CNC Software indicates its new Mastercam X6 release introduces several “significant new capabilities,” including stock models, a program functions for blade machining, a new toolpath, and a hybrid filler pass programming, among others. Mastercam is CNC Software Inc.’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, artistic relief cutting, and Swiss machining.
The new machining stock model offers supports precision machining with a series of capabilities, including viewing and verifying work as it progresses, performing stock model comparisons, and simplifying the selection of existing stock for rest machining. Mastercam stated it provides machinists with the ability to create accurate, “fully associative stock models” at any point in the machining process.
The new Mastercam Blade Expert add-on reportedly simplifies toolpath creation for any multi-bladed parts, such as fans, propellers, impellers, turbines, and marine screws, and other products. The developer said there is no limit to the number of blades, splitters, or sub-splitters that can be programmed. Blade Expert includes a several “powerful and flexible” multiaxis roughing strategies, CNC Software stated, as well as automatic tool axis control ensures smooth machine motion.
Mastercam’s X6’s new 3D High Speed Toolpath function performs Rest Milling operations to remove remaining material with optimized roughing motion. The developer said this new toolpath could use the new stock model functionality to define stock removal areas.
The new release’s 3D, high-speed Hybrid toolpaths will maintain all of the Z level cuts in the steep areas of parts, while filling in shallow areas with a scallop motion within a single Z section. “These toolpaths combine the best of both worlds,” according to CNC Software, “with waterline (constant Z) motion and scallop where needed. Now you can have both waterline and scallop motion at the same Z section, section after section. The result is a much better finish and more efficient use of the tool.”
Mastercam is now provided with 64-bit support, the developer said.
Other noteworthy new capabilities in Mastercam X6 include “region chaining” and dynamic toolpath improvements in the 2D high-speed tooling module. The Mastercam Lathe module now offers variable depth roughing., and CNC Software said its OptiRough strategy now includes OptiCore and OptiArea functionality. The platform is capable of facing and canned groove toolpath development, and it introduces an Autosync Rail module and improvements to the Wirepath Editor function.
