Introduction and Overview‏‏‎ ‎

Owned by Kevin Strider (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Sep 09, 2024 by Geoffrey Brennan
2 min read

Introduction

Before you can use the Cutting Parameters Explorer. you must first use CAM Assist to compute a toolpath strategy (see Getting Started with CAM Assist).

CloudNC Cutting Parameters is the engine behind CAM Assist’s computation of toolpath strategies. The Cutting Parameters Explorer exposes that engine in the form of a graphical user interface (UI) that can be used to examine or fine-tune a set of inputs (including the cutting parameters) for a selected operation toolpath.

The Cutting Parameters Explorer enables you to amend the inputs and dynamically produces recommendations for the selected operation. The inputs originally come from Mastercam’s Toolpaths view that was populated by CAM Assist computation’s of a selected toolpath strategy for the associated part.

The Cutting Parameters Explorer provides you with an area for experimentation without affecting the operation in Mastercam.

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Overview

The diagram below shows an overview of a typical workflow:

  1. Open the Part - open the part in Mastercam.

  2. Compute a Toolpath Strategy - use CAM Assist to compute a toolpath strategy (see Getting Started with CAM Assist).

  3. Select an Operation Toolpath - from the Toolpath view (in Mastercam) that was populated by CAM Assist’s computed toolpath strategy

  4. Open the Cutting Parameters Add-on - via a right-click on the selected operation toolpath (see Opening the Cutting Parameters Explorer).

  5. Amend the Inputs - use the features of the Cutting Parameter Add-on’s UI to amend the inputs associated with the selected operation toolpath (which includes its cutting parameters).

    • As you amend the inputs, the Cutting Parameters add-on makes dynamic recommendations.

  6. Save Operation - when you are happy with the recommendations, you can save them, which updates the selected operation toolpath in Mastercam.

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For more introductory information, see:

Opening the Cutting Parameters Explorer - how to use an computed toolpath to open the Cutting Parameters Explorer

Inputs and Recommendations - an overview of how the Cutting Parameters Explorer provides recommendations.

Scope

The Cutting Parameters Explorer makes recommendations for the following operations types and tool types:

  • 3D High Speed / 2D Area Mill (Flat finish) / 3D Horizontal Area (Flat finish) / Contour 2D (Wall finish)

    • Flat end mill

    • Radius end mill

    • Ball end mill

  • Model Chamfer (Chamfering/Deburring)

    • Chamfer Cutter

  • Drill (Simple Drill)

    • Drill

  • Spot Drilling

    • Spot drill