Master Cam 9

TUTORIAL SERIES FOR

VERSION 9

GENERAL NOTES

Wire V9 GENERAL NOTES

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MENU NAVIGATION

Toolbar - Can be used instead of Main Menu and Secondary Menu selections.

Menu Cues - Displays selection cues in the space following the Main Menu title area.

Main Menu - Selections used to create geometry and wirepaths.

Secondary Menu - Selections used to work with geometry.

Prompt Area - System displays data and the user inputs data, also prompts the userfor info.

Prompt Area

Menu Cues

Main Menu

Return to Main Menu Button

Secondary Menu

Prompt Area

ToolbarMore Icons

www.truong2008.com


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THE MAIN MENU

When the system first starts, the Mastercam logo screen appears, then the Main andSecondary Menus are displayed.

Analyze Displays all relevant information about a point, line, arc, spline, surface ordimension on the screen.

Create: Adds geometry to the system's database and draws it on the screen.

File: Manipulates disk files (saves, retrieves, converts, transmits, receives, etc.).

Modify: Alters screen geometry with the fillet, trim, break, and join commands.

Xform: Transforms geometry with the mirror, rotate, scale, translate, and offsetcommands.

Delete: Removes an entity or group of entities from the screen and the system'sdatabase.

Screen: Plots the geometry currently displayed on the screen, changes the currentcolor or level, displays entity endpoints or changes the way in which geometry isdisplayed.

Solids: Creates and modifies solid geometry.

Wirepaths: Programs NC wirepaths (CAM systems only).

NC utils: Manipulates NC wirepaths (CAM systems only).


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THE SECONDARY MENU

Z: Use Z depth only in Mastercam Wire to change the current construction depth. Theconstruction depth is the depth of the currently defined construction plane. This valuemay be entered by selecting an existing point (i.e., endpoint of a line) or by typing Z andthe desired depth, followed by Enter. The construction depth is changed automaticallyin most creation functions in the 3D-construction mode.

Color: Assigns a system color. This instructs the system to display any new geometrycreated in the selected color (Create | Line, Create | Arc, Backplot | Save geometry,etc.). It also applies the chosen color to a converted file that does not support colors(i.e., DXF). Mastercam contains two color palettes from which you can select systemcolors, a 16-color and 256-color palette.

Level:Assigns a system level to created/converted geometry. Level stores any newgeometry created in the selected level. It also applies the chosen color to a convertedfile that does not support levels (i.e., NFL or ASCII). This feature also controls whatlevels are visible. You can set a total of 256 levels in Mastercam. Click the following toread more about levels: Assigning Levels.

Attributes: Lets you change one or more attributes (color, level, line style, line width,and point style) for entities that you select, without affecting system default settings.

Groups: Defines a collection of entities as a named group.

Mask: Sets the system's masking level. With the masking level OFF, the system willrecognise any entity in the database; however, if the mask level is set (changed to anon-zero level number between 1 and 255) the system will then only recognise entitiesthat are on that level. Mask will affect all functions (delete, group, file conversion, etc.)except fit, screen statistics, or screen endpoints. To reset the masking level to OFF, themasking level must be set to 0.

WCS: Allows you to redefine the World Coordinate System, and groups thefunctionality of Tool, Construction and Graphic Views. WCS is not supported byMastercam Wire.

Tplane: The tool plane (Tplane) is a two dimensional plane that represents a CNCmachine's coordinate system.

Cplane: Defines the plane on which you will create and manipulate geometry. Youhave several construction plane (Cplane) options.


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Gview: Alters the way in which you view images through the graphics view (Gview)feature. Gview allows you to view geometry from several different angles.

GRAPHICS VIEWS

There are 8 standard graphics views in Mastercam.

View 1 = TopView 2 = FrontView 3 = BackView 4 = BottomView 5 = RightView 6 = LeftView 7 = IsometricView 8 = Axonometric

MEASURING ANGLES IN MASTERCAM

Y+90 DEG

X- ________________________________ X+180 DEG 0 DEG.

Y-270 DEG


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DEFAULT KEY ASSIGNMENTS

The table below lists the default key assignments.

Key(s) Function Description

F1 zoom Activates the zoom-in window. Use the zoomwindow to magnify part of your geometry.

F2 unzoom Zooms out from your geometry reducing itssize on your screen.

F3 repaint Redisplays the graphic screen to clean up anydisplay remnants.

F4 analyze Activates the Analyze menu.

F5 delete Activates the Delete menu.

