; all unselected entities are removed. With Blank, you select only the entities to remove. You can save blanked entities with a file; hidden entities are not saved. Choose Hide to remove many entities from the display, or to quickly restore hidden entities. Choose Blank to selectively remove and restore a limited number of entities from the display.

Copying Entities
The Edit menu provides you with basic Cut, Copy and Paste functions. You can also access these functions using their keyboard shortcuts, [Ctrl+X], [Ctrl+C], and [Ctrl+V], respectively. These functions allow you to cut, copy, and paste selected entities between different Mastercam files. IMPORTANT: Only geometry and drafting entities are copied between files. Toolpath operations and machine, control, and toolpath-related data are not transferred with the selected entities. To cut, copy, and paste entities: 1 Use general selection methods to pre-select the entities to cut or copy. 2 Choose the Cut or Copy function or type [Ctrl+X] or [Ctrl+C]. This places a copy of the selected entities in the Windows clipboard. Note: Cut entities to remove them from the existing file. To leave the existing file unchanged, Copy the entities.
176 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

3 To save the selected entities to another file, choose one of the following methods: Close the current file, open a new or existing file, and choose Paste or type [Ctrl+V] to paste the entities. Open another Mastercam session and file (new or existing), and choose Paste or type [Ctrl+V] to paste the entities. When you paste the selected entities, they are "live". 4 Use options in the Paste ribbon bar to override the entity attributes for color, level, line style, point style and line width. Figure 2-38: Paste ribbon bar 5 To exit the paste function, press the [Esc] key, or choose another Mastercam function. Set to main line style Set to main color Set to main level Set to main line width Set to main point style

chapter 3

Creating Geometry
This chapter introduces the functions and ribbon bars you use to create a broad range of geometric entities. You will learn to create geometry and work with essential Mastercam CAD functions, including: Using the Sketcher Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . page 178 Editing "Live" Entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 179 Creating Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 181 Creating Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 185 Creating Arcs and Circles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 191 Creating Miscellaneous Shapes . . . . . . . . page 197 Creating Fillets and Chamfers . . . . . . . . . . page 218 Creating Splines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 222 Creating Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 226 Creating Primitives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 233 Creating Autosynced Rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 240
178 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Using the Sketcher Toolbar


The Sketcher toolbar groups the Sketcher functions in drop-down lists, organized by each entity type. Figure 3-1: Sketcher toolbar TIP: Other toolbars, such as the Solids and Surfaces toolbars, offer additional functions for geometry creation. You can access all of these functions and more from the Create and Solids menus. See "Working with Surfaces and Solids" on page 291 to learn more about creating these entity types. Sketching basic geometry in either 2D or 3D mode is free-form, fast, and easy. Simply select a Sketcher function from the drop-down list, and then use the mouse to click in the graphics window and create the entity. For many Sketcher functions, you also use the function ribbon bar or dialog box options to define or edit the live entity. If you prefer keyboarding, you can use shortcut keys to access most ribbon bar options. Notes: For many types of geometry creation, you use the AutoCursor in conjunction with the selected Sketcher function to create and edit entities. For more information, see "Using the AutoCursor Ribbon Bar" on page 82. You can customize the Sketcher toolbar by adding or removing functions. For more information, see "Customizing Toolbar Functions" on page 827. Sketcher functions do not include drafting, transform, modify, surfaces (with the exception of shapes), or solids (with the exception of primitives). Points Lines Arcs Geometric shapes Fillets/chamfers Splines Primitives
CREATING GEOMETRY / Using the Sketcher Toolbar 179

Editing "Live" Entities


Mastercam provides flexible options for editing basic entities. When you first create an entity, it is considered live and can be edited within the ribbon bar or dialog box function you used to create it. The live color is light blue by default, although you can customize it. Once the entity becomes fixed, you must use other functions to edit it. Note: For more information, see "Editing Entities" on page 244. For example, to create a line and edit it while it is live: 1 Choose Create, Line, Endpoint from the menu bar at the top of the screen. The Line ribbon bar displays. 2 To create the endpoints of the new line entity, click two positions anywhere in the graphics window. The line appears in the live entity color. 3 Click the Edit Endpoint 1 button. 4 Move the cursor to a new position for the first line endpoint, then click again. 5 Click the Edit Endpoint 2 button. 6 Move the cursor to a new position, then click again. 7 Repeat Steps 36 until you are satisfied with the endpoints. 8 To change the line length:

a Press [L] or click the Length button. b Type a new length and press [Enter]. 9 To change the angle: a Press [A] or click the Angle button. b Type a new angle and press [Enter]. 10 Use one of the following methods to fix the entity:
Edit endpoints Line length Line angle Multi-line Horizontal Vertical Tangent

180 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

To stay in the function and continue to create lines, pick a


position in the graphics window as the first endpoint of a new line, or click Apply in the ribbon bar. To exit the function, press [Esc], click OK or choose another function.
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Points 181

Creating Points
In this section you will learn to create points using the following functions: You access the point functions from the Sketcher toolbar point dropdown list, or from the Create, Point submenu. Figure 3-2: Sketcher Points drop-down list TIPS: To exit a function: Click OK. Press the [Enter] key. Press the [Esc] key. Choose another function.

