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Lathe Training Tutorial
Mastercam X5 Lathe Training Tutorial
Copyright: 1998 -2010 In-House Solutions Inc. All rights reserved
Software: Mastercam X5
Author: Mariana Lendel
ISBN: 978-1-926566-80-1
Revision Date: October 22, 2010
Notice
In-House Solutions Inc. reserves the right to make improvements to this manual at any time and without
notice.
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with respect to the software described in this manual, its quality, performance, merchantability, or
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Lathe Training Tutorial
Lathe Training Tutorial Contents
Getting Started .......................................................................................................A-1
TutorialsTutorial #1 .............................................................................................................................1-1
Tutorial #2 .............................................................................................................................2-1
Tutorial #3 .............................................................................................................................3-1
Tutorial #4 .............................................................................................................................4-1
Tutorial #5 .............................................................................................................................5-1
Tutorial #6 .............................................................................................................................6-1
Tutorial #7 .............................................................................................................................7-1
Tutorial #8 .............................................................................................................................8-1
Tutorial #9 .............................................................................................................................9-1
Tutorial #10 .........................................................................................................................10-1
General Notes.........................................................................................................B-1
Creating a Lathe Tool Library...................................................................................C-1
Editing a Lathe Tool Library.....................................................................................D-1
Quiz Answers ..........................................................................................................E-1
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-1
TUTORIAL #31
TUTORIAL #3
Objectives:
The Student will design a 2-dimensional drawing by:
!Create lines using polar positioning.
!Trim the construction lines using Trim 2 Entities command.
!Use the Create Line Perpendicular command to create lines.
!Trim lines using the distance option in the Trim/Break/Extend command.
!Creating arcs using the create circle center point command.
!Using the arc tangent command to create tangent arcs.
!Use the trim divide command to clean up the geometry.
The Student will create lathe toolpaths consisting of:
!Facing toolpath to machine the face of the part.
!Canned Roughing toolpath to remove the bulk of material.
!Canned Finish toolpath to remove the leftover material from the roughing toolpath.
!Grooving at an angle with fillets in the corners of the groove
!Finishing toolpath with multiple passes using a tool with a round insert.
!Cutoff toolpath to cut the part off at a desired position.
The Student will simulate the toolpaths using Mastercam's Verify and Backplot by:
!Defining a 3-dimensional cylinder the size of the workpiece.
!Running the Backplot to see the path the tool takes to cut the part.
!Running the Verify to simulate the tool cutting from the solid model.
This tutorial takes approximately 50 minutes to complete.
Page |3-2 Lathe Training Tutorial
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-3
SETTING UP THE GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE TUTORIAL #31
GEOMETRY CREATION
STEP 1: SETTING UP THE GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE
Before starting the geometry creation we should customize the toolbars to see the toolbars
required to create the geometry and machine a part. See Getting started page A-4 for details.
Make sure that the Grid is enabled. It will show you where the part origin is. See Getting
started page A-6 for further information.
The Operations Manager to the left of the screen can be hidden to gain more space in the
graphic area for design. From the keyboard, press Alt + O keys simultaneously to hide it.
Repeat this command to make it visible again.
Figure: 1.0.1
Change the Cplane to +D +Z.
See Setting the Construction and Tool Plane to DZ on page A-10 in Getting Started.
Select Planes from the Status Bar.
Select Lathe diameter +D +Z.
NOTE: Because the part is symmetrical in the Z-Axis, you will only draw 1/2 of the total part.
Page |3-4 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 CREATE THE OUTSIDE PROFILE
STEP 2: CREATE THE OUTSIDE PROFILE
In this step you will learn how to create a line knowing an endpoint, the angle and the length. We will
use this line to create other parallel lines from.
Step Preview:
2.1 Create the 1.25" by 90° line
Create
Line
Endpoint
Enter the Length then press tab on your keyboard and enter the Angle as shown
below (Enter).
[Specify the first endpoint]: Select the Fast Point icon.
Enter in the coordinates 0,-3 (Enter).
Select the Apply button to stay within the command.
Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen.
Using the mouse scroll wheel, roll the wheel backwards to unzoom, to see the Grid and the
line we just created as shown in Figure 2.1.1.
