The new Mastercam X5 Mill program from CNC Software emphasizes flexibility for a greater range of machining functions, as well as machining speed and automation. The developers explain that the hybrid finishing programming, dynamic milling techniques, and support for high-efficiency machining tools are among “dozens” of enhancements to the X5 Mill program that combine to improve shop floor productivity.
Mastercam X5 Mill is part of CNC Software’s Windows-based CAD/CAM platform 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.
The new release includes Mastercam’s Smart Hybrid Finishing function, which allows the operator to combine two cutting techniques into a single toolpath. The new toolpath evaluates the model shape and switches smoothly between Constant Z cutting and Constant Scallop machining. The effect is a “dramatically finer finish,” according to CNC Software, with less effort.
Also, the new X5 Mill includes a new surface toolpath capability — Mastercam’s 3D surface, high-speed OptiRough toolpath — which is a new technique designed to remove large amounts of material quickly using dynamic milling motion. Large, aggressive cuts are followed by fast, smaller up-cuts, for a fully roughed part that is produced safely, and faster than ever.
An important aspect of the new X5 Mill is specific support for ISCAR Metals Inc.’s High Efficiency Machining (HEM) tools. For the machine shop operator, this ensures that parts are programmed for maximum effectiveness from the cutting tools, ensuring the value of the investment in the machine, the tools, and the cutting program, as well as the value of the finished part. The operator has only to select the appropriate ISCAR cutting tool from the library and the optimal program information, feeds, and speed are calculated automatically.
The developer adds that Mastercam X5 will improve multi-axis toolpath speed with its new machining techniques and a user-friendly, workflow-oriented interface. The operator is able to choose the basic type of work to be done from a menu that features clear illustrations, and then follows with a step-by-step process that defines how the part will be cut. It also includes a new, specialized interface for smooth, gouge-free engine head porting.
Other improvements to the new X5 Mill include new dynamic milling techniques that constantly adjust the toolpath to ensure the most efficient cut that’s possible is being performed. Dynamic contouring uses an efficient, high-speed contouring strategy to remove material along walls. Finally, the program offers improvements to its Feature-Based Machining capabilities.
