CAD/CAM has self-customizing toolpath

Advanced toolpaths in CAD/CAM software use a 'smart' interface that customizes itself to the selected machining strategy, making it easier to tightly control the machining process.

Mastercam, the world's most widely-used CAD/CAM software, takes a leap forward with the release of Mastercam X2.

Building on the powerful Mastercam X platform, Mastercam X2 has been designed to increase machining flexibility and provide users with more programming options than ever before.

Newly added toolpaths significantly expand the range of toolpath style choices and provide unique capabilities to machine a variety of conditions that might be encountered in a daily job.

Mastercam X2 delivers new high speed toolpaths that produce extremely fine finishes and extend tool life.

It also incorporates new advanced multiaxis toolpaths that enhance machining strategy control and provides tools for programming complex multiaxis parts.

These advanced toolpaths use a 'smart' interface that customizes itself to the selected machining strategy, making it easier for the user to tightly control the machining process.

Advanced gouge checking options offer many different strategies to avoid potential collisions.

Mastercam X2 also features powerful new tool options to make engineering changes easier.

Mastercam's File Tracking function helps manage files by identifying files that have changed, while Change Recognition identifies specific changes in files.

It can detect modifications to Mastercam, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, AutoCAD, and other CAD files, and can mark affected operations if their source geometry has changed in any way.

Once the affected geometry is updated, the user can automatically update any additional toolpaths that use that geometry.

** Other Mastercam X2 features include the following.

* Automatic Toolpathing (ATP) imports designs and automatically applies pre-defined machining strategies to jobs.

* Added selection tools streamline everyday programming.

* The Surface Extend function can extend both trimmed and untrimmed surface edges.

* Trochoidal motion in high speed toolpaths assists machining of harder materials.

Trochoidal motion maintains an acceptable tool load, allowing feeds and speeds programming to be reliable.

"We are continuing to improve our Mastercam X platform of CAD/CAM software," said CNC Software president Mark Summers.

"We've put a lot of hard work into developing new toolpaths and features that will improve the way a machinist works.

We took feedback from our users and applied them to the new Mastercam X2 software.".

*Mastercam has the most installed seats (almost 2-to-1 over the next competitor) of any CAD/CAM program, according to the CIMdata 2005 market report.

Mastercam maintains this position for the 11th year running.

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