NOTE: When working with the +D, +Z plane, enter in the coordinates in this order (D,Z).
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-5
CREATE THE OUTSIDE PROFILE TUTORIAL #31
Figure: 2.1.1
2.2 Create the 0.5" by 90° line
Enter the Length then press tab on your keyboard and enter the Angle as shown
below (Enter).
[Specify the first endpoint]: Select the Origin as shown in Figure 2.2.1.
Figure: 2.2.1
Make sure that when selecting the origin, the visual cue of the cursor changes as shown.
Select the Apply button to stay within the command.
NOTE: During the geometry creation of this tutorial, if you make a mistake you can undo the
last step using the Undo icon. You can undo as many steps as needed. If you delete or
undo a step by mistake, just use the Redo icon. To delete unwanted geometry, select it
first and then press Delete from the keyboard.
Page |3-6 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 CREATE THE OUTSIDE PROFILE
2.3 Create the 1.75" by 180° line
Enter the Length then press tab on your keyboard and enter the Angle as shown
below (Enter).
[Specify the first endpoint]: Select the Endpoint as shown in Figure 2.3.1.
Figure: 2.3.1
Select the Apply button to stay within the command.
2.4 Create the 135° line
Enter the Length then press tab on your keyboard and enter the Angle as shown
below (Enter).
[Specify the first endpoint]: Select the Endpoint as shown in Figure 2.4.1.
Figure: 2.4.1
Select the Apply button to stay within the command.
NOTE: The length on this line is not important as we will trim the lines later on. For now we
will use 1.25.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-7
CREATE THE OUTSIDE PROFILE TUTORIAL #31
2.5 Sketch the final line
In this next step we will enable an option found in the autocursor configuration to help us sketch a
horizontal line.
Select the Config button in the Autocursor toolbar.
Ensure that you have Horizontal/Vertical enabled as shown below.
Select the Ok button to exit the Autocursor Settings dialog box.
[Specify the first endpoint]: Select the Endpoint as shown in Figure 2.5.1.
Figure: 2.5.1
Page |3-8 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 TRIM THE LINES
[Specify the second endpoint] Sketch the line to a point beyond the 135° angled line as
shown below.
Select the Ok button to exit the command.
The part should appear as shown in Figure 2.5.2.
Figure: 2.5.2
TRIM THE LINES
In this step, we will trim the intersecting lines left from step 2.
Step Preview:
Edit
Trim/Break
Trim/Break/Extend
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-9
CREATE THE GROOVE GEOMETRY TUTORIAL #31
Enable the Trim 2 Entities button.
Select Entity A and then select Entity B to trim the geometry as shown below.
Select the Ok button to exit the command.
STEP 3: CREATE THE GROOVE GEOMETRY
In this step we will use the create line perpendicular command, create line parallel command and fillet
entities to create the groove geometry.
Step Preview:
3.1 Create a line perpendicular to the 135° line
Create
Line
Perpendicular
Page |3-10 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 CREATE THE GROOVE GEOMETRY
Enter in the length in the ribbon bar as shown.
[Select line, arc or spline] Select Entity A as shown below.
[Sketch a point] Select Endpoint A as shown below.
[Select which line to keep] Choose the line on the left side of the line as shown below.
Select the Ok button to exit the command.
3.2 Create parallel lines
In this step you will create parallel lines from the polar line we created in Step #2.
Create
Line
Parallel
[Select a line] Select the perpendicular line we just created as shown in Figure 3.2.1.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-11
CREATE THE GROOVE GEOMETRY TUTORIAL #31
[Select the point to place a parallel line through] choose a point to the left of the line we just
created as shown in Figure 3.2.1.
Figure: 3.2.1
Change the Distance to.
Select the Apply button to stay within the command.
[Select a line] Select the parallel line we just created as shown in Figure 3.2.2.
[Select the point to place a parallel line through] choose a point to the left of the line we just
created as shown in Figure 3.2.2.
Figure: 3.2.2
Change the Distance to.
Select the Ok button to exit the command.
The part should appear as shown in Figure 3.2.3.
Page |3-12 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 CREATE THE GROOVE GEOMETRY
Figure: 3.2.3
3.3 Trim the 0.45" line to a length of 0.25"
Edit
Trim/Break
Trim/Break/Extend
Enable the Extension Length and enter in the value as shown.
