Bienvenido

Gracias por adquirir Mastercam V-9. Si usted ha adquirido alguna versión previa o utiliza
Mastercam por primera vez, nosotros le aseguramos que la Versión 9 será una excelente
herramienta para los trabajos en su compañía. Feel free to print this document out and use it to
become familiar with many of the new and powerful functions created for Version 9.

Al leer este documento, obtendrá referencias o muestras de archivos. Estos archivos son
incluidos de forma opcional durante el proceso de instalación. Si usted decide no instalarlos,
estos podrán ser incluidos luego.

Estos documentos son separados en secciones diferentes para hacer de mayor facilidad para
los usuarios y encontrar cambios o modificaciones específicas del producto utilizado. El
documento “What’s New in V-9” informativo, está disponible en formato HTML y documento de
Word ubicado en el directorio MCAM9.

Utilizando la siguiente tabla de contenidos, podrá ubicarse en la sección correspondiente del

documento para el uso adecuado del Mastercam utilizado.

Tabla de contenidos

Diseño Nivel de Fabricación 3

Pág. 2 Pág. 19

Traductores (decodificación) Fabricación de Multiejes

Pág. 10 Pág. 25

Sólidos Torno (Lathe)

Pág. 11 Pág. 27

Entradas de Fabricación Alambre (Wire)

Pág. 13 Pág. 33

Nivel de fabricación 1 Procesamiento Posterior

Pág. 17 Pág. 36

Nivel de Fabricación 2
Pág. 18

Diseño y otras indicaciones

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Mejoramiento en el manejo de partes en milímetros y pulgadas
Previo a la Versión 9, los usuarios tenían mucho cuidado durante su trabajo con documentos o
archivos que fueron creados en unidades diferentes a las del sistema por defecto,
principalmente con Trayectoria de herramientas y sólidos (Toolpaths and Solids).

• Todas las partes almacenadas guardan la información con respecto a las unidades
utilizadas durante la creación, cuando el archivo es cargado, la configuración del
archivo y sus correctas unidades serán cargadas aunque no sean por defecto.
• Archivos pueden ser convertidos en pulgadas o milímetros o viceversa dentro de la
pantalla, configure y cambie las configuraciones del archivo actual. Cuando el archivo
se guarde este almacenará las unidades par alas que fue programado. Los usuarios
tienen la capacidad de tener en el Mastercam de forma automática, las escalas de las
partes durante el proceso.
• El icono en la esquina inferior izquierda de la pantalla incluye también las unidades del
sistema actual.

Algunos de los archivos de muestra usados como ejemplos, no se encuentran disponibles en

pulgadas o milímetros para server como muestra en esta función.

Chaining option – Bordeado de superficies en selecciones simples.

La nueva opción “chaining”, permite a los usuarios seleccionar los bordes de la superficie
cuando el modo de selección única está disponible. En la versión anterior de Smartcam
Version 9, los usuarios primero debían crear las curvas en los bordes primero. Con este
paquete de opciones el sistema creará automáticamente la curva en el borde y la utilizará con
la función en uso. Use el ejemplo Surface Edge Selection.MC9 para que experimente con
esta nueva posibilidad.

Chaining option – Sorting of Nested Chains

Since the release of Mastercam’s new Nesting product there has been a need to allow more
control over the sorting of chains during selection. This is critical when creating toolpaths for a
Router because of how the material is held on the table. The machine needs to cut the inside
nested chains first before the outer chains. Here users can select Inside to Out, Outside to
Inside, including optimization. There is also a new switch to reverse the direction of inner chains
so compensation of Contour toolpaths will happen on the correct side. You can load Nested
Chain Sorting.MC9 to see the results of each option.

Chaining Option – Dynamic Start Positions

Mastercam has always relied on endpoints, and in some cases the midpoints, of entities to
create toolpaths. In Version 9 users have the ability to dynamically change the start point of a
chain to anywhere along the chains boundary. This can be done during the initial chain
selection by selecting the Change Start menu option or by editing existing toolpaths with the
Start Point option found in the Chain Manager accessed through the geometry icon in the
Operations Manager. This capability is available in both Mill and Lathe.

Expanded Attributes Settings

The Style / Width dialog box found in the Version 8 secondary menu has been enhanced to
include all possible attributes. Users can still change Color and Level independently, but they
can also set them along with Line Style, Line Width, and Point Style in one location.

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Printing and Plotting line widths
As printers and plotters have been introduce with higher resolution the lines output from
Mastercam have become increasingly harder to see. This has been especially difficult when
faxing the output. With Version 9 users can control the pixel width of the printed output. This
will create bolder prints without forcing the user to modify their line widths in the MC9 file. This
change affects printing and plotting only when Windows drivers are used. Defaults for this and
other settings can be set in Screen, Configure, CAD Settings, Hardcopy.

Entity Attribute Manager

In response to many user requests for more ways to manage the geometry inside of Mastercam
we have created the Entity Attribute Manager. This new function, found under the Attributes
button in the secondary menu, allows users to set specific rules for what attributes are used in
the creation of entities. With minimal keystrokes users can setup the system so that all
dimensions are created on Level 100, in Red, with a Line Width of 2. As long as the Entity
Attribute Manager is active all dimensions will be created with those attributes without forcing
the user to set them before starting. The same rules can be applied to existing files or during
translations from IGES, DWG or any other file format supported by Mastercam. To access the
EA Manager open the Attributes dialog box, activate the EA Mgr switch, and press the EA Mgr
button.

