TUTORIAL SERIES FOR

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE FOR

MASTERCAM X MILL LEVEL 1 TRAINING TUTORIALS

Mastercam“ Instructor Guide for Mastercam X Mill Level 1 Training Tutorials
Date: June 8, 2009
Copyright © 1984 - 2009 In-House Solutions Inc. - All rights reserved.
Software: Mastercam X Mill Level 1
Authors: Mariana Lendel
ISBN: 978-1-926566-28-3
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 the copyright laws of Canada and the United States. 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;
Mastercam; Windows 95, Windows 2000 and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
 HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

This manual is a guide for instructors and trainers teaching Mastercam X Mill
Level 1.

Note: It is intended to be used in conjunction with Mastercam X Mill Level 1 Training

Tutorials published by In-House Solutions.

This manual makes reference to the Mastercam X Mill Level 1 Training Tutorials
throughout. We do not recommend trying to use this Guide without students having a
copy of the Mastercam X Mill Level 1 Training Tutorials.

This manual also makes use of Mastercam files, which can be downloaded from the
Training Exercises CD that comes with this book.

Legend:

Step to follow to complete the tutorial

Additional explanation for the current step

Callouts that give direction on how to complete the task

Bold text (usually) represents Mastercam terminology

To order Mastercam X Mill Level 1 Training Tutorials books:

Contact your Mastercam Dealer,
Call 1-800-529-5517 or
Place an order through www.inhousesolutions.com
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Lesson #1: Introduction to Mastercam 1

Lesson #2: Introduction to Geometry Creation 13

Lesson #3: Geometry Creation (continued) 26

Lesson #4: Geometry Creation (continued) 32

Lesson #5: Geometry Creation (continued) 38

Lesson #6: Geometry Creation (continued) 44

Lesson #7: Geometry Creation (continued) 53

Lesson #8: Wireframe and Solid Geometry Creation 58

Lesson #9: Wireframe and Solid Geometry Creation (continued) 66

Lesson #10: Geometry Creation - Test 69

Lesson #11: Introduction to Chaining, Properties and basic 2D Toolpaths 71

Lesson #12: 2D Toolpaths 91

Lesson #13: 2D Toolpaths (continued) 97

Lesson #14: Introduction to 2D High Speed Toolpaths 100

Lesson #15: 2D Toolpaths using Transform Toolpaths 107

Lesson #16: 2D Toolpaths (continued) 111

Lesson #17: 2D Toolpaths (WCS) 121

Lesson #18: 2D High Speed Toolpaths (continued) 126

Lesson #19: FBM Mill & Drill Toolpaths 133

Lesson #20: Toolpaths - Test 142

Mill Level 1 –Lesson 2: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

File
Open
Select Create_Lines.mcx
Create
Line
Endpoint

Line
Create a horizontal line:
Horizontal Enable Horizontal icon in the Ribbon Bar.
Sketch the endpoints of the horizontal line
approximately at the same location from X and Y axis as per left side drawing.
Enter 1.5 as the Y coordinate.
Press the Enter key.
Select the Apply button to continue.

Line Vertical Create a vertical line:

Enable Vertical icon in the Ribbon Bar.
Sketch the endpoints of the vertical line
approximately at the same location from X and Y
axis as per left side drawing.
Enter 1.0 as the X coordinate.
Press the Enter key.
Select the Apply button to continue.
Unselect the Vertical icon.

Line Create a line knowing the endpoints:

Endpoints
Select the Fast Point icon .
Type the coordinates values for the first point (-1.75, -.5) Enter
Select again the Fast Point icon .
Type the coordinates values for the second point (-2.5, -1.75) Enter
Select the Apply button to continue.

Line Polar Create a polar line:

Enter the Length 3 and the Angle -25.0
Select the Origin (the center of the
Grid) as the first endpoint
Select the OK button to exit the command.

Page-17
Mill Level 1 –Lesson 2: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Create Definition: Create Line Parallel command creates a line parallel to an existing line.
Line Parallel You can create the parallel line knowing the distances between the lines or
knowing a point to position the parallel line.

Create
Line
Parallel

Tips: Enter the Distance 0.50. Select the existing line and indicate the offset
direction by clicking below the existing line.