[Select the entity to trim/extend] Select Entity A, on the left end of the line as shown below.
Select the Ok button to exit the command.
3.4 Create a line knowing the endpoints
Create
Line
Endpoint
[Specify the first endpoint] Select Endpoint A as shown in Figure 3.4.1.
[Specify the second endpoint] Select Endpoint B as shown in Figure 3.4.1.
NOTE: When using the Extension Length in the Trim/Break/Extend command, the side of
the line you select is the side Mastercam will trim or extend.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-13
CREATE THE GROOVE GEOMETRY TUTORIAL #31
Figure: 3.4.1
Select the Ok button to exit the command.
3.5 Delete the construction line
Edit
Delete
Delete Entities
[Select Entities] Select the line as shown below.
Click on the End Selection button once selected.
3.6 Fillet the groove
Create
Fillet
Entities
Enter in the fillet radius, set the style to normal and ensure trim is enabled as shown below.
[Fillet: Select an entity] Select Entity A as shown in Figure 3.6.1.
[Fillet: Select another entity] Select Entity B as shown in Figure 3.6.1.
Page |3-14 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 CREATE THE GROOVE GEOMETRY
Select the Apply button to continue.
Change the fillet radius to
[Fillet: Select an entity] Select Entity B as shown in Figure 3.6.1.
[Fillet: Select another entity] Select Entity C as shown in Figure 3.6.1.
Figure: 3.6.1
Select the Ok button to exit the command.
The part should appear as shown in Figure 3.6.2
Figure: 3.6.2
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-15
CREATE THE ROUNDED GROOVES TUTORIAL #31
STEP 4: CREATE THE ROUNDED GROOVES
In this final step we will use the circle center point and arc tangent command to create the needed
geometry to finish the part. We will also trim the part to clean up the leftover geometry.
Step Preview:
4.1 Create arcs
Create
Arc
Circle Center Point
Enter in the Radius as shown.
[Enter the center point] Select the Fast Point command.
[Enter the center point] Enter in the coordinates 1,-0.575.
Select the Apply button to stay within the command.
The part should appear as shown in Figure 4.1.1.
Figure: 4.1.1
Page |3-16 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 CREATE THE ROUNDED GROOVES
Enter in the Radius as shown.
[Enter the center point] Select the Fast Point command.
[Enter the center point] Enter in the coordinates 1,-1.125
Select the Ok button to exit the command.
The part should appear as shown in Figure 4.1.2.
Figure: 4.1.2
4.2 Create arcs tangent to two entities
Create
Arc
Arc Tangent
Enable the Arc Tangent 2 Entities button.
Enter in the Radius 0.25 as shown.
[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity A.
[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity B.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-17
CREATE THE ROUNDED GROOVES TUTORIAL #31
[Select the fillet to use] Select Entity C.
Select the Apply button to continue.
[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity D.
[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity E.
[Select the fillet to use] Select Entity F.
Select the Apply button to continue.
Page |3-18 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 CREATE THE ROUNDED GROOVES
Enter in the Radius 0.375 as shown.
[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity G.
[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity H.
[Select the fillet to use] Select Entity I.
Select the Ok button to exit the command.
The part should appear as shown in Figure 4.2.1.
Figure: 4.2.1
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-19
CREATE THE ROUNDED GROOVES TUTORIAL #31
4.3 Trim the geometry to finish the part
Edit
Trim/Break
Trim/Break/Extend
Enable the Divide button.
[Select the curve to divide/delete] Click on the portions of line that are shown as dotted lines
below.
Select the Ok button to exit the command.
The completed part should appear as shown in Figure 4.3.1.
Figure: 4.3.1
NOTE: When using the Trim Divide command, ensure you select the portion of the line you
wish to delete. The entity will trim up to an intersection point.
Page |3-20 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 SAVE THE FILE
STEP 5: SAVE THE FILE
File
Save As
File name: "Your Name_3".
