Mastercam X6 multi-axis add-ons and cut pattern strategies boost productivity

Cut Patterns, which can be simple 2D and 3D wireframe, solid primitives, or complex multi-surface grids, guide the tool along specified paths. Mastercam's multi-axis toolpath types to govern the cut pattern include: 5-axis roughing and finishing, including depth cuts, plunge roughing and flowline machining; toolpath trimming to a new stock model (to reduce the time the tool is not in contact with the material); stock recognition to trim toolpaths to eliminate air cuts; swarf fanning and swarf machining over multi-surface floors, plus rail swarf cutting for added control; and machining of 5-axis parts using spiral, zigzag, or one-way tool motion. Mastercam's Tool Axis Control allows orientation of the tool's centre axis to be manipulated as it follows the cut pattern. The user has complete and dynamic control over the tool axis, lead/lag, entry/exit and tilt, which simplifies even the most difficult multi-axis jobs. Full entry and exit control lets users determine exactly where and how the cutter enters and leaves the part. An automatic point generator adds greater precision, as well as advanced gouge checking and a 5-axis safe zone around the part. When programming 5-axis parts, it is often necessary to come very close to the part or fixture with the cutter, arbor, or the holder. Mastercam Collision Control provides 'near miss tolerance' fields so users can specify how close they are willing to get with any part of the tool, and how to avoid those situations. Mastercam's Blade Expert add-on greatly simplifies the toolpath creation process for any multi-bladed parts, including fans, propellers, impellers, turbines, marine screws, and more. It is a very powerful and easy-to-use custom application, designed to generate efficient, smooth, and gouge-free toolpaths for complex bladed parts. Mastercam's Port Expert add-on creates accurate, efficient engine cylinder head porting toolpaths on port surface or solid data. The Port Expert toolpaths use 3-axis machining as far into the port as possible, and then converts automatically to 5-axis motion with minimum tilt. This leaves no fishtails or inefficient reverse moves, and smoothes transitions where the toolpaths meet at the middle of the port.