Mastercam 2017 Interface Tutorial

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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Mastercam 2017 Interface Copyright: 1998 -2017 In-House Solutions Inc. All rights reserved Software: Mastercam 2017 Author: Mariana Lendel ISBN: 978-1-77146-643-1 Revision Date: April 29, 2016 Notice In-House Solutions Inc. reserves the right to make improvements to this manual at any time and without notice. Disclaimer Of All Warranties And Liability In-House Solutions Inc. makes no warranties, either express or implied, with respect to this manual or with respect to the software described in this manual, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. In-House Solutions Inc. manual is sold or licensed "as is." The entire risk as to its quality and performance is with the buyer. Should the manual prove defective following its purchase, the buyer (and not In-House Solutions Inc., its distributor, or its retailer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, of correction and any incidental or consequential damages. In no event will In-House Solutions Inc. be liable for direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the manual, even if In-House Solutions Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. Copyrights This manual is protected under International copyright laws. All rights are reserved. This document may not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior consent, in writing, from In-House Solutions Inc. Trademarks Mastercam is a registered trademark of CNC Software, Inc. Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, MS, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Windows 8 and Windows 10, are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. This document requires Mastercam Mill and Solids for Chapter 5.

Legend Conventions Key words and Mastercam menu items are shown in bold the first time they are used. Columns on the outside edges of each page and note pages at the end of each chapter provide ample space for taking notes. Useful tips, recommended settings, best practices, and detailed instruction on the most important features are included when possible.

Terms The following terms are used throughout this book. • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Left Click means to click once on the left mouse button. Click means the same as left click. Right Click means to click once on the right mouse button. Scroll means to roll the mouse scroll wheel, or move the scroll index in a list. Options are Mastercam functions selected from the main menu. Enter means to select the key on your computer keyboard. Press means to press on a keyboard key. Choose means to select a menu option or button. Open/Close means to open or close a dialog or information box. Dialog Box/Panel is a window that opens to allow input of information and setting of defaults. Drop Down/Flyout Menus are menus that expand down, left, right, or up, to reveal more menu lists. A Function is the same as a menu option or command. Help means the Mastercam help files loaded with your software.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

Mastercam 2017 Interface OBJECTIVES This book explains the overall design and use of Mastercam’s 2017 Graphical User Interface (GUI).  First you will study the GUI layout and interface components including Ribbon Tabs, Hot Keys, Dialog Boxes and Panels.  You will learn how to configure and customize Mastercam to suit your own preferences and maximize productivity.  A detailed explanation about the new ribbon tabs and where the commands and functions that you used in previous versions are located will conclude this book.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE An illustration of the Mastercam workspace is shown below. Because this workspace is dynamic and customizable, your screen may appear somewhat different from that shown. For instructional purposes, this example shows notes and interface components that are not normally displayed together. For example, the Grid is active, and Drop Down menu and Panel are shown off-sett from their normal position for clarity.

Item Window Control Quick Access Toolbar

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Definition Minimize, Restore Down or Close Mastercam. Groups functions that are most used and displays them as Icons. Icons are picture representations of functions.

Backstage

By selecting FILE you open the Backstage where you have access to functions that are used to open, save, and manage MCAM and other file types.

Ribbon Tabs

The Ribbon tabs allows you to select all Mastercam functions from a list of words across the top of the workspace. These tabs open ribbons with specific commands.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Item

Definition

Panels/ Dialog boxes

A window that opens to allow input of information and setting options. Dialog boxes are tailored for specific functions and often feature descriptive graphics to simplify user input.

Drop-down Menu Graphic Area Origin

Menus that expand downward. Area where geometry and toolpaths are created, edited, and displayed. Intersection of X, Y, Z axes.

Mouse Cursor

Shows mouse location. Appears as a cross hair over the graphic area and as arrow when over a menu item.

Mini Toolbar

Displays the current attributes and allows the users to quick change them.

RMB

Right Mouse Button. Clicking on Right Mouse Button with cursor in the graphics area opens the RMB menu.

Function Prompt

Prompts for user input. Provide information and prompts for next expected action

Plane Information

Information regarding the active planes, and WCS (Work Coordinate System)

Toolpaths/Solids/Planes/ Levels Managers/Recent Functions

Toolpaths manager panel lists the toolpath operations allowing you to generate, sort, edit, regenerate, verify, backplot, and post any operation. Solids panel displays the history of the solid operations and allows you to view, manage, and edit solids and solid operations. Planes manager allows you to set the current Graphic view, the World Coordinate System, the Construction plane and the Tool plane. Levels manager allows you to manage the level settings for the current part file. Recent Function panel displays a list with the latest functions used.

Quick Mask buttons

Allows you to select entities based on an specific criteria. In Mastercam 2017 the buttons are divided in half. Clicking on the left side of the button you select all entities that are matching the mask function. Clicking on the right side of the Mask button you select only the entities that are matching the mask function.

Keyboard Command

Not shown. Keyboard Function keys [F1-F12] and other key combinations can be assigned to functions.