Select the OK button to exit.

CREATE CIRCLE CENTER POINT & CREATE ARC

ENDPOINT COMMANDS
Create Definition: Create Circle Center Point command creates a circle knowing the PowerPoint
Circle center point location and the radius or the diameter of the circle. Presentation:
Center Point Lesson 2.ppt

CD Training
Exercises
CREATE_ARC.
MCX

File
Open
Select Create_Arc.mcx
Create
Arc
Circle Center Point

Tips: Enter the Radius = 1.0 and select the point as the center location. Select

the Apply button to continue in the same command.

Tips: Enter the Diameter = 1.0 and select the point as the center location. Select

the OK button to exit.

Page-18
Mill Level 1 –Lesson 2: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Create Definition: Create Arc Endpoint command creates an arc knowing the two
Arc endpoint locations and the radius of the arc.
Endpoint Create
Arc
Arc Endpoints

Tips: Enter the Radius = 0.25. Select the first point, select the second point. The
system gives all possible results. Select the arc that you want to keep. Select the

Apply button to continue in the same command . Following the same steps

create the other arc. Select the OK button to exit.

CREATE FILLET ENTITIES & CREATE FILLET CHAIN

COMMANDS

Create Definition: Create Fillet Entities command creates an arc of a defined radius PowerPoint
Fillet tangent to two curves. You can trim to the fillet the original entities or leave them Presentation:
Entities untrimmed. You can select different fillet styles (normal, inverse, circle or Lesson 2.ppt
clearance) before selecting the two entities.
CD Training
Exercises
FILLET.MCX

File
Open
Select Fillet.mcx
Create
Fillet
Entities

By default, the Trim icon is enabled and Mastercam trims the curves to
the fillet; however, you have the option to turn off trimming . Always select
the curves on the side that you want to keep after filleting.

Page-19
Mill Level 1 –Lesson 2: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

First rectangle
Enter the Radius = 0.25

The upper left corner settings should be as follows:

Enable Normal and Trim.

Select the Apply button to continue in the same command.

The upper right corner settings should be as follows:

Enable Inverse and keep Trim .

Select the Apply button to continue in the same command.

The lower right corner settings should be as follows:

Enable Circle and Trim .

Select the Apply button to continue in the same command.

The lower left corner settings should be as follows:

Enable Clearance and Trim .
Select the OK button to exit the command.

Definition: Create Fillet Chains command lets you create fillets at sharp corners
Create
along selected chains of curves.
Fillet Chains

Create Fillet Chain

Second rectangle
Enter the Radius: = 0.375
Enable Normal and Trim.
Select one of the rectangle lines and then the OK button to exit Chaining
dialog box.
Select the OK button to exit the command.

Page-20
Mill Level 1 –Lesson 2: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

TRIM COMMAND
PowerPoint
Definition: Trim/Extend/Break function has three commands incorporated in Presentation:
Edit
one. Based on what button you enable in the ribbon bar you can trim, break or Lesson 2.ppt
Trim/Extend
extend the entities.
/Break
CD Training
Definition: Trim command allows you to trim 1, 2 or 3 entities, trim to a selected Exercises
point or position. You can also divide entities based on the closest intersection. TRIM.MCX

File
Open
Select Trim.mcx

Edit/
Trim/Break
Trim/Break/Extend

Trim 1 Definition: Trim 1 entity trims or extends one curve to its intersection with a
entity second curve without modifying the second entity.
Enable Trim 1 entity button. Select the entity to trim on the side that you
want to keep after trimming.

Page-21
Mill Level 1 –Lesson 2: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Trim 2 Definition: Trim 2 entities trims or extends both curves to their intersection.
entities
Enable Trim 2 entities button. Select the entities to trim on the side that
you want to keep after trimming.

Definition: Trim 3 entities trims or extends all three curves. The first two
Trim 3
curves that you select are trimmed to the third selected curve, which acts as a
entities
trimming curve. The third curve is then trimmed to the first two curves.
Enable Trim 3 entities button . Select the entities to trim on the side that
you want to keep after trimming.

Page-22
Mill Level 1 –Lesson 2: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Definition: Trim Divide trims a line or an arc into two disjointed segments by
Trim removing the segment that lies between two dividing curves.
Divide
Enable Trim Divide button. Select the parts of the entity to be
removed.

