Machining Technology at HCC

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;

    1. Geometry creation (drawing)
    2. Toolpath creation
    3. Post-processing (creating the machine's program)
Here are some of the projects I have done from text books: "Mastercam 2021 Beginner Training Tutorial", "Mastercam 2021 Multiaxis Essentials Training Tutorial", and "Mastercam 2022 Lathe C&Y Axis Toolpaths Tutorial".

Project 1

MasterCam

MasterCam

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.

MasterCam

MasterCam

Project 5: C-Axis

MasterCam

MasterCam

Project 7: C & Y-Axis

MasterCam

MasterCam

MasterCam

MasterCam

Project 10

MasterCam

MasterCam

MasterCam

MasterCam

MasterCam

MasterCam

MasterCam

Project 13: 4-Axis

MasterCam

Project 16: 4-Axis

MasterCam

Project 17: 5-Axis

Swarf toolpaths machine walls with the sides of the tool.

MasterCam

MasterCam

Project 19: 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.

MasterCam

Project 21: 5-Axis

Multisurface 5-Axis toolpaths use set of offset pattern surfaces to control the tool axis normal to them.

MasterCam

MasterCam