First Time Mastercam user

[nateman_doo]

I know enough about Pro-E to model very simple parts. I made a part in Pro-E, and now I am trying to figure out the tool-paths in Mastercam X4

I was able to open the part and see it in Mastercam, but I have ZERO experience with it. I just need to generate the G-code. I am also not a machinist, so I could use much guidance, and baby steps.

I appreciate any help.

[WallyL7]

You can certainly learn Mastercam without ever knowing how to machine, but without basic machine skills you will be shooting arrows in the dark for a long time and most likely destroying a bunch of machine tools in the process.

Do you even have a CNC machine? Did you purchase Mastercam and can get some classes from the dealer? Do you work at a place that has a machine shop so you can get some knowledge from fellow employees and possibly some hands on experience?

What about using Pro for your programming - if you are more familiar with it, it just may be easier to get started...

Otherwise, get some of the mastercam books that have the tutorials and sample parts in them. They will walk you through a bunch of scenarios that will get you going pretty quick.

[nateman_doo]

I just built my own CNC machine from scratch using the spindle head from an X2 mill, and I hand wrote my own G code for this part (with a pencil & calculator), and things seem to be off a hair. I have access to a machine shop and a veteran machinist who's brain I pick daily, and I have a mechanical engineer who is a close friend. I have some experience as a novice, but looking to expand my knowledge.

I don't think Pro-E makes tool paths or generates G-Code. I was looking for the guidance that could perhaps give me the baby steps I needed to have some G code for this already modeled part.

[cadcam]

you need to get some training disk or a local collage or online training.you are asking for allot of time to take you thru the basics if it is the basics as we have not seen the shape.
I help all the time but I to have a limit I can take to walk someone thru an entire project and teach the how to machine and use the software.This should go for most.
If you have specific questions I know most of us will do our best to show walk thru as much as we can.

Sorry but this is the truth.

[nateman_doo]

So toolpaths is not just a simple operation. I have already made the part with my own hand written G-code, I thought there was just some sort of operation that the Mastercam has (like a wizard) that could walk you through the process once you upload the 3d part.

[cadcam]

I am sorry but I don't know any Cam system that you load and it walks you programming the part. the system does not know how you are holding it what features you want to cut first. there is allot more to Machining and programming.
good luck and remember you can still ask questions.

[WallyL7]

Originally Posted by nateman_doo I don't think Pro-E makes tool paths or generates G-Code.

Ummmm.....Sure it does!
PTC Pro/Manufacture - CNCzone.com-The Largest Machinist Community on the net!

[nateman_doo]

Originally Posted by WallyL7 Ummmm.....Sure it does! PTC Pro/Manufacture - CNCzone.com-The Largest Machinist Community on the net!

WHERE?!? Pro|Engineer Wildfire 3.0?!

[WallyL7]

Originally Posted by nateman_doo WHERE?!? Pro|Engineer Wildfire 3.0?!

Sorry - that is just a link to the Pro E CAM software Forum here at CNCZone.

I take it you only have the CAD side of Pro? I'm still trying to figure out where you are coming from here. Did you just get Mastercam? Did you just get Pro? You need to understand that how something is drawn in CAD can't necessarily dictate how your CAM software treats it (in space). How it is positioned and machined is all performed at the CAM level, and is very arbitrary as mentioned by cadcam. There are many "right" ways to machine a part, but CAM systems need to know a few things before they will give you correct G-code.


Like I said, the tutorial books for mastercam will help you get started with how to set up your part in order to generate g-code.

[nateman_doo]

I have Pro-E at my job. I took a course and learned how to make simple parts, so now i have a simple part.

I wanted to cut this piece out of a 1/4" sheet of Alumninum, using a 1/8" end mill. I basically got the coordinates of a 1/16" outside the part so that it would cut, and it worked, but I would like to have more flexability with finish cuts.

We also have access to mastercam with my job, but since I am more familiar with Pro-E I figured it would be easier to use that, but I didn't know it even did G-code, so I was just trying to figure out mastercam.

Now that i find out it DOES, I am not sure how to get it running. I was following this guide I found:
http://bdml.stanford.edu/twiki/pub/M...d_logo_wf3.pdf
I am not sure if my job has the necessary licences like Pro/NC-MILL,Pro/NC-TURN,Pro/NC-ADVANCED,Pro/NC-WEDM etc to actually do it. So I think I am back to square 1.

[Mike Mattera]

Yes you can make toolpaths with ProE ProMan, but if you think Mastercam is hard, Just try using ProMan to do a toolpath.

Mike Mattera

[nateman_doo]

I was talking to a Machinist about using Mastercam. He said to load my part as an IGS file, which I now did. He also said he self taught himself the program. Is there a step one or something?