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MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Ribbon Interface Mastercam 2017 features a new ribbon interface that is similar with other software such as Microsoft Office products. With this new interface it is easier to find the functions you need to complete your part. The nine ribbon tabs allow you access every function available in the software. Each ribbon tab is a list of similar functions displayed from simple to more complex. Each tab contains groups of commands specific to a type of activity. The ribbon tabs combine icons with text which makes finding a function very easy. To hide the ribbons and gain more space in the graphics window, double click in the tab area as shown in Figure: 1. Figure: 1

To display the ribbons back, double click again in the tab area as shown in Figure: 2. Figure: 2

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

There are designated ribbon tabs to create or to manipulate the geometry using wireframe, surfaces or solids. Special ribbon tab is allocated to dimension the geometry. You also have a specific Machine tab that includes your machines. Selecting a machine will open a contextual tab that contains all the toolpaths and related functions that can be used with the machine. To move from one tab to the next one you can hover the cursor above the tab area and scroll up the mouse wheel to move to the next tab on the left or scroll down the mouse wheel to move to the next tab to the right. To start a command you select the specific ribbon tab and the ribbon opens along the top edge of the graphics area. In the ribbon, you then click on the command icon. One of the most common ways to work with Mastercam is shown in Figure: 3. Choose a function by moving the cursor over it until the icon and text background color change, and then left click once. This causes a panel or a dialog box to appear. Make the desired changes in the function panel and follow the prompts. Select the OK button to finish the command. Figure: 3

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MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Quick Access Toolbar New in Mastercam 2017, the Quick Access Toolbar is located at the upper left corner of the screen. By default, Quick Access Toolbar has the following functions, shown in Figure: 4. Figure: 4

Mastercam File (Backstage) Functions By selecting FILE you open the Backstage where you have access to functions that are used to open, save, and manage Mastercam files and other file types.

Click FILE to access the Backstage view.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

You can also access information about the current file, customize the interface, open the help, or connect with the Mastercam community. The following functions are available in the Backstage view.

The Community tab is new in Mastercam 2017. This tab links your Mastercam installation to your Mastercam.com user account. It also manages your feedback to improve the quality of the software. Customer Satisfaction Survey rates Mastercam quality , usefulness and ease of use.

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MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Manager Panels In the VIEW tab, the Managers group allows you to toggle the display of the Toolpaths, Solids, Planes, Levels, Groups and Recent Functions panels. It also allows you to access the Multi-Threading Manager and if you purchased Art, the Art Manager can be activated here too.

Once the managers are selected, the respective panels should appear on the left side of the graphics window as shown.

To hide all panels, click on the Auto Hide icon.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

The panels will be hidden to the left of the graphics window as shown.

To re-open the panels you can click on one of the managers’ tabs. To dock the panel click again on the pin icon.

Grid The Grid superimposes a pattern of dots and dashed lines on the drawing space. Evenly spaced dots provide a visual cue of the approximate size and location of part features. Furthermore, the center of the grid shows the part origin. Activate the grid dialog box by selecting the VIEW then select the Grid dialog launcher as shown.

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MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

The Grid Settings dialog box appears as shown.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

General Selection bar In Mastercam 2017, the General Selection Bar is a combination between AutoCursor and General Selection from the previous version of Mastercam.

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MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Quick Mask Buttons The Quick Mask buttons allow the quick selection of all the entities of a specified type, attribute, diameter, or length. The QM buttons are located to the left in the graphics window as shown.

New to Mastercam 2017, the buttons are divided in two sections. The left upper side allows you to select all entities that can be grouped based on their type or specific attributes. The right lower side of the button allows you to select only entities similarly grouped. For example, to select all lines, click on the left upper side of the button to Select all line entities button as shown.

To select only entities that are lines, click on the right lower side of the button to Select only line entities as shown.

The following Quick Mask buttons are available in Mastercam. Item Select all/only point entities Select all/only line entities

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Definition Selects all/only points from the graphics window. Selects all/only lines from the graphics window.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Item Select all/only arc entities Select all/only spline entities Select all/only wireframe entities

Definition Selects all/only arcs from the graphics window. Selects all/only splines from the graphics window. Selects all/only wireframe entities from the graphics window.

Select all/only drafting entities

Selects all/only drafting entities from the graphics window.

Select all/only surface entities

Selects all/only surfaces from the graphics window.

Select all/only surface curve entities Select all/only polygonal mesh entities Select all/only solid entities

Selects all/only surface curve from the graphics window. Selects all/only polygonal meshes from the graphics window. Selects all/only solids from the graphics window.

Select all/only results entities

Selects all/only entities that were create after a transform command.

Select all/only group entities

Selects all/only entities that were selected in a transform command.

Select all/only entities by color

Selects all/only entities that have the same color from the graphics window.

Select all/only advanced

Opens Select all dialog box in which you can filter entities to be selected based on common type, attributes or properties.

Clear selection/all masking

Unselect all selected entities or all masked entities from the graphics window.

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Select all advanced button allows you to select all the entities that have the same combined conditions.

