Mastercam for

SOLIDWORKS X9
Tutorial (Mill)
March 2015

Mastercam X9 MCfSW X9 Tutorial (Mill)

Date: March 2015
Copyright 2015 CNC Software, Inc. All rights reserved.
Software: Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS X9

TERMS OF USE

Use of this document is subject to the Mastercam End User License Agreement. A
copy of the Mastercam End User License Agreement is included with the
Mastercam product package of which this document is part. The Mastercam End
User License Agreement can also be found at:
http://www.mastercam.com/companyinfo/legal/LicenseAgreement.aspx

Be sure you
have the latest
information!

Information might have been changed or added since this document was
published. The latest version of this document is installed with Mastercam for
SOLIDWORKS or can be obtained from your local Reseller. A ReadMe file
(ReadMe.pdf)installed with each releaseincludes the latest information
about Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS features and enhancements.

Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1

Tutorial Goals................................................................................................. 2

1. General Setup........................................................................ 5

Lesson Goals ................................................................................................. 5

Exercise 1: Loading Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS ............................... 6
Exercise 2: Selecting Your Machine...................................................... 7
Exercise 3: Defining the Stock .............................................................. 9

2. The Facing Toolpath............................................................

Lesson Goals ............................................................................................... 13

Exercise 1: Defining the Tool Plane ..................................................... 13
Exercise 2: Creating the Facing Toolpath ............................................ 15
Exercise 3: Backplot and Verify the Facing Toolpath........................... 19

3. The Dynamic Contour Toolpath ..........................................

31

Lesson Goals ............................................................................................... 31

Exercise 1: Creating the Dynamic Mill Toolpath (Stay Inside)............. 31
Exercise 2: Creating the Dynamic Mill Toolpath (From Outside) ......... 34
Exercise 3: Backplot and Verify the Dynamic Mill Toolpaths............... 39

5. The Drill Toolpaths..............................................................

23

Lesson Goals ............................................................................................... 23

Exercise 1: Creating the Dynamic Contour Toolpath ........................... 23
Exercise 2: Backplot and Verify the Dynamic Contour Toolpath.......... 29

4. The Dynamic Mill Toolpath.................................................

13

41

Lesson Goals ............................................................................................... 41

ii MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9

Exercise 1: Creating the Drill Toolpaths............................................... 41

Exercise 2: Backplot and Verify the Drill Toolpath ............................... 43

6. Final Verification and Posting .............................................

45

Lesson Goals ............................................................................................... 45

Exercise 1: Backplot the Parts Toolpaths ........................................... 45
Exercise 2: Verify the Parts Toolpaths ................................................ 46
Exercise 3: Machine Simulation .......................................................... 47
Exercise 4: Post the Parts Toolpaths .................................................. 50

Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 51

Mastercam Resources ............................................................................... 51

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS Documentation ........................................ 52

Introduction
Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS X9 provides Mastercam X9 CAM functionality within
SOLIDWORKS, where you can access many toolpath strategies, including the following:

3D high speed toolpaths (HST)

2D feature based machining (FBM) mill toolpaths
2D feature based machining drill toolpaths
Non-FBM high speed 2D toolpaths
Multiaxis toolpaths
Lathe toolpaths
Besides these powerful toolpaths, Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS features many
supporting functions, including:

Stock model
Boundary creation
Part setup (including tool and material managers)
Associativity Checking
Toolpath transformations
Backplotting and verification

2 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ Introduction

Post processing and communications

Thread management
Machine Simulation
In this tutorial, you learn many strategies for applying mill toolpaths to parts in
Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS.
For this tutorial, Mastercam Simulator is used to Backplot and Verify toolpaths. To
enable Mastercam Simulator, select Backplot from the Mastercam Advanced Configuration utility and disable Classic Backplot.

