What’s New in
Mastercam X7
Beta 3
February 2013
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II • WHAT’S NEW IN MASTERCAM X7
Mastercam® X7 What’s New in Mastercam X7 Beta 3
Date: February 2013
Copyright © 2013 CNC Software, Inc.— All rights reserved.
First Printing: February 2013
Software: Mastercam X7
TERMS OF USE
Use of this document is subject to the Mastercam End User License Agreement.
A copy of the Mastercam End User License Agreement is included with the
Mastercam product package of which this document is part. The Mastercam
End User License Agreement can also be found at:
www.mastercam.com/legal/licenseagreement/
Contents
General Enhancements ................................................................................. 1
Automatic Updates....................................................................................... 1
New File Editor.............................................................................................. 1
Mastercam Mill-Turn.................................................................................... 2
Sync Manager ................................................................................................3
Post Processor Development Environment....................................................3
New .MACHINE File ....................................................................................... 4
New Posting Language .................................................................................. 4
New Job Setup Interface ............................................................................... 5
Part Handling Operations................................................................................ 5
Enhanced Plane and Axis Combination Selection.......................................... 6
Pinch Turn Toolpath ........................................................................................ 7
Mastercam Advanced Configuration Utility............................................... 8
New Mastercam Art Install .........................................................................9
File Translator Updates ................................................................................9
Design Enhancements ................................................................................. 11
Modify Solid Feature .................................................................................. 11
Modify Solid Fillet ....................................................................................... 12
Remove Solid Fillet ..................................................................................... 12
Solid Hole-Axis............................................................................................13
Xform Project Improvements..................................................................... 15
2D Fillet Clearance Offset........................................................................... 16
Surface Fillet Improvements...................................................................... 17
IV • WHAT’S NEW IN MASTERCAM X7
General Mill Enhancements ..................................................................... 19
Improved Backplot and Verify Utilities ..................................................... 19
Stock Model Improvements ...................................................................... 21
Improved Dynamic Mill and OptiRough Motion ...................................... 21
Renishaw Productivity+ ........................................................................... 22
Hide Button on Tree-Style Dialogs............................................................ 22
Redesigned Arc Filter/Tolerance Page ..................................................... 23
Mill Tooling Enhancements ...................................................................... 25
Workflow Improvements ........................................................................... 25
New Tool Manager....................................................................................... 25
New Tool Wizard.......................................................................................... 28
New Holder Wizard ...................................................................................... 31
Mill Tool Assemblies .................................................................................. 32
Multiple Holder Component Support ........................................................... 32
Saving to a TOOLDB Library ......................................................................... 34
Custom Tool Improvements ...................................................................... 34
Store Profile Data in Document File or (TOOLDB) Library............................ 34
Export to a Mastercam Level....................................................................... 35
2D Mill Enhancements................................................................................ 37
Multi-threading Support for 2D HST Toolpaths ....................................... 37
Dynamic Motion for 2D HST Peel Mill...................................................... 37
Blend Mill Improvements........................................................................... 39
Finish Passes ................................................................................................ 39
Synchronized Chain Support ........................................................................ 40
Extend Entry/Exit .......................................................................................... 42
Relaxed Chaining Restriction for Slot Mill Toolpaths.............................. 44
New Finish Pass Directions for Helix Bore Toolpaths ............................ 44
3D Mill Enhancements................................................................................ 45
General 3D Mill Improvements.................................................................. 45
Multi-Core Support....................................................................................... 45