The following dialog box appears on the screen. In this case you can select same type of entities that also have the same attributes.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

The Select only advanced button opens a dialog box that lets you configure the cursor to only select entities of a specified type, attribute diameter or length.

For example, to select only arcs of a specified diameter, click to place a checkmark by the Miscellaneous option and then click on the Miscellaneous button. Then enable Diameter and enter a value in its field. Exit the Select Only dialog box and pick entities from the graphic area.

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Mini Toolbar and Right Mouse Click Options The main difference in the Right Mouse click in Mastercam 2017 is the new Mini toolbar that allows you to quick change entities’ attributes, the construction mode and the z depth of the construction plane.

The commands that are included in the Mini toolbar are shown in Figure: 5. Figure: 5

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

Mastercam 2017 allows you to transform the Mini toolbar to be able to access the attributes at all times as you did with the Status bar in previous Mastercam versions. Click on the Toggle Attributes Panel icon to lock the toolbar as shown. The toolbar should look as shown.

To re-attached the Mini toolbar to the Right Mouse Click, select the Toggle Attributes Panel icon again. A simplified Status Bar exists in Mastercam 2017 at the bottom of the graphics window. You can use it to quick modify the construction mode, the Cplane, the Tplane and the WCS plane as well as to set the appearance options for surfaces and solids.

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CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE

CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE Customizing Quick Access Toolbar New in Mastercam 2017, the Quick Access Toolbar is located at the upper left corner of the screen. By default, Quick Access Toolbar has the following functions shown in Figure: 6 . Figure: 6

You can move the QAT above or below the ribbon and you can customize it as needed.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE

You can customize Mastercam’s Quick Access Toolbar, Ribbon tabs, drop-down menus, and RMB menus using the FILE, Options dialog box. You can Add, Remove functions from the toolbar or you can Reset the toolbar to the original functions that Mastercam installation provides. The Options dialog box with the Quick Access Toolbar should look as shown.

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CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE

The ability to customize Mastercam is a powerful tool for improving productivity. To add a new command to the QAT, you have to find first the command in the ribbon. Then right mouse click on it and select Add to Quick Access Toolbar. For example, to add Clear Colors to the QAT, from the HOME ribbon, right mouse click on the Clear Colors icon as shown.

The QTA should look as shown.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE

Create a New Ribbon Tab Create a custom Ribbon Tab using the FILE, Options dialog box. From the Options dialog box select Customize Ribbon. Select New Tab button to create a new tab and a new group. Mastercam will automatically create a tab named New Tab (Custom) with a group named New Group (Custom). Rename both tab and group. Click on the Choose command from drop down arrow to display a list with all the Mastercam commands. Select the command you want to be added in the new group and click on the Add button. For example, you may want to create a toolbar with your favorite geometry creation commands as shown in Figure: 7. Figure: 7

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE

From the All Commands, select another function and click on Add. Repeat this step until you created a group with all the functions you desire, as shown in Figure: 8. Select the OK button to finish. Figure: 8

• • • • • •

Step 1: Select New Tab. Step 2: Rename the tab and the group. Step 3: Select the category from where you can select the command you want. Step 4: Select the command that you want to add. Step 5: Click on the Add button. Step 6: Select the OK button to finish.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE

The My Tab ribbon should look as shown.

If you want to create another group that contains, for example, the toolpaths that you are usually using, follow the same method and create a new group by selecting New group.

Customize the Context Menu (RMB Menu) Change drop-down and context menu (right mouse button menus) using the Options dialog box. For example, you could customize the RMB like the one shown in Figure: 9 to select all common geometry creation and editing commands without moving the mouse away from the work area. Figure: 9

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CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE

• • • • • • • • •

Step 1: Select Context Menu. Step 2: Change Category to Geometry. Step 3: Click on the last function to add the submenu below it. Step 4: From the Category select Create Line Endpoint. Step 5: Select the Add button. Step 6: Right mouse click on the Line Endpoint and select the Create submenu. Step 7: Rename the submenu Geometry and click on the plus sign to expand it. Step 4: Repeat the process to add the rest of the geometry functions. Step 5: Select Add button.

The Context Menu dialog box should look as shown.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE

Key Mapping Key Mapping allows you to assign keyboard shortcuts, which are single or pairs of keyboard selections to execute Mastercam functions. There are two types of hot keys: • Function Keys (F1 thru F12). • Letters or numbers selected with Alt or Ctrl (example: Alt-S). Assign keyboard shortcuts using the FILE, Options dialog box and then in the Quick Access Toolbar, select the Customize button. Pick the Category and then the command from the list as shown in Figure: 10. In the Press new shortcut key enter the key combination as shown in Figure: 10. Select the Assign button to finish. Figure: 10

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HOME RIBBON

HOME RIBBON The HOME ribbon allows you to copy/paste, set the attributes, delete/undelete entities, set some of the display options, analyze the geometry and open the C-hook directory as shown in Figure: 11. Figure: 11

Clipboard group

Attributes group

Attributes group is used to set the drawing attributes such as color, line style, and line width. Any new geometry will be created using the active attributes.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

HOME RIBBON

In Mastercam 2017, to set the attributes, you have to make sure first that no entities are selected. Then you can select the attribute or a group of attributes that you want to use while creating the geometry. To change an attribute for one or more selected entities, you need first to select the entities and then to select and set the attribute.

