Master Cam Design - Help Topics

MASTER CAM DESIGN ENTERING DATA When Mastercam prompts for data entry such as a value for height, width, radius, or angle, you can take one of the following actions. These actions apply to both the prompt area and dialog box fields. ¨

Press either mouse button or press [Enter] to accept the displayed value.

¨

Type the data directly into the text box, then press [Enter].

¨

Type the letter of a shortcut method, then press [Enter].

Notes: ¨ Mastercam remembers the previous XYZ coordinates that you entered. To use these values again, press [Enter] instead of entering a value for each of the coordinates. ¨ Mastercam accepts formulas as well as numbers. You can use addition [+], subtraction [-], multiplication [*], division [/], and parentheses [( )]. Use ordinary algebraic notation [i.e., x1+2/3y(16*.025)/8z-1/2]. ¨ Wherever Mastercam accepts real numbers and formulas, you can enter an angle value in degrees/minutes/seconds or gradians/radians formats. Use the following data entry tokens, always placing the token after the numeral: degrees=d minutes = ‘ seconds = " gradians = g radians = r ¨ When prompted for a real value (a length, a distance, or an angle) at the prompt line, you can use the up and down arrow keys to display previously entered values.

Data entry shortcuts Data entry shortcuts let you enter data that you gather from the graphics area into the prompt area or any text box that asks for a real (or decimal) number. To use a data entry shortcut, enter the letter of the shortcut method, then click the point that you want in the graphics window. The shortcuts appear next to the prompt area as shown below. Clicking right in a text box displays a quick reference of the shortcuts and their meanings.

X X coordinate value for a selected point. Press [X] then choose the point whose X coordinate you want to use. 1

Y Y coordinate value for a selected point. Press [Y] then choose the point whose Y coordinate you want to use. Z Z coordinate value for a selected point. Press [Z] then choose the point whose Z coordinate you want to use. R Radius of a selected arc. Press [R] then select the arc whose radius you want to use, or select a radius dimension. D Diameter of a selected arc. Press [D] then select the arc whose diameter you want to use, or select a diameter dimension. L Length of a line, arc, or spline. Press [L] then select the entity whose length you want to use. Other methods for entering a length: select a linear format dimension, a witness line, or the distance between two witness lines; select text to enter text height as a length measurement. S Distance between two points. Press [S] then select the two points. A Angle. Displays the Angle menu which provides options for defining an angle value. ? Displays the quick reference to the data entry shortcuts. In a text box that accepts a real (decimal) number, right-click to display the quick reference. Defining angle values for data entry 1 Line Uses the angle of a single line that you select. Mastercam calculates the angle in a counterclockwise direction from the horizontal line of the current Cplane. 1 line also lets you select an angular dimension to obtain an angle value. 2 Lines Uses the angle formed by two lines that you select. Mastercam calculates the angle in a counterclockwise direction from the first selected line to the second selected line. P ts ( 2 or 3 ) Enter two or three points to determine an angle. Enter two points, then press [Esc] to calculate the angle of the line that runs between the two points in a counterclockwise direction from the horizontal axis of the current Cplane. When entering three points, the first point becomes the pivot point (equivalent to an arc center), and the next two points define an angular distance. Arc sweep An arc sweep is the distance in degrees from the start angle to its end angle. The system prompts you to select the arc whose sweep angle you want to use. Value Lets you type a value for an angle. Values are in decimal degrees by default, but can be entered in degree/minute/seconds format or gradians/radians format. Use the following data entry tokens, always placing the token after the numeral: degrees=d minutes = ‘ seconds = " gradians = g radians = r Examples: 25d11’5" 25g 200r

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POINT ENTRY Entering Points Throughout your work in Mastercam the system prompts you to enter points. By entering points you define positions in 3D space. You can enter points using one of two methods: Mastercam's AutoCursor™ feature or the Point Entry menu. When you enter a point, Mastercam projects the selected position onto the current construction plane. If the current Cplane is set to 3D, Mastercam uses the actual position of the selected point. About Auto Cursor The AutoCursor™ is a point entry feature that is available whenever Mastercam displays the Point Entry menu and prompts you to enter a point. AutoCursor eliminates menu steps by detecting and snapping to points as you move the cursor over geometry on the screen. Endpoints and midpoints of curves, lines, arc center points, and point entities are all detected and highlighted by AutoCursor. If AutoCursor doesn’t detect any points, the AutoCursor defaults to the Sketch Point Entry menu option, letting you enter a point at any position. At any time while AutoCursor is active, you can override the auto-selected point by using the mouse or keyboard shortcut keys to access Point Entry menu options. In complex geometry there may be more than one point that lies within the detection range of the cursor. In these cases, the AutoCursor uses the order shown below to detect and snap to points. 1.

Point entities

2.

Endpoints of curves or lines

3.

Midpoints of curves or lines

4.

Quadrant points of arcs

5.

Centers of arcs

6.

Real curve or line intersections (not intersections projected by Mastercam)

7.

Points on the active selection grid

Note: AutoCursor does not recognize endpoints on surfaces. To enter a point at the endpoint of a surface, you must use the Endpoints option on the Point Entry menu. AutoCursor is active by default. To disable AutoCursor, choose Main Menu, Screen, Config, select the Screen tab, and clear the Use AutoCursor in Point Selection checkbox. Turning AutoCursor on or off 1.

Right-click in the graphics window to display the menu.

2.

Choose AutoCursor. A check appears next to the AutoCursor menu selection when it is on.

3.

Right click and choose AutoCursor to turn it off. 3

Note: You can also choose Screen, Next menu, and toggle AutoCursor to Y. Entering a point using AutoCursor 1.

Activate AutoCursor from the right-click menu.

2. Move the cursor over geometry on the screen. As Mastercam detects and snaps to points, it displays a temporary open-square over the point and highlights the corresponding Point Entry menu option. 3.

When the cursor snaps to the point you want, left-click to enter the point.