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Autosave
A new option to save the part after every Toolpath operation is created or generated has been
added. Instead of being strictly time based the system will save the file when important data is
being created.

Improved Selection Masking

With Version 9 it is now easier to set a specific selection mask. A new tree structure improves
access to all entity types. The attributes information is now available on the same dialog box,
making it much more efficient to define your selection mask.

View Manager
In an effort to make working with named views for Graphics, Construction, and Toolpaths, we
have created the View Manager. Users can now create, name, edit, and activate named views
from a single dialog box. The View Manager can be accessed from the Named menu option in
C-Plane and T-plane found on the secondary menu. The View Manager is also part of the new
WCS functionality

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Working Coordinate Systems
One of the changes inside of Version 9 that can greatly increase productivity in many ways is
the new WCS, or Work Coordinate System. The WCS is found in the secondary menu and is
part of the new View Manager dialog box. Mastercam has always been a 3D product with a
single Work Coordinate System defined around the Top View. The WCS provides the ability to
temporarily reassign which View is the Top. This is especially helpful when working with
Aerospace or Automotive parts that were created in the orientation to where they are being used
in the whole project. Use the sample files WCS 1.MC9 and WCS 2.MC9 to experiment with
this powerful feature.

Improved Right-Click Menu

Options for Dynamic Pan and Zoom have been added to the right-click menu. A new option in
Screen, Configure, Screen allows the use of “Free Mode” during Dynamic spin. This method of
dynamically rotating the part is similar to many of today’s current CAD products.

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Delete Duplicates
Users now have the ability to determine exactly what defines a duplicate entity. In previous
versions of Mastercam only X, Y, Z coordinates were considered when determining duplicates.
Unfortunately this could remove geometry that users wanted to keep. Now users can use any
combination of attributes to determine if two entities are identical. Load Delete
Duplicates.MC9 and follow the instructions found in File, Properties.

Alternate Configurations at Startup

With Version 9 users can use any configuration file when starting Mastercam. Prior to this
change the software would always start with either the Inch or the Metric configuration file for
the system defaults. This always forced users to load customized config files, which could
easily be forgotten. Now multiple users on the same system can customize the Mastercam
shortcuts to load their specific configurations. By editing the target line in the Mastercam
shortcut any customized CFG file can be loaded at startup.

Analyze - Small Surfaces

From time to time users have run into problems with surface files created on other CAD
systems. We often find small surfaces lying on top of existing surfaces that complicate
calculations or give results that a less than desired. This has especially been apparent while
developing some of the new Solids capabilities for Version 9. The small surfaces function
allows the user to specify a minimum surface area. It interrogates the part, identifies the
surfaces smaller than the designated area and allows the user to change the color so they then
can decide what to do with them. The part Small Surfaces.MC9 contains an extra surface that
creates an open sheet solid; follow the directions in the File, Properties of the MC9 file to
experiment with this feature. These small surfaces affect toolpaths negatively as well. We often
find surfaces that have an area smaller than the total tolerance for machining. Most of the time
these small surfaces have little effect on the final toolpath, but they can slow down calculations.
It can be helpful to analyze every CAD Model that is imported for surface machining. Set the
minimum surface area to be the same as your toolpath tolerance, then you can identify and deal
with any small surfaces that exist in the part.

Analyze – Check Solid

As more and more people import Solids from other systems into Mastercam we are discovering
that some of the imported data contains errors that cause problems with Toolpaths. The Check
Solid option interrogates a Solid to identify any problems that could result in bad toolpaths.
Check Solid is found in the Analyze, Surfaces menu just below the Small Surfaces option.

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Analyze Edit - Redefine
A redefine button has been introduced for Lines, Arcs, and Points. This enables the user to
completely recreate the entity without changing it’s ID#. This is especially useful when drastic
changes need to be made to Wireframe entities used in Solids or Toolpath creation. Prior to this
change users were forced move each endpoint one at a time.

Create
All of the functions found on the second page of the Create menu have been modified to
increase efficiency and ease of use.

Create – Chamfer
This functions dialog box has been redefined for ease of use. Select the method of 1 Distance,
2 Distances, or Distance and Angle, and the dialog box changes to prompt for the correct input.
This function also supports line-to-arc and arc-to-arc chamfers in addition to the line-to-line
capabilities found in Version 8.

Create - Letters
This function has been greatly simplified and reorganized with a single dialog box. Now each of
the 3 methods works identically.

Create – Pattern
A simplified interface along with the ability to preview parts before they are loaded makes this
feature easier to use.

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Create – Ellipse and Polygon
These functions have been improved with an easier interface and more feedback to users so
there is no guesswork in what is being created.

Create – Bounding Box

This useful function has been upgraded for Version 9 with a Dialog Box that matches the one
found in Job Setup.

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Create – Spiral/Helix
The ability to create Spirals and Helixes has been added to the long list of Create options
available in Mastercam. This function incorporates the abilities of the Spiral and Thelix c-hook
utilities into a single, easy to use, dialog box.

Create – Add-Ins
This new menu contains three items, Fplot, Gear, and Htable. These are standard C-hooks that
have been distributed with Mastercam for several versions. Creating the Add-ins menu frees up
more room in Create, and makes more room for users and 3rd party software developers to add
new features.