If you want to change a group of attributes, click on the Set All icon and then select the entities that you want to change the attributes. The Attributes dialog box will open as shown.

Organize group

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HOME RIBBON

Organize allows you to set the Z depth of the construction plane. It also allows you to set the main level on which you will create the geometry or change the level of existing entities. Delete group

Delete group allows you to delete selected entities, permanently remove entities that are not associative, duplicate entities or undelete entities that you erased by mistake. Here are some fast and easy ways to pick entities and delete them. • Pick Single Entities: Click once with the left mouse button on the entity to select it. • Window Entities: Click and hold the left mouse button and drag the cursor to form a rectangle around them. Click and then release the button. • Chain Select: Hold down the Shift key and click on an entity to select. After selecting the entities, select the Delete key on the keyboard or the Delete icon to delete the entities. Display group

Display area, allows you to use the Hide/Unhide function, display the arc center points, endpoints and to remove entities from the screen using the Blank function.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

VIEW RIBBON

Analyze group

Analyze area allows you to analyze the entity properties and to edit some or all properties. You can also analyze the position of a point, a distance between two points, a contour or a chain. You can analyze all entity types such as lines, arcs, points, splines, surfaces, solids and drafting dimensions. Add-Ins group

VIEW RIBBON VIEW Ribbon allows you to change your view of the entities in the graphics window using the zoom functions and the graphics view. You can also change the appearance of the surfaces or solids, set the managers that are active, and set the display of the axes or gnomons. You can set and display the grid, control the rotation position and set the viewsheets as shown in Figure: 12. Figure: 12

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VIEW RIBBON

Zoom group

Mastercam offers several zoom options to change your view of entities in the graphics window. To zoom in and out you can also scroll up and down the mouse wheel once you select a focus point on the part.

Named Graphic Views Mastercam predefines seven of the most commonly used Graphic views and Construction planes: Top, Front, Right, Left, Back, Bottom, and Isometric, as shown in Figure: 13. Later you will learn how to select and create Construction planes in any orientation. Figure: 13

View Names

Changing Views Mastercam provides many ways to change views, including: • Graphics View in the VIEW Ribbon. • Keyboard View Commands. • Right Mouse View Commands.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

Isometric View

VIEW RIBBON

The Graphics Views can be set from the Graphics View group of the VIEW ribbon.

The Views can also be changed using the mouse. Hold the mouse wheel down and move the mouse to either Pan or Dynamic change view, depending on the settings in the system configuration. New in 2017, you can hold down the S key and the mouse wheel to rotate the part. It will snap to the standard graphic view closer to your current rotation.

NOTE: You have to be fairly close to the standard view for Mastercam to snap to it. This method does not change the construction plane. In Mastercam 2017, you can also rotate the part about one of the axis if you hold down X, Y or Z key and use the mouse wheel to rotate the part.

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Keyboard Commands These are the most commonly used view keyboard commands: Function

Key(s)

Function

Key(s)

Zoom

F1

Top View

Alt+1

Fit Screen

Alt+F1

Front View

Alt+2

Unzoom

F2

Right View

Alt+5

Repaint

F3

Isometric View

Alt+7

Appearance group The Appearance area allows you to choose different shading display options. Applying shading to surfaces and solids in the graphics window helps you visualize 3D geometry while you work.

Use this area to set other shading parameters such as hidden edges, material appearance, translucency, lighting mode and other properties.

Managers group The Managers area allows you to toggle the display of the Toolpaths, Solids, Planes, Levels, Groups and Recent Functions panels. It also allows you to access the Muti-Threading Manager and if you purchased Art, the Art Manager can be activated here too.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

WIREFRAME RIBBON Wireframe geometry commands are selectable from the WIREFRAME Tab. Figure 14 shows the commands used to create wireframe geometry. The commands are arranged in groups based on entity types or specific activity. The groups are displayed in the ribbon from basic to more complex functions. Figure 14

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

Enter Coordinate Values and AutoCursor Toolbar During geometry creation, AutoCursor automatically finds and locks (snaps) to geometry features. For example, as the cursor approaches the endpoint of an existing line, the cursor jumps and locks onto it. In Mastercam 2017, the AutoCursor is located in the General Selection bar. Figure 15 shows what options Mastercam has to preselect geometric features using the AutoCursor. Figure 15

To enter the coordinates of a point you can press Space bar or simply start to type the X, Y, Z coordinate values. The values are separated by commas and should be entered in this order; first the X value, then a comma, then the Y value followed by a comma and then the Z value. Press Enter to finish the point. If you enter the specific label (X, Y or Z) in front of the value, you do not need to enter the coordinates in the specified order. Figure 16 shows examples of how to enter the coordinate values. Figure 16

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

Configure AutoCursor Dialog

Use AutoCursor Settings to disable or enable the geometric features AutoCursor will sense.

