Mastercam 2017 Released

CNC Software Inc. has released the 2017 edition of its Mastercam CAD/CAM software for 2- through 5-axis routing, milling and turning, 2- and 4-axis wire EDM, 2D and 3D design, surface and solid modeling as well as Swiss machining. Mastercam 2017, says the company, brings a new suite of programming tools focused on delivering speed, automation and efficiency for all machining jobs. Version 2017 also introduces a more efficient workflow, improved usability and Dynamic Motion improvements, the company adds.

CNC Software has announced the availability of the 2017 release of its Mastercam CAD/CAM software suite for 2- through 5-axis routing, milling and turning, 2- and 4-axis wire EDM, 2D and 3D design, surface and solid modeling and Swiss machining. Image courtesy of CNC Software Inc.

Mastercam 2017 features a new Microsoft Office-like ribbon user interface intended to make it easier for users to find the functions needed to complete tasks. The ribbon tabs group similar functions and displays them in order from simple to more complex. Each tab relates to a type of activity, from creating wireframe geometry to generating toolpaths. Editing functions are on the same tab as creation functions so that users have all the tools needed at the moment they are needed.

With Mastercam 2017 you can now search through toolpath galleries that show icons with sample tool motion to help you decide which toolpath to use. Image courtesy of CNC Software Inc.

“Many of our more powerful tools were underused because customers did not know where to find them,” says Meghan West, president CNC Software, in a press statement. “We spent a lot of time with users determining the best way to simplify this, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Mastercam 2017 sees a new Tool Projection functionality that allows you to see what the tool assembly will look like against the part you are machining. This screen shot shows that, to edit the assembly, you simply select the assembly and then either enter a value or use the ruler to drag it up or down to a specified length. Image courtesy of CNC Software Inc.

In Mastercam 2017, CNC Software reports that it has improved its Dynamic Motion technology for maximizing material removal rates, extending tool life and reducing cycle time. Enhanced in version 2017, micro lifts—retracts that avoid excess heat buildup—now use a line-of-sight approach to move the tool where it needs to go through unobstructed areas. This results in re-position moves that are more efficient, less complex and travel a shorter distance, which results in shorter cycle times, according to the company.

Mastercam 2017 introduces Maximum Stock Engagement for select 3D high-speed finishing toolpaths. This functionality allows users to limit how deeply the cutter engages uncut material as well as protects smaller tools from taking too heavy of a cut. Optimized Raster Motion improves toolpath efficiency by filling in steeper geometry with perpendicular raster motion to create a cleaner result. The Mastercam Mill-Turn package now supports multi-station tool locators for turrets as well as half index positions. Improvements to tool and job set-up, says CNC Software, improve overall workflow.

According to the company, Mastercam 2017’s other toolpath enhancements are:

• preview select 2D high-speed toolpaths in the graphics window before closing and generating or regenerating the toolpath;
• placement of the Level and Plane Managers in a dockable, floatable function panel. They have also been redesigned for more intuitive controls and easier workflow;
• Tool Setup Manager in the Mill-Turn package has been redesigned to improve workflow and ease of use;
• new features have been added to Multiaxis Drill, such as using a line length for the drill depth and recognition of the stock model for depth and top of stock purposes; and
• Multiaxis Drill now includes a new 4-axis toolpath called Rotary Advanced that allows more control over the tool motion through the selection of walls, hubs and shroud surfaces.

Beginning with version 2017, Mastercam’s Multiaxis package now includes Rotary Advanced, a new 4-axis toolpath that provides more control over the tool motion through the selection of walls, hubs and shroud surfaces. Image courtesy of CNC Software Inc.

Mastercam runs on Windows workstations. Recommended system specifications include an Intel i7 or Xeon E3 processor running at 3.2GHz or faster, a 2GB NVIDIA Quadro graphics card and 32GB of memory. For complete details on Mastercam 2017, click here.

Watch the Mastercam 2017 What’s New overview video.

Watch Mastercam 2017’s rotary control, streamlined workflow and multiaxis drilling advances.

Download the Mastercam 2017 data sheet (2 pages).

Download the full details (130 pages) on what’s new in Mastercam 2017.

Check out Mastercam’s system requirements.

See why DE‘s editors selected Mastercam 2017 as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.