MasterCAM: Posting Files

General Notes:
1) Once we define the toolpaths and specify the tools used, we need to send the
information to the CNC. The procedure varies for each machine.
2) For this procedure, well assume that the all the toolpaths are completed and ready
to send. This was covered in Lecture 5s notes.
3) Important points to remember for each machine:
a. Select the right computer for the machine you are posting to.
b. Make sure to select the right post-processor.
c. Make sure to regenerate the path if you change anything, including the
post-processor. The red X wont show up when you change the postprocessor, but you still need to regenerate the path.
Posting to Wolf Creek:
1) Use the computer shop1.
2) From the Operations Manager (Main menu -> Toolpaths -> Operations), select the
operations you want to post.
3) Regenerate the path with the Regen Path button, if you see a red X over the
path.
4) Check for the proper post-processor. For Wolf Creek, it should be MPAACURTMATT. If you change the post-processor, make sure to regenerate the path again.
5) Click the Post button. It should ask you where you want to save the file. It will
default to the right directory. Click OK.
6) Minimize MasterCAM and open the Remote Storage Utility on the desktop.
7) Now we need to load the program onto the machine.
a. If necessary, start-up the machine following procedure.
b. Hit the PGM button on the display.
c. Select the Program Functions button on the hotkeys below the display.
d. Select the Load hotkey.
e. Press the Format button until Gcode is selected.
f. Select the Remote Storage hotkey.
g. Select the program you want to load.
h. Select Load to load the program.
Posting to Copper:
1) Use the computer shop2.
2) From the Operations Manager (Main menu -> Toolpaths -> Operations), select the
operations you want to post.
3) Regenerate the path with the Regen Path button, if you see a red X over the
path.
4) Check for the proper post-processor. For Copper, it should be MPCENM4. If
you change the post-processor, make sure to regenerate the path again.
5) Now we need to ready the machine to receive the file.
a. If necessary, start-up the machine following procedure.

b. On the function keys below the display, select CAM and then
NWDNC.
c. Now the machine is ready to receive the file.
6) Go back to the computer and click on the post button. The machine should now
receive the file.
Posting to Vail:
1) You can use any computer to post the file, but you should use the computer
shop3 if it is available.
2) From the Operations Manager (Main menu -> Toolpaths -> Operations), select the
operations you want to post.
3) Regenerate the path with the Regen Path button, if you see a red X over the
path.
4) Check for the proper post-processor. For Vail, it should be MPCENM4. If you
change the post-processor, make sure to regenerate the path again.
5) Click Post.
6) Save the file to the desktop.
7) Minimize MasterCAM and drag the file you just posted into the NCFILES folder.
Dont try to save directly to the NCFILES folder.
8) Now load the program onto the machine.
a. If necessary, start-up the machine following procedure.
b. On the function keys below the display, hit the Load button.
c. Select the file using the arrow keys.
d. On the function keys, hit the accept button.
9) The machine should now load the file.

Clamping Setups
Holding the work-piece properly is one of the most important parts of machining. The
cutting forces involved in machining are large and need to be accounted for. There many
ways to clamp parts. To illustrate this point, we will show four examples of our bottle
opener being clamped in preparation for the contour.
Lathe Chucks:

1) Both these examples use the chucks that were used in the lathe procedure. Refer
to those notes for questions on using the chucks.
2) The chuck on the left is mounted in a collet block. Follow the instructions we
used in the drill press procedure to put the chuck in the collet block.
3) When using the vise, always, with your hand/fingers, wipe any surfaces that will
be touching. For instance, wipe both sides of the collet block and wipe the jaws of
the vise, as well as the bottom.
Toe Clamps:

1) Tow clamp pieces are found next to each CNC.

2) Make sure you program will clear all the clamps.
Aluminum Clamps

1) Unlike the toe clamps, these clamps can be machined.

Zeroing Tools:
The basic procedure for zeroing tools is the same for each machine.
1) Insert the tool
2) Bring the tool to the top of the stock.
3) Tell the machine that the tool is at zero.
The details for each machine are different.
Movable Bed CNCs:
1) Start the machine, find home, and load the program.

2) Clamp you part properly.

3) Load the tool you want to zero. If youve done multiple toolpaths in your
program, each tool will be assigned a number.
4) Using the function keys below the display, select Setup -> Tool -> Offset Lib.
5) Using the jog functions, approach the top of the stock until it is very close.
6) Dry the top of the stock with a rag if necessary.
7) Place a scrap of paper between the tool and the stock.
8) Move the tool down in .001 increments while moving the paper. At a point the
paper will catch between the tool and the stock. This is the zero for the tool.
9) Using the arrow keys, select the tool on the display that you want to zero.
10) Press the Man. or Meas. function key. (One machine is Man., one is Meas.)
11) Now you can see the zero of the tool in relation to the home position.
12) Repeat for each tool. When you remove the tool, the zero is saved and will be the
same when you reload the tool.
13) Press the Save function key to save your changes.
14) Press Esc to back out of the menu.
Knee Mill CNC:
1) Start the machine, find home, and load the program.
2) Clamp you part properly.
3) Load the tool you want to zero.
4) Using the manual controls, approach the top of the stock until it is close. If it is
difficult to move manually, you may have the servos engaged. Press the Move
Table hot key to disengage.
5) Reengage the servos by pressing the move table button.
6) Dry the top of the stock with a rag if necessary.
7) Place a scrap of paper between the tool and the stock.
8) Move the tool down in .001 increments while moving the paper. At a point the
paper will catch between the tool and the stock. This is the zero for the tool.
9) Press the Move Table hot key to back out of the function.
10) Press the Datum hot key (NOT Z=0).
11) Now press the Z=0 hot key.
12) Press the Use button to the right of the display.
13) The machine is now set to zero for this tool.
14) You will have to repeat the zeroing process every time you put a new tool in, there
is no memory of separate tools like there is on the moveable bed CNC.