F6 file Activates the File menu.

F7 modify Activates the Modify menu.

F8 create Activates the Create menu.

F9 display Displays the following:information *the current system construction, and tool

origins*the relative positions of all three origins (if an origin isnot defined, then it does not display)*the current geometry filename, file size, and the dateand time that the file was last saved*the current NCI filename.

F10 execute Activates the key and button assignmentfunction window display (shown on the previous page).

Alt+F1 fit geometry Fits the displayed image to the graphic screenarea.

Alt+F2 scale geometry Unzoom by 0.8

Alt+F3 cursor tracking Activates the cursor tracking feature.


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Alt+F4 exit Exits Mastercam.

Alt+F5 delete menu Activates the Delete menu.

Alt+F7 blank Activates the Screen | Blank menu.

Alt+F8 configure Opens the Screen | Configure Window. (Youcannot use this key assignment to accessAllocations, however.)

Alt+F9 draw axes Displays the current graphics view (center),the current construction plane axis (lower left),and the current tool plane axis (lower right).

Alt+F10 execute Activates the key and button assignmentfunction window display (shown on the previous page).

Alt+A autosave Opens the AutoSave Window

Alt+B Toolbar Displays or hides the Toolbar

Alt+C run C-Hooks Lets you run a C-Hook applications program.The C-Hook's *.DLL file must be in thedirectory specified under theScreen | Configure | Data Paths menu.

Alt+D drafting Opens the Drafting global parameters Window.parameters (This is the same as clicking PM).

Alt+F menu fonts Opens the Font Window.selection window

Alt+G Grid Parameters Sets active grid which can be visible or invisible

Alt+H on-line help Opens Mastercam's Help Window for instantaccess to on-line help information aboutMastercam and its features.

Alt+I open files Lists files that Mastercam creates for its ownuse during a session. This is a diagnostic toolonly. Click the Windows close button to exitthis window.


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Alt+L attributes menu Lets you set the current line style, width, color andlevel.

Alt+M memory Lists Mastercam memory allocations. This is aallocations diagnostic tool only. Click the Windows close

button to exit this windowAlt+N named views Allows saved named views to be quickly accesed

Alt+P prompt area Displays and hides Mastercam's prompt area.We recommend that you leave the prompt areavisible at all times.

Alt+S shading toggle Activates full time shading

Alt+T draw NC Turns the wirepath display on and off. Whenyou turn on the wirepath display, the currentNCI file appears in the wirepath color (normallycyan). After you turn off the wirepath, press F3to refresh the screen. You can only use thisfeature during wirepath creation or until youselect End progrm.

Alt+U undo Lets you undo the last operation that youperformed. You must stay in the lastoperation's menu to undo it. After you exit fromthe menu of the operation that you want toundo, this feature is no longer available.

Alt+V Mastercam Displays the software version and serialversion number number of your SIM.

Alt+W set viewport Opens the VIEWPORTS Window. This letswindow you set the viewport configuration. Toggle the

display or enter the viewport number.

Alt+X xform menu Activates the Xform menu.

Alt+Z visible levels Opens the Visible Levels Window.Alt+0 Cplane (depth) Quick access to changing Z construction depth

Alt+1 color Opens the color dialog box.

Alt+2 levels Opens the Main level dialog box.


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Alt+3 mask level Opens the Mask level dialog box.

Alt+4 toolplane Activates the toolplane menu.

Alt+5 Cplane Activates the Cplane menu.

Alt+6 Gview Activates the Gview menu.

Alt+’ Create|Arc-2pt. cir Activates the Create|Arc|2pt. circle point menu.Make your selections from the point menu tocreate your circle.

Alt+Tab switch between Lets you move between all of the openopen applications applications in Windows. Alt+Shift+Tab lets

you move through open applications in thereverse order.

Tab /Shift+Tab navigate in Lets you move between controls in a window

windows (text boxes and radio buttons for example).

Esc system interrupt Press Esc to interrupt some commands(transform, repaint, etc.) Once a command hasbeen interrupted, it cannot be restarted fromthe point of interruption.

backup key Instead of clicking backup, press Esc to backup to a previous menu.

Page Up /Page Down zoom Press Page Up to zoom in on a geometry.

Press Page Down to zoom out.

Cursor pan Lets you pan over geometry. Note that theArrows arrows move the geometry window not the

geometry.