Trim to Definition: Trim to Point trims or extends a curve to a point or any defined
Point position in the graphics window. If the point that you enter does not lie on the
selected entity, Mastercam calculates the closest position on the entity and trims
the entity to that point.
Enable Trim to Point button.
Select the entity to trim/extend and then select the point. Select the OK button to
exit the command.

Page-23
Mill Level 1 –Lesson 2: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

XFORM MIRROR COMMAND

PowerPoint
Definition: Xform Mirror command creates reverse images of geometric and Presentation:
Xform drafting entities with respect to a defined axis or two points. The axis can be
Mirror Lesson 2.ppt
defined as X-axis, Y-axis, a point and an angle, an existing line or two points. You
have the option to move or copy the original entities within the drawing. CD Training
Exercises
MIRROR.MCX

File
Open
Select Mirror.mcx
Xform
Mirror

Tips for the upper shape

Select the entities to mirror using window by enable Window
Selection and mirror twice :once about X-axis, then about Y-
axis.

Tips for the middle shape

Select both contours to mirror using chain by enble Chain
Selection and enable the Select Line button in the Mirror
dialog box. Select the red color line.

Tips for the lower shape

Select both contours to mirror using Chain Selection and enable Select 2
points button in the Mirror dialog box Select two of the open ends of
the contours.

Page-24
Mill Level 1 –Lesson 2: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Assignment The student creates the 2D geometry from Tutorial 1 – Exercise1 Mill Level 1
Tutorial 1 – Training
Exercise1 Tutorial page
1-38

Use the following commands:

Create Rectangle
Create Line Endpoint (Horizontal / Vertical)
Create Fillet
Trim Divide
Mill Level 1
The student creates the 2D geometry from Tutorial 1 – Exercise 2 Training
Assignment
Tutorial 1 – Tutorial page
Exercise 2 1-39

Use the following commands:

Create Rectangle
Create Line Parallel
Create Line Endpoint
Trim Divide
Create Fillet
Trim 2 entities
Mill Level 1
Training
Answer the first 2 questions from the Tutorial 1 quiz Tutorial page
Quiz
1-41

Page-25
 LESSON #3: GEOMETRY CREATION (CONTINUED)





Lesson Plan
Geometry Creation (continued)
Lesson Objectives
Trim 1 entity to another existing entity
Break –Join
Offset
Create a fillet
Create 45 degree chamfers
Time Teaching / Learning Strategies Resources
30 min Have students follow Tutorial 2 from the book to create Mastercam &
2D Geometry; page 2-2 to page 2-12. Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial Book
Enhancing Phase
10 min Download Exercises and Demonstrate CD Training Exercises
Break-Join
Offset CD PowerPoint : Lesson3.ppt
This will help reinforce the commands used to create the
previous drawing and further aid the students with 2D
geometry.
Assignments / Quiz
40 min Have the students complete Tutorial 2 – Exercise 1 and Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial Book
Tutorial 2 – Exercise 2 found at the end of Tutorial 2 from
the book; page 2-48 & 2-49
Have students complete the first question from Tutorial Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial Book
2 Quiz found in their books on Page 2-51.

 Page-26 
Mill Level 1 –Lesson 3:Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Students Students complete Tutorial 2 geometry Mastercam

complete Mill Level 1
Tutorial 2 Training
geometry Tutorial
page 2-2 to
page 2-12

The following commands are shown in Tutorial 2:

Create Rectangle knowing the width and the height of the rectangle.
Create Line Parallel by defining the offset direction and distance.
Trim 1 entity to another existing entity.
Create Fillet knowing the radius of the arc.
Create Chamfer knowing the width and the angle.
Create Circle Center Point knowing the diameter and the center point.
Xform Mirror existing geometry to complete the part.

BREAK COMMANDS

PowerPoint
Presentation:
Lesson 3.ppt

Training
Edit Break Definition: Break command gives you options for breaking curves into multiple Exercises
segments. BREAK-
JOIN.MCX

Page-27
Mill Level 1 –Lesson 3:Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

File
Open
Select Break-Join.mcx

Break Break Two Pieces

Two Pieces Edit
Trim/Break
Break Two Pieces
Tip: Select the entity to break, select the Midpoint where you want to break the
selected entity.

