CNC SOFTWARE LLC, developer of Mastercam CAD/CAM software, released Mastercam 2023, following a public beta program, during which manufacturers around the world were allowed to “test drive” the new program and then provide feedback that helped to shape the final 2023 product. Many of the improvements in Mastercam 2023 are directly driven by Mastercam users and shops, according to the developers, who draw feedback from public beta releases, shop visits, customer surveys, and consultation with expert industry partners.
The new Unified Multiaxis toolpath brings together Morph, Parallel, Along Curve, and Project Curve strategies into a single interface, delivering expanded and highly flexible cutter path creation. The unified toolpath allows access to these cut patterns when the programmer adds the appropriate curves. For example, to create a toolpath that morphs between two surfaces, select Unified from the Multiaxis toolpaths, and then set the Cut Pattern to two surfaces with the Morph style.
The Unified toolpath allows for more flexibility in cut pattern when programming in Multiaxis, the developer reported.
Also, Mastercam 2023 introduced a new toolpath to the Turning suite for the Mill-Turn product. B-Axis Contour Turning is a finishing toolpath that allows for rotation of the B-axis while the tool is cutting. The toolpath features a top-down workflow and provides you with either Automatic or Manual motion control. Automatic mode produces safe toolpath motion that keeps the insert in contact with the contour. Manual mode offers full control over the B-axis angles along the contour. Areas that would have taken multiple tools and resulted in blends are now possible with one single toolpath, resulting in superior finish, fewer tool changes, and less cycle time.
The Dynamic OptiRough and Area Roughing toolpaths can be aware of undercut stock conditions, resulting in improved the toolpath motion, including less air cutting.
Mastercam 2023 is introducing the Machine Group Setup function panel for Mill and Router machine groups. This panel encompasses features and functionality from the Machine Group properties dialog box, including new features. Machine Group Setup provides a clean, modern interface to define stock, material properties, workholding, tools, and simulation settings. Accessing all of the critical components of setting up a job, from stock to simulation, has never been easier or more organized.
Learn more at www.mastercam.com/mastercam-2023