Modify – Drag
A new dialog box improves the interaction at the same time more capabilities have been added.

Xform – Squash
The Squash functionality available in Version 8 only as a c-hook utility has been added to
Xform. Squash enables users to flatten geometry on to the current Construction Plane at a
desired depth. Use the sample Squash.MC9 to experiment with this capability.

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Xform – Scale and Scale XYZ
These two functions have been combined into a single dialog box. Users have the option of
Uniform or XYZ scaling. When a type is selected the dialog box changes to allow for the input
needed for that option.

Entities in Background Color

Now when users are warned about entities in the background color they are given an
opportunity to change the color immediately.

Dialog Box Focus

Version 9 will now remember the last tab visible in a specific dialog box and make it visible the
next time the function is entered. A nice feature when working with dialog boxes with multiple
tabs.

Function Key Mapping

Function key mapping has been expanded to include F11 and F12.

Translators

The ability to translate part data from other CAD/CAM systems into Mastercam has always been
one of our products strengths. In Version 9 this advantage has been improved even more.

DWG, DXF, and Inventor support at no charge

We have changed the engine we use for translation of AutoCAD files. In making this change we
have increased the reliability of translations, including support for version earlier than R-13. At
the same time we can now support Inventor version 5.0 files.

STL transform
The ability to modify and save STL files has been added with a new Xform capability. Users can
Mirror, Rotate, Scale, Change Normals and other things to manipulate STL models for use in
Toolpath creation or for stock in Toolpath verification.

Support for the latest releases of ACIS, Parasolids, and STEP

As always we have made sure we are using the absolute latest version of these powerful
engines to insure compatibility. Version 9 supports Parasolids 13.2, and ACIS 7.0 to make us
compatible with industry leading Solid modelers.

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Support for SolidWorks config information
Users are automatically prompted when an SLDPRT file contains more than one Configuration.
This allows users to load specific sections of an SLDPRT file. To see this interaction use File,
Converters, Parasolids, set the file type to SLDPRT and select SLIDING TABLE.SLDPRT, there
are two different configurations in this file that can be loaded showing different version of the
part.

New optional Pro-E translator

CNC Software has entered into an agreement with Pro-E to use their newest translator engine
called Granite. This gives us the ability to directly read in Solids from Pro-E and turn them in to
Solids that Mastercam can use. See your Dealer for pricing information.

Solid healing during translation

This is a configurable option that allows Mastercam to automatically attempt to heal imperfect
Solids during the translation process. This switch can be set in Screen, Configure, Files, in the
Converters dialog box. This function is only supported when Mastercam Solids has been
purchased. See you Dealer for more information.

Solids

Mastercam Solids has been improved in significant ways for Version 9. From simple changes to
make creation and modification easier to the introduction of important new capabilities
Mastercam Solids is becoming an important part of every designer’s daily tools. Most of these
new capabilities are further explained and used in examples in chapters 8 and 9 of the Solids
Tutorial. Mastercam Solids is an option that can be added to your version of Mastercam.
Contact your dealer for pricing.

Extrusion - Modification
From within the Solids Manager users can now turn a Cut Body operation to an Add Boss
operation, or the reverse if needed. Prior to Version 9 users had to delete the operation and re-
create it instead of editing it in the Solids Manager.

Combine Operations
When multiple chains were selected to create cuts or bosses with Extruded, Revolved, or Swept
Solids in previous versions a new operation was created for each chain. In Version 9 users can
select Combine Ops, which will create a single operation for all of the chains. This is especially
helpful when each chain will always have identical parameters.

Modify Solid Attributes from within the Solids Manager

Without leaving the Solid Manager users can now modify the attributes of a Solids by accessing
this option in the right-click menu.

Solids Layout
The Layout C-hook utility created for Version 8 is now part of the menu options in Version 9.
This makes it easier to create detailed multi-view layouts of your Solid models. Refer to the
Solids Tutorial for instructions on using this useful feature.

Surfaces can be converted to Sheet Solids

Version 9 gives users the ability to convert single and multiple surfaces into a Sheet Solid.
Sheet solids can be used for creating and modifying other Solids as well as machining and offer
users more options flexibility.

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Thickening of Sheet Solids
Once a user has created a Sheet Solid they can thicken them so they have volume and in turn
become a Solid Body. This capability increases the flexibility of Solids by including surfaces in
the process.

Surfaces can be converted to Solid Bodies

Users often receive surface files that originated from another Solid Modeler. Until Version 9
these surface files could never be used to create a Solid. The same functionality that allows the
creation of Sheet Solids can also be used to sew together surfaces that form a watertight model.
This model becomes a Solid Body that can be further manipulated with Mastercam Solids.

Feature Recognition
Now that Surfaces can be turned into a Solid the next step is identifying some of the features
that make up that Solid. In Version 9 Mastercam is introducing the recognition of circular holes
and fillets. Both through holes and blind holes are recognized. Wireframe geometry, which is
used for associativity is created, and new operations for future editing are added to the Solid
Manager. Recognized Fillets are also added to the Solids Manager for future editing as well.
This represents the first step in more powerful feature recognition inside of Mastercam Solids.
This useful feature adds definition to any Solids file translated into Mastercam, no matter what
system was used to originally create it.

Face Removal
With Version 9 users can selectively identify faces from a Solid and remove them, turning the
Solid into an Open Solid Body. In place of the removed face a user can then sew in a surface
that to once again create a Solid Body with all of it’s history in tact.

