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Mastercam 2017 for SOLIDWORKS

November 18, 2016
Mastercam 2017 for SOLIDWORKS
Mastercam 2017 for SOLIDWORKS is a CAM application that is fully integrated into SOLIDWORKS. Users can program parts directly in SOLIDWORKS using Mastercam’s industry-leading toolpaths and machining strategies. In addition to all the improvements to Mastercam Mill and Lathe, Mastercam 2017 for SOLIDWORKS features the Analyze Toolpath and improved Tplanes.

 

To make your job easier, Analyze Toolpath is used to display toolpath information such as coordinates, direction, and operation number when you hover over any part of the tool motion. Green and red arrows display at the start and end points of the entire path. When hovering over an element that is not an endpoint, a tooltip will display information that is specific to the entity.
 
To simplify your work, Tplanes are now associated to the SOLIDWORKS geometry that was used to create them. When a modification to the SOLIDWORKS geometry affects multiple planes, Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS displays a message asking you to confirm your changes. 
 
CAD Functions
The Mastercam 2017 tab now includes a CAD Functions menu which contains the Create Boundary and Create Letters functions. These will create SOLIDWORKS geometry. The Roll-Unroll function is used to wrap geometry about an axis or to unwrap rolled entities to make them lie flat. Mastercam creates a sketch from the resulting geometry.
 
Also available in the Mastercam 2017 for SOLIDWORKS release is:
  • To view real-time operation data about selected toolpaths, you can choose the Display toolpath statistics option. 
  • Category-specific icons are now included on the SOLIDWORKS ribbon bar. All drop-downs now have an icon that matches the first of the functions to make it easier to find what you are looking for. 
  • Those who purchase or update to Mastercam Mill 2017 or Mastercam Lathe 2017 will also be able to use the corresponding version of Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS.
  • New Chip Break is available in Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS Lathe and is valuable when working with stringy materials, and allows you to set length and time conditions, retract, and dwell options.
  • Code Expert enhancements including fonts and colors in NC Configuration and character coding. 
  • Mastercam Simulator Auto Start which allows Mastercam Simulator to immediately begin to play once a sufficient amount of data has been transferred. 
  • Custom Tool Display allows users to define a tool using parametric properties along with a custom profile that can be imported from a CAD file. 

Related Glossary Terms

  • computer-aided design ( CAD)

    computer-aided design ( CAD)

    Product-design functions performed with the help of computers and special software.

  • computer-aided manufacturing ( CAM)

    computer-aided manufacturing ( CAM)

    Use of computers to control machining and manufacturing processes.

  • flat ( screw flat)

    flat ( screw flat)

    Flat surface machined into the shank of a cutting tool for enhanced holding of the tool.

  • lathe

    lathe

    Turning machine capable of sawing, milling, grinding, gear-cutting, drilling, reaming, boring, threading, facing, chamfering, grooving, knurling, spinning, parting, necking, taper-cutting, and cam- and eccentric-cutting, as well as step- and straight-turning. Comes in a variety of forms, ranging from manual to semiautomatic to fully automatic, with major types being engine lathes, turning and contouring lathes, turret lathes and numerical-control lathes. The engine lathe consists of a headstock and spindle, tailstock, bed, carriage (complete with apron) and cross slides. Features include gear- (speed) and feed-selector levers, toolpost, compound rest, lead screw and reversing lead screw, threading dial and rapid-traverse lever. Special lathe types include through-the-spindle, camshaft and crankshaft, brake drum and rotor, spinning and gun-barrel machines. Toolroom and bench lathes are used for precision work; the former for tool-and-die work and similar tasks, the latter for small workpieces (instruments, watches), normally without a power feed. Models are typically designated according to their “swing,” or the largest-diameter workpiece that can be rotated; bed length, or the distance between centers; and horsepower generated. See turning machine.

  • milling machine ( mill)

    milling machine ( mill)

    Runs endmills and arbor-mounted milling cutters. Features include a head with a spindle that drives the cutters; a column, knee and table that provide motion in the three Cartesian axes; and a base that supports the components and houses the cutting-fluid pump and reservoir. The work is mounted on the table and fed into the rotating cutter or endmill to accomplish the milling steps; vertical milling machines also feed endmills into the work by means of a spindle-mounted quill. Models range from small manual machines to big bed-type and duplex mills. All take one of three basic forms: vertical, horizontal or convertible horizontal/vertical. Vertical machines may be knee-type (the table is mounted on a knee that can be elevated) or bed-type (the table is securely supported and only moves horizontally). In general, horizontal machines are bigger and more powerful, while vertical machines are lighter but more versatile and easier to set up and operate.

  • numerical control ( NC)

    numerical control ( NC)

    Any controlled equipment that allows an operator to program its movement by entering a series of coded numbers and symbols. See CNC, computer numerical control; DNC, direct numerical control.

  • toolpath( cutter path)

    toolpath( cutter path)

    2-D or 3-D path generated by program code or a CAM system and followed by tool when machining a part.

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