Check Surface Support................................................................................. 45
3D HST Hybrid............................................................................................. 45
Optimized Cut Order ..................................................................................... 45
Automatic Offset Method ............................................................................ 49
Improved Motion Near Boundaries ..............................................................50
Smarter Regeneration .................................................................................. 51
New 3D HST Toolpath Fillet Page............................................................. 51
Containment Boundary Improvements.....................................................52
3D HST OptiCore and OptiArea Toolpaths................................................ 52
Optimized Cut Order for Step Ups................................................................ 53
Smarter Regeneration with Stock Models .................................................. 54
Safer Retract Motion Over Material............................................................. 54
New 3D HST Project Toolpath................................................................... 54
Multiaxis Mill Enhancements.................................................................. 57
Oscillate Motion for Curve and Swarf 5-axis ...........................................57
Port Expert Enhancements.........................................................................58
Blade Expert Enhancements......................................................................58
Independent Safety Zone for Classic Multiaxis Toolpaths ..................... 59
Lathe Enhancements.................................................................................... 61
New Dynamic Rough Toolpath.................................................................. 61
Rough Zigzag Motion Options....................................................................61
Face Grooving Start Range Option............................................................ 62
Full Radius Tool Support for Plunge Turn ................................................. 63
Post Enhancements ...................................................................................... 65
NCI Changes................................................................................................ 65
Changed and Deleted Parameters............................................................. 65
Safety Zone Parameters............................................................................... 65
Other Changed/Deleted Parameters............................................................ 68
UpdatePost Messages for Changed/Deleted Parameters........................... 69
VI • WHAT’S NEW IN MASTERCAM X7
General Enhancements
Automatic Updates
Mastercam X7 features a tray notification
program that will automatically check for
updates to Mastercam.
If an update is available, a notification
message displays. If you click on the
message, you can read about what has
changed, and then decide whether or not to
install the update. If you close the message,
the notification stays in the tray and you can
select it later.
You can also disable the automatic check. A manual check is always available from
the Help, Update Mastercam menu option.
New File Editor
A new editor replaces the editor formally supplied with Mastercam. In addition to
the new MP.NET posting language, it supports legacy MP, NC code, and VB script. It
2 • MASTERCAM X7/ What’s New in Mastercam X7 Beta 3
includes completely configurable keyword highlighting, AutoComplete, communications, prebuilt code snippets, outlining, and bookmarks.
Note: For Mastercam Mill-Turn, the new file editor is fully integrated with
the other Code Expert tools.
Mastercam Mill-Turn
Mastercam X7 also includes the initial release of Mastercam Mill-Turn (MT ). MT
currently supports specific Mazak Integrex and Okuma Multus models.
IMPORTANT: If you are interested in purchasing this product, please
contact your local Mastercam reseller.
The centerpiece of MT is the Code Expert application. Like the new Tool Manager,
the Code Expert runs in the new Extensions window. Code Expert incorporates an
entire suite of tools for managing multitasking applications.
GENERAL ENHANCEMENTS / Mastercam Mill-Turn • 3
Sync Manager
The Sync Manager creates syncs between operations and allows you to enter other
machine-specific programming information. It includes:
A multi-streamed operations tree, similar to the Operations Manager in
Mastercam
A GANTT-style timeline view of your operations.
A graphic display that shows your part, fixtures, toolpaths, and syncs.
Post Processor Development Environment
A full-featured integrated development environment has been created to support
post development in a GUI workspace. The new debugger is integrated with not just
the post editor, but the Sync Manager as well, so you can get real-time debugging
feedback. The interface uses the familiar Visual Studio® model:
Programming resources are grouped in a tree on one side of the window.
4 • MASTERCAM X7/ What’s New in Mastercam X7 Beta 3
A Machine Explorer gives you an overview of all your .MACHINE file
components.
A Properties grid lets you quickly see properties for whatever object is active.
All of the windows and panes are "tear-off” objects that can be docked anywhere.
New .MACHINE File
In MT, separate machine definitions, control definitions, and post files are
combined into a single .MACHINE file that can live anywhere on your system. The
.MACHINE file also includes other resources and configuration data that enable it to
be much more closely tied to Mastercam workflow and programming.
New Posting Language
MT also includes a new posting language called MP.NET. This is a modern objectoriented language that replaces legacy MP for MT applications. In conjunction with
MP.NET, a new data backbone called the Intermediate Object Format (IOF) has been
developed, replacing the ASCII NCI file.