Tutorial Goals
Set up a part in Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS.
Define a tool plane and stock.
Create a classic 2D toolpath.
Create 2D High Speed Dynamic toolpaths.
Create a Wizard Holes toolpath.
Backplot and verify toolpaths.
IMPORTANT: Screen colors in the tutorial pictures were modified to
enhance image quality; they may not match your Mastercam settings or
the tutorial results. These color differences do not affect the lesson or
the exercise results.

General Tutorial Requirements

All Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS tutorials have the following general requirements:

You must be comfortable using the Windows operating system.

You must have a seat of SOLIDWORKS 2013 or higher to complete this
tutorial.
Each lesson in the tutorial builds on the mastery of preceding lessons skills.
We recommend that you complete them in order.
Additional files may accompany a tutorial. Unless the tutorial provides specific
instructions on where to place these files, store them in a folder that can be
accessed from the Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS workstation, either with the
tutorial or in any location that you prefer.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

TUTORIAL GOALS 3

You will need an internet connection to view videos that are referenced in the
tutorials. All videos can be found on our YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/user/MastercamTechDocs.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

4 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ Introduction

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

LESSON 1
1

General Setup

Before generating toolpaths for a part, you must prepare Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS
and the part file. This preparation includes such tasks as selecting a machine definition
and defining the stock.

Lesson Goals
Explore the part files.
Select a machine.
Rename a machine group.
Set up a stock model.
The lessons in this tutorial are based on the 2D_HST_MM.SLDPRT file, which is included
with the tutorial. The following picture shows the part file as it displays in SOLIDWORKS.

The part files included with the tutorial are:

2D_HST_MM.SLDPRT The tutorial file for starting Lesson 1

2D_HST_MM02.SLDPRT The tutorial file for starting Lesson 2
2D_HST_MM03.SLDPRT The tutorial file for starting Lesson 3
2D_HST_MM04.SLDPRT The tutorial file for starting Lesson 4
2D_HST_MM05.SLDPRT The tutorial file for starting Lesson 5
2D_HST_MM_Complete.SLDPRT The complete tutorial file

6 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ General Setup

Exercise 1: Loading Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS

Before you can follow this tutorial, you must verify that the Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS add-in is loaded properly into SOLIDWORKS. The following procedure leads
you through this process.
1 Start SOLIDWORKS.

2 From the SOLIDWORKS menu bar,

choose Tools, Add-Ins.

The Add-Ins dialog box displays.

3 Find the Mastercam X9 for

SOLIDWORKS item in the Active

Add-ins list, and then do the
following:
a To load the Mastercam for

SOLIDWORKS add-in for the

current session, select the
checkbox to the left of the
Mastercam X9 for
SOLIDWORKS entry.

b To load the Mastercam for

SOLIDWORKS add-in at every

SOLIDWORKS start-up, select the
checkbox to the right of the
Mastercam X9 for
SOLIDWORKS entry.

c Click OK to close the dialog box.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

SELECTING YOUR MACHINE 7

4 After the add-in loads, ensure that

you have a MastercamX9 menu in

the SOLIDWORKS menu bar.

Exercise 2: Selecting Your Machine

Your part file needs at least one machine group before you can toolpath the part.
Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS automatically creates a machine group for each machine
you select from the MastercamX9 menu item. To see how machine selection works,
complete the following exercise.
1 Open the part file 2D_HST_MM.SLDPRT, which was provided with this tutorial.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

8 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ General Setup

2 Save the part under the name

2D_HST_MM_Tutorial.SLDPRT.

Saving the part under a new name

helps prevent your accidentally
modifying the original.

3 From the MastercamX9 menu,

choose Mill Machines.

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS

displays the available machine
definitions. Normally, you would
select the machine on which you
plan to cut the part. For this tutorial,

however, close the menu without

making a choice.