Break an entity at a given length

Trim/Break/ Edit
Extend Trim/Break
command Trim/Break/Extend
Tip: Select the entity near the endpoint that you want to use to calculate length,
and enter the Length in the Ribbon Bar.

Break Many Pieces

Break Edit
Many Pieces Trim/Break
Break Many Pieces
Tips Select the line in the graphics window. To break the line into a defined
number of equal segments, enter the number # =5. Select the OK button to exit

the command.

Break at
Break at Intersection
Edit
Intersection
Trim/Break
Break at Intersection
Tips: Select the arc an the two lines in the graphics window. Select the End

Selection button. or press Enter.

JOIN COMMAND
Edit Join Definition: Join command joins collinear lines, arcs that have the same center and
entities radius or splines that were originally created as the same entity.

Page-28
 TUTORIAL SERIES FOR

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE FOR

MASTERCAM X MILL LEVEL 3 TRAINING TUTORIALS
 
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL



This manual is a guide for instructors and trainers teaching Mastercam X Mill
Level 3.

Note: It is intended to be used in conjunction with Mastercam X Mill Level 3 Training

Tutorials published by In-House Solutions.

This manual makes reference to the Mastercam X Mill Level 3 Training Tutorials
throughout. We do not recommend using this guide without students having a copy of
the Mastercam X Mill Level 3 Training Tutorial.

This manual also makes use of Mastercam files, which can be downloaded from the
Instructor CD that comes with this book.

Legend:

Step to follow to complete the tutorial

Additional explanation for the current step

Callouts that give direction on how to complete the task

Bold text (usually) represents Mastercam terminology

To order Mastercam X Mill Level 1 Training Tutorials books:

Contact your Mastercam Dealer,
Call 1-800-529-5517 or
Place an order through www.inhousesolutions.com
Mastercam“ Instructor Guide for Mastercam X Mill Level 3 Training Tutorials
Date: June 3, 2009
Copyright © 1984 - 2009 In-House Solutions Inc. - All rights reserved.
Software: Mastercam X Mill Level 3
Authors: Mariana Lendel
ISBN: 978-1-926566-29-0
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 the copyright laws of Canada and the United States. 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;
Mastercam; Windows 95, Windows 2000 and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS



Lesson #1 Introduction to 3D Wireframes 1

Lesson #2 Introduction to Curves and Surface Creation: Revolved 9

Lesson #3 Surface Creation: Draft, Extruded, Primiteves, Ruled/Lofted 17

Lesson #4 Surface Creation: Net 29

Lesson #5 Surface Creation: Swept 37

Lesson #6 Surface Creation: Fillet 46

Lesson #7 Surface Creation: Trim and Offset 54

Lesson #8 Surface Creation: Blend and Fillet Blend 64

Lesson #9 Surface Creation (continued) 70

Lesson #10 3D Wireframe and Surfaces Creation - Test 72

Lesson #11 Introduction to 3D Toolpaths: Rough Pocket, Finish Parallel & Finish Contour 73

Lesson #12 3D Toolpaths: Rough Radial and Finish Scallop 80

Lesson #13 3D Toolpaths: Rough Restmill and Finish Blend 85

Lesson #14 3D Toolpaths: Rough Flowline, Rough Plunge, Finish Shallow and Blend 90

Lesson #15 Surface HS Core Roughing, Surface Pencil and Project Finish 96

Lesson #16 Surface HS Area Clearance and Surface Finish Contour, Leftover and Project 103

Lesson #17 Surface HS Core Rough, Horizontal Area, Waterline and Scallop Rest Passes 108

Lesson #18 Surface HS Core Rough, Horizontal Area, Scallop, Scallop Rest Passes and Pencil 114