Entering a point using XYZ coordinates You can enter a point using XYZ coordinates as an alternative to selecting a point with the cursor or using AutoCursor™. Mastercam accepts coordinates that use commas as separators (5,3,1) or that use the letter of the coordinate (x5y3z1). If you enter values for just one or two coordinates (x1 or x1y2), Mastercam uses the coordinate values of the last point you entered for any axes you omitted. If you are entering a point for the first time in the current Mastercam session, the system uses zero as the default value for any coordinates that you do not enter. 1. Once in the Point Entry menu, type the coordinate in either format described above. As soon as you begin typing, the prompt area opens a data entry field. 2.

Press [Enter] to enter a point at the coordinate

Entering a point at the system origin Choosing Origin from the Point Entry menu places a point at the system origin. Mastercam places a point or sets a point position at the construction origin. System origin In the Cartesian coordinate system, the intersection of the X, Y, and Z axes (0,0,0) is known as the system origin. Often the system origin corresponds with the lower left corner of the part or the stock to be machined. The origin may also correspond with the 0,0,0 position on the milling machine, which is a known reference point for all machine moves. The system origin is fixed and cannot be changed. In Mastercam, the graphics view axes markers (also called the viewport axes markers) always refer to the system coordinates, which use 0,0,0 as the origin. The system coordinates are also referred to as world coordinates. You can view the system origin on screen by pressing [F9]. The system origin is shown in brown (default color). Construction origin The current Cplane has an origin, called the construction origin. In a new MC9 file, both the system and construction origins are set to 0,0,0. You set a new construction origin by pressing [Alt+ O] when in the Cplane menu and entering a coordinate or selecting a point in the graphics window. The construction origin remains set at the point that you choose until you change it, even when you change the Cplane (with one exception – when you retrieve a named view as described below). You can view the construction origin on screen by pressing [F9]. The construction origin is shown in green (default color).

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An advantage of the construction origin is that it simplifies creating or translating geometry. Setting a construction origin relative to the current Cplane lets you think about XYZ coordinates with respect to the current Cplane only, not the system origin. This benefit becomes apparent when working on a large part where the system origin may not be visible in the graphics window. You can set the construction origin to be located near the area on the part where you are working and avoid the complication of calculating coordinates in reference to an origin that may not be on screen. You can save user-defined Cplanes as named views. An advantage of using named views is that you can associate an origin to a plane. When you change the Cplane to a named view, the construction origin changes to the origin linked to the view. For more information, see Creating a named view. Note: You can set the colors of the system and construction origins on the Screen tab of the System Configuration dialog box (Screen, Config, Screen tab, System colors). Entering a point at the center of an arc 1.

Choose Center from the Point Entry menu.

2.

Select an arc. Mastercam highlights the point at center of the arc.

Entering a point at the endpoint of an entity 1.

Choose Endpoint from the Point Entry menu.

2.

Select an entity. Mastercam highlights the entity’s endpoint.

Notes: ¨

When selecting a surface entity, Mastercam enters a point at the closest corner.

¨ When selecting a trimmed surface, Mastercam calculates the surface edges of the base surface, not the trimmed surface. Therefore, the point may be created outside of the trimmed surface. Entering a point at the intersection of two curves The Intersec option lets you enter a point at the intersection of two curves (lines, arcs, or splines) in the current construction plane. Since two curves may intersect at multiple positions, be sure to select each curve near the intersection where you want to enter a point. When lines or arcs do not intersect, Mastercam calculates an extension to one or both entities and places a point where the entities could intersect. However, Mastercam cannot calculate a predictable extension to a spline. Intersec only works with a spline that could be intersected by a line or arc. 1.

Choose Intersec from the Point Entry menu.

2. Choose the first curve, then choose a second curve that intersects the first. Mastercam highlights the intersection point. Entering a point at the midpoint of a curve This option lets you enter a point at the midpoint of a curve (line, arc, or spline). A midpoint is the point calculated halfway along the length of a curve.

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1.

Choose Midpoint from the Point Entry menu.

2.

Select a line, arc, or spline. Mastercam highlights the midpoint of the selected curve.

Entering a point at the position of an existing point 1.

Choose Point from the Point Entry menu.

2.

Select a point. Mastercam highlights the selected point.

Entering a point at the last entered position From the Point Entry menu, choose Last. Mastercam highlights the point previously entered. Entering a point relative to the position of another point The Relative option lets you choose a point based on another point’s position. 1.

Choose Relative from the Point Entry menu.

2.

Enter a point. The Point Entry: Relative menu displays.

3. To enter a distance using XYZ coordinates, choose Rectang from the menu. Type the coordinate in the prompt area, then press [Enter] to define the point. To enter a distance using polar coordinates, choose Polar. Type a value for distance (vector length) and press [Enter]. Type a value for angle, then press [Enter] to define the point.

Entering a point at a quadrant position on an arc 1.

Choose Quadrant from the Point Entry menu.

2. Move the cursor close to the 0, 90, 180, or 270 degree quadrant point of the arc, then press the left mouse button. Mastercam highlights the closest quadrant point. Sketching a point at any position The Sketch option lets you enter a point freehand, using the cursor to pick a position in the graphics window. The point is entered at the location where the cursor projects onto the Cplane. You can use the selection gridto enter points more precisely. 1.

Choose Sketch from the Point Entry menu.

2. Move the cursor to a location on the screen where you want to enter a point, then left-click to highlight the point at that position. Setting up a grid for point entry The selection grid is a matrix of reference points that the cursor snaps to when you sketch a point. Snapping to the selection grid provides a finer level of precision than sketching points freehand. 6

When you press [Alt+G] or choose Screen, Next menu, Sel. grid, the Selection Grid Parameters dialog box opens to give you options for activating, deactivating, or customizing the appearance of the selection grid. 1.

Choose Main Menu, Screen, Next menu, Sel. Grid. The Selection Grid dialog box opens.

2.

Check Active grid to turn on the selection grid.

3.

Check Visible grid to make the selection grid visible.

Note: Be sure to check both Active grid and Visible grid to view the activated grid. 4. Enter values (inches or millimeters) in the Spacing X and Y fields for the distance between the grid points. These values define the length and width of the grid cells. 5. Enter an Origin XY coordinate for center of the grid or choose Select and choose a point from the graphics window. 6. Enter a color number or choose the Color button to select the color for the grid points and origin marker. 7. Enter a value (inches or millimetres) for Size to set the overall length and width of the grid (it can extend beyond the screen boundaries). 8. Choose Test to view the grid settings before saving them. Press [Esc] to return to the Selection Grid dialog box. 9.