Create Point Position


For simple point creation, use the Point Position function to sketch individual points by using the mouse to click and create point positions in the graphics window. While a point is live, use AutoCursor to set its position.
Figure 3-3: Create point position ribbon bar

Create Point

Position(page 181) Create Point Dynamic(page 182) Create Point Node Points(page 183) Create Point Segment(page 183) Create Point Endpoints(page 184) Create Point Small Arcs(page 184)

182 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Note: When you choose the next point position, the prior point becomes a fixed entity.

Create Point Dynamic


Choose this function to create one or more points and/or

lines anywhere along an existing entity. When you select an entity in the graphics window, a dynamic arrow appears. For each point or line you want to create, move the cursor to slide the arrow to the new point position then click.
Figure 3-4: Create point dynamic ribbon bar

Use the Line and Point options to specify the type of entity to
create. You can create a line, a point, or both. Use the Flip button to set the side of the selected entity on which an offset point or line appears. (Flip has an effect only when Offset is non-zero.) Use the ribbon bar Offset field to create the point or line perpendicular to the selected entity, offset by a specified distance. Use the Distance field to specify the distance along the entity from its nearest endpoint where you want to create the point or line. You can use the this field independently or in conjunction with the Offset field. When you are placing a point or line along a line or an arc, you can create it beyond the selected entity, extended in either direction. Edit point Edit End Point 1 Distance Offset Line Point Flip
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Points 183

3
Create Point Node Points
This function allows you to create points at the node points of existing splines. When you choose the Create point node points function, no ribbon bar appears but the point node points function is active and you are prompted to select a spline. IMPORTANT: When you choose this function, the node points are immediately created as fixed entities and the function ends.

Create Point Segment

You can quickly create multiple, uniform points along an existing entity with this function. Just select an entity in the graphics window and enter the number of points to position along the entity or enter the distance to create between each point. TIP: You can also set the distance or number of points before selecting an entity.
Figure 3-5: Create point segment ribbon bar

When you enter a number or distance value, Mastercam automatically calculates the necessary point positions. If you use the Number field to create points, Mastercam always places points on each endpoint of the entity. However, if you use the Distance field, Mastercam creates the first point at the endpoint nearest where you selected the entity, and then, at multiples of the specified distance. It is possible that a point may not be created at the final endpoint. Note: This function creates points only along the physical entity. No points are created on an extended projection of the entity. Distance Number

184 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Create Point Endpoints


Use this function to automatically create point entities at the endpoints of all visible lines, arcs, and splines. This is especially useful for determining the boundaries of an individual curve in a chain of curves. TIP: To quickly remove all endpoints created by this function, from the Mastercam menu choose Edit, Undo.

Create Point Small Arcs


Figure 3-6: Create point small arcs ribbon bar

Creating points at the exact center of arcs and/or circles is fast and easy when you use this function. You define the maximum size of the arcs you want to use, select the arcs, and press Enter. To create points at the center of arcs and circles, choose the Partial arcs option. If this option is not selected, point will be created only in the center of circles (closed arcs). To delete the selected arcs and circles after the points have been created, choose the Delete arcs option. Max radius Partial arcs Delete arcs
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Lines 185

Creating Lines
Mastercam offers a variety of flexible functions you use to quickly create lines, including: To access a function, select it from the Sketcher toolbar Line drop-down list, or from the Create, Line submenu. Figure 3-7: Sketcher Line drop-down list

Create Line Endpoint


Use this simple but powerful function and ribbon bar to create a variety of different line types with two endpoints, including: Angular and polar Horizontal and vertical Multiple lines connected at their endpoints Lines tangent to arcs and splines
Figure 3-8: Create line endpoint ribbon bar

Create Line Endpoint

(page 185) Create Line Closest (page 187) Create Line Bisect (page 188) Create Line Perpendicular (page 188) Create Line Parallel (page 189) Create Line Tangent Through Point (page 190)
Edit endpoints Line length Line angle

Multi-line Horizontal Vertical Ta nge nt

186 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

To dynamically create endpoints, click in the graphics window, or type values in the Line Length and Line angle fields and then click in the graphics window to position the line. Use AutoCursor to precisely define the line endpoint positions.

Creating Angular and Polar Lines

To create lines with specific angles, hard lock a value in the Line angle field before you create the line. You can set polar angles in this field. The angle is calculated in a counterclockwise direction from the positive horizontal axis that runs through the known point in the current construction plane. To calculate angles in a clockwise direction, enter a negative value. For angular lines, you can also set the AutoCursor to snap the angle of the line by a specified number of degrees while selecting the second endpoint. This is referred to as the "angular mode." To do this, in the AutoCursor ribbon bar, click the Option button to open the AutoCursor dialog box, select the Angular option, and set the degrees to snap in the Angular field (shown below). This value is applied in increments. For example, using a 5 degree angular mode causes lines to snap every 5 degrees (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and so on). The snap to angular mode remains set for the duration of the Mastercam session unless you manually change it.

