Mastercam X2 Delivers New Toolpaths

By DE Editors

CNC Software, Inc.  (Tolland, CT) calls its newly released Mastercam X2 its next generation of CAD/CAM software. Mastercam X2 is said to increase machining flexibility and provide you with more programming options than earlier versions.

Mastercam X2 builds off the Mastercam X platform for 2- through 5-axis milling and turning, 2- and 4-axis wire EDM, 2D/D design, artistic relief cutting, and 2D/3D routing. Its new toolpaths are said to expand the range of toolpath style choices significantly and to provide a number of unique capabilities to machine a variety of conditions that might be encountered. The software’s new high-speed toolpaths are reported to produce extremely fine finishes yet extend tool life.

Mastercam X2

> > A 5-axis flowline produced with Mastercam X2.

 

Mastercam X2 incorporates new multiaxis toolpaths that enhance machining strategy control, and the software provides tools for programming complex multiaxis parts. These toolpaths use a “smart” interface that,  says the developer, customizes itself to the selected machining strategy,  facilitating tight user-control over the machining process. Additionally,  its gouge checking options offer a set of strategies to avoid potential collisions.

Mastercam X2 also features new tool options said to make engineering changes easier. For example, its File Tracking function helps manage files by identifying those that have been changed, while the Change Recognition function identifies specific changes in files. The combination can detect modifications to Mastercam file as well as to such MCAD files as AutoCAD,  Solid Edge, and SolidWorks,  marking affected operations if their source geometry has changed in any way. Once the affected geometry is updated, you can update any additional toolpaths that use that geometry.

Mastercam X2

< < An example of smart trochoidal core roughing with Mastercam X2. 

 

 

To assist machining of harder materials, Mastercam X2 offers trochoidal motion in high-speed toolpaths. Assorted new features in Mastercam X2 include automatic toolpathing (ATP) for importing designs and automatically applying pre-defined machining strategies to jobs; a Surface Extend function that can extend both trimmed and untrimmed surface edges; and added selection tools.

Mastercam X2 runs under Windows 2000 and Windows XP and is said to be compatible with all other CAD/CAM systems. For more information about CNC Software and its Mastercam family of products, click here.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.