Lesson #19 Surface Toolpaths - Test 121

 TUTORIAL SERIES FOR





LESSON #3 SURFACE CREATION: DRAFT, EXTRUDED, PRIMITIVES AND
RULED/LOFTED


Lesson Plan
Surface Creation: Draft, Extruded, Primitives and Ruled/Lofted
Lesson Objectives
Create 3D wireframe
Create Ruled/Loft surface
Create a Flat Boundary surface
Create Primitives
Create Draft Surfaces
Time Teaching / Learning Strategies Resources
15 min Have students follow Tutorial 2 from the book to create Mastercam &
3D wireframe, Ruled & Flat boundary surface page 2-2 to Mill Level 3 Training Tutorial Book
page 2-13.
Enhancing Phase
1 hour Download the Training Exercises and demonstrate: CD Training Exercises
Draft_Extrude
Primitives CD PowerPoint:Lesson 3
LOFT AND RULED SURFACE.MCX
Ruled-Sync
Rul2
20 min Have the students create the wireframe from Tutorial 2 Mill Level 3 Training Tutorial Book
– Exercise on page 2-31.
Assignments / Quiz
5 min Have students complete the first 2 questions from Mill Level 3 Training Tutorial Book
Tutorial 2 Quiz found in their books on page 2-33.

 Page-17 

Mill Level 3 – Lesson 3: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Students Students complete Tutorial 2 geometry Mastercam

complete Mill Level 3
Tutorial 2 Training
geometry Tutorial
page 2-2 to
page 2-13

The following commands are shown in Tutorial 2:

Create the 3D wireframe
Create Ruled Surface
Create Flat Boundary
Create Rectangular Shapes with the surface option enabled.

EXERCISES USING PRIMITIVES

Primitives Definition: Primitives creation functions can make solid or surface shapes. These PowerPoint
Surfaces functions are found on the Sketcher toolbar. The following shapes can be created Presentation:
using the primitives commands: Cylinder, Cone, Block, Sphere and Torus. Lesson 3.ppt

Training
Exercises
PRIMITIVES.
MCX

File
Open
Select PRIMITIVES.MCX

Page-18
Mill Level 3 – Lesson 3: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Sphere Create the sphere.

Create
Primitives
Sphere

Tips: You can draw the sphere by clicking in the graphics window to set the base
point, dragging outward to set the radius. While the sphere is live you can
change the base point, radius, and sweep angle.

Torus Create the torus.

Create
Primitives
Torus

Tips: Use different color to create the torus. You can draw the torus (in Isometric
view) by clicking in the graphics window to set the base point, dragging outward
to set the major radius. After setting the major radius, enter the minor radius.
While the torus is live you can change the base point, major and minor radius,
sweep angle and the axis.

Create the cylinder.

Cylinder Create
Primitives
Cylinder

Tips: Use different color to create the cylinder. You can draw the cylinder (in
Isometric view) by clicking in the graphics window to set the base point, dragging
outward to set the radius, then dragging up or down to set the height. While the
cylinder is live you can adjust the dimensions, extend the cylinder in two
directions, select a new base point, change the primary axis, or change the sweep
to create a slice of a cylinder.

Page-19
Mill Level 3 – Lesson 3: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

DRAFT AND EXTRUDED SURFACES

Definition: A Draft Surface is a surface generated by extruding one or more PowerPoint
Draft
contours along a line defined by an angle and a length. Presentation:
Surface
Lesson 3.ppt
Applications: the surface is used to create an angled surface, a tapered wall,
or cones and cylinders.

Examples:

You can select multiple entities to chain. Mastercam creates a separate draft
surface for each individual entity in the chain.
A zero value entered in the Angle field produces no tilt and is the equivalent of an
extrusion perpendicular to the construction plane.
Select the proper Cplane before creating the draft surface.

Training
Exercises
DRAFT_
EXTRUDED.
MCX

File
Open
Select DRAFT_EXTRUDED.MCX

Page-20
Mill Level 3 – Lesson 3: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Draft Create the draft surface in the upper right corner.

Surface

Create
Surface
Draft

Tips: Make sure that the current Cplane is set to Top plane. Note that the
extrusion is always perpendicular to the Cplane.

Select the chain and then enter the values in the dialog box to match the ones
from the finish geometry in the right colummn. (Length = 1.0; Angle = 5 deg.)

Create the draft surface in the middle

Create
Surface
Draft

Tips: Make sure that the current Cplane is set to Front plane.

Select the chain and then enable Plane instead of Length in the dialog box.
Enter Angle = 5 deg. and select the Plane button.