Creating Horizontal and Vertical Lines

Before creating the line, choose the Horizontal or Vertical option in the Create line endpoint ribbon bar to define the line orientation. Then use AutoCursor to draw the line. After picking the second endpoint, you are prompted to enter the X or Y coordinate of the line. You can easily create horizontal and vertical lines without choosing the Horizontal or Vertical options if AutoCursor is set to detect and snap to points. (For more information, see "Customizing AutoCursor Behavior" on page 86.) After you define the first endpoint and begin creating the line, when the line comes close to a horizontal position, the horizontal / vertical visual cue appears next to the cursor, indicating that you can click to snap the endpoint to that position. Regardless of the method you use to create the line, it remains live after you choose the second endpoint so you can use the Line Length field to specify an exact length, or use the AutoCursor fields to specify
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Lines 187

an exact position. The entity becomes fixed when you press Enter or click the Apply button.

Creating Multiple Lines Create Tangent Lines

To create connected multiple lines, choose the Multi-line option, then click in the graphics window to set each of the connecting endpoints. To complete the last line, doubleclick the final endpoint or press Esc. Use the Tangent option to create lines that are tangent to arcs and splines. When creating a line tangent to an arc, first select the arc. Mastercam dynamically draws the tangent line as you move the cursor. When the line reaches the tangency you want, click to set the second endpoint. When creating a line tangent to a spline, first select the spline,

and then select the second endpoint. Mastercam creates a tangent line, or displays a message if it cannot. Notes: When creating a tangent line, including lines that are perpendicular to a line and tangent to an arc, you can create the line on an extended portion of the selected entity. Use the AutoCursor visual cues to help identify a tangency, especially when creating a line tangent to a spline. Right-click in the graphics window, choose AutoCursor, and then select Tangent in the AutoCursor Settings dialog box.

Create Line Closest

You can quickly create a line between two entities at the position at which they are closest. When you choose the Create line closest function, no ribbon bar appears but the function is active, allowing you to create a single line by selecting two entities. IMPORTANT: When you choose this function, the line is immediately created as a fixed entity and the function ends.
188 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Create Line Bisect


Use this function to create a bisecting or midline line between two line entities. For intersecting lines, Mastercam creates a bisecting line. For parallel lines, Mastercam creates a midline, which begins midway between the start of the first selected line and the closest endpoint of the second selected line. Under certain circumstances, Mastercam creates multiple possibilities for bisecting lines and you must select the one to keep.
Figure 3-9: Create line bisect ribbon bar

To set the length of the bisecting line, enter a value in the Length field, press Enter, then select the two lines to bisect.

Create Line Perpendicular


To create a line perpendicular to existing entities, choose this function, select an existing line, arc, or spline and create the perpendicular line endpoint by clicking in the graphics window. Figure 3-10: Create line perpendicular ribbon bar To set the length of the perpendicular line, type a value in the Length field and press Enter. Then select the entity and a position. You can also use this ribbon bar to create a line perpendicular to a line and tangent to an arc by choosing the Tangent option and selecting a line or arc and then an arc or line. In this circumstance, Mastercam creates multiple possibilities for perpendicular lines and you must select the one to keep. Use the Flip option to set the position of the perpendicular line relative to the selected entity. This button has three toggle states: Selected: (default) Creates a new perpendicular line at the position you select in the graphics window. L Edit endpoint Length Tangent Flip
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Lines 189

Opposite: Creates a perpendicular line on the opposite side of


the entity from where you select the position.

Both: Creates two perpendicular lines on both sides of the


selected entity. Notes: To use the tangent feature of this ribbon bar, you must have at least two entities in the graphics window, and one of them must be an arc. When creating lines perpendicular to arcs, you can create the line on an extended portion of the selected arc. When creating lines perpendicular to arcs or splines, select the entity close to the area from which you want to draw the line.

Create Line Parallel


Choose this function to create a line parallel to an existing line by selecting a line and clicking a point in the graphics window. You can also use the ribbon bar fields to create a line parallel to a line and tangent to an arc by selecting an existing line and then an arc.
Figure 3-11: Create line parallel ribbon bar

The parallel line is created at the same length as the existing line. To offset the parallel line, enter a value in the Distance field then indicate the offset direction. Use the Flip option to set the position of the parallel line relative to the primary line. This button has three toggle states: Selected: (default) Creates a parallel line on the selected side of the primary line. Opposite: Creates a parallel line opposite the selected side of the primary line. Both: Creates a parallel line on both sides of the primary line. Edit endpoint Distance Tangent Flip
190 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Note: When creating tangent lines, you can create the line on an extended portion of the selected entity.

