In the traditional programming method, we are accustomed to using the tool axis control method of "from the line" to adjust the direction of the tool. Although this method is also very efficient and accurate, sometimes it is not easy to draw the guide lines. These lead lines need to be drawn one by one. Manually adjust until the effect we want is achieved. While the resulting toolpaths are efficient, the work of creating these guidelines is tedious.
So, is there a tool axis control strategy that can simplify the programming work and at the same time help us obtain the ideal tool path? The new tool axis control method in Mastercam 2023 can help us solve this problem.
In Mastercam 2023, a new tool axis control strategy has been added - the tilt angle relative to the reference surface.
We can create a lifted surface from these lines: select these lines, select the new option "Lifted Surface"; if we select wrongly oriented lines or out of order lines or miss selected lines, we can now modify them before creating the surface Our choice; we can even see a live preview of the surface to be generated as we make adjustments; if we see the backside of the surface, as shown by the green area, clicking on the surface once flips the direction of the normal.
Using this method, we can not only save some tedious steps, but also get a more accurate surface. The effect of controlling the tool axis based on this surface will also be better.