TIP: To customize the Machine Selection lists, choose

MastercamX9, Mill Machines, Manage List or MastercamX9,
Lathe Machines, Manage List. For more information on the
dialog box that displays, click the dialog boxs Help button.
4 In the SOLIDWORKS

FeatureManager, click the

Mastercam Toolpath Manager tab
to display the Toolpaths Manager.
Notice that this part already has a
machine group for the default mill
machine.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

DEFINING THE STOCK

5 Right-click the machine group, and

select Groups, Rename from the

pop-up menu.

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS

highlights the current group name.

6 Type a new machine group name.

The machine group name can be

anything you want, but its best to
choose a name that describes the
machine and its operations. For this
tutorial, name the machine group
Milling Tutorial.

7 Select File, Save to save the file.

Exercise 3: Defining the Stock

1 In the Toolpaths Manager, click the

plus sign next to Properties.

The Properties entry expands to

show more information.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

10 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ General Setup

2 Click the Stock setup entry.

The Stock Setup page of the

Machine Group Properties dialog
box displays.

3 In the dialog box, click the All

Entities button.

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS fills in

the X, Y, and Z extents of the
required stock.

4 Add 4 mm to the X and Y, and 2

mm to the Z, giving 154, 129, and

52, respectively.
These values add extra stock around
the part.

5 Change the Stock Origins Z to 2.0.

This value moves the stock up so

that all of the extra Z stock is above
the tool plane.
6 Click OK to exit the dialog box and

create the stock.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

DEFINING THE STOCK 11

You now have 2 mm of extra stock all around the part, except for the bottom.

The stock displays around your part as a dashed red line.

7 Save your work.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

12 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ General Setup

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

LESSON 2
2

The Facing Toolpath

Your part file, 2D_HST_MM_Tutorial.SLDPRT, now has a machine assigned (in this
case, just the default mill) and stock specified. In this lesson, you will add a facing
operation to the part file.

Lesson Goals
Define the parts tool plane.
Add the 2D Facing toolpath.
Backplot the toolpath.
Verify the toolpath.

Exercise 1: Defining the Tool Plane

1 If necessary, open the 2D_HST_MM_Tutorial.SLDPRT file that you created in

the previous lesson.

TIP: You can also begin this lesson by loading the file
2D_HST_MM02.SLDPRT, which is provided with this tutorial.
2 In the CommandManager, click the

MastercamX9 tab.

The CommandManager displays the

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS
commands.

3 Click the Plane Manager button.

The Plane Manager dialog box

displays.

14 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Facing Toolpath

Notice that Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS automatically creates six standard

views.

4 Click each view and watch the gnomon in the graphics area change to show

the selected views orientation relative to the part.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

CREATING THE FACING TOOLPATH 15

5 Notice the T to the right of the

Mastercam Top plane. The T

indicates the currently set tool plane.
In this example, this is the tool plane
you will use.

6 Click Cancel to close the Plane Manager without making changes.

Exercise 2: Creating the Facing Toolpath

1 In the MastercamX9

CommandManager, click 2D
Toolpaths, and select Facing.

The Chain Manager displays, docked

on the left edge of the
SOLIDWORKS window.

2 Click OK in the Chain Manager to

chain based on the stock you

defined.

3 Click OK to accept the default name

for the parts NC file if the Enter

new NC name dialog box displays.
The 2D Toolpaths - Facing dialog
box displays.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

16 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Facing Toolpath

Notice that the dialog box starts off with the Facing toolpath selected.

4 Select the Tool page.

5 Click the Filter button.

The Tool List Filter dialog box

displays.

6 In the dialog box, do the following:

a In the Tool Types group, click None.
b Select the Face mill icon. This will filter your tool list to only display Face

mill tools.

c Click OK.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

CREATING THE FACING TOOLPATH 17

7 Click Select library tool.

The Tool Selection dialog box

displays.
8 In the tool list, click the 50 mm Face

Mill, and click OK.

The selected tool displays in the tool

list of the Tool page.

9 In the Tool page, set the following

options:

a Set Feed rate to 3000.

b Set Plunge rate to 1500.
c Set Spindle speed to 6000.
d If its not already selected, turn

on Rapid Retract.