Select the OK button.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-21
PART SETUP: TUTORIAL #31
TOOLPATH CREATION
PART SETUP:
SETUP SHEET:
Page |3-22 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK
STEP 6: SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK
Step Preview:
In Mastercam, you select a Machine Definition before creating any toolpaths. The Machine Definition
is a model of your machine tool's capabilities and features and acts like a template for setting up
machining jobs. The machine definition ties together three main components: the schematic model of
your machine tool’s components, the control definition that models your control unit’s capabilities and
the post processor that will generate the required machine code (G-code). For a Lathe exercise (2D
toolpaths) we need just a basic machine definition.
To display the Operations Manager press Alt + O.
Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen.
Machine type
Lathe
Default
Select the plus sign in front of Properties in the Toolpaths Manager to expand the Toolpaths
Group Properties.
Select Tool Settings to set the tool parameters.
NOTE: For the purpose of this tutorial, we will be using the Default lathe machine.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-23
SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK TUTORIAL #31
Change the parameters to match the screen shot in Figure 6.0.1.
Figure: 6.0.1.
Select the Stock setup tab.
Choose the properties button to set up the stock for the Left Spindle.
Program # is used to enter a number if your
machine tool requires a number for a program
name.
Assign tool numbers sequentially allows you to
overwrite the tool number from the library with the
next available tool number.
Warn of duplicate tool numbers allows you to get a
warning if you enter two tools with the same
number.
Write home position clearance moves writes home
position clearance moves into the toolpath.
Override defaults with modal values enables the
system to keep the values that you enter.
Feed Calculation set From tool uses feed rate,
plunge rate, retract rate and spindle speed from the
tool definition.
Page |3-24 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK
Define the stock by setting the stock geometry to Cylinder and entering the stock
dimensions. Ensure you enable Use Margins and enter in the values as shown in Figure 6.0.2.
Figure: 6.0.2
Select the Ok button to exit the Stock Setup page.
Ensure that Left spindle is selected and then select the Properties button in the chuck jaws
area as shown below.
NOTE: The stock model that you create can be displayed with the part geometry when
viewing the file or the toolpaths, during backplot, or while verifying toolpaths. You can
create stock on the left or right spindle.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-25
SELECT THE MACHINE AND SET UP THE STOCK TUTORIAL #31
Make the necessary changes to define the chuck size, the clamping method and the stock
position. Ensure that you choose the clamping method OD#1 as shown in the graphic below.
Select the OK button to exit the Chuck Jaws dialogue box.
Enable Fit screen to boundaries in the Display Options area.
Select the OK button to exit Machine Group Properties.
Select the Top view from the view toolbar to see the stock.
Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen.
The stock should look as shown in Figure 6.0.3.
Page |3-26 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 FACE THE PART
Figure: 6.0.3
STEP 7: FACE THE PART
Face toolpaths allows the user to quickly clean the stock from one end of the part, and create an even
surface for future operations. Note that we do not have to chain any geometry to create the toolpath
because of the extra material we specified on the right face in the stock setup. You can also select
points to dictate where Mastercam will create the facing operation.
Toolpath Preview:
Toolpaths
Face
NOTE: The stock is not geometry and can not be selected.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-27
FACE THE PART TUTORIAL #31
Select the Ok Button to accept the NC name.
Select the OD Rough Right -80 Degree Tool and enter in the comment.
NOTE: The Feed Rate and the Spindle Speeds are based on the Mastercam Tool Definitions.
They can be changed at any time, based on the material that you are going to machine.
Page |3-28 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 FACE THE PART
Select the Face Parameters tab and make all of the necessary changes as shown in the
screenshot below.
Once the you have entered in all of the information select the Ok button to exit the Face
Properties.
The toolpath should appear as shown in Figure 7.0.1.
Entry Amount sets the height at which the tool rapids to or from the part.
Rough Stepover sets the roughing pass value.
Finish Stepover sets the finish pass value.
Overcut Amount determines how far past the center of the part the tool will cut.
Retract Amount determines the distance the tool moves away from the face of the part
before it moves to the start of the next cut.
Stock to Leave sets the remaining stock after the tool completes all passes.
Cut away from the center line sets the tool to start cutting closest to the center line and
cut away from the center line at each pass.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-29
ROUGH THE PART USING A CANNED ROUGH TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #31
Figure: 7.0.1
STEP 8: ROUGH THE PART USING A CANNED ROUGH TOOLPATH
Canned Rough Toolpaths allow you to enter parameters that define how the toolpath is cut in
preparation of a finish operation. The dialog box displays only those parameters that are supported by
you machine’s controller’s roughing canned cycle program.