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DATA ENTRY SHORTCUTS

Mastercam lets you use several shortcuts to enter information into text boxes whencreating geometry. These shortcuts let you get data from an existing entity and use itwhen creating new geometry.The shortcuts are as follows:

A Use “A” to input an existing angle.D Use “D” to input an existing diameter.L Use “L” to input an existing length.R Use “R” to input an existing radius.S Use “S” to input the distance between two existing points.X Use “X” to input an existing X co-ordinate.Y Use “Y” to input an existing Y co-ordinate.Z Use “Z” to input an existing Z co-ordinate.

To use a shortcut:

1. Type a letter (from the list above), instead of a value, into the text box.2. Press Enter. Mastercam prompts you to select the existing entity from

which you want to get the data.3. Click the entity you want to use.4. Mastercam displays the data it gets from the existing entity.5. Press Enter to accept the data or type a different value and press Enter.6. Mastercam uses the data from the existing entity in creating the new

entity.

Data Entry Shortcut Example

This example uses the “L” data entry shortcut to create a line.

1. Create a line with endpoints at 0,0,0 and 3,0,0.This will be the existing line from which we get data by using “L.”

2. Click MAIN MENU | Create | Line | Polar.3. Set 0,0,0 as one endpoint of the polar line.4. Set 33 degrees as the angle of the line.5. Type L and press Enter for the line length.6. Mastercam prompts you to select an existing line.7. Click the existing line.8. Mastercam displays the data it gets from the existing line.9. Press Enter to accept this data.10. Mastercam creates the new line.


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ASSIGNING BUTTONS AND KEYS

This Mastercam feature lets you assign a function or C-Hook or macro to a function key(F1 through F10) or an Alt key (excluding system keys such as Alt+F4) or a button inMastercam's Toolbar. You can assign a maximum of 50 keys and a maximum of 99buttons.

Select the following menu picks:

� MAIN MENU� Screen� Configure� Toolbar/ Keys

Funcs/ C-Hooks/ Macros [default]This allows the user to check all assignments, or filter out the desired

commands. ( Functions, c-hooks, macros, keys, buttons, keys/ buttons).

All [default]This function allows the user to further filter using the following variables:

Unassigned, assigned, all.

Find KeyThis function allows the user to press a button or key, and the function assigned

to it will be filtered out.

Current Assignment

Add This allows the user to add an assignment.Edit This allows a user to edit an existing assignment.Remove This allows the user to remove an assignment.


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ASSIGNING A BITMAP TO A BUTTON

Now you have a function assigned to a button. If there is no default bitmap assigned tothe desired function, you can make one, or modify a bitmap from another function.

If this is the case, the button will now look highlighted, but no bitmap is yet assigned.

PROCEDURE

Open the wire9.cfg file, and search for the button number that was just assigned.( example: search for B92 )

When you have found the appropriate button, record the definition assigned to it.( this is the word right after assignment )

Create or modify an existing bitmap, and save it in the Mcam9\Common\Icons directory,using the name of the function found in the .CFG file. Mastercam will automaticallyupdate that button assignment.

ADDING A C’HOOK TO YOUR MENU

Follow these steps to add a frequently used c-hook to the side menu bar.

1) Decide what menu you wish this function to be added to.

2) Open the Wire9.txt file with any text editor.

3) Search for a function that has been previously assigned, which will be before (orafter) the position that you wish to fill.

4) Insert the name of the c’hook within the quotes, in the desired position, immediatelyfollowed by an asterisk * symbol (note to place an underscore on the letter you wishto use as a shortcut place an ampersand before that letter (letter can only appearonce in any one menu)).

5) The next time you open Mastercam, the menu will be modified.

Definition - C-HooksMastercam C-Hooks are custom-made application programs created in the C programming language. Theseapplication programs are also known as C-Hooks. Anyone, CNC Software, Inc., Mastercam dealers, and ourcustomers, can develop a C-Hook that runs with Mastercam. C-Hooks use the same graphic and menu functions asMastercam.


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Wirepath ParametersThe following paragraph describes, in alphabetic order, the wirepath parameters thatare used in contour, no core and 4-axis wirepath.

Adding a finish contour operation – Adds a separate contour operation after the nocore operation. When you choose this option, Mastercam Wire opens the contourparameters dialog box where you can specify all the parameters of a regular contouroperation.

All contours use same subprogram – Available when using Subprograms to createcopies of the same part.

Arc type and radius – Defines the shape of tapered contour when a smooth corner isencountered in the geometry. See Corner type and radius for more details.

Auto entry – Starts the no core wirepath at the thread point.