10 Select the Cut Parameters page, and then set the following options:
a Set the Style drop-down to Dynamic, as shown in the image below.
MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

18 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Facing Toolpath

b Set the percentage for Max. stepover to 50%.

c Set the Stock to leave on floors to 0.0.

The Dynamic style creates a smooth controlled motion that cuts from the
outside to the inside, while maintaining a constant load on the tool with
minimal entries and exits.

11 Select the Linking Parameters

page, and then set the following

options:

a Set Retract to 100.0.

b Set Feed plane to 25.0.
c Set Top of stock to 0.0.
d Set Depth to -2.0.
e Ensure that all values are set to

Incremental, except Top of

Stock, which should be
Absolute.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

BACKPLOT AND VERIFY THE FACING TOOLPATH 19

12 Click OK to finalize your choices.

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS creates the toolpath shown in the following

picture:

Exercise 3: Backplot and Verify the Facing Toolpath

1 In the Toolpaths Manager, click the

Backplot selected operations

button.
Mastercam Simulator opens in a
new window.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

20 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Facing Toolpath

2 If its not yet selected, check the

Workpiece box.

Mastercam Simulator displays the

parts final shape.
3 Click the Play button to watch

Mastercam Simulator backplot the

toolpath.
TIP: Use the slider to adjust the backplot
speed.

4 When Backplot finishes, click the

Verify button on the Home ribbon

bar.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

BACKPLOT AND VERIFY THE FACING TOOLPATH 21

5 Click the Play button to start Verify.

Mastercam Simulator shows the cutting operation, as shown in the picture

below.

6 Close the Mastercam Simulator window, and then save your work.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

22 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Facing Toolpath

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

LESSON 3
3

The Dynamic Contour Toolpath

The next step in toolpathing your part is to contour the sides to their specified dimension. In this lesson, you will add a Dynamic Contour operation to the part file.

Lesson Goals
Add the 2D Dynamic Contour toolpath.
Backplot the toolpath.
Verify the toolpath.

Exercise 1: Creating the Dynamic Contour Toolpath

1 If necessary, open the 2D_HST_MM_Tutorial.SLDPRT file that you worked on

in the previous lesson.

TIP: You can also begin this lesson by loading the file
2D_HST_MM03.SLDPRT, which is provided with this tutorial.
2 In the MastercamX9

CommandManager, click 2D
HighSpeed Toolpaths, and select
Dynamic Contour.
The Chain Manager dialog box
displays.

3 Right-click the bottom edge of the

part, and choose Select Loop from

the pop-up menu.

24 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Dynamic Contour Toolpath

SOLIDWORKS chains the edges of

the side face.

4 Click the yellow arrow to switch the

chain from the side face to the

bottom of the part.

SOLIDWORKS chains the bottom of

the part.

5 Click the Chains tab, and select

Chain #1.

Two green arrows display.

The larger arrow indicates cut

direction.
The smaller arrow shows the
cutter compensation.
In this case, the small arrow points
inwards, which is the wrong
direction.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

CREATING THE DYNAMIC CONTOUR TOOLPATH 25

6 To change the both the cut direction

and the compensation direction of

your selection, click the Reverse
Chains button.

The green chaining arrow changes

orientation.

TIP: Click the Change sides button

to reverse only the compensation
direction of all chains in an operation.

7 Click the Analyze Chain button.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

26 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Dynamic Contour Toolpath

The Analyze Chain dialog box

displays. You can use this dialog box
to select problemssuch as
overlapping entities, direction
reversals, and short entitiesthat
you want Mastercam to look for in
selected chains.

8 Click the OK button.

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS

displays information about the
selected chain.

9 Click OK to exit the Analyze Chain dialog box, and click OK in the Chain

Manager to finalize your selections.

The 2D High Speed Toolpath - Dynamic Contour dialog box displays.