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

Undo/Redo As you work, Mastercam keeps track of your actions. If you make a mistake, click on the Undo icon (left arrow) to undo the action

or press Ctrl Z. Continue clicking on the Undo button to undo the next previous action. The

Redo (right arrow) function reverses Undo actions

or press Ctrl Y. The Undo and Redo icons are located in the

QAT.

Retrieving Numeric Data As in the previous versions of Mastercam, right click in any data field in Mastercam to retrieve numeric data from existing geometry. Figure 17 shows a right click with the cursor in the angle field on the Line Endpoints panel. This opens a drop-down menu. Select the geometry feature to query, and then follow the function prompts. Figure 17

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

Lines Create lines by selecting the WIREFRAME tab, then select the type of the line from the Lines group as shown in Figure 18. Figure 18

New command, in Mastercam 2017, the Line Normal command allows you to create a line perpendicular to a surface or a solid face. You can also create points where the line contacts the surface or at the endpoint of the line. This command was under the Create Point Dynamic in previous versions. In the Line Normal panel you should enter the Length. You will be prompted to select the surface or the solid face and then to select the locations to create the normal lines.

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

The Line Normal panel should look as shown.

Term Line Normal Entity

Reselect Length Direction

OK and Create New Operation OK

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Definition Panel identifier. Contact point creates points at the contact point between the line and the surface. End point creates points at the other endpoint of the normal line. Without any of the entities selected, Mastercam will create just the normal line. Allows you to select another location for the normal line. Sets the line normal length. Normal creates the line on the surface or surface solid in the same direction as the surface normal. Reverse Normal will reverse the normal line direction. Both creates the normal line in both directions. Creates the line but keeps panel open allowing you to continue in the same command. Creates the line but also leaves the line command, same as selecting the [ESC] key.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

Line Panels The Line panels control values and relations of lines. Line parameters can be changed until the OK and Create New operation or OK buttons are selected to complete its creation. Until then, the entity is said to be "live" and is a cyan color. When fully defined, the line changes to the default drawing color. The Line Endpoint panel is shown in Figure 19. Figure 19

Term Line Endpoint Mode

Definition Panel identifier. Freeform allows you to draw the line at any desired angle. Tangent specifies a line to be tangent to arc or spline. When this option is active, the line will be tangent to the arc if no other geometric feature, such as an endpoint or quadrant, is selected. Horizontal draws a horizontal line. Vertical draws a vertical line. X axis offset-value of a vertical line, Y axis offset-value of a horizontal line. When either the Vertical or Horizontal is active, the horizontal/ vertical position value allows users to set the X or Y position of the line.

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

Term

Definition

Type

Two endpoints allows you to create one line at the time entering the two endpoints. Multi-line creates a string of lines.

Endpoint 1

Changes the value of the start point.

Endpoint 2

Changes the value of the end point.

Length

Enters/displays the length of line.

Angle

Enters/displays the angle of line.

Axis Offset

Moves a live line by a defined distance along X and Y axis.

OK and Create New Operation

Creates the line but keeps panel open allowing you to continue in the same command.

OK

Creates line but also leave the line create option, same as selecting the [ESC] key.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

More Line Options Other functions on the line drop-down menu are shown below:

You should be able to create lines using any of these options by simply following the function prompts. If you have problems, use the online help [Alt-H].

Arcs Create arcs by selecting WIREFRAME, from the Arcs group select the desired command as shown.

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

Arc Panels The Arc panels controls values and relations of arc entities as they are being created. The arc panel changes depending on the type of arc selected. Circle center point command is the most common selection. It uses the following panel as shown in Figure 20. Figure 20

Function Circle Center Point Mode

Center Point Reselect

Definition Title box: identifies this as the Circle Center Point panel. Manual allows you to create full circles from a center point. Tangent allows you to create circles tangent to existing entity given a center point Edits the center point while arc is live.

Radius

Radius input. Press space bar and enter R to jump to this field. Click on the locker icon to lock the value.

Diameter

Input diameter. Press space bar and enter D to jump to this field. Click on the locker icon to lock the value.

OK and Create New Operation

Creates the circle but keeps the panel open to continue to create another circle.

OK

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Completes the circle and exits the command.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

Depending on the arc option selected, the following options may appear on other arc panels. Arc Tangent

Circle Edge Point

Arc Polar

Arc Polar Endpoints

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

Creating Arcs Follow the steps below to create a circle with center point at (X1,Y1) and diameter of 0.5 inch. • Step 1: Select the WIREFRAME tab and from the Arcs group select the Circle Center Point icon.

• Step 2: Enter D on the keyboard and set the arc diameter to 0.5 inch. If creating several arcs with the same diameter, click on the locker icon

to lock the diameter.

• Step 3: Press the spacebar on the computer keyboard to open the coordinates field and enter 1,1. Press the Enter key. A Cyan colored circle is displayed, indicating the circle is a "live" entity. Altering parameters on the ribbon bar can still change live entities.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

• Step 4: Complete the arc using any of the following options: • Click on the OK button in the Circle Center Point panel shown in Step 2 above or Press the Esc key on the keyboard.