Page-21
Mill Level 3 – Lesson 3: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Define the plane by selecting Entities button and then the two lines that
intersect select from the graphic window.

Make sure that the resulting arrow points towards the original chain.

Definition: Extrude Surface command creates CAD surfaces over the closed
chains.

Applications: the surface is used to create an angled surface, a tapered wall, or

cones and cylinders.

Note that the difference between the draft surface command and the extrude
surface command is that the last creates an extra surface at the top and bottom
of the shape.

Extrude
Surface Create the extrude surface in the lower right corner.

Create
Surface
Extrude

Select the chain and then enter the values in the dialog box to match the ones
from the finished geometry in the right colummn. (Length = 1.0; Angle = 5
deg.)

Note that changes that you make using the Extruded Surface dialog box affect
the surface model only, not the curves from which it was created.

Page-22
Mill Level 3 – Lesson 3: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

RULED / LOFTED SURFACES

PowerPoint
Definition: Ruled Surface is a surface generated by connecting straight lines Presentation:
Ruled between two or more open or closed contours. When creating a ruled surface Lesson 3.ppt
Surfaces with three or more curves defining the boundary, Mastercam creates separate
surfaces between each pair of curves rather than one surface with sharp corners
and ridges.

Applications: any time a surface must be fit between two or more open or closed
contours.
Example:

Loft Definition: Loft Surface is a surface generated by blending together more than 3
Surfaces open or closed contours. As a result the surface has rounded edges at the
intermediate contours.

Applications: any time a surface must be parabolically blended through more than
two curves.
Note that the system will automatically create a ruled surface through two chains
of entities.

Page-23
Mill Level 3 – Lesson 3: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

To generate a proper ruled or lofted surface you need to:

Select the contours in the order from left to right or top to bottom
Aligned the starting locations
Select all contours in the same direction.

Ruled/
Lofted Chain allows you to return to the graphics window to
Surface select new chains.
Ribbon bar
buttons Ruled creates Ruled surfaces using linear blending of a
minimum two curves or chains of curves.

Loft creates Lofted surfaces using a smooth blending

of a minimum two curves or chains of curves.

Training
Exercises
LOFT AND
RULED
SURFACE.
MCX

File
Open
Select LOFT AND RULED SURFACE.MCX

Create a Ruled Surface in the upper right corner

Create
Surface
Ruled/Loft

Tips: Select the contours in the order, from the same starting locations, and in the
same direction.
Enable the Ruled button.

Page-24
Mill Level 3 – Lesson 3: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Create a Lofted surface in the lower right corner

Create
Surface
Ruled/Loft

Tips: Select the contours in the order, from left to right.

Enable the Lofted button.

RULED AND LOFT CONTOUR SYNCHRONIZATION

Training
Exercises
Ruled-Sync.
MCX

File
Open
Select Ruled-Sync.MCX
Create
Surface
Ruled/Loft

Create ruled surfaces without

No
Synchronization.
Synchroni-
zation
Tips: Select the contours, from the
same starting locations, and in the
same direction.

Select the ok button to accept the warning that sharp corners will be ignored.

Page-25
Mill Level 3 – Lesson 3: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Create ruled surfaces with Synchronization.

Synchroni-
zation In order to better match the curves or chains of curves, you may want to select
your curves using the Sync chaining method (Chaining Options dialog box), which
lets you match curves manually or by entity, branch, node, or point. Synch by
branch match the curves at the branches.

Tips: In the Chaining dialog box select the Options button and enable Mask
on Color. The color mask excludes all entities from chaining except those whose
colors match any of the color(s) you select. Note that the chains are green color,
while the branches are blue.

CREATE RULED/LOFT SURFACES USING WINDOW SELECTION.

Training
Exercises
Rul2.MCX

File
Open
Select Rul2.MCX

Page-26
Mill Level 3 – Lesson 3: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Create
Surfaces
Ruled/Loft

Tips: Select Options button in the Chaining

Window dialog box. Make sure that you disable Mask on Color
selection and turn Sync mode to None. In the Chaining dialog box
enabled the Window button.

Make a window around the

wirefame and select as the
search point one of the
endpoints of the first contour
as shown.

Enabled Loft icon.

