By Michelle Nemeth
Time is money, and Mastercam 2022 is built with new, user-driven advancements that can help any programmer—regardless of the size of their shop—shave off time spent machining. Explore three new ways Mastercam 2022 can help you save CNC machining time.
1. Updates to 3D High-Speed Dynamic OptiRough
Mastercam’s proprietary Dynamic Motion technology has been saving user’s programming and machining time for over a decade. These contemporary machining strategies are designed to keep a tool in an optimum cutting condition, where it is shearing material to the best of its ability. The technology employs the entire cutting length of the tool and maintains the exact same chip thickness throughout machining. As a result, users can run their machines at maximum speeds without ever worrying about the tool or stock damage.
With Mastercam 2022, all Mill and Router users will now have access to Dynamic OptiRough. The simplified, consistent toolpath saves programming time that might have been spent trying to find multiple traditional toolpaths to achieve the same goal—one toolpath can replace 10-15 “old” toolpaths. At the machine, the toolpath drastically reduces cycle time because roughing takes up such a significant percentage of machining time.
2. Expanded Multiaxis Functions
As more and more shops automate their operations to run lights out, continuing to use programs that rely on multiple tool changes and set-ups is becoming more expensive. Consider a part that is being machined on a simple 2-axis milling center. Most likely, if the part has any degree of complexity, it will need to be clamped down on the machine, cut, removed, clamped down again, etc. from various angles. Each new setup will require extra operator time and will introduce the opportunity for user error. The part may also require longer, specialized (expensive) endmills to reach from odd angles.
To avoid this, users may rely on the indexing supported by basic Mill, by which a fixture is used that will rotate automatically within the machine. No operator is needed to standby for multiple setups, reducing the overall time to completion for the part. Relying on this indexing for medium-sized batches of parts makes sense, but what about when a customer needs 500 parts per month? Then it is time to once again improve on the process.
Smart programmers will take advantage of their software’s Multiaxis functions to combine many 2- and 3-axis operations into one. Not only will Mastercam’s Multiaxis abilities eliminate the need to have an operator on standby for the entirety of a part’s machining, but it also allows machines to cut more aggressively with shorter tools. The programmer saves time by using one toolpath instead of multiple, the operator saves time by setting up a part once and then being free to work on other jobs, and the machine saves time by removing material more efficiently.
New to Mastercam 2022 is the Unified Multiaxis toolpath. This toolpath combines all the power and control of the major Multiaxis toolpaths into one for greater ease of use and faster programming. In addition, Deburr now also supports Multi-pass for flat and rounded edges. Users can now create quality surface finishes on larger chamfered or radiused edges within Multiaxis.
3. New Simulation Features
Any quality programmer knows that a program should never be tested on a machine. The potential for wasted material and wasted time is far too great. Therefore, the most valuable simulation tools will allow users to experiment and find the most innovative and efficient fixturing and cutting possibilities without ever endangering the equipment.
Mastercam’s in-software simulation functions have always been powerful, but the latest version now supports Smart Measure and improved toolpath processing. Designed to save time during program verification, Smart Measure confirms your work with accurate point-and-click measurements. The improved toolpath processing time means faster, more responsive simulation data handling.
This content was originally published on the Mastercam website.