Create Line Tangent Through Point


Use this function to create a line that is tangent at one end to an arc or a spline. Just select an arc or spline, choose the tangency point on the arc or spline, and then specify the line's second endpoint or its length.
Figure 3-12: Create line tangent through point ribbon bar

Notes: If you have the Length field locked, Mastercam creates two tangent lines and asks you which line to keep. If you pick a tangent point that is not on a selected arc, Mastercam moves the point onto the arc. It does this by projecting the selected point along a vector from the point and through the arc's center point. If you pick a tangent point that is not on a selected spline, Mastercam moves the point onto the spline. It does this by using the Nearest function to project the selected point. After you choose Edit Endpoint 1 or Edit Endpoint 2, you can use AutoCursor to reposition the line's endpoint. Reselect Edit Endpoints Length
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Arcs and Circles 191

Creating Arcs and Circles


When creating arcs and circles, you can choose from a variety of time-saving functions, including: IMPORTANT: Mastercam calculates circles in a counterclockwise direction. Choose a function from the Sketcher toolbar Arc drop-down list, or from the Create, Arc submenu. In most functions, you can create arcs or circles tangent to existing entities, such as curves, lines, or points. Figure 3-13: Sketcher Arcs drop-down list

Create Circle Center Point


This function makes it easy to create full circles from a center point. Click in the graphics window to set a center point and then click again to set an edge point. Create Circle Center Point(page 191) Create Arc Polar(page 192) Create Circle Edge Point(page 193) Create Arc Endpoints(page 193 ) Create Arc 3 Points(page 194) Create Arc Polar Endpoints(page 194 ) Create Arc Tangent(page 194)
192 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 3-14: Create circle center point ribbon bar

Alternatively, you can enter a value into either the Radius or Diameter field to set the size of the circle and then click in the graphics window to set the center point to position the circle. You can use AutoCursor to position the center point and/or the edge point of the arc. You can also create circles tangent to other entities.

Create Arc Polar

To create polar arcs, choose this function and click in the graphics window to set a center point. Then click to set two edge points that define the radius, start point, and end angle. To create a full circle with the start position at 0 degrees, doubleclick the first edge point (you are not prompted to select a second edge point).
Figure 3-15: Create arc polar ribbon bar

Alternatively, you can manually enter values in the ribbon bar fields to set the circle size, start angle, and end angle. You can then select the center point in the graphics window to position the arc and use AutoCursor to position any or all of the three points of the arc. You can also create arcs tangent to curves and points. TIP: Use the Flip option to set the direction of the arc. This button has two toggle states; clockwise (left) and counterclockwise (right). Notes: If you choose the Tangent button in the ribbon bar, you must select an entity as the first edge point selection (radius and arc Edit center point Diameter

Ta ngent Radius Edit center point Diameter Ta n gen t Radius Start angle End angle Flip

CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Arcs and Circles 193

start point). The selected entity is the tangent entity for the resulting arc. To create a full circle, enter 0 for the start angle and 360 for the end angle.

Create Circle Edge Point


Use this function to create circles with two or three edge points. To create circles with two edge points, first select the Two Point button (selected by default). Then click in the graphics window to select the first edge point, and click again to select the second. Mastercam creates the circle with the two points acting as the equator. To create circles with three edge points, select the Three Point button, and then click the first, second, and third edge points in the graphics window. You can also create circles tangent to curves and points, and use AutoCursor to position any or all of the three edge points of the arc.
Figure 3-16: Create circle edge point ribbon bar

Create Arc Endpoints


You can create arcs with defined endpoints and one edge point using this function. Click in the graphics window to set the endpoints and then click to set the edge point.
Figure 3-17: Create arc endpoints ribbon bar

You can also create arcs tangent to curves and points, and use AutoCursor to position any or all of the three points of the arc. Edit edge points Diameter Ta ngent Radius Two point Three point Edit endpoints Diameter Ta ngent Radius
194 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Notes: If you choose the Tangent button in the ribbon bar, Mastercam accepts any locations for the first two positions but you must select an entity for the third position. The selected entity is the tangent entity for the resulting arc. You can select up to two collinear points.

Create Arc 3 Points

To create three point arcs, choose this function and click in the graphics window to set each of the three edge points. You can create arcs tangent to curves and points, and use

AutoCursor to set the position of any or all of the three edge points of the arc.
Figure 3-18: Create arc 3 points ribbon bar

Create Arc Polar Endpoints


You can create polar arcs from either a defined start or end point. Choose this function and click in the graphics window to set the first point. Then enter values in the ribbon bar fields to define the radius/diameter, start angle, and end angle.
Figure 3-19: Create arc polar endpoints ribbon bar

Create Arc Tangent


Use this flexible function to create arcs with the following tangent conditions: Edit edge points Tan g e n t Edit endpoint Start point End point Radius Diameter Start angle End angle
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Arcs and Circles 195

3

Tangent to one, two, or three entities Tangent through a point Tangent with a centerline Dynamically tangent (dynamically draws the arc with your cursor movement) You can also use this function to create circles tangent to three entities.
Figure 3-20: Create arc tangent ribbon bar

To set the size of the arc, enter a radius or diameter in the corresponding ribbon bar field, choose the tangent condition you want to use, and follow the prompts to create the arc. Under some circumstances, Mastercam displays four possible arcs and you must select the one you want to keep. Note: When choosing lines to create an arc, those lines cannot be parallel to one another.