Toolpath Preview:
Toolpaths
Canned
Rough
NOTE: The chaining mode is Partial by default. You will have to select
the first entity and the last entity of the contour.
Page |3-30 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 ROUGH THE PART USING A CANNED ROUGH TOOLPATH
Select Entity A.
Select Entity B.
Select the Ok button to exit the Chaining dialog box.
In the Toolpath Parameters tab, select the same tool that we used in the facing operation
and make all of the necessary changes as shown in the screenshot.
NOTE: Make sure that the chaining direction is CCW, otherwise select the Reverse button in
the Chaining dialog box.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-31
ROUGH THE PART USING A CANNED ROUGH TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #31
Select the Rough Parameters tab and make any necessary changes as shown.
Depth of cut sets the amount of material to be removed during each pass.
Equal Steps sets the Depth of Cut value to the maximum amount of material that the tool
can remove at each pass to ensure equal passes.
Minimum cut depth sets the minimum cut that can be taken per pass.
Stock to leave in X sets the remaining stock in the X axis after the tool completes all passes.
Stock to leave in Y sets the remaining stock in the Y axis after the tool completes all passes.
Entry Amount sets the height at which the tool rapids to or from the part.
Page |3-32 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 ROUGH THE PART USING A CANNED ROUGH TOOLPATH
Select the Lead In/Out button and enable Extend start of contour and specify a length of
0.25" as shown.
Select the Lead out tab and enable Extend end of contour and specify a length of 0.25" as
shown.
Select the Ok button to exit the Lead In/Out parameters.
Select the Ok button to exit the Roughing Toolpath Parameters.
The toolpath should appear as shown in Figure 8.0.1.
Figure: 8.0.1
NOTE: We need to extend the contour for the lead in and lead out to make sure that the
tool will not crash into the part on the next finish canned operation that uses the rough
settings.We will also extend the end of the contour for a better finish.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-33
FINISH THE PART USING A CANNED FINISH TOOLPATH TUTORIAL #31
STEP 9: FINISH THE PART USING A CANNED FINISH TOOLPATH
Finish Toolpaths cut parallel to the part geometry, making one final cut on the part and refining the
canned roughing or pattern repeat toolpath. You must have an existing canned rough or canned
pattern repeat operation in order to create a canned finish toolpath.
Toolpath Preview:
Select the Toolpaths tab in the Operations Manager.
Click on Select all Operations.
Select Toggle Toolpath Display on selected operations to turn the toolpath display off.
Toolpaths
Canned
Finish
NOTE: You can also use ALT + T to toggle toolpath display on or off. For the remaining
tutorials, the toolpath display will be automatically disabled.
NOTE: The chaining dialog box does not appear because a Canned Finish toolpath uses the
information from the Canned rough toolpath.
Page |3-34 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 FINISH THE PART USING A CANNED FINISH TOOLPATH
Select the OD 55 Degree Right tool from the tool list and enter in the comment.
Select the Finish Parameters tab and make all of the necessary changes as shown below.
Select the Ok Button to exit the Finish Parameters.
The toolpath should appear as shown in Figure 9.0.1.
NOTE: The Feed Rate and Spindle Speed are based on the Mastercam Tool Definition.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-35
ROUGH THE ANGLED GROOVE TUTORIAL #31
Figure: 9.0.1
STEP 10: ROUGH THE ANGLED GROOVE
Groove toolpaths are used for machining indented or recessed areas that can not be machined by
roughing toolpaths or tools.
Toolpath Preview:
Toolpaths
Groove
Page |3-36 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 ROUGH THE ANGLED GROOVE
Choose Chain when the Grooving Options dialog box opens up.
Select the Ok button to exit the Grooving Options Dialog box.
The Chaining dialog box will open, leave Partial as the chaining method.
1 Point allows the user to select points from the graphics area to identify a groove.
2 Points allows you to specify a groove by indicating the top corner of the groove and the point
in the lower opposite corner.
3 Lines allows you to select three lines from the graphics screen to define the groove shape.
Chain allows you to chain a more complex shape to define a groove by chaining on-screen
geometry.