Choose OK to save the settings.

Notes: ¨ The grid settings persist for the current MC9 file. To save the grid settings in the configuration file, choose Screen, Configure, and choose the selection grid button from the Screen tab. Follow the procedure above to set up a default selection grid.

Entity Selection Throughout your work in Mastercam the system prompts you to select entities. When you have the option to select more than one entity, Mastercam displays the Entity Selection menu which provides several selection methods. The selection methods available vary according to the function that you are using. The system highlights selected entities in white. The highlight color can be changed in the Screen tab of the System Configuration dialog box. The simplest way to select entities is to click the mouse in the graphics window when the Entity Selection menu displays. When the cursor is very close to an entity, the entity highlights showing you what would be selected if you clicked at that position on the screen. The auto-highlight feature can be turned on and off in the Screen tab of the System Configuration dialog or in the right-click menu. When working with complex geometry, the options in the Entity selection menu make selection easier and quicker than picking one entity at a time.

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Selection Tips The following tips can aid your selection of entities as you work in Mastercam: ¨ Rapid-fire selection: To select single entities quickly, hold down both mouse buttons and move the cursor over geometry that you want to select. When you finish selecting entities, release the mouse buttons. ¨ To narrow the selection of entities to only one level of geometry at a time, use the Mask function and choose Attributes from the Selection Mask dialog box. ¨

To quickly simplify a crowded screen and narrow your selection of entities, use the Hide function.

¨

To select all entities for a single operation, choose All, Entities from the Entity Selection menu.

Unselecting entities 1.

Choose Unselect from the Entity Selection menu.

2.

Click on highlighted entities to unselect them.

3.

When finished, press [Esc] to return to the Entity Selection menu.

Chaining Chaining is the process of selecting and linking pieces of geometry so that they form the foundation of a toolpath, surface, or solid. When you chain geometry, you select one or more sets of curves (lines, arcs, and splines) or points which have adjoining endpoints. Chaining differs from other selection methods because it associates order and direction to the selected curves. Chaining order and direction affect the way Mastercam generates surfaces, solids, and toolpaths. Most toolpaths require geometry to be chained. Usually you chain the geometry that is used in a single operation, such as a contour toolpath or pocket toolpath. Chaining also determines the direction of tool travel during machining. However, you can also chain together separate sets of entities to be cut in a single operation. For example you can chain together the entities for separate parts to be cut from the same workpiece in the same operation. Many surface and solid creation methods require geometry to be chained. Chaining identifies the geometry that makes up the surface sections or boundaries. Chaining is also used to define entities for several Analyze and Create functions and is an efficient method for entity selection even when a specific order is not required. About chains Chaining activates entities in a specific order in preparation for a function such as toolpath or surface creation. For example, when creating a contour toolpath, you chain the entities that form the shape that you want to be machined. Unchained entities won’t be included in the toolpath. Mastercam highlights chains in the same color as selected entities. You can change the select color using the System Colors button in the Screen tab of the System Configuration dialog box (Screen, Configure).

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Chains also have these characteristics: Type (open or closed) Direction Order Branch points Chains are open or closed. In an open chain the start and endpoints are different coordinates. Examples of open chains are single lines or arcs. An open chain may consist of a single entity or several contiguous entities. In a closed chain the start and endpoints share the same coordinates. Closed chains typically consist of several entities that have adjacent endpoints and that form a closed boundary. Examples of closed chains are rectangles or circles.

Chaining direction All chains have a direction. Direction for closed chains is either clockwise or counterclockwise, while the direction for open chains points toward one of the chain endpoints. The chaining direction determines the direction of tool movement in a toolpath. In surface creation, Mastercam uses chaining direction to synchronize the chains to create a smooth, regular surface. Errors in establishing chaining direction often result in a twisted surface that can’t be machined. The arrow in the following graphic shows the counterclockwise chaining direction for a closed chain. The chain starts at the base point of the arrow.

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Mastercam determines chaining direction differently for open chains than closed chains. In an open chain, the start point is placed at the end of the chain closest to the selection point and the chain direction points to the opposite end of the chain. In a closed chain, Mastercam assigns chain direction based on the Direction for Closed Chains parameters in the Chaining Options dialog box. Closed chains are assigned either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction regardless of where you position the cursor when selecting the chain. For more control over the direction of closed chains, check the box labeled Use cursor position for manual selection. When enabled, this option sets chaining direction relative to the position of the cursor when you select an entity to be chained.

Reversing chaining direction for inner chains Use this chaining option to swap the chaining direction when chains are surrounded by an outer boundary. This chaining option is useful for geometry that consists of inside and outside shapes and provides an automated method of reversing the cutter offset from the inside shape to the outside shape. In the graphic below, the inside chains represent an opening which is cut out, leaving the inside chain as scrap. Therefore, the cutter needs to be offset to the inside of the chain while the surrounding chain requires the cutter to be offset to the outside of the chain.

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Chaining order Some Mastercam functions that require chaining produce unexpected results if the entities are chained in an order that prevents Mastercam from properly synchronizing the chains. Examples of these functions are loft, coons, ruled, and swept surfaces. A coons surface chaining, for instance, requires separate curves to define along and across edges. When chaining for toolpaths, order is important to ensure minimal rapid moves. You can check rapid moves with the Backplot function which represents rapid moves in yellow. The Chain Manager in the Operations Manager can then be used to re-order the chains. Other functions that use chaining don’t require that the entities get chained in any particular order. Examples of these functions include the Xform commands Rotate and Mirror, and the Delete command. In these cases, chaining is a selection method and order is irrelevant. Branch points A branch point is the position where the endpoints of two or more entities meet. Branch points indicate where there are different paths that the chain can take. When Mastercam encounters a branch point during chaining, it prompts you to choose the path for the chain to follow.

