The purpose of CAM software is to take a dimensional computerized part drawing and select features on the drawing for the tool to follow. After defining the path of the tool, the user is prompted for speeds and feeds data, depth of cut, machining patterns, and other characteristics for machining the future. Finally, all of this information is used by the PC to create a program.
The use of CAM software is not only limited to very complex programming; there are also great benefits from using such a package for basic two-dimensional contouring or even drilling operations. Even the simplest jobs can benefit from the speed and efficiency of CAM programming.
CAM programming involves there major steps to go from start to a finished program;
- Geometry creation (drawing)
- Toolpath creation
- Post-processing (creating the machine's program)
Project 1
- Lathe Face Toolpath
- Lathe Roughing Toolpath
- Lathe Finish Toolpath
- Lathe Groove Toolpath
- Lathe Thread Toolpath
- Lathe Drill Toolpath
Simulate the toolpath in Verify
Verify shows the path the tools take to cut the part with the material removal. This display lets you spot errors in the program before you machine the part. It also shows any collisions between the workpiece and the tool.
Project 5
- Facing Toolpath
- Spot Drill Toolpath
- Drill Toolpath
- Chamfer Drill Toolpath
- Thread Mill Toolpath
- 2D HS Dynamic Mill Toolpaths
- Contour Toolpath
- Pocket Mill Toolpath
- Circular Mill Toolpath
- 4 Setups
Project 9: 4-Axis
- Drilling with Axis Substitution is used on machines that allow simultaneous 4-Axis movements. The toolpath replaces the X or Y axis with a rotary axis, known as the A axis or B axis. Using this option, the part will be rotated about the rotating axis while the tool moves perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
- Drilling with Rotary Axis Positioning
- Contour with Axis Substitution finishes the walls using a contour toolpath with axis substitution about the Y axis.
- Contour Toolpath
- Transform Toolpath allows you to select a point of rotation, the angle, and the number of copies to create for the operation.
Project 11: 4-Axis
- 2D HS Dynamic Mill with Axis Substitution will be apply the toolpath to transform the 2D toolpath into a Rotary 4-Axis toolpath.
- Contour with Axis Substitution finishes the walls using Contour toolpath with axis substitution about Y-axis.
- Swarf Milling machines the wall surfaces with the side of the tool.
- Drill the Holes 4-Axis output
- 2D HS Dynamic Mill using Index about X-axis machines the slot rotated at 45 degrees from the top plane.
- Transfrom Rotate allows you to select a plane, a point of rotation, the angle, and the number of copies to create for the operation.
- Contour Indexing using Planes machines the flat area by indexing the part 90 degrees and using a Contour toolpath.
Project 13: 5-Axis
Swarf toolpaths machine walls with the sides of the tool.
- Stock Model is used as stock when verifying the toolpaths using Mastercam Verify Simulator.
- Swarf 5-Axis with Walls defined from Chains
- Swarf 5-Axis with Walls defined from Surfaces
Project 16: 5-Axis
Flow 5-Axis generates a 5 axis surface finish toolpath that allows precise control of the scallop height or maintains a constant stepover to create a smooth finish.
- Flow 5-Axis with Tool Axis Control to Lines
- Flow 5-Axis with Tool Axis Control to Point
- Transform Rotate
Project 17: 5-Axis
Multisurface 5-Axis toolpaths use set of offset pattern surfaces to control the tool axis normal to them.
- Multisurface 5-Axis Roughing
- Multisurface 5-Axis Finish