More Arc Options Other arc options on the Arcs group are shown below:

You should be able to create arcs using any of these options by simply following the function prompts. If you have problems, use the on-line help [Alt+H].

Fillet A Fillet is an arc between two entities. The Fillet Entities and Fillet Chain commands are located in the Modify group as shown.

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

Fillet Entities Panel The fillet panel controls the radius, fillet style, and trim choice.

Mastercam has five fillet styles: Normal, Inverse, Circle, Clearance and new in Mastercam 2017 Relief.

Creating a Relief using Fillet command Follow the steps below to create a Relief fillet between two lines. • Step 1: Select the WIREFRAME ribbon and from the Modify group, select the Fillet Entities icon.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

• Step 2: Set the fillet Style, Radius and Trim in the Fillet Entities panel.

• Step 3: Select the first line as the tangent edge for the fillet. • Step 4: Select the second line to fillet. • Step 5: Select the OK to create the fillet.

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

Chamfer Entities Panel The Chamfer Entities panel works similar to Fillet and provides several ways to define the chamfer. Select the chamfer Style and fill in any open fields. Function prompts will pop up in the graphic area to help you select entities to create the chamfer.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

Point Mastercam displays points using one of eight point styles. To set the point style, in Mastercam 2017, right mouse click in the graphics window to open the Mini Toolbar. Click on the arrow to the right side of the Point Style in the Mini Toolbar and select the desired style as shown.

You can also use the same steps from the HOME ribbon in the Attributes group.

Point Commands To create points, select WIREFRAME and from the Points group select the drop down arrow next to the Point Position and choose the desired point command.

New in Mastercam 2017 is the Point Dynamic command which creates a point along an entity by dragging the cursor along the entity and clicking. This command was under the Create Point Dynamic in previous versions.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

The Point Dynamic panel looks as shown.

Item

Definition

Distance along

Specifies the position of the point on the selected entity. Enter a value in the Along field, and select an entity on which to place the point.

Point Position Panel Point Position panel below allows editing of the point coordinates while the point is live.

Item Point Position Mode

Reselect

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Definition Title box: Identifies this as the Point Position panel. Point allows you to create a point from existing geometry or by entering X, Y, Z coordinates. Thread Point allows you to create a thread point that specifies where a wire machine threads the wire. Cut Point allows you to create a cut point that specifies where a wire machine cuts the wire. Allow editing of the point coordinates while the entity is still live.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

Depending on the point option selected, the following options may appear on other point ribbon bars. Point Segment

Point Small Arcs

Create Points Follow the steps below to create a point given its X,Y coordinates. • Step 1: Select the WIREFRAME tab and from the Points group select the Point Position command.

• Step 2: Press the Spacebar on the computer keyboard to open the coordinates field and enter 1,1. Press the Enter key. This places a point at the coordinates: X1, Y1.

• Step 3: Complete the point by pressing Enter and then selecting the OK button in the Point Position panel.

More Point Function You should be able to create points using any of these options by simply following the function prompts. If you have problems, use Mastercam help (Alt-H).

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

Trim Break Extend Options In Mastercam, entities are trimmed, broken or extended using the same Trim Break Extend function.To trim or extend entities, select the WIREFRAME tab and from the Modify group click on the Trim Break Extend icon as shown below.

New command, in Mastercam 2017, the Break at Points command allows you to break lines, arcs and splines at points that lies on them. You have to have the points already created along the entities and to include them in the selection. Use window selection to include the points.

Trim Break Extend Panel In the Mode area you can set the command to Trim or to Break entities. The rest of the options are define as shown.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

More Wireframe Geometry Options Mastercam has many wireframe geometry commands to make your job easier. For example, the Rectangular shapes command creates rectangles, obrounds, and D-holes. You could create these objects using line and arc commands. However, the rectangle shapes command makes creating these shapes easier by defining them with settings and parameters. Shapes Group Commands The following commands are organized in the Shapes group.

Rectangle Options Create a rectangle by selecting the WIREFRAME tab and selecting Rectangle icon from the Shapes group as shown below.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

Rectangle Panel The Rectangle option uses the panel shown below.

Letters Create letters by selecting the WIREFRAME tab, Create Letters icon from the Shapes group as shown.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

The following options are available in the Create Letters dialog box.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

Bounding Box From WIREFRAME tab, select Bounding Box to create wireframe geometry, a solid model, or a stock model around selected entities. The command creates a rectangular or a cylindrical shape. This function is especially useful to determine the overall dimensions of a part. New, in Mastercam 2017, you can create now center points on each face of the box. The Bounding Box Basic tab should look as shown.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

The Bounding Box Advanced tab should look as shown.

Drafting Mastercam has extensive drafting capabilities. Unless you are doing tool design, you probably do not need to create detailed drawings. However, some basic dimensioning skills are useful for creating setup sheets, documenting your work for future reference, or communicating your ideas to others. All the drafting commands are in the DRAFTING tab as shown.

