Multiaxis CAM using Mastercam X9 Mill.
According to the Connecticut-based company, the milling package’s latest release includes expanded machining flexibility, greater automation and an increase in the speed of many milling operations across 2D, 3D and multiaxis cutting operations.
2D High-Speed Toolpaths
When it comes to improvements in Mastercam X9 Mill’s 2D milling operations, CNC Software’s designers have expanded the use of generic Radial Chip Thinning for a litany of mill and mill 3D toolpaths. Thanks to this expansion of Radial Chip Thinning, machinists can program optimal feeds and speeds while maintaining a target chip thickness for a number of cutting solutions.
In addition to its new chip-thinning algorithm, X9 also includes further enhancements to the software’s dynamic motion engine. In this newest release, CNC Software has included an optional cut feed rate that gives users better control of machining dynamics.
The final update to X9’s 2D package supports preview toolpaths for some mill operations. With this feature, designers can view the toolpaths they are creating before closing the parameters window defining the toolpath geometry.
3D Improvements
With X9, surface high-speed hybrid has become even more efficient with its ability to handle dedicated flat processing. Beyond its flat processing upgrades, X9 boasts new containment boundary options that aid users in controlling tool tips and tool contact points. Combine those new boundary options with high-speed surfacing and upgraded linking moves that reduce air motion and Mastercam’s newest release has a lot to offer a machinist looking for greater 3D efficiency.
Multiaxis Upgrades
To cap its latest update, Mastercam has included a new multiaxis “Link” operation that will safely retract and reposition tools moving through a multi-axis cutting program. According to Mastercam, the new linking functionality will make it easer to program collision-free cutting regimes. X9 also introduces improved logic for its advanced multi-axis toolpaths. Finally, select multi-axis toolpaths can be processed using the multi-threading manager making multiaxis machining much quicker.
With the release of X9 Mill, the venerable CNC software is pushing the boundaries of CAM efficiency and safety once again. As the complexity of machined parts continues to grow, these improvements will remain in demand. For now, it seems like Mastercam X9 Mill is leading the way.