Mastercam X5 Preview Being Showcased at IMTS 2010

By DE Editors

IMTS attendees will get a first look at CNC Software, Inc.’s Mastercam X5. The show takes place Sept. 13-18 in Chicago.

Mastercam X5 introduces new capabilities, including new dynamic milling techniques, multiaxis machining, Smart Hybrid Finishing, and more. 

Dynamic milling adjusts the toolpath to help ensure the most efficient cut possible, and allows use of the entire tool flute length, often eliminating the need for multiple depth cuts. New dynamic milling techniques include Dynamic Rest Mill and Dynamic Contour. Dynamic Rest Mill behaves in a manner similar to the current toolpath, only it uses dynamic milling motion instead of core mill or area mill motion for the rest operations. Dynamic Contour uses an efficient high-speed contouring strategy to remove material along walls. It supports multi-passes and can optionally include finishing passes.

Mastercam’s multiaxis suite has new machining techniques and a new, workflow-oriented interface. It lets users choose the basic type of work they’re doing using illustrations, and then gives them a step-by-step process for defining how to cut the part. Mastercam’s multiaxis machining also includes a new specialized interface for gouge-free engine head porting.

Mastercam’s new 3D surface high speed OptiRough toolpath is a technique designed to remove large amounts of material quickly using its dynamic milling motion. Large, aggressive cuts are followed by fast, smaller up-cuts.

Hybrid finishing blends two cutting techniques in a single toolpath. This new toolpath evaluates the model shape and switches between Constant Z cutting and Constant Scallop machining.

For more information, visit CNC Software’s Mastercam site.

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