10 Select the Tool page.

11 Click the Select library tool button.

The Tool Selection dialog box

displays.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

CREATING THE DYNAMIC CONTOUR TOOLPATH 27

12 Click the Filter button.

The Tool List Filter dialog box

displays.
13 In the dialog box, do the following:
a In the Tool Types group, click None.
b Select the flat endmills icon.
c Click OK.

14 In the tool list, click the 10 mm Flat

Endmill, and click OK.

The selected tool appears in the tool

list of the 2D High Speed Toolpaths
- Dynamic Contour dialog box.

15 Select the Cut Parameters page.

Choose Bottom right from the General start location drop-down menu.
Set Stock to leave on walls and Stock to leave on floors to 0.0.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

28 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Dynamic Contour Toolpath

16 Select the Linking Parameters

page, and then set the following

parameters:

a Set Retract to 100.0.

b Set Feed plane to 25.0.
c Set Top of stock to 0.0.
d Set Depth to 0.0.
e Ensure that all values are set to

Incremental, except Top of

stock, which should be
Absolute.

17 Click OK to finalize your choices.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

BACKPLOT AND VERIFY THE DYNAMIC CONTOUR TOOLPATH 29

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS creates the toolpath shown in the following

picture. (The picture does not show the facing toolpath.)

Exercise 2: Backplot and Verify the Dynamic Contour Toolpath

1 In the Toolpaths Manager, click the

Backplot selected operations

button.

2 Click the Play button to watch

Mastercam Simulator backplot the

toolpath.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

30 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Dynamic Contour Toolpath

3 When Backplot finishes, click the

Verify button.

4 Click the Play button to start Verify.

Mastercam Simulator shows the cutting operation, as shown in the picture

below.

5 Close Mastercam Simulator.

6 Save your work.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

LESSON 4
4

The Dynamic Mill Toolpath

Your part has five pockets, one closed and four open, that must be cut. In this lesson,
you will add two Dynamic Mill toolpaths with different machining region strategies to
machine the closed pocket and the open pockets.

Lesson Goals
Add a Dynamic Mill toolpath with the Stay Inside machining region strategy.
Add a Dynamic Mill toolpath with the From Outside machining region
strategy.
Backplot the toolpaths.
Verify the toolpaths.

Exercise 1: Creating the Dynamic Mill Toolpath (Stay Inside)

1 If necessary, open the 2D_HST_MM_Tutorial.SLDPRT file that you worked on

in the previous lesson.

TIP: You can also begin this lesson by loading the file
2D_HST_MM04.SLDPRT, which is provided with this tutorial.
2 In the MastercamX9

CommandManager, click 2D
HighSpeed Toolpaths, and select
Dynamic Mill.
The Chain Manager displays, docked
to the left of the SOLIDWORKS
window.

32 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Dynamic Mill Toolpath

3 In the Selection tab, select

Machining Regions from the

Selection Type drop-down.

4 Click the floor of the closed pocket.

The selected face displays in the

Chain Managers selection list.

5 Click OK in the Chain Manager to finalize your selection.

The 2D High Speed Toolpath - Dynamic Mill dialog box displays.

6 In the Toolpath Type page, ensure

that the Machining strategy is set

to Stay inside.

This strategy keeps the toolpath

inside the selected machining
region.
7 Select the Tool page.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

CREATING THE DYNAMIC MILL TOOLPATH (STAY INSIDE)

33

8 Click the Select library tool button.

The Tool Selection dialog box

displays.
9 If necessary, filter the tools to show

only flat endmills.

10 In the tool list, click the 6 mm Flat

Endmill, and click OK.

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS

assigns the tool to the Dynamic Mill
toolpath.

11 Select the Cut Parameters page,

and change Stock to leave on

walls and Stock to leave on floors
to 0.0.