Edge Finding:

Often we will need to set the edge of a part at zero. The basic procedure is the same for
each machine.
1) Insert the edge finder into a drill chuck.
2) Approach the part until the edge finder just touches.
3) Account for the edge finder diameter.
4) Tell the machine that you are at zero.
The details for each machine are different.
Moveable Bed CNCs:
1) Start the machine and find home, if necessary.
2) Clamp you part properly.
3) Insert the drill chuck into the spindle. Put the edge finder into the chuck.
4) Set the spindle in high gear at about 800 rpm.
5) Touch the end of the edge finder so the tip runs out of center.
6) Approach the side of the part that you want to reference as zero.
7) When you get close to the edge, approach in .001 increments until the tip of the
edge finder finds its center.
8) Using the function keys, press Setup -> Part
9) Select the axis you want with the Next axis function key.
10) Enter the diameter of the edge finder (.200).
11) Enter the direction you are approaching from. (Press space to toggle.)
12) Press the Set function key to zero the dimension.
13) The computer will account for the edge finder dimension.
14) Now, when the center of the edge finder is at the edge, the display should be at
zero. Do a visual check to insure that the zero if correct, i.e., that you didnt
approach from the wrong direction, etc.
15) Repeat for the other axis.
16) Press Esc to back out of the menu.
Knee Mill CNC:
1) Start the machine and find home, if necessary.

2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)

Clamp you part properly.

Insert the drill chuck into the spindle. Put the edge finder into the chuck.
Set the spindle in high gear at about 800 rpm.
Make sure the spindle is running clockwise.
Touch the end of the edge finder so the tip runs out of center.
Approach the side of the part that you want to reference as zero.
When you get close to the edge, approach in .001 increments until the tip of the
edge finder finds its center.
9) Press the Datum hot key (NOT Z=0).
10) Now press the Z=0 hot key.
11) Press the Use button to the right of the display.
12) Raise the edge finder so it clears the part.
13) Move the edge finder .100 in the proper direction such that the center of the tool
is over the edge.
14) Re-zero. Now the diameter of the tool is accounted for.
15) If youve done things right, the larger numbers on the display should all read ABS
next to them. If they read INC, youve done something wrong.

Centering Round Parts:

With round parts, instead of finding an edge, we will find the center. Setting the zeros at
the center uses the same procedure as above. (In the case of the moveable bed CNC, the
edge finder diameter is zero.) Since the procedure is the same for setting the zeros, well

only discuss finding the center. Refer to the above instructions for the buttons to press on
each machine.
Finding the Center: Knee Mill
1) Start the machine and find home.
2) Insert a drill chuck into the spindle.
3) Insert a drill bit into the chuck.
4) Using the drill bit as a guide, find the approximate center of the stock.
5) Remove the drill bit.
6) Insert the dial indicator into the drill chuck.
7) Put the spindle in neutral.
8) Disengage the Z-axis servo
a. Using the handle, move the spindle all the way up.
b. Unscrew the front knob until the servo is disengaged.
c. Now you can move the spindle up and down easily.
9) Adjust the dial indicator until it is touching the front of your material. Move it
until the needle reads a non-zero value. Note the value.
10) Raise the indicator using the Z-axis handle and turn the spindle until the tip of the
dial indicator is towards the back.
11) Lower the spindle until the tip of the dial indicator touches the back of your
material. Note the reading.
12) If the part is centered, the two readings will be equal. If they arent adjust the
table until the part is centered on the axis.
a. The dial indicator reads how much the tip is being pressed, so if the front
reading reads lower than the back, the table will need to come forward. If
the front reading is higher, the table will need to go back.
13) Once you have it centered on that axis, zero the y-axis on the machine. (Follow
the procedure in edge-finding.)
14) Repeat for the next axis with the left and right sides of the part.
15) If youve done things right, the larger numbers on the display should all read ABS
next to them. If they read INC, youve done something wrong.
16) Reengage the servo.
a. Move the spindle to its highest point with the handle.
b. Screw in the front knob.
c. Move the spindle below the limit switches with the handle.
Finding the Center: Moveable bed CNC
1) The procedure is the same for the moveable bed as it is for the knee mill, with
some exceptions.
a. You will not be able to manually move the spindle up and down. You will
need to use the jog functions, i.e., no disengaging of the servos.
b. When you are zeroing, the edge finder diameter should be set at zero.