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Americanmachinist 1078 38606techtrends00000017750
Americanmachinist 1078 38606techtrends00000017750
Americanmachinist 1078 38606techtrends00000017750
Americanmachinist 1078 38606techtrends00000017750

Mastercam X Gets Artistic

Oct. 19, 2006
CNC Software has released Mastercam X Art (www.mastercamart.com), CAD/CAM software for artistic relief design and cutting that includes features such as an improved Art Manager, wrapping capabilities and new toolpaths. CNC says the new ...

CNC Software has released Mastercam X Art (www.mastercamart.com), CAD/CAM software for artistic relief design and cutting that includes features such as an improved Art Manager, wrapping capabilities and new toolpaths. CNC says the new software lets users quickly bring 2D sketches, clip art, photos and CAD files to life by crafting them on-screen and then cutting them with specialized toolpaths.

The software includes visualization tools, instant editing features and allows tracking models step by step with modification at any time.

The Art Manager feature makes all major Art commands readily available. Wrapping lets users wrap art around a cylinder and cut it. A new toolpath includes roughing and finishing options for the Cylinder Milling Spiral toolpath. New modeling tools support a variety of modeling techniques including a "celtic weave" creation and flexible texture generation.

Mastercam X2 Art is expected to be released soon. The X2 version will extend functionality and add new functions such as:

Celtic Knot — enables users to create Celtic knots ranging from very basic to extremely complex.

Patterned Coutour to apply a repeating 3D Art pattern to any 2D contour including incremental scaling of a pattern in increasing or decreasing steps from one end of the pattern to the other or from the center out.

Unlimited Textures allows adding a detailed texture surface to a model and comes with pre-defined textures such as stones, bubbles, and bricks as well as allowing custom textures.