Newbie- From Solidworks 2009 to Mastercam 9..

[ToTTenTranz]

Greetings,


I'm an Electronics-Robotics student (therefore, a complete newbie when it comes to CNC), and my master thesis requires me to machine some metal components in my lab's CNC.
I already did the 3D models for the pieces in Solidworks 2009, and my CNC uses the MasterCAM 9 software.

I already googled around this issue, but with no great results so far. I saw a discussion claiming I should convert the solidworks files to *.x_t and then MasterCAM should recognize them.. but it doesn't.


So, what step am I missing here? Or could it be that the only way to get the drawings to the CNC is to redraw them entirely in MasterCAM?


Thank you in advance.

[Superman]

When using the convertors
try using the file types that are specific to the entities in the file
DXF is good for importing lines,arcs, etc ( 2.5D geometry )
but for surfaces & solids (3D shapes) there is a couple of types that can be used
IGES, STP( or STEP) and X_T---are good for solids and surface conversoin
STL --- gives a mesh surface over the solid ( depending on settings out of the original CAD and also the import settings, shapes can be slightly altered ) and it is difficult to put 2D machining paths to it.

In solidworks, export the solid using the different types that Mastercam can convert and try them out. IMO The STP and IGES may be the best to choose from. I lean to the STP files

When importing, import as a solid (not surfaces ) and also create curves at the same time
after importing, put the solid on a different level and color, and you can also create surfaces from the solid as well
I use 100 for the solid, 101 for surfaces, and 102 for the curves---these are my master levels and are not modified but copied to other levels for putting toolpaths to.

I try not to use any features on the solid ( solid edges, solid faces etc ) for toolpathing, the system tends to "slow down" and sometimes crash if solids are used, so just be aware.

[Mike Mattera]

Parasolid (X_T) has different versions just like any software package. When you go to save the X_T file from Solidworks, there should be an option for the version. Try Parasolid V10. This should read into Mastercam V9 ok. Remember Mastercam V9 is about 6 years old and Solidworks 2009 is.... well lets just say it's newer :-)

Good Luck,

Mike Mattera

[Moorej91]

I have found that the best way to export solidworks files into mastercam 9 is as follows:
1 open drawing in solidworks.
2 file - saveas
3 scroll down to iges and click
4 click the options bar.
5 select mastercam from the options

This has given me the best results. It outputs the iges file into a more friendly format than the base iges file.

Hope this helps

[cadcam]

I suggest following Mike as Iges (aka I guess) will result in more work and geo needed. the solid you can cut from .

[Moorej91]

I was only trying to help based on the experience I have had with v9. I have mill level 3 which does not have many translators installed. We do receive many files from customers (who design in solidworks) and the best way I have found to export into mastercam v9 is as I suggested. It has taken a lot of trials but we now do it this way as it seems to be the most effective and least errors.
Obviously take the advice of certified mastercam technician if that works he should know. I have found that different systems work in different ways, if that does not work try my way. Which ever way gets the result is the best for you.
Something I should mention and might be relevant is that I only use surfaces and not solids. This may have a bearing on what others have suggested. Sorry if I misunderstood the question.