At EMO 2015 in Milan, developer CNC Software Inc. and reseller Cadline SA will demonstrate the design and performance advances available via Mastercam X9, the current release of the CNC machine program that introduces improvements in the Dynamic Motion toolpath engine, as well as enhanced options for multiaxis machining. In addition, the Mastercam developer noted that EMO 2015 exhibitor Haas Automation will be at the expo, programming its machines using the Dynamic Motion control.
Mastercam introduced the Dynamic Motion toolpath engine in a previous version, for milling and turning operations. According to the developer, the program generates toolpaths according to a set of “proprietary and sophisticated” rules incorporate a broad data set. “To create the most efficient cutting motion possible, Dynamic toolpaths calculate not only the area where metal will be removed,” according to the developer, “they also take into account the changing condition of the material throughout various stages of machining.”
CNC Software has attributed 20-75% faster machine cycle times, with “dramatically extended” service life for tooling, and reduced wear on CNC machines, to the Dynamic Motion functionality. It also noted that Dynamic Motion toolpaths would help machine shops optimize the performance of any machine, new or old.
Mastercam X9 also delivers a series of advantages for program design and multiaxis machining functions:
Dynamic Xform is a function allows CNC machine programmers to switch between gnomon manipulation and geometry manipulation mode at any time.
Solid Disassemble is a new model-prep function that takes an assembly and lays each body out in a single pane. The associativity between solids and toolpaths has been improved, according to CNC Software, such that when bodies are edited only the toolpaths directly affected by the change in the solid body are marked “dirty.”
The new Multiaxis Link function ensures safe, “collision-free” repositioning between 2- through 5-axis operations. Multiaxis Link takes a list of toolpath operations and a safety zone shape as input.
Mastercam X9 also introduces improved processing logic for advanced multiaxis toolpaths. Now, selected multiaxis toolpaths can process in the Multi-Threading Manager, streamlining 2- through 5-axis workflow.
Other important options available to programmers using Mastercam X9 include:
— Preview Toolpaths, which supports selected milling operations, so programmers can view results before closing the toolpath parameters dialog;
— Surface High Speed Hybrid, which has been updated to support dedicated flat processing, “making Hybrid even more intelligent and efficient,” according to the developer;
— The efficiency of the 3D HST Rest Roughing Linking has been improved. The moves it devices are reported to be closer to the model, eliminating costly excessive air motion; and,
— Mill Tooling introduces two new tool types, as well as changes to two existing tools.