Multiple Chains allows you to chain multiple grooves by chaining on screen geometry.
Manual Point Selection allows you to manually select points from the graphics area.
Window Point Selection allows you to create a window in the graphics area and chains all of
the points within the window.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-37
ROUGH THE ANGLED GROOVE TUTORIAL #31
Select Entity A as your first chain, then select Entity B as your second chain as shown below.
Select the Ok button to exit the Chaining dialog box.
Select the OD Groove Center Medium tool from the tool list and enter in the comment as
shown below.
Select the Tool Angle button as outlined above.
NOTE: We need to specify the angle we want to groove because the groove is on a 45°
angle.
Page |3-38 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 ROUGH THE ANGLED GROOVE
Select the Plunge Direction button. This will tell Mastercam at what angle the tool should
machine.
[Select a line parallel to the plunge direction] Select Entity A as shown below.
The Plunge Direction should read -45° as shown below.
Select the Ok button to exit.
Select the Groove Shape Parameters tab and notice that the tool angle changed to 45°.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-39
ROUGH THE ANGLED GROOVE TUTORIAL #31
Select the Groove Rough Parameters and make any changes as shown below.
Select the Groove finish parameters tab and disable the option to Finish Groove as shown
below.
Select the Ok button to exit the Lathe Groove dialog box and generate the toolpath.
The toolpath should appear as shown in Figure 10.0.1.
Figure: 10.0.1
Page |3-40 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 FINISH THE ANGLED GROOVE WITH A CUSTOM TOOL
STEP 11: FINISH THE ANGLED GROOVE WITH A CUSTOM TOOL
In this step we will create a toolpath to finish the groove using a custom tool.
Toolpath Preview:
Toolpaths
Groove
Choose Chain when the Grooving Options dialog box opens up.
Select the Ok button to exit the Grooving Options dialog box.
Select the Last button in the chaining dialog box.
Select the Ok button to exit the chaining dialog box.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-41
FINISH THE ANGLED GROOVE WITH A CUSTOM TOOL TUTORIAL #31
Enter in the comment and right click in the Tool List and select Create new tool as shown
below.
Select the Grooving/Parting as the tool type as shown below.
Page |3-42 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 FINISH THE ANGLED GROOVE WITH A CUSTOM TOOL
The Inserts tab will automatically be selected. Select the Single End (Radius) insert and make
any changes as shown in the screenshot below.
Select the Holders tab and make the changes as shown below.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-43
FINISH THE ANGLED GROOVE WITH A CUSTOM TOOL TUTORIAL #31
Select the Parameters tab and make the changes to the tool as shown below.
Select the Setup Tool button as shown above and change the Plunge Direction as shown
below.
Select the Ok button to exit the Lathe Tool Setup dialog box.
To see a preview of how the tool looks, select the Draw Tool button.
Page |3-44 Lathe Training Tutorial
TUTORIAL #31 FINISH THE ANGLED GROOVE WITH A CUSTOM TOOL
A preview of the tool should appear as shown
Press Enter once complete.
Select the Ok button to exit the Define Tool dialog box.
Select the Groove rough parameters tab and disable Rough the groove as shown below.
NOTE: To save the tool to the library you can select the Save to Library button. Otherwise,
the tool will be available only for this job.
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-45
FINISH THE ANGLED GROOVE WITH A CUSTOM TOOL TUTORIAL #31
Select the Groove Finish Parameters tab and make any changes as shown below.
Select the Lead In button.
Direction for 1st Pass determines the direction that the tool will finish the groove (CCW -
Starting on the right wall or CW - starting with the left wall.) With the first pass of a finish
toolpath; the tool cuts down on one wall of the groove to the groove floor and then retracts out
of the groove. On the second pass, the tool cuts down the opposite wall of the groove to the
groove floor and moves across the groove floor to the point where the first pass ended.
Retraction Moves sets the retract moves to Rapid moves or with the Feed Rate.
Finish Stepover value sets the maximum amount of material the tool will remove with the
finish pass. Allows you to get a warning if you enter two tools with the same number.
Stock to leave in X sets the remaining stock in the X-axis after the tool completes all finish
passes.
Stock to leave in Z sets the remaining stock in the Z-axis after the tool completes all finish
passes.