Splitting of Solids
In previous versions users were always prohibited from performing an operation on a Solid that
would result in more than one solid being created as a result. This would generate an error
message saying disjoint Solids are not allowed. In Version 9 users have the option to split
Solids with Boolean and Trim operations and keep all of the resulting Solid Bodies.

Recreate Trim Bodies

In the case where you split a model with the Trim function and forget to keep both sides, an
option existing in the Solids Manager to recreate the trimmed body without having to redo the
operation. Right-click on the trim operation and select Recreate Trimmed Bodies, the trimmed
section will be restored.

Mill Entry

The following features and enhancements are available in Mill Entry. They are also available in
Levels 1, 2, and 3.

Work Coordinate System support

Not only is the new Work Coordinate System supported in Design, it is available for Entry users
as well. Given the limitation of Entry only creating Toolpaths in the Top view the addition of the
WCS makes creating toolpaths in Entry even easier.

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Fewer Regens make editing quick
With the introduction of Version 9 users will be able to modify any of the Tool Parameter fields
highlighted in yellow without being forced to regenerate the Operation. This change affects all
toolpaths and will be a big time saver.

New Compensation controls

Version 9 borrows from an idea first implemented in our Router product, the simplification of
compensation controls. Now users choose the type of compensation and the side in 2 controls.
Compensation options include Computer, Control, Wear, Reverse Wear, and Off. This change
also allows users to turn off compensation and still use entry and exit moves.

Clearance Plane control

Another feature created in Router and added to Version 9 is a new way to handle the Clearance
Plane. Now users can choose to have the tool move to the Clearance plane on ever retract or
just at the beginning and end of an operation.

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Canned Text Added to Drilling
Now users can add Canned Text to drill operations as they are defined with the same interface
found in “Change at Point” for Contour operations.

Feeds and Speeds Calculator

The feeds and speeds calculations in Version 9 have been improved to take the tool material
into account along with the stock material in calculating the feeds and speeds. The calculator is
also available as a right-click option on the tool parameter page to give users access to while a
toolpath is being created.

Dynamic Start Positions

Mastercam has always relied on endpoints, and in some cases the midpoints, of entities to
create toolpaths. In Version 9 users have the ability to dynamically change the start point of a
chain to anywhere along the chains boundary. This can be done during the initial chain
selection by selecting the Change Start menu option or by editing existing toolpaths with the
Start Point option found in the Chain Manager accessed through the geometry icon in the
Operations Manager.

Job Setup – Bounding Box

The Bounding Box option in Job Setup is now identical to that found under the Create menu.
The big changes include the ability to create geometry while defining stock.

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Job Setup – Safety Zones
Users can now define an optional Rectangular, Spherical, and Cylindrical safety zones around
their material. The Safety Zone acts to force the tool outside anytime it is involved in a rapid
move between operations. This is useful in situations where the use of a Clearance Plane may
not ensure tool safety.

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New Filter options
Users can now limit arc creation to specific planes during the filtering process.

Custom Tool Geometry stored in the MC9 file

Now users who require custom tools can create them and save them inside of the Mastercam
part file. When using the undefined tool type users can specify if the tool is stored to an external
MC9 file or to a level. The benefit of storing it to a level is that the tool will always be with the
part, even if used on another system. The definition can then automatically used by Backplot
and Verify.

Defer Loading NCI in File, Get

As files get larger and more complex they can take longer to load. We have had many requests
to be able to load files quicker, especially if all the user wants to do is view the file for reasons
other than toolpath creation. A switch in the File, Get, dialog box has been added that allows
the MC9 file to be loaded without the NCI data. Once the file is loaded the user can continue to
work on it as they normally would. If any function requiring the toolpath data is invoked the
toolpath data is automatically loaded.

Automatic Countersink Depth Calculations

Prior to Version 9 users had to do hand calculations to determine the depth of a drilling
operation to give them the desired countersink diameter. A new depth calculator has been
added to Drilling operations to automatically calculate the depth based on a user specified
diameter. The calculator gets the tool diameter, angle, and tip diameter direct from the tool
itself. All the user has to input is the desired diameter. This new feature is not limited to just
drills, it works with any tapered tool.

Mill Level 1

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Mill Level 1 includes all of the improvements from Mill Entry plus those listed below.

Highspeed Pocketing
The highspeed pocket toolpaths introduced in Version 8 for Surfaces has been improved and
migrated down to 2D pocketing. Options exit for Trochoidal cutting motion when the tool
encounters Full Material or for the Entire Pocket. Users also have control over the Loop Radius
and Spacing.

Transform of Transform Operations

Users can now transform the results of a transform operation instead of creating new operations
in the first Transform and using them in subsequent transforms.

Slot Milling
A new option found in the Circle Toolpaths menu is for Slot Milling. This is designed specifically
for the milling of obround slots. It contains a combination of Ramp Contour and Circle Mill
toolpaths.

Helical Boring
This new function is also found in the Circle Toolpaths, it is designed specifically for Highspeed
insert cutters used for creating holes in all types of material. This toolpath uses a downward
helical motion to rough, performs a stepover at the bottom, and then helixes back out of the part
for the finish pass.

Thread Milling Support Tapered Threads

User requests have caused us to include new capabilities within the Thread Mill function to
support both internal and external tapered threads.