Guidelines for Creating Arcs Tangent to Entities


Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when creating arcs tangent to entities: You can create arcs on an extended portion of the selected entity. If the point you enter for an arc to be tangent with does not lie on the selected line or arc, Mastercam projects the point along the normal vector of the selected entity. When creating a circle tangent to two curves, the radius of the circle must be greater than or equal to half the distance between the closest points on the two curves. When creating an arc tangent to a line or arc with a defined edge point, the radius of the arc must be greater than or equal Radius Ta ngent point Ta n ge n t centerline

Dynamic tangency Diameter Tan g e n t 1 entity Arc Ta ngent 2 entities Arc Tangent 3 entities Circle Ta ngent 3 entities

196 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

to half the distance between the selected entity and point at the closest pass between them. When you create arcs tangent to one entity, you can enter the X, Y, and Z values in AutoCursor for the tangent point. With arcs tangent to a point, you can enter the X, Y, and Z values in AutoCursor for the through point. For dynamically tangent arcs, you can use the fields in AutoCursor to set the arc endpoint. When you create arcs (including circles) tangent to two or three entities, you must select entitles in the graphics window rather than entering values into the AutoCursor ribbon bar.
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Miscellaneous Shapes 197

Creating Miscellaneous Shapes


The Create menu offers a number of functions you use to create complete geometric shapes. Mastercam generates all the entities in the shape collectively; you do not have to draw the individual entities. When using the Rectangle, Polygon, and Ellipse functions, you can choose to create surfaces in addition to wireframe geometry. Wireframe entities and a surface are created when you select the Surface check box in these dialog boxes. Use other functions in the menu to create bounding boxes and letters. If Mastercam Solids is installed, you can also extract 2D geometry from a 3D solid. In this section, you will learn to create basic shapes using the following functions: To choose a function, select it from the Sketcher toolbar Miscellaneous Geometry drop-down list, or from the Create menu. Create Rectangle (page 198) Create Rectangular Shapes(page 199) Create Polygon (page 200) Create Ellipse (page 201) Bounding Box (page 202) Letters (page 204) Create Spiral (page 205) Create Helix (page 206) Solid to 2D Profile (page 207) Create Relief Groove (page 208) Create Bolt Circle

(page 211) Create Stair Geometry (page 211) Create Door Geometry (page 215)

198 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 3-21: Sketcher Miscellaneous Geometry drop-down list

Create Rectangle
This commonly used function lets you quickly create a rectangle by defining two points. To draw the rectangle, click to set the base point that anchors the rectangle. Then drag the anchor point and click to set the second corner. You can use AutoCursor to precisely position the two points on the rectangle.
Figure 3-22: Create rectangle ribbon bar

Use other ribbon bar fields to draw the rectangle from a center point, or create it as a surface within the rectangle. The rectangle remains a live entity until you click the Apply button or click to start drawing another rectangle. Height Edit points Anchor to center Width Create surface
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Miscellaneous Shapes 199

TIP: To quickly create multiple rectangles using the same dimensions, lock the Width and Height fields in the ribbon bar. Each time you click in the graphics window, a complete rectangle of the defined dimensions is created.

Create Rectangular Shapes


Use this function to dynamically create a rectangular shape (rectangle, obround, single D, or double D), by choosing one from the Shape section in the expanded dialog box. Figure 3-23: Rectangular shapes dialog box (expanded)
200 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Note: The rectangle is the default type. You can create the shape using a base point or 2-point method. The dialog box options change, depending on the method you select. However, both methods let you set a corner fillet, rotation angle, general shape, and surface creation.

Base Point Method

Choose this method and select an anchor position on the rectangle for the base point. After you sketch the base point, Mastercam uses it as an anchor as you draw the rectangle from that position. Use the AutoCursor to dynamically change the base point position, length, or width before fixing the rectangle.

2-Point Method

Choose this method and sketch a corner base point, then draw the rectangle and sketch the second point. Use the AutoCursor to change either the base point or second point. Note: The default rectangle creation method is Base point.

Create Polygon
This function allows you to quickly create a polygon as wireframe geometry and, optionally, a surface. Use the Corner or Flat options to determine whether the radius is

measured from the base point to a corner, or to the midpoint of a side.


CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Miscellaneous Shapes 201

Figure 3-24: Create polygon dialog box (expanded)

Create Ellipse
You can create an ellipse as wireframe geometry and, optionally, a surface, using this function and dialog box. To create a partial ellipse, enter a start angle greater than 0 degrees and/or an end angle less than 360 degrees.
202 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 3-25: Create ellipse dialog box (expanded)

Bounding Box
Use this function to check the overall dimensions of a part by creating a rectangular or cylindrical boundary around selected entities. You can create the boundary as wireframe geometry, a solid model, or a stock model. Figure 3-26: Example: Bounding box
Bounding box CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Miscellaneous Shapes 203

Figure 3-27: Create bounding box dialog box (expanded) Rectangular Cylindrical
204 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

TIP: To enable the Stock and Solid options in the Create section, enter a value for Expand Z (for a rectangular shape) or Expand Radius (for a cylindrical shape). These option may be used if all the selected geometry is 2D and lies in the same plane.

Letters
The Create Letters dialog box allows you to add alphanumeric characters consisting of lines, arcs, and NURBS splines to your file. You can use one of the fonts provided by Mastercam, including special drafting fonts, or choose from any TrueType font installed on your PC. Figure 3-28: Create letters dialog box

Mastercam Fonts

Mastercam contains predefined letter fonts, including Block, Box, Roman, and Slant, and a number of specialized drafting fonts, such as Dayville, European, Hartford, Old English, and more. You can also choose a custom font for letters by selecting Other from the font list and navigating to the folder where your font is stored to select it.
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Miscellaneous Shapes 205

When you select a drafting font, you can choose the Drafting Options button and format letters using the Drafting Options dialog box and Note Text options. The Note Text parameters you define will overwrite the Font and Height settings that appear in the Create Letters dialog box.

TrueType Fonts
You can choose any TrueType font installed on your PC to format the letters you create in Mastercam files. To use one of these fonts, choose the TrueType button, select one from the Fonts dialog box and click OK. TIP: When using TrueType fonts, the height of the actual letters may not match the value that you entered for letter height because Mastercam scales the letters based on all of the information encoded into the TrueType font, including blank space around the letters. Use the Xform, Scale function to resize them as needed.

Create Spiral

Use this flexible function to create spiral geometry as a series of NURBS splines. You can specify the initial and final pitch in both the XY and Z planes, set the number of revolutions or height, and choose the direction (CW/CCW).
206 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 3-29: Create spiral dialog box Figure 3-30: Example: create spiral Note: To create a spiral with a taper angle, use the Create, Helix function.

Create Helix

This function lets you create a tapered spiral as a continuous NURBS spline. You can define the inward and starting angles, radius, number of revolutions or height, pitch, and direction (CW/CCW).
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Miscellaneous Shapes 207

Figure 3-31: Create helix dialog box Figure 3-32: Example: create helix Note: To create a helix using dimensions in the XY and XZ planes, use the Create, Spiral function.

Solid to 2D Profile

If you work with 3D solid models for manufacturing purposes, you can use this function to easily extract 2D geometry from a 3D solid in order to create the necessary toolpaths. The Solid to 2D Profile function blends together incremental 2D profiles, or perpendicular slices, taken as the 3D solid is rotated along a specified axis. The incremental cross-sections are blended together to create one set of curves that represent the net outermost and innermost 3D shape. You use the ribbon bar options to define the axis
208 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

of rotation, the incremental distance along the axis for creating each profile, and the type of 2D output (lines/arcs, points, or spline). Figure 3-33: Create Solid to 2D profile ribbon bar The resulting 2D wire frame can be trimmed to allow for chaining and used with other Mastercam functions. You can view the resulting slices on the solid model before accepting the 2D profile, and modify the increment and axis until you create an acceptable result. IMPORTANT: Mastercam defines sharp corners as those that are more than 30 degrees and less than 150 degrees. If sharp corners are detected, an arc is fit using the system chordal deviation tolerance.

Create Relief Groove


Use this function and dialog box to create DIN standard relief grooves. You can create thread relief grooves or plain shaft relief grooves, and, optionally, trim all horizontal and vertical lines that intersect the endpoints of the groove to these endpoints. To create a relief groove based on DIN standards: 1 From the Mastercam menu, choose Create, Relief Groove. 2 In the DIN Relief Groove Parameters dialog box Shape section, select the shape of the groove you want to create. The graphic in this section changes to illustrate your selection. Select Type Step Axis
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Miscellaneous Shapes 209

Figure 3-34: DIN Relief Groove dialog box 3 Choose the Select From Table button. In the Relief Groove Table dialog box:
210 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

a Choose a relief groove measurement from the table of standard relief grooves. This table corresponds to the selected shape. Note: If you are working in English (inch) units of measure, the converted English values in the table approximate the metricbased DIN standards. b Click OK to accept your selection and return to the DIN Relief Groove Parameters dialog box. The Dimensions and d position fields update, based on the table selection. 4 Set an orientation and indicate whether to trim or break the horizontal and vertical lines that intersect the endpoints of the groove geometry. 5 Set the relief groove position. Note: To view the relief groove in the graphics window before geometry is created, choose Preview Groove. Press [Enter] to end the preview. 6 To create the relief groove geometry, click OK.
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Miscellaneous Shapes 211

Create Bolt Circle


Use the Create Bolt Circle function and dialog box to enter bolt circle dimensions and create a specific number of holes (arcs), with or without center point entities. Figure 3-35: Bolt Circle dialog box TIPS: Select Create Holes to create both arcs and center point entities; deselect this option to create only the center points. The Create Bolt Circle function is useful when you are running Mastercam Design, and you cannot access drill toolpaths. You can also use Mastercam's Drill Point Selection function (choose Toolpaths, Drill Toolpaths) to automatically drill bolt circles without creating geometry.