To learn more about drafting functions, select Alt-H for Mastercam Help.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

The following groups and options are available in the DRAFTING ribbon.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

WIREFRAME RIBBON

The Drafting panel for the Smart Dimension command should look as shown.

In the Basic tab, you can choose the mode in which you create the dimension between Auto, Horizontal and Vertical. You can add the display for the arc symbols and modify the appearance of the witness lines. The leaders arrow direction can be set here as well as the editing the text, format and height.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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WIREFRAME RIBBON

The Advanced tab allows you to set the text position and select the drafting Options.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

TRANSFORM RIBBON

TRANSFORM RIBBON Transform geometry by selecting a function from TRANSFORM tab as shown in Figure 21. Figure 21

Item Dynamic Rotate Translate Translate To Plane (Translate 3D) Project Move to Origin Mirror Roll

Definition Used to manipulate geometry orientation and location through the use of an interactive gnomon. Rotates about Origin or point. Moves, copies or joins the geomery in X-Y coordinate system. Translates between views, or planes. Projects entities to a depth, plane, or surface. Moves your geometry to the Origin. Flips about an axis, line, or two points. Used to wrap/unwrap entities around a cylinder.

Offset Entity

Used to to move, copy, join, or slot a single entity parallel to the original, generating it a defined distance and perpendicular to the original entity.

Offset Chain

Used to move, copy, join or slot one or more chained entities, displacing them by a defined distance and direction and, optionally, a depth.

Geometry Nesting

Automatically transform and copy entities to fit within a specified space.

Rectangular Array

Makes copies in a circular or linear pattern.

Distribute Scale Stretch

Create multiple copies of geometry between two defined points and along a vector. Makes a larger or smaller drawing. Moves entities and automatically update connected geometry.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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TRANSFORM RIBBON

A new option in the Scale, the Scale Calculator, allows you to calculate the scale factor based on existing geometry. You define the Base by entering or selecting an existing entity Line, Diameter, Radius or the distance between two points. Then in the Result you set the value that you wish the base to become.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

SOLIDS RIBBON

SOLIDS RIBBON Create solids by selecting Solids commands from the SOLIDS tab as shown.

New to Mastercam 2017, Impression allows you to create a solid body from a closed chain and a negative impression of an existing solid as shown in Figure: 22. Figure: 22

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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MODEL PREP RIBBON

Create a Solid Impression Follow the steps below to create the Solid Impression. • Step 1: Create a boundary around the original solid, using Silhouette Boundary command. • Step 2: Use Offset Contour command and offset inside the boundary with a very small amount such as 0.005". • Step 3: From the Solids tab, select Impression icon. • Step 4: Select the boundary. • Step 5: Select the solid.

MODEL PREP RIBBON Model Prep allows you to edit an existing solid by using options such as move faces or edges, move or copy existing features, split solid faces, modify or remove features or fillets, create hole axis, simplify and remove all history, and modify solid face color or set feature colors. Modify the solids by selecting the MODEL PREP tab as shown.

The commands from the SOLIDS and MODEL PREP ribbons are working in the same way as in previous Mastercam versions.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

SURFACES RIBBON

SURFACES RIBBON Surfaces supported by Mastercam and where are they located in Mastercam 2017 are shown in the ribbon below.

To create a surface you are following the same steps as in previous Mastercam version. The main difference is that instead of the ribbon bar, the command will open a panel where the surface options will be available to set. For example, the ribbon bar in the Surface Revolve will be replaced by the panel shown in Figure: 23. Figure: 23

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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MACHINE RIBBON

MACHINE RIBBON The MACHINE tab allows you also to set the Control Definition, Machine Definition and the Material. You can start the Backplot and Verify simulations as well as the Machine Simulation. Note that you can still open Backplot and Verify from the Toolpaths Manager.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

TOOLPATHS RIBBON

TOOLPATHS RIBBON Note that by default there are no toolpath functions displayed in the ribbons. To activate the toolpaths, you first need to choose a machine from the MACHINE tab. As soon as you choose a machine, one or two new tabs known as contextual tabs will appear on the screen that will include all the related toolpaths. The TOOLPATHS tab for a mill machine starts with 2D toolpath group, moving to 3D toolpaths and finally to the Multiaxis toolpath group as shown.

Lathe and Mill-Turn machines include multiple tabs. For example the Lathe contextual tabs include Turning and Milling tabs as shown.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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TOOLPATHS RIBBON

To see all the toolpaths that are included in a group you can click on the Expand library arrow and the Toolpath gallery will appear as shown in Figure: 24. Figure: 24

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

TOOLPATHS RIBBON

Note that in Mastercam 2017, the Toolpath gallery for the 3D toolpath group does not include some of the legacy toolpaths from the previous Mastercam toolpaths such as Shallow or Leftover.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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You can access all the Legacy toolpaths in the Toolpaths Manager, right mouse click and select Mill toolpaths as shown in Figure: 25. Figure: 25

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

LEVELS MANAGER

LEVELS MANAGER With the Levels Manager, you can set the active level, choose a level on which to create entities, select which levels are visible in the graphics window, and much more. To open Levels Manager, make sure that in the VIEW tab, Managers group, Levels is enabled as shown.