Overlap Distance from 1st corner sets the amount the tool cuts across the floor before
retracting out of the groove.
Overlap between passes sets the amount the tool overlaps the first pass before it retracts.
Wall Backoff % sets how far the tool backs away from the wall for the groove after the first pass
before it retracts.
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TUTORIAL #31 FINISH THE ANGLED GROOVE WITH A CUSTOM TOOL
Change the First pass lead in entry vector to -90° as shown.
Select the Second pass Lead in tab and change the entry vector to -90° as shown.
Select the Ok button to exit the Lead In dialog box.
Enable the Select Overlap radio button and click on the Select Overlap as shown below.
Mastercam will return you to the Graphics User Interface.
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FINISH THE ANGLED GROOVE WITH A CUSTOM TOOL TUTORIAL #31
[Select endpoint for first cut] Move your cursor to a location close to the one shown below
and left click.
[Select endpoint for second cut] Move your cursor to a location close to the one shown
below and left click.
Select the Ok button to exit the Lathe Groove dialog box and generate the toolpath.
The toolpath should appear as shown in Figure 11.0.1.
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TUTORIAL #31 FINISH THE ROUNDED GROOVES ON THE OD
Figure: 11.0.1
STEP 12: FINISH THE ROUNDED GROOVES ON THE OD
In this step, we will create a finish toolpath to machine away the rest of the material above the
rounded groove. We will use a rounded tool and tell Mastercam to machine the groove by specifying a
number of finishes passes and the spacing between them.
Toolpath Preview:
Toolpaths
Finish
Leave the chaining mode set to Partial.
Select Entity A as shown below.
Select the Ok button to exit the Chaining dialog box.
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FINISH THE ROUNDED GROOVES ON THE OD TUTORIAL #31
Enter in the comment and right click in the Tool List and select Create new tool as shown
below.
Select the General Turning as the tool type as shown below.
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TUTORIAL #31 FINISH THE ROUNDED GROOVES ON THE OD
The Inserts tab will automatically be selected. Select the R (Round) insert and make any
changes as shown in the screenshot below.
Select the Holders tab and make the changes as shown below.
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FINISH THE ROUNDED GROOVES ON THE OD TUTORIAL #31
Select the Parameters tab and make the changes to the tool as shown below.
To see a preview of how the tool looks, select the Draw Tool button.
A preview of the tool should appear as shown below.
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TUTORIAL #31 FINISH THE ROUNDED GROOVES ON THE OD
Press Enter once complete.
Select the Ok button to exit the Define Tool dialog box.
Select the Finish parameters tab and make any changes as shown below.
Select the Lead In/Out button as shown above and change the Lead In as shown below.
Select the Ok button to exit the Lead In/Out dialog box.
Select the Ok button to exit the Lathe Finish dialog box.
The toolpath should appear as shown in Figure 12.0.1.
NOTE: To save the tool to the library you can select the Save to Library button. Otherwise,
the tool will be available only for this job.
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CUTOFF THE PART TUTORIAL #31
Figure: 12.0.1
STEP 13: CUTOFF THE PART
Lathe Cut-off Toolpaths vertically cut off pieces of the part such as sections of bar stock.
Toolpath Preview:
Toolpaths
Cutoff
[Select cutoff boundary point] Select Point A as shown below.
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TUTORIAL #31 CUTOFF THE PART
Scroll to the bottom of the tool list and choose the OD Cutoff Right tool and enter in the
comment as shown below.
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CUTOFF THE PART TUTORIAL #31
Select the Cutoff parameters tab and make any changes as shown below.
Select the Ok button to exit the Lathe cutoff dialog box.
The toolpath should appear as shown in Figure 13.0.1.
Figure: 13.0.1
Retract Radius sets the distance from the stock where the tool starts with feed rate.
X Tangent Point sets the distance as a radius value up to which the tool cuts to.
Cut to: determines if the center of the Front Radius or Back Radius is going to reach the final
depth.
Corner Geometry parameters allow you to create a chamfer or radius on the corner of the
part.
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TUTORIAL #31 BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATHS
STEP 14: BACKPLOT THE TOOLPATHS
Backplotting shows the path the tools take to cut the part. This display lets you spot errors in the
program before you machine the part. As you backplot toolpaths, Mastercam displays the current X, Y,
and Z coordinates in the lower left corner of the screen.