Page-27
Mill Level 3 – Lesson 3: Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Assignments The student creates the 3D wireframe and surfaces of Tutorial 2 – Exercise Mill Level 3
Tutorial 2 – Training
Exercise Tutorial page
2-31

Use the following commands:

Create Ruled/Lofted Surface.
Create Flat Boundary Surface.
Create Rectangular Shape with surface option on.

Mill Level 3
Quiz Answer the first question from the Tutorial 2 quiz Training
Tutorial page
2-33

Page-28
 TUTORIAL SERIES FOR

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE FOR

MASTERCAM X LATHE TRAINING TUTORIALS
 HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

This manual is a guide for instructors and trainers teaching Mastercam X Lathe.

Note: It is intended to be used in conjunction with Mastercam X Lathe Training

Tutorials published by In-House Solutions.

This manual makes reference to the Mastercam X Lathe Training Tutorials throughout.
We do not recommend trying to use this Guide without students having a copy of the
Mastercam X Lathe Training Tutorials.

This manual also makes use of Mastercam files, which can be downloaded from the
Training Exercises CD that comes with this book.

Legend:

Step to follow to complete the tutorial

Additional explanation for the current step

Callouts that give direction on how to complete the task

Bold text (usually) represents Mastercam terminology

To order Mastercam X Lathe Training Tutorials books:

Contact your Mastercam Dealer,
Call 1-800-529-5517 or
Place an order through www.inhousesolutions.com

Mastercam“ Instructor Guide for Mastercam X Lathe Training Tutorials
Date: July 7, 2009
Copyright © 1984 - 2009 In-House Solutions Inc. - All rights reserved.
Software: Mastercam X Lathe
Authors: Mariana Lendel
ISBN: 978-1-926566-35-1
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
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Copyrights
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reserved. This document may not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or
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Mastercam is a registered trademark of CNC Software, Inc.
Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, MS, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation;
Mastercam; Windows 95, Windows 2000 and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
 

TABLE OF CONTENT



Lesson #1: Introduction to Mastercam 1

Lesson #2: Introduction to Geometry Creation 14

Lesson #3: Geometry Creation (continued) 28

Lesson #4: Geometry Creation (continued) 35

Lesson #5: Geometry Creation (continued) 42

Lesson #6: Introduction to Chaining, Properties and basic 2D Toolpaths 53

Lesson #7: Lathe Face, Rough and Finish Toolpaths 68

Lesson #8: Groove and Drill Toolpaths 79

Lesson #9: Quick Rough, Quick Finish and Cutoff Toolpaths 86

Lesson #10: Rough and Finish Canned Toolpaths and Groove - Chain 92

Lesson #11: Thread Toolpath, Stock Flip, Stock Advance, Create Tailstock 97

Lesson #12: Test 106

 LESSON #3: GEOMETRY CREATION (CONTINUED)





Lesson Plan
Geometry Creation (continued)
Lesson Objectives
Trim 3 entities
Create Chamfer
Time Teaching / Learning Strategies Resources
20 min Have students follow Tutorial 2 from the book to create Mastercam &
2D Geometry; page 2-2 to page 2-13. Lathe Training Tutorial Book
Enhancing Phase
15 min Download Exercises and Demonstrate CD Training Exercises
Chamfer
Offset CD PowerPoint : Lesson3.ppt
This will help reinforce the commands used to create the
previous drawing and further aid the students with 2D
geometry.
Assignments
60 min Have students follow Tutorial 3 from the book to create Lathe Training Tutorial Book
2D Geometry; page 3-2 to page 3-14.
Have the students complete Tutorial 2 – Exercise found at
the end of Tutorial 2 from the book; page 2-42
Tutorial 3 – Exercise found at the end of Tutorial 3 from
the book; page 3-42

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Lathe–Lesson 3:Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Students Students complete Tutorial 2 geometry Mastercam

complete Lathe
Tutorial 2 Training
geometry Tutorial
page 2-2 to
page 2-13

The following commands are shown in Tutorial 2:

Create Line Endpoint knowing one endpoint, the length and the angle.
Create Line Endpoint knowing the two endpoints.
Trim 2 entities up to their intersection point.
Create Line Parallel by defining the offset direction and distance.
Trim 3 entities up to their intersection points.