The Levels Manager panel will be placed to the left side of the graphics window and you can open it by clicking on the Levels tab as shown.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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LEVELS MANAGER

The Levels Manager options should look as shown in Figure 27. Figure 26

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

CONSTRUCTION PLANES (CPLANES)

CONSTRUCTION PLANES (CPLANES) Mastercam predefines the most commonly used Cplanes -- those aligned with the coordinate system XYZ axes. These can be selected from the Planes Manager, or the Status Bar. To open Planes Manager, make sure that in the VIEW tab, Managers group, the Planes are enabled as shown.

The Planes Manager panel will be placed to the left side of the graphics window and you can open it by clicking on the Planes tab as shown.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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CONSTRUCTION PLANES (CPLANES)

The Planes Manager options should look as shown in Figure 27. Figure 27

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

CONSTRUCTION PLANES (CPLANES)

Item Create a new plane

Definition Allows you to select one of the options to defined a new plane.

From Geometry

Defines a Cplane by selecting a flat entity, two lines, or three points. A flat entity is an arc, 2D spline, flat surface, or flat solid face.

From Solid Face

Selects a plane by picking on a flat solid geometry face.

FromGview From Line Normal Relative to WCS Dynamic Select lathe plane Lathe Diameter

Creates a Cplane the same as the current Graphics View. Uses a line to define the Z-axis of a Cplane. Sets Cplane to be the same as a defined WCS. Creates a plane through the use of an interactive gnomon in the graphics window. Allows you to select one of the available planes used to draw and machine a lathe part. Predefined Cplanes Lathe planes that are using the diameter and the z coordinates such as +D +Z, -D +Z, +D -Z, -D -Z.

Lathe Radius

Predefined Cplanes Lathe planes that are using the radius and the z coordinates such as +X +Z, -X +Z, +X -Z, -X -Z.

Find a plane

Allows you to find an existing plane previously defined.

Display options

Allows you to customize which planes are shown, and if the gnomon and plane info are displayed.

Follow Rules

Allows you to enable rules such as updating the Cplane and Tplane when changing Gview.

You can also set the Cplane from the Status bar as shown.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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CONSTRUCTION PLANES (CPLANES)

Create Planes The following options are available to create a new plane.

In Mastercam 2017, Rotate Plane option is removed. You can use Dynamic plane instead. Dynamic Plane uses an interactive gnomon to create a plane in the graphics window. The gnomon comprises three axes connected at the origin, with selection points on the gnomon's segments. The selection points on the gnomon are defined as shown.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

CONSTRUCTION PLANES (CPLANES)

New to Mastercam 2017, the Dynamic plane command can be triggered by clicking the Gview gnomon locate at the lower left corner of the graphics window. • Step 1: Hover the cursor above the gnomon until is highlighted and then click on the origin ball.

• Step 2: Drag the gnomon to a position on the geometry where the new origin will be located as shown.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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CONSTRUCTION PLANES (CPLANES)

• Step 3: Align the X-axis by picking the proper portion of the arc and then select the Endpoint as shown.

• Step 4: Align the Y-axis by picking the proper portion of the arc and then select the Endpoint as shown.

• Step 5: Named the plane and select the OK button to exit Dynamic Plane dialog box.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

CONSTRUCTION PLANES (CPLANES)

Construction Plane From Two Lines Example Any two lines that intersect can define a Cplane. Ideally, the lines intersect at a 90-degree angle and share an endpoint. This is a preferred way to define Cplanes since it is easy to set the orientation, Origin, and axes directions based on how the entities are selected. • Step 1: Open the Planes Manager panel and select the arrow next to New plane icon. • Step 2: Select From Geometry.

• Step 3: Select one line that represents the new Cplane X+ axis. Pick the line near the new Cplane Origin. Then select a line that represents the new Cplane Y+ axis near the new Cplane Origin.

• Step 4: Observe the axes indicator. Use the arrows to toggle through the possible solutions until you see the one you want and then click on the green checkmark.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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CONSTRUCTION PLANES (CPLANES)

• Step 5: By default, the new Cplane is assigned a number. Name the Cplane by entering it in the Name field. The Origin of the new plane is where the two lines intersect. Shift the Origin by clicking on the arrow below the Origin field and then picking a point on the part.

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

CONSTRUCTION PLANES (CPLANES)

Construction Depth (Z:) Work on any space parallel to the active Cplane by changing the Construction Depth setting, Z: setting in the HOME tab, Organize group as shown in Figure 28. Figure 28

You can also change the Z value in the Mini Toolbar or Status bar as shown.

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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2D/3D DRAWING MODE

2D/3D DRAWING MODE The 2D/3D setting, located in the HOME ribbon, Attributes group or in the Mini Toolbar or in the Status Bar allows you to switch to the 3D drawing mode as shown in Figure 29. Figure 29

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Mastercam 2017 Interface

2D/3D DRAWING MODE

Mastercam 2017 Interface

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2D/3D DRAWING MODE

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Mastercam 2017 Interface