Mastercam only considers a position a branch point when multiple entity endpoints meet. Entities can intersect without having their endpoints meet. If you need to create a branch point at the intersection of two entities, you need to break both entities at their intersection point. Use either the Modify, Trim or Modify, Break command to divide the intersecting entities at a specific point. Mastercam also uses branch points as a method for synchronizing chains. You can set the synchronization method in the Chaining Options dialog box. Chaining options Use the Chaining options dialog box to set default values for a number of choices that affect how you work with chains. The values you select in the Chaining options dialog box will be in effect whenever you create a chain in the current file. You can see the current values in the prompt area whenever a chaining menu appears. To reach the Chaining options dialog box, select the Options command in several of the chaining menus. The topics below describe the individual options.

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You can also set a number of system chaining defaults that will apply to all files. These are set by way of the Chaining options button on the Screen tab of the System Configuration dialog box (Screen, Configure). Chaining tips ¨ Mastercam supports Auto-Partial chaining. This eliminates the need to repeatedly choose Partial from the Chaining Methods menu when partial chaining. ¨ If the chain stops unexpectedly, use Analyze, Chain to check for overlapping entities. You can then use Modify functions to trim adjacent entities together in order to chain them. ¨ To reselect the previous chained entities, for example when correcting a surface that didn’t generate properly, use Last from the Chaining Methods menu. Mastercam rechains the entities so that you can edit the chains and correct chaining direction or order. Last prevents you from having to completely rechain the entities.

Creating entities The Create menu gives you options for creating geometric and drafting entities. You can access the Create menu by choosing Create from the Main Menu. The functions on the Create menu can be divided into three categories: Note: For information on setting default design and drafting values, see Setting default CAD values. Many of these values can be set during operation; however, some are unique and can only be set prior to operation using the Screen, Configure function. Creating points The Point menu gives you options for creating point entities. You can access the Point menu by choosing Main Menu, Create, Point. Click on the topics below for more information. Creating a point at any position in the graphics window 1. Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Position. 2.

Enter a point to create a point at that position.

3.

Repeat step 2 to create additional points.

4.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating points at fixed intervals along a curve 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Along ent.

2.

Select a line, arc, or spline.

3.

In the prompt area, enter the number of points to create along the entity.

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Note: The default value is an approximation based on the entity length divided by .1 inches for English units and 2.0 mm for metric units. 4.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create points along additional entities.

5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating points at the node points of a parametric spline 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Node pts.

2.

Select a parametric spline.

3.

Repeat step 2 to create points for additional parametric splines.

4.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating points at the control points of a NURBS spline 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Cpts NURBS.

2.

Select a NURBS spline.

3.

Repeat step 2 to create points for additional NURBS splines.

4.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating a point at any position on a curve or surface 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Dynamic.

2.

Select a line, arc, spline, or surface. Mastercam displays a temporary arrow on the selected entity.

3.

Move the base of the arrow to a desired position, then left-click to create a point at that position.

Note: To create the point at the position of an existing point entity, type [S] to activate snapping, move the cursor crosshairs over the point, then left-click. 4.

Repeat step 3 to create additional points on the same entity.

5. Press [Esc] and repeat steps 2 and 3 to create points on a different entity, or press [Esc] twice to exit the function. Creating a point at any position on a solid face 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Dynamic.

2.

Choose Solid face.

3.

Set Faces to Y, then select a solid face. Mastercam displays a temporary arrow on the selected face.

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4.

Move the base of the arrow to a desired position, then left-click to create a point at that position.

Note: To create the point at the position of an existing point entity, type [S] to activate snapping, move the cursor crosshairs over the point, then left-click. 5.

Repeat step 4 to create additional points on the same face.

6. Press [Esc] and repeat steps 2 through 4 to create points on a different face, or press [Esc] twice to exit the function. Creating a point at a defined distance along a curve 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Length.

2.

Select a line, arc, or spline close to one endpoint.

Note: Mastercam will create the point at a defined distance from the endpoint closest to the cursor position when you select the entity. 3.

In the prompt area, enter the distance to create the point from the selected endpoint.

4.

Repeat step 3 to create additional points at different distances.

Note: Entering the same value twice in a row exits you from the function. 5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating points at the intersections of a slice plane with curves This function slices selected curves with a plane and creates points at positions where the plane intersects the curves. You also have options to create the points at offset positions, to create points at a defined spacing interval from the intersections, and to trim the curves to the resulting points. 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Slice.

2.

Select one or more lines, arcs, and/or splines, then choose Done.

3. Define the slice plane. Mastercam displays a temporary indicator of the plane in the graphics window. 4.

Set parameters on the Slice menu, then choose Do it.

5. If prompted, select one of the highlighted entities, move the base of the display arrow to the side of the curves to keep after trimming, then left-click. 6.

Repeat steps 4 and 5 to create additional points.

7.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

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Projecting points onto surfaces and solids You can use this function to create points at the projection positions, create lines along the projection paths, and/or save the projection data to a file. 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Srf project.

2.

Select one or more surfaces, solids, and/or solid faces, then choose Done.

3. At the prompt, choose Yes to select existing point entities or No to enter points at any position in the graphics window. 4. If Yes was selected in step 3, select one or more points, then press Done. If No was selected in step 3, enter one or more points, then press [Esc]. 5.

Set parameters on the Projection menu, then choose Do it.

6. If prompted, enter a file name, then choose Save and continue with the remaining steps. Otherwise, continue with step 10. 7. If prompted that a file of the same name already exists, choose Append to add the current data to the end of the existing file or Overwrite to replace the existing data with the current data. 8.

Type a comment to display at the top of the file (optional), then press [Enter] to view the file.

9.

Close the file.

10. In the prompt area, Mastercam reports the number of points that were successfully projected. Press [Enter] to continue. 11.

Repeat steps 5 through 10 to project additional points.

12.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating a point at a perpendicular distance from a curve 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Perp/dist.

2.

Select a line, arc, or spline in the graphics window.

3. Enter a point on or near the selected curve where you want the perpendicular distance to be calculated. 4. In the prompt area, enter a value for the distance from the curve that you want the point to be created. Note: Entering a zero value creates the point directly on the curve. 5. If you entered a value greater than zero in step 4, Mastercam displays a temporary line on both sides of the curve. Select the line on the side of the curve where you want to create the point.

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Creating points in a grid pattern 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Next menu, Grid.

2.

Set parameters on the Grid menu, then choose Do it.

3.

Enter a point to position the lower left corner of the grid.

4.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create additional grids.

5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating points in a bolt circle pattern 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Next menu, Bolt circle.