Pre-drill For Plunge Points

In a production environment users will frequently pre-drill plunge points to maximize machine
time and lessen tool wear. Now users can wait until all of their operations are completed and
then go back and automatically create drilling operations at each plunge position.

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Solid Drilling*
This new capability is built upon the Feature Recognition functions in Solids. It will automatically
identify both through, blind, and split holes in a Solid and create Drilling toolpaths in a fashion
similar to the Autodrill capability introduced in Version 8. (This function is only available if the
Solids option has been purchased, contact your mastercam dealer for details)

New Highfeed Machining Finish

The Highfeed machining option in the Operations Manager has been improved on customer
request. Now users can use Highfeed only to slow down and accelerate the cutter through
corners. The interface has been divided into Tabs with a separate tab for Finishing and
Roughing. Setting it up to control corner speeds is easier than ever.

Mill Level 2

Mill Level 2 includes all of the improvements from Mill Entry and Level 1 plus the following.

Solid Faces used as Check Surfaces

Instead of being able to pick a whole Solid for a Check Body, users can now select a single face
of a Solid for a Check Surface.

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 Mill Level 3

Mill Level 3 includes all of the improvements from Mill Entry, Level 1, and Level 2 plus those
listed below.

New Interface - Initial Selection of Toolpath Geometry or Files

The main menu for Surface Toolpaths has been reorganized to make the selection of geometry
quicker and easier. Options for Drive, Check, and Containment geometry have been added, as
well as an enhanced CAD file capability.

Drive Surface Options

Users can set Drive Surface selection for, All surfaces, Select surfaces, or No surfaces. All
automatically selects every visible surface with no user interaction. Select prompts the user for
surfaces to be treated as drive surfaces, No selects no surfaces and is most often used with the
CAD file option.

Check Surface Options

Users can set Check Surface selection to, Select surfaces, Unselected surfaces, or No
surfaces. Select surfaces will prompt the user for which surfaces to use as check surfaces in
the toolpath. Unselected surfaces will automatically select all visible surfaces that were not
selected as Drive surfaces. No selects no surfaces or prompts the user for them

Contain Options
Users can set the Contain option to Yes or No. Yes, automatically prompts the user for a tool
containment boundary, No will not.

CAD File Options

In Version 8 we introduced the ability to machine directly from an STL file. The ability to create
surface toolpaths, even when no surface data is available, makes it possible for users to cut
data that has been scanned from a physical part where no CAD file exists. It can serve as a
way to do rapid prototyping with out having access to specialized equipment. In Version 9 this
capability has been expanded to handle any type of file supported in our translator functionality.
The options are Yes or No. Yes will prompt the user for a CAD file after all of the Toolpath
Parameters are filled in. Once a file has been selected another menu appears with controls to
handle the CAD file data. The interface and functionality of these options are similar to those
found in STL, Xform under the File, Converters menu. An additional option exists to Set the
Stock in Job Setup to help in Verification of the toolpaths.

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 New Interface - Parameter Options for Drive, Check, and Containment
In previous versions, users were unable to modify which surfaces or containment geometry that
was to be used for the toolpath. This caused users to have to either abort the operation and
restart, or create the toolpath and then modify it later in the Operations Manager. The interface
has been reworked to make it easy for operations to be updated quickly, giving users complete
control and feedback on exactly what geometry is being used for each toolpath.

Drive Surface/Solid
Once inside of the parameters of a Surface Toolpath, users can quickly see exactly how many
Surfaces have been selected as Drive surfaces. The Select button gives them access to the
model where they can see which surfaces have been selected and have the opportunity to add
or remove additional drive surfaces.

Check Surface/Solid
The check surface option works in exactly the same way the drive surfaces selection works.

Tool Containment
Prior to Version 9, Mastercam only supported Tool Center Boundaries, which acted as a fence
to keep the tool from passing beyond a specific area of a set of surfaces. Users requested
more options that would give them better control of the tool along the boundary. Now users can
choose to have the tool contained along the boundary by compensating it inside, outside, or
centered on the boundary. An additional offset amount can also be applied to the boundary
choice.

New Interface – Expanded Geometry Icons in the Operations Manager

In keeping with the improved interface for surface selection the Operations Manager has also
been updated to make change even easier than before. The Geometry icon can now be
expanded to show separate icons for drive surfaces, check surfaces, containment boundaries,
start points and CAD files. This interface change makes it easier to modify specific options
without interfering with the others. It also makes it easier to grab geometry from one operation
and include it in another.

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Toolpath Tolerance and Filtering combined
Surface toolpaths in Version 9 now allow users to enter a Total tolerance for the toolpath. If
toolpath filtering is desired the user can select the button and enter into the Total Tolerance
dialog box where they can select a ratio of filter tolerance to initial cut tolerance for the toolpath.
In the illustration below the Total Tolerance for the toolpath is .001, with a ratio of Filter
Tolerance to Cut Tolerance of 2:1 the values are automatically calculated so the initial Cut
Tolerance is .00033 and the Filter Tolerance is .00067. These two tolerances added together
equal the Total Tolerance of .001.