12 Select the Linking Parameters

page, and then:

a Set Retract to 100.0.

b Set Feed plane to 25.0.
c Set Top of stock to 0.0.
d Set Depth to 0.0.
e Ensure that all values are set to

Incremental, except Top of

stock, which should be
Absolute.

13 Click OK to finalize your choices.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

34 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Dynamic Mill Toolpath

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS creates

the toolpath shown in the following
picture. (The picture does not show
the toolpaths you created in
previous lessons.)

Exercise 2: Creating the Dynamic Mill Toolpath (From Outside)

1 In the Mastercam X9

CommandManager, click 2D
HighSpeed Toolpaths, and select
Dynamic Mill.
The Chain Manager displays, docked
to the left of the SOLIDWORKS
window.

2 With the Selection Type set to

Machining Regions, click the floor

of each open pocket.
The selected faces appear in the
Chain Managers selection list.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

CREATING THE DYNAMIC MILL TOOLPATH (FROM OUTSIDE) 35

3 In the Selection tab, select

Avoidance Regions from the

Selection Type drop-down.

4 Select the following:

a Click the parts upper face.

b Click the round boss, shown in

the picture to the right.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

36 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Dynamic Mill Toolpath

c Right-click the upper edge of the

boss next to the round boss, and

choose Select Loop from the
pop-up menu.

d Right-click the upper edge of the

remaining boss, and choose

Select Loop from the pop-up
menu.

e Verify that your avoidance

selections match the picture to

the right.

Click OK in the Chain Manager to

finalize your selection.
The 2D High Speed Toolpath Dynamic Mill dialog box
displays.

5 In the Toolpath Type page, ensure

that the Machining strategy is set

to From outside.

This strategy causes the toolpath to

start machining from the outside
and work its way in.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

CREATING THE DYNAMIC MILL TOOLPATH (FROM OUTSIDE) 37

6 Select the Tool page.

7 Click the Select library tool button.

The Tool Selection dialog box

displays.
8 If necessary, filter the tools to show

only flat endmills.

9 In the tool list, click the 7 mm Flat

Endmill, and click OK.

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS

assigns the tool to the Dynamic Mill
toolpath.

10 Select the Cut Parameters page,

and ensure that the Stock to leave

on walls and Stock to leave on
floors is set to 0.0.
Mastercam will remember the
previously set values, unless the
software has been closed and
reopened. This also applies to other
pages.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

38 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Dynamic Mill Toolpath

11 Select the Linking Parameters page

and ensure that the parameters are

set to the following:
a Set Retract to 100.0.
b Set Feed plane to 25.0.
c Set Top of stock to 0.0.
d Set Depth to 0.0.
e Ensure that all values are set to

Incremental, except Top of

stock, which should be
Absolute.

12 Click OK to finalize your choices.

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS creates the toolpath shown in the following picture. (The
picture does not show the toolpaths you created in previous lessons.)

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

BACKPLOT AND VERIFY THE DYNAMIC MILL TOOLPATHS

39

Exercise 3: Backplot and Verify the Dynamic Mill Toolpaths

1 Select both toolpaths in the Toolpaths Manager by selecting the first 2D High

Speed (2D Dynamic Mill) toolpath and then [Ctrl + click] the second 2D High
Speed (2D Dynamic Mill) toolpath.

2 Click the Backplot selected

operations button.

3 Click the Play button to watch

Mastercam Simulator backplot the

toolpaths.

4 When Backplot finishes, click the

Verify button.

5 Click the Play button to start Verify.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

40 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Dynamic Mill Toolpath

Mastercam Simulator shows the cutting operations, as shown in the picture

below.

6 Close Mastercam Simulator.

7 Save your work.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

LESSON 5
5

The Drill Toolpaths

Wizard Holes is a Feature Based Machining (FBM) strategy that can automatically
generate a complete series of drill operations with data exclusively from pre-selected
holes created by the SOLIDWORKS Hole Wizard. With Wizard Holes you can:

Preview toolpath operations and make additional changes before they are
generated.
Automatically generate a complete series of drill operations for the selected
features.
In this lesson, you use Wizard Holes to generate toolpaths to drill the holes indicated
in the following picture.