GENERAL ENHANCEMENTS / Mastercam Mill-Turn • 5
New Job Setup Interface
MT features a re-engineered workflow that begins with a new Job Setup interface
inside Mastercam. This leverages the .MACHINE file to automatically create planes
for programming your part, subspindle setups, and part handling applications.
Part Handling Operations
The set of Misc Ops from Mastercam Lathe have been replaced in MT by a new set of
part handling operations. These are event-based operations that are organized into
6 • MASTERCAM X7/ What’s New in Mastercam X7 Beta 3
machine-specific sequences and application strategies.
Enhanced Plane and Axis Combination Selection
New interfaces have been developed for working with tool planes and axis combinations. These are based on Mastercam's knowledge of your machining and parthandling application, so that a great many unnecessary or redundant options have
been removed. For example, the new Setup page for milling operations relies on your
chosen application orientation and axis combination to present only those options
that make sense.
GENERAL ENHANCEMENTS / Mastercam Mill-Turn • 7
A similar approach is also used in turning operations, selecting axis combinations,
and creating transform operations.
Pinch Turn Toolpath
A new pinch turn operation is now available. This takes an existing roughing operation, creates new cutting passes on the opposite turret, and automatically creates the
necessary syncs.
8 • MASTERCAM X7/ What’s New in Mastercam X7 Beta 3
Mastercam Advanced Configuration Utility
You can use the Mastercam Advanced Configuration dialog box to manipulate
features of Mastercam and Mastercam for SolidWorks. Access the dialog box by
selecting Mastercam X7, Utilities, Advanced Configuration from the Start menu.
Click the Help button to learn more about the options available in this dialog box.
Note: This utility replaces the Mastercam Control Panel Applet from
previous versions.
GENERAL ENHANCEMENTS / New Mastercam Art Install • 9
New Mastercam Art Install
Mastercam Art now available as a 64-bit application, which lets you take full advan-
tage of your 64-bit hardware and operating systems.
File Translator Updates
AutoCAD: 2013
Catia: V5 R22
Parasolids: Version 25
Rhino: V5
10 • MASTERCAM X7/ What’s New in Mastercam X7 Beta 3
Design Enhancements
Remove and create bodies with Modify Solid Feature
(Newly created bodies moved for demonstration purposes)
Modify Solid Feature
The new Modify Solid Feature function in Mastercam X7 allows you to create bodies
or remove features from solid models that do not have any operation history. To
create or remove a body, select the face of any feature, including bosses and open
pockets, on the solid model. Mastercam recreates the feature in a new, independent
solid body and leaves the original solid unchanged, or eliminates the feature by
modifying the original body.
The Remove and create body option allows simultaneous model creation and
modification. Upon creation, bodies generated by the Modify Solid Feature function
occupy the same space as the original selected feature.
IMPORTANT: Modifications to a solid model using this function cannot
be undone. Work incrementally and be aware of all selections before
applying changes.
12 • MASTERCAM X7/ What’s New in Mastercam X7 Beta 3
Modify Solid Fillet
Use the new Modify Solid Fillet function to quickly change the radius of fillets in
solid models that do not have any operation history. You can apply your changes to
sets of tangential fillets or fillets with matching radii.
The radius value in the dialog box is populated by the first fillet you select. When you
select fillets with different radii, they are edited to match the value of the first
selected fillet.
Mastercam displays an error message if the function is unable to apply your modifications to the fillets you select. If you encounter any errors, try narrowing your selection. Working incrementally with a smaller selection of fillets should yield better
results.
IMPORTANT: Modifications to fillets using this function cannot be
undone. Work incrementally by editing fewer fillets per application, and
be aware of all selections before applying changes.
Remove Solid Fillet
The Remove Solid Fillet function removes fillets from solid models that do not have
any operation history. You can select and remove fillets individually, or in groups of
tangential fillets or fillets with matching radii.