2.

Set parameters on the Bolt Circle menu, then choose Do it.

3.

Enter a point to position the center of the bolt circle.

4.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create additional bolt circles.

5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating points at the center of selected arcs 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Point, Next menu, Small arcs.

2.

Select one or more arcs in the graphics window, then choose Done.

3.

Set parameters on the From Small Arcs/Circles menu, then choose Do it.

4.

Repeat step 3 to create additional points, or press [Esc] to exit the function.

Displaying and saving entity endpoints Choosing the Endpoints option on the Screen menu lets you view and create point entities at the endpoints of all visible lines, arcs, and splines. This is useful for determining the boundaries of an individual curve in a chain of curves. 1. Choose Main Menu, Screen, Endpoints. Mastercam displays the points for you to view and prompts you to save them. 2.

Choose Save dups to change the setting as follows:

¨

Set to Y to create all displayed points, even if duplicate points result.

¨ Set to N to create a single point at each endpoint position and discard any duplicate points that occupy the same position in the graphics window. Note: Save Dups has no effect if you discard the points (see step 3). 3. Choose Yes to create and save the actual points, or choose No to discard them. 16

Creating lines The Line menu gives you options for creating line entities. You can access the Line menu by choosing Main Menu, Create, Line. Click on the topics below for more information. Creating a horizontal line 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Horizontal.

2.

Enter two points for the endpoints of the line.

3.

In the prompt area, enter a value to position the line on the vertical axis.

4.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create additional horizontal lines.

5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating a vertical line 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Vertical.

2.

Enter two points for the endpoints of the line.

3.

In the prompt area, enter a value to position the line on the horizontal axis.

4.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create additional vertical lines.

5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating a line between any two points 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Endpoints.

2.

Enter two points for the endpoints of the line.

3.

Repeat step 2 to create additional lines.

4.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating multiple lines connected at their endpoints 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Multi.

2.

Enter a point for the first endpoint of the first line.

3.

Enter a point for the second endpoint of the line.

Note: This point becomes the first endpoint of the next line that you create. 4.

Repeat step 3 to create additional lines.

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5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating polar lines 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Polar.

2.

Enter a point for the first endpoint of the line.

3.

In the prompt area, enter the angle of the line.

4.

Enter the length of the line.

5.

Repeat steps 2 through 4 to create additional lines.

6.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating tangent lines The Tangent Line menu gives you options for creating lines that are tangent to arcs and splines. You can access the Tangent Line menu by choosing Main Menu, Create, Line, Tangent. Click on the topics below for more information. Creating a line tangent to an arc or spline at a defined angle 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Tangent, Angle.

2.

Select an arc or spline.

Note: Select the entity close to where you want to create the tangent line because multiple solutions may be possible. 3.

In the prompt area, enter the angle of the line.

4.

Enter the length of the line.

5.

Select the line to keep.

6.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 to create additional tangent lines.

7.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Note: The line may be created on an extended portion of the selected entity. Creating a line tangent to two arcs 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Tangent, 2 arcs.

2.

Select two arcs.

Note: Select both entities close to where you want to create the tangent line because multiple solutions may be possible. 18

3.

Repeat step 2 to create additional tangent lines.

4.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Note: The line may be created on an extended portion of the selected entity. Creating a line tangent to an arc or spline through a point 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Tangent, Point.

2.

Select an arc or spline.

3.

Enter a point for the tangent line to pass through.

Note: Enter the point close to where you want to create the tangent line because multiple solutions may be possible. 4.

In the prompt area, enter the length of the line.

5.

If prompted, select the line to keep.

6.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 to create additional tangent lines.

7.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Note: The line may be created on an extended portion of the selected entity. Creating perpendicular lines The Perpendicular menu gives you options for creating lines that are perpendicular to curves. You can access the Perpendicular menu by choosing Main Menu, Create, Line, Perpendclr. Click on the topics below for more information. Creating a line perpendicular to a curve through a point 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Perpendclr, Point.

2.

Select a line, arc, or spline.

3.

Enter a point for the perpendicular line to pass through.

4.

In the prompt area, enter the length of the line.

5.

Repeat steps 2 through 4 to create additional perpendicular lines.

6.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

19

Creating a line perpendicular to a line and tangent to an arc 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Perpendclr, Arc.

2.

Select a line for the new line to be perpendicular to.

3.

Select an arc for the perpendicular line to be tangent to.

4.

In the prompt area, enter the length of the line.

5.

Select the line to keep.

6.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 to create additional perpendicular lines.

7.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Note: The line may be created on an extended portion of the selected entity. Creating parallel lines The Parallel menu gives you options for creating parallel lines. Mastercam creates each parallel line by offsetting an existing line by a defined distance or through a point. You can access the Parallel menu by choosing Main Menu, Create, Line, Parallel. Click on the topics below for more information. Creating a parallel line using an offset distance and direction 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Parallel, Side/dist.

2.

Select a line.

3.

Indicate the offset direction by left-clicking on one side or the other of the selected line.

4.

In the prompt area, enter the offset distance.

5.

Repeat steps 2 through 4 to create additional parallel lines.

6.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Note: The parallel line is the same length as the reference line selected in step 2. Creating a parallel line through a point 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Parallel, Point.

2.

Select a line.

3.

Enter a point for the parallel line to pass through.

4.

Repeat step 3 to create additional parallel lines.

5. Press [Esc] to exit the function. Note: The parallel line is the same length as the reference line selected in step 2. 20

Creating a parallel line tangent to an arc 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Parallel, Arc.

2.

Select a line.

3.

Select an arc for the parallel line to be tangent to.

4.

Select the line to keep.

5.

Repeat steps 2 through 4 to create additional parallel lines.

6.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Notes: ¨

The line may be created on an extended portion of the selected entity.

¨

The parallel line is the same length as the reference line selected in step 2.

Offsetting a single curve When Mastercam offsets a single curve, it displaces it by a defined distance and direction. The direction is perpendicular to the curve at every point along the curve relative to the current construction plane. 1.

Choose Main Menu, Xform, Offset.

2.

On the Offset dialog box, select the type of operation to perform: Move or Copy.

3.

Enter a value for Offset distance and Number of steps, then choose OK to close the dialog box.