Create Stair Geometry


This function is available only if your installation includes Mastercam Router. Use the Create Stair Geometry function and dialog box to create open and closed stair stringers. In the Stair dialog box, you define a stair type and enter stair dimensions. You can also define stair wedge and specify how stringers are displayed.
212 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 3-36: Stair dialog box

CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Miscellaneous Shapes 213

The pictures below show a closed stringer and the dimensions required to create the stair geometry in Mastercam Router. The same dimensions apply to both closed and open stringers. Use the following procedure to create stairs: 1 Choose Create, Stair Geometry. The Stair dialog box opens. 2 Set the stair style by selecting either Open stringer or Closed stringer in the Style section. 3 Enter the total rise of the stairway in the Finish to finish floor height field. 4 Enter the total horizontal distance of the stairway in the Total run field. 5 Enter the desired number of stairs in the Number of stairs field. 6 Enter the width of each stair in the Stair run field.
214 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

7 Determine the thickness of material to be used for both the tread and the riser, and enter these values into the appropriate fields. 8 Enter the width of material to be used for the stringer in the Stringer width field. 9 Enter the distance you want the tread to extend beyond the riser in the Overhang Amt field. 10 Enter values in the Top riser offset field and Bottom riser offset field to create lines to close the stringer boundary. 11 Select the Wedges check box to add additional space in the routed channel on a closed stringer. Enter values for the shortside height and tall-side height and for the length of the wedge. The value in the Angle field will update automatically based on these width and height values. 12 Select which side of the stringer to view in the graphics window by selecting either Draw right side stringer or Draw left side stringer. 13 Select Rotate stringer/s to x axis to draw the stringer along the X-axis in the graphics window. 14 Click OK to close the dialog box. 15 Click in the graphics window or use AutoCursor to position the stair geometry. 16 Press [ESC] to exit the function. Note: The Stair rise and Stair angle fields are computed automatically by Mastercam, based on the values you enter. These fields cannot be directly edited.

Tips for routing stair stringers

Stairs can be cut in two operations. The first operation is a


contour toolpath that cuts the stringer away from the material. The picture below shows a left-side stringer, rotated to the X axis, as simulated in Verify.
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Miscellaneous Shapes 215

To finish the risers with mitered corners, use a contour


chamfer toolpath. The contour chamfer toolpath requires a Vgroove tool, such as a chamfer bit. The picture below shows the mitered risers. The gold represents the 2D chamfer toolpath. Creating a contour chamfer toolpath on the risers requires using Single chaining so that you can pick only the riser geometry from the stair stringer. Because chaining sets the cutting direction, select each riser near the top of the riser. You also need a chamfer tool with an outer diameter at least twice the depth of the chamfer, and lead-in moves at least 50% of the V-groove diameter. Do not use lead-out moves because they will cut into the stringer.

Create Door Geometry

This function is available only if your installation includes Mastercam Router. Use it to quickly create geometry for solid doors with panels. When you choose Door Geometry from the Create menu, the Door dialog box displays options you use to select a door type and enter door dimensions.
216 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 3-37: Create Door dialog box You can define the door features and attributes, such as such as color and line style for the geometry, horizontal or vertical mullions, or a radius for rounded corners. You can also make multiple copies of the door you define.The picture below shows the door components that require dimensions when using the Door dialog box.
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Miscellaneous Shapes 217

To create one or more copies of a door: 1 Choose Create, Door Geometry. The Door dialog box opens. 2 Select the style from the Door style drop-down list. 3 Select Mirror arch to copy and mirror the arch style on the bottom of the door. 4 Enter the dimensions for the various heights and widths of the door in the Door Dimensions section of the dialog box. 5 Click the Attributes buttons for the Outer Geometry and Inner Geometry to edit options such as color, level, and line style in the Attributes dialog box. 6 Select the Horizontal mullions check box to add horizontal cross pieces to the panel. Enter values in the Mullion width and Number of mullions fields. 7 Choose an option from the Space mullions from drop-down menu to determine the vertical placement of the horizontal mullion. 8 Select the Vertical mullions check box to add vertical cross pieces to the panel. Enter values for in the Mullion width and Number of mullions fields. 9 Enter an arc radius in the Outside corner radius field to create rounded corners on the door. 10 Select the Multiple copies check box and button to create copies of the door. 11 Select Export to separate MCX files to output door geometry to separate MCX files or to a specified directory. Click the