Make sure that you Select all operations
(signified by the green check mark on the folder
icon).
Select the Backplot selected operations button.
Make sure that you have the following buttons turned
on (they will appear pushed down) to see the tool and the rapid moves.
Select the Isometric view from the view toolbar to see the stock.
Select the Fit button.
You can adjust the speed of the backplot.
You can step through the Backplot by using the Step forward or Step back buttons.
Select the Play button in the VCR bar.
Select the OK button to exit Blackplot.
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TOOLPATH VERIFICATION TUTORIAL #31
STEP 15: TOOLPATH VERIFICATION
Toolpath Verification allows you to use solid models to simulate the machining of a part. The model
created by the verification represents surface finish, and shows collisions if any exist.
Select the Verify all operations button.
Use the Fit icon to fit the solid to the screen.
Set the Verify Speed by moving the slider bar in the speed control bar.
Select the Machine button to start the simulation.
The Finished part should appear as shown in the following picture.
STEP 16: RUN THE POST PROCESSOR TO OBTAIN THE G-CODE FILE
Post Processing refers to the process by which the toolpaths in your Mastercam part files are
converted to a format that can be understood by your machine tool’s control. A special program reads
your Mastercam file and writes the appropriate NC code.
Make sure that all operations are selected, otherwise:
Select all operations.
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TUTORIAL #31 RUN THE POST PROCESSOR TO OBTAIN THE G-CODE FILE
Select the Post Selected operations button from the
Toolpath Manager
In the Post Processing window, make all of the necessary
changes as shown to the below.
Select the Ok button to continue.
Enter the same name as the Mastercam file name in the NC file name field.
NC File enabled, allows you to keep the NC file and to assign the same name as the MCX file.
Edit enabled allows you to automatically launch the default editor.
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SAVE THE UPDATED MCX FILE TUTORIAL #31
Select the Ok button.
Select the Red X Box in the upper right corner to exit the editor.
STEP 17: SAVE THE UPDATED MCX FILE
Select the Save icon.
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TUTORIAL #31 REVIEW EXERCISE -STUDENT PRACTICE
REVIEW EXERCISE -STUDENT PRACTICE
Lathe Training Tutorial Page|3-61
CREATE THE GEOMETRY FOR TUTORIAL #3 EXERCISE TUTORIAL #31
CREATE THE GEOMETRY FOR TUTORIAL #3 EXERCISE
Use these commands to create the geometry.
Create the top half of the geometry.
Create Line Endpoint.
Create Line Parallel.
Create Line Perpendicular.
Chamfer Entities.
Fillet Entities.
Trim/Break/Extend.
Delete Entities.
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TUTORIAL #31 CREATE THE TOOLPATHS FOR TUTORIAL #3 EXERCISE
CREATE THE TOOLPATHS FOR TUTORIAL #3 EXERCISE
Create the Toolpaths for Tutorial #3 Exercise as per the instructions below.
Set the machine properties including the stock.
Rough, Face and Finish the OD.
Use the stock setup to define the face operation.
Use the OD Rough Right Tool for roughing and facing
operations.
Use an OD Finish Right tool for the finish operation.
Extend the ends of the contour with Lead In/Lead Out so the
tool machines beyond the end of the part.
Machine the rounded grooves on an angle.
Select the Multiple Chains option.
Chain the rounded grooves CCW.
Create a custom round tool with the tool radius equal to the
fillet size.
Setup the tool so that it machines the groove on the right
angle.
Use stock for outer boundary.
Rough and Finish the grooves in the same toolpath.
Machine the last grooves.
Select the Multiple Chains option.
Chain the rounded grooves CCW.
Create a custom round tool with the tool radius equal to the
fillet size.
Setup the tool so that it machines the groove on the 90
degree angle.
Use stock for outer boundary.
Rough and Finish the grooves in the same toolpath.
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NOTES: TUTORIAL #31
NOTES:
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TUTORIAL #31 TUTORIAL #3 QUIZ
TUTORIAL #3 QUIZ
Why would you use a canned rough cycle?
What type of toolpath must precede a canned finish cycle?
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