4.

Select a line, arc, or spline in the graphics window.

5. Click on one side or the other of the selected entity to indicate the offset direction. Mastercam offsets the curve. Note: If you entered a negative offset distance on the Offset dialog box, Mastercam moves the entity in the opposite direction from the one you indicate. 6.

Repeat steps 4 and 5 to offset additional curves or press [Esc] to exit the function.

Notes: ¨ Offsetting a spline by a distance greater than the radius of the smallest curve in the spline may cause the spline to self-intersect. ¨ Offsetting an arc or circle creates a larger or smaller arc or circle, depending on the offset direction. Offsetting outside the perimeter creates a larger circle. Offsetting inside the perimeter creates a smaller circle.

21

¨ The Create, Line, Parallel function gives you several options for offsetting single lines. For more information, see Creating parallel lines.

Creating a bisecting line or a midline Note: For intersecting lines, Mastercam creates a bisecting line. For parallel lines, Mastercam creates a midline, which begins midway between the start of the first selected line and the closest endpoint of the second selected line. 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Bisect.

2.

Select two lines.

3.

In the prompt area, enter the length of the line.

4.

If prompted, select the bisecting line to keep.

Note: If the intersection point is out of view, press [Alt+F1] to fit the geometry to the screen. 5.

Repeat steps 2 through 4 to create additional bisecting lines or midlines.

6.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating a line at the closest position between two curves or a curve and a point Note: For intersecting lines, Mastercam creates a point. 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Closest.

2.

Select a line, arc, or spline.

3. Select a point, line, arc, or spline. Mastercam displays the length of the resulting entity in the prompt area. 4.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create additional lines.

5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

CREATING ARCS The Arc menu gives you options for creating arc entities (including circles). Mastercam calculates arcs in a counterclockwise direction. You can access the Arc menu by choosing Main Menu, Create, Arc. Click on the topics below for more information. Creating polar arcs The Polar Arc menu gives you options for creating arcs using polar coordinates. You can access the Polar Arc menu by choosing Main Menu, Create, Arc, Polar. Click on the topics below for more information.

22

Creating a polar arc with a defined center point and start/end angles Note: You can create a full circle by entering 0 for the initial angle and 360 for the final angle. 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Polar, Center pt.

2.

Enter a point for the center of the arc.

3.

In the prompt area, enter the radius of the arc.

4.

Enter the start angle of the arc in degrees.

5.

Enter the end angle of the arc in degrees.

6.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 to create additional arcs.

7.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating a polar arc with a defined center point and by sketching the start/end angles 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Polar, Sketch.

2.

Enter a point for the center of the arc.

3.

In the prompt area, enter the radius of the arc.

4.

Enter a point for the start angle of the arc.

5.

Enter a point for the end angle of the arc.

6.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 to create additional arcs.

7.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Note: You can create a full circle by entering the same point for the initial and final angles. Creating a polar arc with a defined starting point 1. Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Polar, Start pt. 2.

Enter a point for the starting point of the arc.

3.

In the prompt area, enter the radius of the arc.

4.

Enter the initial angle of the arc in degrees.

5.

Enter the final angle of the arc in degrees.

6.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 to create additional arcs.

7. Press [Esc] to exit the function. Note: You can create a full circle by entering 0 for the initial angle and 360 for the final angle. 23

Creating a polar arc with a defined ending point 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Polar, End pt.

2.

Enter a point for the ending point of the arc.

3.

In the prompt area, enter the radius of the arc.

4.

Enter the start angle of the arc in degrees.

5.

Enter the end angle of the arc in degrees.

6.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 to create additional arcs.

7.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Note: You can create a full circle by entering 0 for the initial angle and 360 for the final angle.

Creating an arc with a defined radius and endpoints 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Endpoints.

2.

Enter two points for the endpoints of the arc.

3.

In the prompt area, enter the radius of the arc.

4.

Select the arc to keep.

5.

Repeat steps 2 through 4 to create additional arcs.

6.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Note: The radius that you enter in step 3 must be greater than or equal to half the distance between the two points that you enter. Creating an arc with three defined edge points 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, 3 points.

2.

Enter three unique points.

3.

Repeat step 2 to create additional arcs.

4.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Note: No more than two of the points that you enter in step 2 can be collinear.

24

Creating tangent arcs The Tangent Arc menu gives you options for creating arcs that are tangent to curves and points. You can access the Tangent Arc menu by choosing Main Menu, Create, Arc, Tangent. Click on the topics below for more information. Creating an arc tangent to one arc or line 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Tangent, 1 entity.

2.

Select a line or arc.

3.

Enter a point for the arc to be tangent with the selected entity.

4.

In the prompt area, enter the radius of the arc.

5.

Select the arc to keep.

6.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 to create additional arcs.

7.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Notes: ¨ If the point that you enter in step 3 does not lie on the selected line or arc, the system projects the point along the normal vector of the selected entity. ¨

The arc may be created on an extended portion of the selected entity. Creating a circle tangent to two curves

1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Tangent, 2 entities.

2.

In the prompt area, enter the radius of the circle.

3.

Select two lines, arcs, or splines.

4.

If prompted, select the circle to keep.

5.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create additional circles.

6.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Notes: ¨ The radius that you enter in step 2 must be greater than or equal to half the distance between the closest points on the two curves that you select in step 3. ¨

You cannot create the arc between two parallel lines.

¨

The arc may be created on an extended portion of the selected entities. 25

¨ While similar to filleting two curves, this function always creates a full circle and does not give you the option to trim the selected entities Creating an arc tangent to three points, lines, and arcs 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Tangent, 3 ents/pts.

2.

Select three points, lines, and/or arcs.

Note: Choose Point entry to enter tangent points in the graphics window. 3.

Repeat step 2 to create additional arcs.

4.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Notes: ¨

You cannot create a tangent arc between three parallel lines.

¨

The arc may be created on an extended portion of the selected entities. Creating a circle tangent to a line using a defined center line

1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Tangent, Center line.

2.

Select a line for the circle to be tangent to.

3.

Select a line to pass through the center of the circle.

4.

In the prompt area, enter the radius of the circle.

5.

Select the circle to keep.