Browse button to designate a path for exported MCX files. 12 Click OK to close the dialog box. 13 Click in the graphics window or use AutoCursor to position the door geometry. 14 Press [ESC] to exit the function.
218 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Creating Fillets and Chamfers


Creating fillets and chamfers in entities or chains is fast and efficient in Mastercam. In this section, you will learn to use the following functions: To access a function, select it from the Sketcher toolbar Fillets and Chamfers drop-down list, or from the Create, Fillet and Create, Chamfer submenus. Note: AutoCursor is unavailable during the use of fillet and chamfer functions. Figure 3-38: Sketcher Fillets and Chamfers drop-down list IMPORTANT: For each fillet / chamfer function, you define whether to trim the filleted / chamfered entities by selecting the Trim or No Trim options in the function ribbon bar.

Fillet Entities

Before you select the entities to which you will apply the fillet, use the Fillet ribbon bar fields to define the fillet style (normal, inverse, circle, clearance) and enter the necessary radius value. You can also define whether to trim the selected lines to the fillet. Trimming is set as the default so if you do not want the entities trimmed, just deselect the Trim button. Fillet Entities (page 218) Fillet Chains (page 219) Chamfer Entities (page 219) Chamfer Chains (page 221)
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Fillets and Chamfers 219

Figure 3-39: Fillet entities ribbon bar When you move you mouse near an entity, Mastercam displays a preview of the fillet, if one can be created with an adjacent entity. To immediately create the fillet as a fixed entity, click one of the previewed entities. Note: This function does not recognize chains. Use the Fillet Chain function to fillet chained entities.

Fillet Chains

Use this function to fillet entities that have sharp corners and can be recognized as a single chained entity (i.e., rectangles and polygons). The ability to fillet only inside or outside corners of a chained boundary is particularly useful during geometry creation for wire EDM parts (punches and dies). These parts often require different radius values on inside and outside corners in order to provide adequate corner clearance. When you choose this function, the Fillet Chains ribbon bar displays and the Chaining dialog box opens. Use the dialog box options and cursor to chain the entities to fillet. When you close the Chaining dialog box, a preview of the chained entities appears in the graphics

window with the fillet entities highlighted. Figure 3-40: Fillet chains ribbon bar To edit the resulting fillets, use the ribbon bar fields. To accept them, click Apply.

Chamfer Entities

Use this function to apply chamfers to existing entities. Before you select the entities to chamfer, choose the chamfer method and enter the necessary distance and angle values. Radius Tr im No Trim Style Radius Tr im No Trim Style Chain Direction
220 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Figure 3-41: Chamfer entities ribbon bar Select the first entity. As you move the mouse over the second entity, a preview of the chamfer displays. When you select the second entity, the chamfer is immediately created as a fixed entity. Notes: To chamfer chained geometry, use the Chamfer Chains function. You can chamfer arcs using the 1 Distance and 2 Distance methods. Distance 1 Trim No Tr im Style Angle Distance 2
CREATING GEOMETRY / Creating Fillets and Chamfers 221

3
Chamfer Chains
This function allows you to chain entities and create chamfers at sharp corners. When you choose this function, the Chamfer Chains ribbon bar appears and the Chaining dialog box opens. Use the dialog box options and cursor to chain the entities to chamfer. When you close the Chaining dialog box, a preview of the chained entities appears in the graphics window with the chamfer entities highlighted. Figure 3-42: Chamfer chains ribbon bar To edit the resulting chamfers, use the ribbon bar fields. To accept them, press the Apply button. The Style field in the Chamfer Chains ribbon bar is a multi-purpose field that is used in conjunction with the Distance/Width field, which is also a multi-purpose field. You use these fields to set both the chamfer distance and width. To set the chamfer distance, choose 1 Distance from the Style field list, then type the distance to use in the Distance/Width field. To set the chamfer width, choose Width from the Style field and type the width in the Distance/Width field.

Chain Sty e Distance/width Tr im No Tr im

222 MASTERCAM X3/ Reference Guide

Creating Splines
Mastercam provides a number of functions that define the method used to create a spline. Their corresponding ribbon bars allow you to further define the resulting geometry. Spline functions include: Choose the function from the Sketcher toolbar Splines drop-down menu, or from the Create, Spline submenu. Figure 3-43: Sketcher Splines drop-down list TIP: When a spline is live, use the ribbon bar fields to edit it. Notes: To set the default spline type (parametric, NURBS, curvegenerated) choose Settings, Configuration, CAD Settings, and select a Spline / Surface creation type. You use the AutoCursor to specify point positions only with the Manual spline function.

Create Manual Spline

Choose this function to manually create a spline by clicking in the graphics window to define each of the spline's control points. Create Manual Spline (page 222) Create Automatic Spline (page 223) Create Curves Spline (page 225)

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi