Mastercam's Multiaxis Add-On Improves Four-, Five-Axis Machining Productivity

The Multiaxis add-on for Mastercam Mill 3D, Router 3D, Mill-Turn and Mastercam for Solidworks is designed to improve productivity with simultaneous four- and five-axis machining.

Cut Patterns guide the tool along specified paths. These patterns can be simple 2D or 3D wireframes, solid primitives, or complex multi-surface grids. Tool Axis Control enables the manipulation of the tool’s center axis orientation as it follows the cut pattern, including full entry and exit control. An automatic point generator adds precision, while gouge checking and a five-axis safe zone around the part promote safe cutting during complex operations.

Five-axis machining often involves moving tools in close proximity to parts and fixtures. Mastercam provides “near-miss tolerance” fields so users can specify how close they are willing to get with any part of the tool and how to avoid risky situations.

The Blade Expert add-on is designed to simplify tool path creation for multi-bladed parts, including fans, propellers, impellers, turbines and marine screws. The module is said to generate efficient, smooth and gouge-free tool paths for these complex parts.

The Port Expert add-on creates engine cylinder head porting tool paths on port surface or solid data. Port Expert tool paths apply three-axis machining as far into the port as possible, and then convert automatically to five-axis motion with minimum tilt. This avoids fishtails or inefficient reverse moves and ensures smooth transitions where the tool paths meet at the middle of the port, the company says.