Note: If the circles are out of view, press [Alt+F1] to fit the geometry to the screen. 6.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 to create additional circles.

7.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Notes: ¨

The lines you select in steps 2 and 3 cannot be parallel to one another.

¨

The circle may be created on an extended portion of the selected line.

Creating an arc tangent to a line or arc with a defined edge point 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Tangent, Point.

26

2.

Select a line or arc for the arc to be tangent to.

3.

Enter a point for the arc to pass through.

4.

In the prompt area, enter the radius of the arc.

5.

Select the arc to keep.

6.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 to create additional arcs.

7.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Notes: ¨ The radius that you enter in step 4 must be greater than or equal to half the distance between the entity selected in step 2 and the point entered in step 3 at the closest pass between them. ¨

The arc may be created on an extended portion of the selected line. Creating an arc tangent to a curve at any position

This function creates an arc that is less than or equal to 180 degrees. 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Tangent, Dynamic.

2.

Select a line, arc, or spline. Mastercam displays a temporary arrow on the selected entity.

3.

Move the base of the arrow to a desired point, then left-click.

Note: To set the tangent point to the position of an existing point, type [S] to activate snapping, move the cursor crosshairs overt the point, then left-click. 4. Enter a point for the second endpoint of the arc. Mastercam adjusts the direction of the arc, if necessary, to maintain 180 degrees or less. 5.

Repeat steps 2 through 4 to create additional arcs.

6.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating a circle using two defined edge points 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Circ 2 pts.

2. Enter two points to lie on the edge of the circle. Mastercam calculates 180 degrees between the points and fits a circle to them. 3.

Repeat step 2 to create additional circles.

4.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

27

Creating a circle using three defined edge points 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Circ 3 pts.

2.

Enter three points to lie on the edge of the circle.

3.

Repeat step 2 to create additional circles.

4.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating a circle with a defined center point and radius 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Circ pt+rad.

2.

In the prompt area, enter the radius of the circle.

3.

Enter a point for the center of the circle.

4.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create additional circles.

5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating a circle with a defined center point and diameter 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Circ pt+dia.

2.

In the prompt area, enter the diameter of the circle.

3.

Enter a point for the center of the circle.

4.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create additional circles.

5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating a circle with defined center and edge points 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Arc, Circ pt+edg.

2.

Enter a point for the center of the circle.

3.

Enter a point to lie on the edge of the circle.

4.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create additional circles.

5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Automating and formatting arc center lines You can automatically mark the center of arcs as you create them. The mark, which can be either a point or crosshair, is real geometry that can be selected and manipulated like any other geometry. You can control

28

color, level, and style and crosshair size. Unless you change the settings, the mark uses the current system color, level, and line style. 1.

Choose Main Menu, Screen, Configure. The System Configuration dialog box opens.

2.

Choose the CAD Settings tab.

3.

Choose Center Lines (arcs) The Automatic Center Lines dialog box opens.

4.

Select Point to mark the arc center with a point, or Lines to mark the center with a crosshair.

5. To use a color different from the current system color, check Define in the Color group and either enter a color number or choose the color button to select a color from the palette. 6. To place the mark on a different level, check Define in the Level group and either enter a level number or choose Select and select a level from the Levels dialog box. 7.

To control crosshair line style, do one of the following:

¨

Check Current to use the current system line style.

¨

Check Define, then either enter a line style number or choose Select and select a style.

8.

To control crosshair line length, do one of the following:

¨ Choose Percentage of diameter and enter a percent value. The crosshair line length will be the percentage of the arc diameter you entered. ¨

Choose Fixed length and enter a line length in current units.

9.

Do one of the following:

¨

Enter or choose other defaults.

¨

Choose OK to enact all settings from all tabs and close the dialog box.

Choose Yes to update the current Configuration File. Choose No to use the settings only for the current Mastercam session. ¨ box.

Choose Cancel to abandon all changes made to this as well as to other tabs and close the dialog

Creating rectangular-shaped geometry The Rectangular Shape menu gives you options for creating rectangles and other geometric shapes (Obround, Single D, Double D, and Ellipse) that are composed of lines and/or arcs and are defined within a rectangular boundary. In addition, you have the option to create a point at the center of the rectangular shape, fillets at sharp corners on the rectangular shape, and/or a surface within the boundary of the rectangular shape. 29

To access the Rectangular Shape menu, choose Main Menu, Create, Rectangle. Click on the menu and topics below for more information.

Creating rectangular-shaped geometry with one defined placement point 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Rectangle.

2.

Choose Options.

3.

Select a rectangular shape from the list.

4.

Set the remaining parameters, then choose OK.

5.

Choose 1 point.

6.

Set parameters on the Rectangle One Point dialog box, then choose OK.

Note: Be sure to select the square that represents the placement point to use on the rectangular shape. 7.

Enter a point to position the rectangular shape in the graphics window.

8.

If prompted, enter the angle increment.

Note: The angle increment is used to calculate the number of lines contained in the ellipse shape. A smaller value results in a smoother shape. 9.

Repeat steps 7 and 8 to create the shape in additional positions in the graphics window.

10.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating rectangular-shaped geometry with two defined placement points 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Rectangle.

2.

Choose Options.

3.

Select a rectangular shape from the list.

4.

Set the remaining parameters, then choose OK.

5.

Choose 2 points.

6.

Enter two points for opposing corners of the rectangular shape.

7.

If prompted, enter the angle increment.

Note: The angle increment is used to calculate the number of lines contained in the ellipse shape. A smaller value results in a smoother shape. 8.

Repeat steps 6 and 7 to create the shape in additional positions in the graphics window. 30

9.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Note: For information on creating an ellipse that is composed of a single NURBS spline, see Creating an ellipse. Setting default rectangular shape options The CAD Settings tab of the System Configuration dialog box lets you set defaults for rectangle creation options. For more information, see Rectangle Options dialog box. 8.

Choose Main Menu, Screen, Configure. The System Configuration dialog box opens.

9.

Choose the CAD Settings tab.

10.

Choose Rectangular Shapes. The Rectangle Options dialog box opens.

11.

Check the options you want Mastercam to use by default.

12.

Choose OK to register your choices. The System Configuration dialog box reopens.

13.

Do one of the following:

¨

Enter or choose other defaults.