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Solid Hidden Face Processing
When creating surface toolpaths on a Solid the kernel interrogates the model and only passes
faces that are not hidden to the surface toolpath algorithms. This reduced set of surfaces
simplifies calculations for Mastercam when creating the toolpath. Cases exist where an
extremely large number of faces have brought the Solids kernel to a halt, unable to continue
processing and therefore unable to pass this information to Mastercam for toolpath calculation.
A switch, labeled “Skip hidden face test for Solid bodies” has been added to the Advanced
Settings dialog box found on the 3rd tab of surfaces toolpaths. In almost all cases you will want
to keep this switch turned off to let the Solid kernel pass a limited set of surfaces to Mastercam
for machining. Use this case only when it appears that the Solid kernel is bogged down and
unable to process all of the faces.

Improved Roughing Capabilities

Highspeed Pocketing
New options have been added to Highspeed pocketing to give users more control over the
toolpath motion. Not only can users set the loop radius and spacing, they can also apply the
Trochoidal (looping) motion for the entire toolpath instead of just when the tool encounters full
material.

Alignment of Plunge Points in Pocketing

As is often the case in many pocket operations, the cavity being machined will shrink in size
with each additional Z cut. This change causes pocketing to define a new plunge point for each
Z depth, leaving multiple plunge points that make it difficult to pre-drill for. When this option is
activated in the parameter section, pocketing will identify a plunge point common to each cavity
and use it as a plunge point for every change in Z. This makes using the new Start Hole option
referred to in the Level 1 section more productive.

Automatic Critical Depth Identification

Roughing with a constant Z toolpath is a very efficient way to remove large amounts of material
quickly. Constant Z roughing uses a Z step entered by the user to control the depth of each new
cut. Often models have flat sections that do not lie on a specific Z plane that is common to the
defined cut depth, this can leave more material than desired on top of these flats. Users need
the ability to identify these flats in a model during roughing to adjust the step down in Z. Prior to
Version 9 users had to manually select each of the flat features, now the Critical Depth interface
will automatically identify and add these flats to a list of depth cuts. Users can easily add or
remove depth cuts from the list in this same menu. The sample file Critical Depth Cuts.MC9
can be used to see the difference this function makes.

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Plunge Roughing Expanded
As plunge roughing tools become more specialized users have request greater control over this
option. In addition to the rectangular pattern in Version 8, Mastercam now has the ability to use
another toolpath as the XY pattern for Plunge Roughing. Users can use any toolpath that has
the desired motion in X and Y and then use that toolpath as the pattern for plunge roughing.

Restmill
Restmill is now a stand-alone function that resides in the root menu of roughing. It still contains
all of the options found in Contour roughing as well as specialized functions for computing
remaining stock. Users can now choose between a single previous operation, all previous
operations, or they can calculate remaining stock based on tool geometry values for diameter
and corner radius.

Helical Entry
Helical entry options have been added to roughing toolpaths for Plunge, Contour, and Restmill.

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Gap Settings
Users can now enter in a value for Tangential line length in the Gap Setting dialog box. This
coupled with the already existing Arc radius and angle gives a new level of control over how the
tool enters into the material being cut.

Project Blend
This new option allows toolpaths that have been blended between 2 chains to be projected onto
multiple surfaces. The results are similar to a Flowline toolpath without having to be concerning
about the UV flow lines of the selected surfaces.

Improvements in Finishing

Leftover
Leftover toolpaths have been improved to give more control over tool motion. Users can limit
Leftover to calculate a toolpath for shallow areas only. It can cut the leftover region with a tool
motion that is perpendicular to the remaining stock. Or it can use a hybrid option that will cut
with a Constant Z approach and then switch to a perpendicular motion.

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 Mill - Multiaxis

Multiaxis toolpaths in Version 9 have undergone extensive changes giving users access to new
powerful functions.

Geometry Interface
A new method for defining Cut Patterns, Tool Axis Control, Drive Surfaces, and Check Surfaces
has been implemented for most Multiaxis toolpaths. This dialog box will appear first when
creating Multiaxis toolpaths or when the geometry icon in the Operations Manager is selected.
See the Multiaxis sample parts for specific examples.

Cut Pattern
The cut pattern works as a guide to determine how the toolpath will be generated. Users can
pick an existing Surface or define parametric Cylinders, Spheres, and Boxes that guide initial
tool motion.

Tool Axis Control

This option allows users complete control on how the tool axis motion will be controlled during
toolpath generation. Using a surface for both the cut pattern and the tool axis control will result
in a Flowline like toolpath with the surface normals controlling the too axis. Additional options
give the ability to force the tool axis to behave specific to the users needs. Including options to
focus the toolpath to or from a specific position, and the use of a closed boundary to contain the
tool axis.

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Cut Surfaces
This option enables users to choose drive surfaces that are to be cut. Surfaces other than the
Pattern surface can be included.

Check Surfaces
This option allows users to define surfaces as check surfaces similar to 3 axis milling.

Multisurface 5 axis
This new toolpath gives users the ability to Rough and Finish with the same interface. The
interface gives users control over Lead and Lag angles. Toolpath stepover along and across the
part. Options for zigzag, one-way, or spiral toolpath motion, roughing parameters including
number of depth cuts and values for depth of cut. Point Generators, which are used to add
additional tool moves in areas of the part that change rapidly. Other options include the ability
for users to set Axis limits so toolpaths can not be created with angles greater than the Milling
machine can support.

Conical and Taper Cutters

Multiaxis toolpaths in Version 9 can also compensate for Conical and Tapered cutters, giving
greater flexibility in creating parts with undercuts.

Mill – New Backplot Controls

Run Mode Interruption

Users can begin backplotting in Run mode and then interrupt it by hitting the Enter key. From
there they can change parameters and switch to Step mode to verify their toolpaths.

Display Dialog Box Interface

As options have increased in Backplot changes have been made in the interface to make it easy
to modify. The interface gives users quick access to everything needed to utilize backplot to it’s
most potential.

Home Position
Users can now have the option to include moves to the Home Position while using Backplot.
Located on the General Tab, this option can be used to help assure users that tool changes do
not collide with the part in any way.

Save as Geometry
Now users have control over what Level Backplotted geometry is saved to, including the Entity
Attribute Manager. The three switches labeled Now, Session, and Always control when
Geometry will be saved. Now will save geometry for the occasion that backplot is run, Session
will activate the saving of geometry for the remainder of the current session. Always will turn it
on permanently.

Tool Profile
On the Appearance Tab users will find a setting for the display of the tool. Auto will use one of
the standard profiles for displaying the tool. As defined will read each tool and represent it as it
has been defined. This is important when using custom tools.

Show Coordinates and Verbose Mode

Also found on the Appearance Tab is Show coordinates, which also allows Verbose Mode to be
activated. Show Coordinates works like it always has, display X, Y, and Z values as the tool
moves around the screen. Verbose Mode displays all of the toolpath information for every step
of the toolpath. This includes the Toolpath Group Name, The Toolpath Type, The Operation ID
Number, and the Toolplane used. Tool information like the Name, Diameter, Corner Radius, and

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Coolant information also appear. That is followed by the X, Y, Z values for each step and the
type of move it is. G0 is a rapid move, G1 is a linear feed move, G2 is a clockwise arc move,
and a G3 is a counter clockwise arc move. Following each move is the current feedrate. All of
this information allows users to see exactly what information will be sent to the Post.

Toolpath Motion Color

Not only can users set colors for backplot results, they can control the color of each type of
motion Mastercam creates. Rapid, Feed, CW arcs, and CCW arcs can all have a separate
color to aid in the inspection of a toolpath.\

Lathe

Lathe contains all of the Design improvements listed previously in this document.

Automated Relief Cuts for Threading

Found in the Create menu, users can create geometry to describe thread relief grooves from
tables.

Display Tools and Stock Filled during Toolpath Generation

A switch in Job Setup allows for the Stock and Chucks to always be filled during Toolpath
creation.

Quick Toolpaths
Users can now control the Tool Filter display, Tool station number, and Program Number to
Quick Toolpaths.

Solids Chaining
With Version 9 Lathe users can create Toolpaths directly on a Solid without first having to create
additional entities.

Stock View Integration

The Stock View C-hook introduced after the release of Version 8 has been incorporated into the
Operations Manager and improved. This feature does not run in Lathe Entry.

Custom Tool Geometry Stored in the MC9 File

Just like in Mill, Lathe users are now able to store custom Tool Geometry in the MC9 file.

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Tool Clearance Control
The Stock Update dialog box gives users control of Tool Clearance moves. They can come
from Job Setup or be modified in each Operation if desired.

Cutoff Display Control

In the same dialog box users can now control what to display after a Cutoff move.

Reference Points
Users now can control reference points similar to those found in Mill. This gives users more
flexibility for those parts where just a little more tool control is needed.

Toolpath Filtering
A toolpath Filter capable of creating arc moves has been added to Face, Roughing, Finish, and
Grooving toolpaths

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Feeds and Speed Calculations
Now Version 9 Lathe can calculate feeds and speeds from both the stock material and the tool
material. Cutting speeds for threads have also been added to the calculator.

New Operations for Part Handling

Version 9 users now have the ability to perform miscellaneous part handling operations inside of
the Operations Manager and continue creating toolpaths on the results. The Misc. Ops menu
gives users the ability to perform a Stock Transfer from one chuck to another, a manual Stock
Flip, Movement of a Chuck and Tailstock, and placement of a Steady Rest. Use the Lathe
Tutorial exercises to learn how to use these helpful new features.

Improved Definition of Tool Avoidance Boundaries

Job Setup has been expanded to include options for Steady Rests. It also has improved the
definition of Chucks, Tail Stock and the Stock itself.

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Semi-finish pass in Roughing
Users can now create a semi-finish pass as part of any roughing operation. Users have control
over the amount of number of passes, step over amounts, and stock to leave all done in one
Operation with the same tool to better prepare the part for the next step.

Improved Overlap Control in Roughing

Version 9 gives greater control over overlap in roughing. Instead of forcing an overlap on every
pass, users can now control it by angle. Once the tool reaches the angle entered by the user it
begins created overlapped passes during the rough operation.

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Automatic Corner Break in Finish
Now users don’t have to create those small corner breaks called out in a print. Instead they can
let Mastercam do it for them. This simple dialog box gives users complete control over the
creation of fillets and chamfers.

Improved Finishing in Irregular Shaped Grooves

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Users can now rough and finish grooves that were defined with the Chain selection. This will
save an extra finish operation.

Spot Drilling Depth Calculated by Diameter

Similar to how Countersinks work in Mill Lathe users can set a depth of a Drill operation based
on a desired diameter at the surface of the stock.

Lathe – New Backplot Controls

Run Mode Interruption

Users can begin backplotting in Run mode and then interrupt it by hitting the Enter key. From
there they can change parameters and switch to Step mode to verify their toolpaths.

