CAD/CAM Software aids high-speed machining.

Press Release Summary:




With hybrid finishing function, Mastercam® X5 evaluates model shape and switches between Constant Z cutting and Constant Scallop machining. Dynamic milling constantly adjusts toolpath to ensure most efficient cut possible and allows use of entire tool flute length, often eliminating multiple depth cuts. By using dynamic milling motion, OptiRough toolpath removes large amounts of material quickly. Large, aggressive cuts are followed by fast, smaller up-cuts, safely delivering fully roughed part.



Original Press Release:



Mastercam® X5 Helps Speed Machining



See Mastercam in action at imX 2011

Las Vegas, NV - imX 2011 will feature the latest in the line of powerful Mastercam machining software. Stop by booth # 1914 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, September 12-14, for a look at Mastercam X5, the latest release, which delivers dramatic time-saving cutting techniques. Mastercam X5 includes new dynamic milling techniques, new OptiRough toolpath, multiaxis machining, and much more.

Smart Hybrid Finishing

Hybrid finishing intelligently blends two efficient cutting techniques in a single toolpath. This new toolpath evaluates the model shape and smoothly switches between Constant Z cutting and Constant Scallop machining. The result is a dramatically finer finish with less work.

Fast, Aggressive, Intelligent Roughing

Mastercam's new 3D surface high speed OptiRough toolpath supports cutters capable of machining very large depths of cut. OptiRough is a new technique designed to remove large amounts of material quickly using its successful dynamic milling motion. Large, aggressive cuts are followed by fast, smaller up-cuts, safely delivering a fully roughed part faster than ever.

A single OptiRough toolpath can cut material in two directions: on step-downs (-Z) and step-ups (+Z). This highly efficient, bi-directional cutting strategy removes the maximum amount of material with the minimum of step-downs, significantly reducing cycle times. Below is a graph comparing Traditional Machining vs. OptiRough:

POCKET TYPE   CUTTERS  TOOLPATHS     TIME
OptiRough 1 1 00:05:17
Zigzag Pocket 3 3 00:14:53

New Dynamic Milling Techniques

Dynamic milling constantly adjusts the toolpath to ensure the most efficient cut possible and allows use of the entire tool flute length, often eliminating the need for multiple depth cuts. New dynamic milling techniques include Dynamic Rest Mill and Dynamic Contour. Dynamic Rest Mill helps ensure maximum tool efficiency during cleanup routines. Dynamic Contour uses an intelligent, efficient high speed contouring strategy to remove material along walls. It supports multi-passes and can optionally include finishing passes. Below is a graph comparing Traditional Machining vs. Dynamic Mill:

POCKET TYPE   CYCLE TIMES  PARTS PER SHIFT
Dynamic Pocket 00:02:45 174
Zigzag Pocket 00:06:12 77

For more information on Mastercam X5, and to view videos on the new software features, please visit www.mastercam.com.

About Mastercam

Developed by CNC Software, Inc., Mastercam is Windows®-based CAD/CAM software for 2- through 5-axis routing, milling and turning, 2- and 4-axis wire EDM, 2D and 3D design, surface and solid modeling, and artistic relief cutting. CNC Software is a privately owned corporation founded in 1984. The U.S.-based company provides Mastercam CAD/CAM solutions to more than 150,000 installations in 75 countries in industries including mold-making, prototyping, automotive, medical, aerospace, and consumer products. Mastercam runs under Windows XP, Windows Vista®, and Windows 7, and is compatible with all other CAD/CAM systems. For more information about CNC Software, Inc. and its Mastercam family of products, contact CNC Software, Inc., M - F, 8 AM - 6 PM EST at (800) 228-2877 or (860) 875-5006,-671 Old Post Road, Tolland, CT 06084. Or visit www.mastercam.com.

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