Lesson Goals
Add the Drill toolpaths.
Backplot the toolpaths.
Verify the toolpaths.

Exercise 1: Creating the Drill Toolpaths

1 If necessary, open the 2D_HST_MM_Tutorial.SLDPRT file that you worked on

in the previous lesson.

TIP: You can also begin this lesson by loading the file
2D_HST_MM05.SLDPRT, which is provided with this tutorial.

42 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Drill Toolpaths

2 In the MastercamX9

CommandManager, click FeatureBased Toolpaths, and select

Wizard Holes.
The Selection dialog box displays,
docked to the left in the
SOLIDWORKS window.

3 Select the holes shown in the picture

to the right. The Wizard Hole

Selection list will display the
following selections:

03.0 (3) Diameter Hole1

CBORE for M5 Hex Head Bolt1

TIP: You can select Hole Wizard

features from the graphics area or
from the Flyout FeatureManager
Design Tree.

4 Click OK in the Selection dialog box.

The Wizard Hole dialog box displays.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

BACKPLOT AND VERIFY THE DRILL TOOLPATH 43

5 Select the Pre-drilling page. Enable

the page by selecting the Predrilling option.

Pre-drilling creates (roughing) cycles

that rough out the drill holes before
the finish drill cycles.

6 Click OK to close the Wizard Holes dialog box and create the drill toolpaths.

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS generates the required drill toolpaths. (For

clarity, the picture shows none of the toolpaths from the previous lessons.)

Exercise 2: Backplot and Verify the Drill Toolpath

1 In Toolpaths Manager, click the

Backplot selected operations

button.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

44 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ The Drill Toolpaths

2 Click the Play button to watch

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS

backplot the toolpath.

3 When Backplot finishes, click the

Verify button.

4 Click the Play button to start Verify.

Mastercam Simulator shows the

cutting operation, as shown in the
picture to the right.

5 Close Mastercam Simulator.

6 Save your work.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

LESSON 6
6

Final Verification and Posting

Before you send your parts machining data to your

machine control, you must first verify that all of the
operations are correct and then generate the parts NC
file, which contains the machining instructions. In this
lesson, you backplot and verify the entire set of toolpaths,
as well as generate the post file. Along the way, you use
Machine Simulation to view your machines interaction
with the part.

Lesson Goals
Backplot all toolpaths.
Verify all toolpaths.
Run Machine Simulation on toolpaths.
Post toolpaths.

Exercise 1: Backplot the Parts Toolpaths

1 In the Toolpaths Manager, click the

Select all operations button.

A green check appears next to each

toolpath.
2 Click the Backplot selected

operations button.

3 On the Backplot tab in Mastercam

Simulator, click the Current

Operation button.

Backplot now displays only the

toolpath for the operation being
backplotted.
4 Click the Play button to watch

Mastercam Simulator backplot the

toolpaths.

46 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ Final Verification and Posting

Exercise 2: Verify the Parts Toolpaths

1 Click the Verify button on the Home

ribbon bar.

TIP: Turn the Color Loop on to view

each operation as a different color.

2 Click the Play button.

Mastercam Simulator runs Verify on

all toolpaths.
The picture below shows the part following complete verification.

TIP: Drag the Progress slider left or right to

move quickly from one operation to another.
3 Close Mastercam Simulator.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

MACHINE SIMULATION 47

Exercise 3: Machine Simulation

1 From the MastercamX9

CommandManager, select Machine

Simulation, Settings.
The Machine Simulation dialog box
displays.

2 To start the simulation, click

Simulate.
The Machine Simulation window
displays.
3 Click the drop-down list below to

the Workpiece button (in the

Visibility group on the ribbon bar)
and select Show to display the
workpiece on the machine.