Display Dialog Box Interface

As options have increased in Backplot changes have been made in the interface to make it easy
to modify. The interface gives users quick access to everything needed to utilize backplot to it’s
most potential.

Home Position
Users can now have the option to include moves to the Home Position while using Backplot.
Located on the General Tab, this option can be used to help assure users that tool changes do
not collide with the part in any way.

Save as Geometry
Now users have control over what Level Backplotted geometry is saved to, including the Entity
Attribute Manager. The three switches labeled Now, Session, and Always control when
Geometry will be saved. Now will save geometry for the occasion that backplot is run, Session
will activate the saving of geometry for the remainder of the current session. Always will turn it
on permanently.

Tool Profile
On the Appearance Tab users will find a setting for the display of the tool. Auto will use one of
the standard profiles for displaying the tool. As defined will read each tool and represent it as it
has been defined. This is important when using custom tools.

Show Coordinates and Verbose Mode

Also found on the Appearance Tab is Show coordinates, which also allows Verbose Mode to be
activated. Show Coordinates works like it always has, display X, Y, and Z values as the tool
moves around the screen. Verbose Mode displays all of the toolpath information for every step
of the toolpath. This includes the Toolpath Group Name, The Toolpath Type, The Operation ID
Number, and the Toolplane used. Tool information like the Name, Diameter, Corner Radius, and

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Coolant information also appear. That is followed by the X, Y, Z values for each step and the
type of move it is. Following each move is the current feedrate. All of this information allows
users to see exactly what information will be sent to the Post.

Toolpath Motion Color

Not only can users set colors for backplot results, they can control the color of each type of
motion Mastercam creates. Rapid, Feed, CW arcs, and CCW arcs can all have a separate
color to aid in the inspection of a toolpath.

Wire

Wire contains all of the Design improvements other than the WCS (Work Coordinate System)
listed earlier in this document.

Redesigned Contour Interface

Users can now define what type of part they are cutting to influence the parameters they input.

Type of Cut
Choose an icon that describes the cut being made, straight, tapered in, tapered out, tapered in
with a land, tapered out with a land. Each choice enables different controls.

Chain Height
Previous version of Wire had many restrictions regarding what it defined and where in Z it
existed. Not users can select a chain, and then indicate it if define the XY, UZ or Land Height.

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Multiple Tabs
Users can now create multiple tabs on a contour with complete control over location and size.
Use the Automatic method that requires only the tab size and the desired number, or manually
place the tabs exactly where they will be best. No matter how the tabs are created they can
edited graphically without losing any functionality.

Graphical Feedback of Cuts

As users define the cuts for each Contour they will get immediate feedback regarding the order
and type of cuts that are going to be generated. The tree structure of the display shows users
exactly what is going to happen on each contour to be programmed.

Expanded Control of all Lead-Ins and Lead-Outs

Wire 9 gives complete control over how the Wire will enter and exit each section of the
Wirepath.

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Access to STCW in every Toolpath
Users can access the STCW setting in every toolpath instead of having to rely on the STCW
settings from the secondary menu.

Toolpath Transform
Toolpath Transform now supports Wirepath rotation as well as translation.

Save as Geometry
Now users have control over what Level Backplotted geometry is saved to, including the Entity
Attribute Manager. The three switches labeled Now, Session, and Always control when
Geometry will be saved. Now will save geometry for the occasion that backplot is run, Session
will activate the saving of geometry for the remainder of the current session. Always will turn it
on permanently.

Backplot Support for Tapered Threading

Tapered Thread positions are now supported in Wire backplot.

Mitsubishi Wire Users

Do not use Version 8 Mitsubishi wire power settings libraries with Version 9. Version 8
Mitsubishi libraries will create incorrect Wirepaths if used with Mastercam Wire Version
9.

Background
During Version 9 development, CNC Software changed the Mitsubishi power settings libraries to
display both wire radius and wire diameter values. The Version 9 Mitsubishi post processor will
use the radius value (TLRAD) instead of the diameter value (TLDIA) to accurately represent the
wire offset for each skim pass.

To update existing post processors

Please see Post Processors - What’s new in the V9.PDF, which is located in the main
Mastercam directory.

To convert existing Mitsubishi libraries

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Use the Mits8to9.Dll to convert Version 8 Mitsubishi libraries. This C-Hook will use values in the
Version 8 libraries to create libraries suitable for use with Version 9. To use the Mits8to9 C-
Hook type Alt-C and select Mits8to9.Dll from the list of available C-Hooks.

Post Processors

Updating Posts from Previous Versions

Since Version 9 is a major release posts that have been written for earlier version must be
updated to insure proper functionality and safety. If a Post from a previous release is used
Mastercam will issue a warning to the user with instructions to run Update PST. This function is
found under the NC utils, Post processor menu.

Post Numbered Questions Information

The post question list files (MILL8Q.PST, LATHE8Q.PST, WIRE8Q.PST) have been updated
and renamed for release. The new names for these files are Mill9.PNQ, Lathe9.PNQ, and
Wire9.PNQ. PNQ = Post Numbered Questions.

Support for Full 360 Degree Arcs

With some simple changes to the post it is now possible to out put full circles as a single 360 arc
move instead of two 180 moves. Refer to the Post update documentation below for details.

Extensive Post Changes

All new post information specific to Version 9 is documented in a file called Post Processors -
What's New in V9.PDF. This file is installed in the root directory of Mastercam 9, by default this
directory is C:\MCAM9.

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