DESIGN ENHANCEMENTS / Solid Hole-Axis • 13
The function is unable to remove overlapping fillets (PK Error Code: 525). If you
encounter this error, try narrowing your selection to remove only the top-most
fillets. If you still cannot remove the fillets, select the Cap ends of fillets being
removed option to remove the fillet in pieces.
IMPORTANT: Modifications to fillets using this function cannot be
undone. Work incrementally by editing fewer fillets per application, and
be aware of all selections before applying changes.
Solid Hole-Axis
The new Solid Hole-Axis function creates axis lines in circular holes in solid bodies,
with or without history. Hole axis lines are created using your current system attribute settings (line size, color, etc.). You can also create related geometry (points and
circles) using the options in the dialog box.
You can only use this function on cylindrical holes, both open and closed. You can
create hole axis lines on the following types of cylindrical holes:
14 • MASTERCAM X7/ What’s New in Mastercam X7 Beta 3
Through holes
Blind holes
Holes completely encased by the solid
Split holes
Choose Solid, Hole-axis, set your options in the Hole-axis dialog box, and select the
wall (internal face) of each hole where you want to create the live axis line(s). The
axis lines, points, and circles remain live until you click Apply or OK. While the lines
and related geometry are live, you can work in the dialog box to make any changes.
The changes you make display in “real time” as you work. When you are satisfied
with your results, click the Apply or OK button to set the axis lines and geometry.
The following picture shows examples of live axis lines:
Notes:
• You can select fillets, but you cannot apply this function to chamfers or
round-overs.
• Vector arrows show direction that Mastercam recognizes as the top of the
holes. The direction on through holes depends on the point of your
DESIGN ENHANCEMENTS / Xform Project Improvements • 15
mouse selection. The direction on blind holes always points out (top).
You can choose to change the vector direction by clicking the axis line.
• Axis lines start at the bottom of the cylinders, regardless of the shape of
the hole (as shown in the hole with the bottom chamfer, which may have
been created with a drilling tool).
• Axis lines end at the top of the cylinders, regardless of the shape of the top
of the hole (as shown in the hole with a chamfer at the top).
• Axis lines created on holes with angled tops end at the top of the angle (as
shown in the angled through hole to the right).
• Counterbored holes require a selection for each diameter.
• Interrupted holes require a selection for each side.
Xform Project Improvements
New controls have been added to the Xform Project dialog specifically for projecting
onto a surface. Particularly useful when working with small parts, Mastercam now
prompts you to increase your default tolerance to attain the best results.
In addition, you can choose between projecting blended splines or attempting to
match the number of source geometry pieces to the number of projected entities.
16 • MASTERCAM X7/ What’s New in Mastercam X7 Beta 3
2D Fillet Clearance Offset
A new Additional clearance distance option has been added to the Fillet Entities
and Fillet Chain ribbon bars. This option is only available when the fillet style is set
to Clearance.
The maximum allowable value equals 95% of the fillet radius. If a larger value is
entered, the value will automatically be changed to equal 95% of the fillet radius. The
DESIGN ENHANCEMENTS / Surface Fillet Improvements • 17
distance is measured along the fillet radius from the intersection of the entities, as
shown.
Surface Fillet Improvements
To improve the workflow, the Surface Fillet
dialog boxes now include a Preview button
instead of a Preview check box. In
Mastercam X7, the dialog box will open
more quickly and allow you to modify the
parameters without first trying to process
the fillet result. You can then choose to see a
preview by pressing the Preview button.
The Preview button only provides a snapshot of the current settings. Any changes
made after are not reflected until you click
Preview again. Once you click OK or Cancel,
the preview state is turned off.
You can also select the Auto-preview
checkbox to automatically preview modifications in the graphic window. When you
modify values in the dialog box fields or
perform actions in the graphics window, the
results are immediately updated.
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