4 Click the Toolpath button on the

ribbon bar to display the tool

motion.

5 From the Toolpath Rendering group,

click All Op to display all of the

selected toolpaths.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

48 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ Final Verification and Posting

6 Click the Run button located on the

ribbon bar in the Control group.

Machine Simulation simulates

cutting the part. Red areas on the
part indicate collisions.

7 To stop the simulation, click the

Stop button.

8 From the Simulation group, click the

drop-down list below to the

Machine button and select
Workpiece/Stock.

Machine Simulation zooms in on the part.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

MACHINE SIMULATION 49

9 Click the Restart button.

Your part rewinds back to the first

operation.
10 Run the simulation again to get a

better view of the part being cut.

11 To get a better view of the finished

part, turn off the Toolpath button.

Machine Simulation removes the

toolpaths from the part.

12 Place your mouse cursor in the

graphics window, and drag with the

left mouse button.
Machine Simulation rotates the part
as specified by your mouse
movement.

13 Click the Exit button.

Machine Simulation closes.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

50 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ Final Verification and Posting

Exercise 4: Post the Parts Toolpaths

1 In the Toolpaths Manager, if

necessary, click the Select all

operations button.
A green check appears next to each
toolpath.

2 Click the Post selected operations

button.

The Post processing dialog box

displays.

3 If they are not already selected,

select the NC file and Edit options,

and then click OK.
The Save As dialog box displays.

4 Enter a file name for the NC File, and

click Save.

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS analyzes all operations and creates the NC file
for the part. Because you selected the Edit option, the NC file displays in
Mastercam Code Expert Editor, as shown in the following picture.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

MASTERCAM RESOURCES 51

5 Close Mastercam Code Expert.

6 Save your work by choosing File, Save from the SOLIDWORKS menu bar.

Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed the Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS X9 Tutorial
(Mill). Now that you have mastered the skills in this tutorial, explore Mastercams other
features and functions. Additional tutorials may be available in this or other series.
The Mastercam tutorial series is in continual development, and we will add modules as
we complete them. For information and availability or for further training, please
contact your local Mastercam Reseller.

Mastercam Resources
Enhance your Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS experience by using the following
resources:

Mastercam HelpAccess Mastercam Help by selecting MastercamX9,

Contents from the SOLIDWORKS Help menu, or by clicking the Help Topics
link in the Mastercam Info Center on the SOLIDWORKS Task Pane. Also, most
dialog boxes, function panels, and ribbon bars feature a Help button that
opens Mastercam Help directly to related information.
Mastercam ResellerYour local Mastercam Reseller can help with most
questions about Mastercam.

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

52 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ Final Verification and Posting

Technical SupportCNC Softwares Technical Support department (860-8755006 or [email protected]) is open Monday through Friday from 8:00
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. USA Eastern Standard Time.
Mastercam TutorialsCNC offer a series of tutorials to help registered users
become familiar with basic Mastercam features and functions. The Mastercam
tutorial series is in continual development, with new modules added as we
complete them. Visit our website to see the latest publications.
Mastercam UniversityCNC Software sponsors Mastercam University, an
affordable online learning platform that gives you 24/7 access to Mastercam
training materials. Take advantage of more than 180 videos to master your
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For more information on Mastercam University, please contact your
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Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS Documentation

Mastercam installs the following documents in the \Documentation folder of your
Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS installation:

Whats New in Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS X9

Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS X9 Installation Guide
Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS X9 Administrator Guide
Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS X9 Transition Guide
Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS X9 Quick Reference Card
Mastercam for SolidWorks Tutorial (Mill)
Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS X9 ReadMe

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS DOCUMENTATION 53

Contact Us
For questions about this or other Mastercam documentation, contact the Technical
Documentation department by email at [email protected].

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

54 MASTERCAM FOR SOLIDWORKS X9/ Final Verification and Posting

MCFSW X9 TUTORIAL (MILL)

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