CHAMFER COMMANDS

PowerPoint
Presentation:
Lesson 3.ppt

Training
Exercises
CHAMFER.
MCX

Definition: Chamfer command allows you to chamfer entities that have sharp
Chamfer
corners.
Entities

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Lathe–Lesson 3:Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

File
Open
Select Chamfer.mcx

Create
Chamfer
Entities

By default, Trim icon is enabled and Mastercam trims the curves to the
chamfer; although you have the option to turn off trimming . Always select
the curves on the side that you want to keep after chamfering.

1 Distance Tips: For the far right corner

Enter the Distance = 0.25

Enable 1 Distance and Trim.
Select the two lines.
Select the Apply button to continue in the same command .
2 Distances
The settings for the second corner from the right side should be as follows
Enable 2 Distances and keep Trim .
Enter the 1st Distance = 0.25; 2nd Distance = 0.125.
Select first the horizontal line and then the vertical line.
Select the Apply button to continue in the same command .
Distance/
The settings for the third corner from the right side should be as follows
Angle
Enable Distance/Angle and Trim .
Enter the 1st Distance = 0.375; Angle = 30; Select first the horizontal line and
then the vertical line.

Width The settings for the last corner should be as follows:

Enable width and Trim .
Select the Apply button to continue in the same command .

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Lathe–Lesson 3:Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Tips: For Bottom Profile

Create
Chamfer Chamfer
Chains Chains

Select the chain.

Enter the Distance = 0.125
Enable 1 Distance and Trim.
Select the Apply button to continue in the same command

OFFSET COMMANDS
Definition: Offset (a single entity) command moves or copies the entity at a PowerPoint
Xform
defined distance and direction. The direction is perpendicular to the curve at Presentation:
Offset
every point along the curve relative to the current construction plane. Lesson 3.ppt

Training
Exercises
OFFSET.MCX

File
Open
Select Offset.mcx

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Lathe–Lesson 3:Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Xform
Xform Offset
Tips: Select Copy as the type of operation to perform; number of steps # 3; enter
the value for Offset distance = 0.25 ; select the entity in the graphics window.
Click on one side of the selected entity to indicate the offset direction. Select the

Apply button to continue. . Change the Offset settings and select the arc and
the side to indicate the offset direction. Select the OK to close the dialog box.

Definition: Offset Contour command allows you to select a chain of curves and
Xform
then displaces them by a defined distance, direction and optional depth. The
Offset
offset is perpendicular to the chain of curves at every position along the curves
Contour
relative to the current construction plane.

Xform
Xform Offset Contour
Tips Select the contour and and then the OK button to exit Chaining.
Enable Copy; enter the Distance = 0.225 and select the OK button.

In the graphic window the resulting contour will be displayed in magenta color. Make
sure that it is below the original contour (in red). Otherwise, select the Reverse
button . Select the OK button to exit Offset Contour dialog box.

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Lathe–Lesson 3:Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Assignments The student creates the 2D geometry from Tutorial 3 Lathe

Tutorial 3 Training
Tutorial 3
page 3-2 to
3-14

The following commands are shown in Tutorial 3:

Create Line Endpoint knowing one endpoint, the length and the angle.
Create Line Parallel by defining the offset direction and distance.
Create Line Endpoint (multi) knowing the endpoints.
Create Fillet
Xform Mirror

Lathe
The student creates the 2D geometry from Tutorial 2 – Exercise Training
Tutorial 2 – Tutorial page
Exercise 2-42

Use the following commands:

Create Rectangular Shapes
Create Line Parallel
Create Line Endpoints
Create Chamfer
Trim-3 Entities
Xform Mirror about Z-axis
Tips: Create just a ¼ of the entire geometry and then, Mirror the geometry about Z-axis.

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Lathe–Lesson 3:Geometry Creation INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Assignments The student creates the 2D geometry from Tutorial 3 – Exercise Lathe
Tutorial 3- Training
Exercise Tutorial 3
page
3-42

The following commands should be used:

Create Rectangle knowing the width, the height and the anchor location.
Create Line Endpoint knowing one endpoint, the length and the angle.
Create Line Parallel by defining the offset direction and distance.
Create Fillet knowing the radius
Create Chamfer knowing the distance and the angle
Xform Mirror about D-axis

Page-34