¨

Choose OK to enact all settings from all tabs and close the dialog box.

Choose Yes to update the current Configuration File. Choose No to use the settings only for the current Mastercam session. ¨ box.

Choose Cancel to abandon all changes made to this as well as to other tabs and close the dialog

Notes: ¨ You can change rectangular shape options by choosing Main Menu, Create, Rectangle, Options from the Main Menu. ¨

You can also access the System Configuration dialog box by pressing [Alt+F8].

Creating a polygon You can create a polygon as a NURBS spline or as a collection of individual linked lines. 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Next menu, Polygon. The Create Polygon dialog box displays.

2.

Set parameters as follows:

¨

Number of sides – Sets the number of sides for the polygon. You must have a minimum of three. 31

¨ Radius – Sets the polygon’s radius, which is the distance from the center of the polygon to the edge of the polygon. The Measure Corner option determines how Mastercam measures the radius. ¨ Rotation – Sets the angle that Mastercam uses to position one of the sides of the polygon relative to the current construction plane. ¨ Measure radius to corner – Determines how Mastercam measures the radius of the polygon. When checked, this measures the radius from the center of the polygon to the corners. When left blank, this measures the polygon from the center to the midpoint of the sides. ¨ Create NURBS - Sets the type of entity to create for the polygon. When checked, this creates the polygon as a single NURBS spline broken at the starting point. When left blank, this creates the polygon as multiple lines, each representing a side of the polygon. 3.

Choose OK.

4.

Enter a point for the center of the polygon.

5.

Repeat step 4 to create additional polygons using the current values.

6.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating multiple lines connected at their endpoints 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Line, Multi.

2.

Enter a point for the first endpoint of the first line.

3.

Enter a point for the second endpoint of the line.

Note: This point becomes the first endpoint of the next line that you create. 4.

Repeat step 3 to create additional lines.

5.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Creating an ellipse 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Next menu, Ellipse. The Create Ellipse dialog box displays.

2.

Set parameters as follows:

¨

X Axis Radius – Sets the radius of the ellipse’s horizontal axis

¨

Y Axis Radius – Sets the radius of the ellipse’s vertical axis

¨

Start Angle – Sets the angle that Mastercam begins creating the ellipse

¨

End Angle – Sets the angle that Mastercam finishes creating the ellipse 32

¨

Rotation - Sets the angle used to rotate the long axis of the ellipse about its center point

Note: The Create Ellipse dialog box includes a preview window that shows how the ellipse will look. You can press [Enter] after changing any of the parameters to see how the changes effect the ellipse. 3.

Choose OK.

4.

Enter a point for the center of the ellipse.

5.

Repeat step 4 to create additional ellipses using the current values.

6.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Notes: ¨

Mastercam creates each ellipse as a NURBS spline.

¨ You can create a partial ellipse by entering a start angle greater than 0 degrees and/or an end angle less than 360 degrees. ¨ For information on creating an ellipse shape using line segments, see Creating rectangular-shaped geometry.

Chamfering lines 1.

Choose Main Menu, Create, Next menu, Chamfer. The Chamfer dialog box displays.

2.

Select one of the following chamfer Methods:

¨ 1 Distance – Allows you to set the chamfer to equal distances from the endpoints of the two lines selected in step 4. When selected, the Parameters area displays only one Distance field. ¨ 2 Distances – Allows you to set two separate distances. When selected, the Parameters area displays two distances: Distance 1 sets the distance from the endpoint of the first line you select to be chamfered (step 4). Distance 2 sets the distance from the endpoint of the second line you select to be chamfered (step 4). ¨ Dist/Angle – Allows you to set one distance and an angle. When selected, the Parameters area displays two fields: Distance, which allows you to set the distance from the endpoint of the first line you select in step 4, and Angle, which allows you to set an angle that determines the chamfer of the second line you select in step 4. 3.

Enter the necessary distances and angle values and choose OK.

4.

Select two non-parallel lines.

5.

Repeat step 4 to create additional chamfers.

33

6.

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Notes: ¨

You can chamfer arcs using the 1 Distance and 2 Distances methods.

¨ The Trim option is selected by default, which causes Mastercam to trim the selected lines to the chamfer. Deselect this option if you do not want Mastercam to trim the selected lines. ¨ If you select the Chain selection option, Mastercam prompts you to chain entities when you return to the graphics window.

Filleting curves he Fillet menu gives you options for filleting curves. When you fillet curves, you create an arc of a defined radius tangent to the curves. By default, Mastercam trims the curves to the fillet, although you have the option to turn off trimming. You can access the Fillet menu by choosing Main Menu, Modify, Fillet or by choosing Main Menu, Create, Fillet. Click on the menu and topics below for more information.

34

Radius – Determines the size of the resulting fillets. Angle Determines the sweep of the fillet arc. This option toggles between S, L, and F. Choose S (Smaller) to create fillets that are smaller than 180 degrees, L (Larger) to create fillets that are larger than 180 degrees, or F (Full) to create fillets that are full circles (360 degrees).

Trim - Determines whether Mastercam trims the selected curves to the fillet. This option is a Yes/No toggle. Choose Y to activate trimming or N to deactivate trimming. Chain - Displays the Chaining Methods menu where you can select chains of curves to create fillets at sharp corners along the chains. See Filleting corners along chains of curves for more information. CW /CWW – Determines which corners are used to create fillets along the chains of curves. This option toggles between A, P, and N. Choose A to create fillets along all corners, P to create fillets at positive, or counterclockwise (CCW) corners (relative to the chaining direction), or N to create fillets at negative, or clockwise (CW) corners (relative to the chaining direction).

Notes: ¨

This option applies only when Filleting corners along chains of curves.

¨ The ability to fillet only inside or outside corners of a chained boundary is particularly useful during geometry creation for wire EDM parts (punches and dies). These parts often require different radius values on inside versus outside corners in order to provide adequate corner clearance. 35

Filleting two curves 1. Choose Main Menu, Modify, Fillet. Mastercam displays the Fillet menu and shows the default menu values in the prompt area. 2. To change the size of the fillets (optional), choose Radius, then enter a value for radius in the prompt area. 3.

To change the sweep of the fillets (optional), toggle Angle