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Mastercam 2018 was recently introduced at EASTEC where attendees were impressed with the tools the software has available to get parts off the machine faster.
Gear Technology caught up with Ben Mund, senior market analyst at CNC Software, Inc., to discuss the latest update and plans for the software in the future.
For the uninitiated, Mastercam started as a 2D CAM system that allowed machinists to design virtual parts on a computer screen and guide CNC machine tools in the manufacture of parts. Today, it’s the most widely used CAD/CAM software package in the world.
“Mastercam has evolved through the years based on what our customers say they need to stay productive,” said Mund. “One example is our groundbreaking Dynamic Motion technology that has been included in Mastercam for years now. It slashes machining time by as much as 75 percent, dramatically extends tool life, produces less wear on machines, and we are constantly expanding it across our entire product line.”
Mastercam Wire
The 2018 version includes a streamlined workflow across the entire product, including Mastercam Wire. Here, users can utilize a Change Recognition feature that lets you locate and reprogram the design changes with just a few mouse clicks, saving valuable time. There’s also fast, easy and complete control over your tab creation which adds multiple tabs to any piece of geometry, according to Mund. Additionally, Mastercam Wire avoids slivers with the “No Drop Out,” tab option, it supports Agie EDM with Agievision controls and the toolpath motion delivers exactly what the user intended with the software’s wirepath verification tools. “For gear applications where CNC machining is appropriate, enhanced Dynamic Motion toolpaths and 5-axis machining control speed production,” Mund said.
PrimeTurning
Sandvik Coromant recently unveiled a new turning concept that offers improved machining flexibility and the potential for significant productivity gains. The company's PrimeTurning methodology and supporting tools provide manufacturers, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors, with the industry's first true ‘all-directional turning' solution. This feature has now been introduced in the latest Mastercam update. “After introducing PrimeTurning, the response has been positive! It introduces new concepts to turning, resulting in high productivity gains and increased tool life. This allows shops to get parts out the door quicker, and saves them money,” Mund added.
What's Next?
The future of Mastercam will continue to be based on what customers need. There will be expanded support for different types of machines and machining tools, smarter toolpaths that take into account what material is being cut and what material is still left uncut, modeling tools that are intended for the shop floor to get parts on and off the machine faster. “And we are always looking ahead to see what machines and technology is around the corner,” Mund said, “so our customers will be prepared with software that can take advantage of those innovations.”
Mastercam Wire
The 2018 version includes a streamlined workflow across the entire product, including Mastercam Wire. Here, users can utilize a Change Recognition feature that lets you locate and reprogram the design changes with just a few mouse clicks, saving valuable time. There’s also fast, easy and complete control over your tab creation which adds multiple tabs to any piece of geometry, according to Mund. Additionally, Mastercam Wire avoids slivers with the “No Drop Out,” tab option, it supports Agie EDM with Agievision controls and the toolpath motion delivers exactly what the user intended with the software’s wirepath verification tools. “For gear applications where CNC machining is appropriate, enhanced Dynamic Motion toolpaths and 5-axis machining control speed production,” Mund said.
PrimeTurning
Sandvik Coromant recently unveiled a new turning concept that offers improved machining flexibility and the potential for significant productivity gains. The company's PrimeTurning methodology and supporting tools provide manufacturers, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors, with the industry's first true ‘all-directional turning' solution. This feature has now been introduced in the latest Mastercam update. “After introducing PrimeTurning, the response has been positive! It introduces new concepts to turning, resulting in high productivity gains and increased tool life. This allows shops to get parts out the door quicker, and saves them money,” Mund added.
What's Next?
The future of Mastercam will continue to be based on what customers need. There will be expanded support for different types of machines and machining tools, smarter toolpaths that take into account what material is being cut and what material is still left uncut, modeling tools that are intended for the shop floor to get parts on and off the machine faster. “And we are always looking ahead to see what machines and technology is around the corner,” Mund said, “so our customers will be prepared with software that can take advantage of those innovations.”