Auto exit – Exits the no core wirepath at the cut point.

Auto position cut point – Sets the cut point perpendicular to the end of contour.

Auto start position - Moves the job start point to the thread point of the first contour inthe operation. Disable it to insert a rapid move from the start point to the thread point.

Canned text – Assigns variables from 1 to 99 that can be used to control some specificmachine settings. The post processor has to be customized accordingly.

Change NCI – Allows you to change the current Nci file name to store the wirepathinformation.

Comment – Allows you to enter information about the current operation.

Compensation types – Offsets the wire from the geometry. When cutting the part inthe chaining direction, wire compensation can follow the centerline of the geometry orbe offset to the right or the left to compensate for the wire diameter. This offset may begenerated by Mastercam Wire (computer compensation), by the NC control (controlcompensation), or a combination of both ("both" and "reverse both" compensation).


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Control: This parameter outputs a command for wire compensation in the CNC system.You can select “Right,” “Left” or “Auto”. Select “Right” and the system will place thewire to the right of the part (G42); select “Left” and the system places the wire to the leftof the part (G41). Select “Auto” and the system will automatically place the wiredepending on the location of the thread point. Using this method you are programmingthe part edge.

Computer: This parameter builds wire compensation directly into the wirepath. You canselect “Right,” “Left” or “Auto”. Select “Right” and the system will place the wire to theright of the part; select “Left” and the system places the wire to the left of the part.Select “Auto” and the system will automatically place the wire depending on the locationof the thread point. Using this method you are programming the center of the tool.

Both: Combines both compensations in computer and in control. It computes thecompensated wirepath and outputs control codes for compensation. Compensationdirection in the computer and control are the same. You can select “Right,” “Left” or“Auto”.

Reverse both: Combines both compensations in computer and in control. It computesthe compensated wirepath and outputs control codes for compensation. Compensationdirection in the computer and control are opposite each other. You can select “Right,”“Left” or “Auto”.

Off: Select “Off” and the system will ignore wire compensation within the computer.Mastercam Wire computes the wirepath with the wire cutting the centerline of geometry.

Contours – Allows you to establish the thread and cut positions in cases where youhave not used point entities.

Thread distance - Allows you to enter a value for the thread distance. Mastercam Wireactivates the contour types for closed and open contours.For closed contours, specify whether to place the thread point on the inside or outsideof the contour.For open contours, specify whether to place the thread point to the right or the left ofthe contour.


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Corner type and radius – Defines the shape of the tapered contour when a sharpcorner is encountered in the geometry. In the following examples, the geometry is in theXY plane and the corner and arc types are shown in the UV contour. Also, Roll cutteraround corners is set to None, and each sample wirepath has a 5-degree taper angle.

Conical – Creates a cone shape move around the corner of the part.

Sharp – Creates an angle move around the corner of the part.


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Constant– Keeps the corner or the arc in the contour the same size as the corner or thearc in the geometry.

Other – Allows you to specify a radius for a custom corner defined in the postprocessor. Mastercam Wire draws the corner as it can not anticipate the radius definedin the post processor.

Fixed – Applies the same radius to all corners. Must be supported by the postprocessor.


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Fishtail – Creates a loop at the corners to machine very sharp corners. Must besupported by the post processor. Fish tail is not supported as an arc corner.

Cutting method – Sets the cutting direction of the contour or 4-axis wirepath.Reverse - Reverses cutting direction when the wirepath has multiple passes.One way – Keeps the cutting direction the same direction as the first pass.

Expand Operation – Separates each pass type into a single operation. It is onlyavailable when you first create a wirepath, not on subsequent edits.

Filter – Replaces wirepath moves that lie, within a specified tolerance, in a straight linewith a single tool move. You can also optionally replace multiple linear tool moves withan arc move of a specified minimum and maximum radius.

Finish – Sets a finish pass to smooth out rough edges left by the no core roughingpass or to take off additional material as specified by the finish pass spacing.Number of finish passes - Sets the number of finish passes. The finish passes smoothout rough edges left by the no core roughing pass. The finish passes follow thegeometry similar to a contour cut.


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Start finish pass at closest entity - Begins the finish pass with the closest endpoint ofthe closest entity at the end of the roughing wirepath. When cleared, the finish passbegins with the first entity in the chain as it was originally selected.Wire compensation - Sets Wire compensation to computer for the finish pass to offsetthe wire as part of the wirepath. Set compensation to control to have the control offsetthe wire. The both option applies the offset to the wirepath (computer) but also allowsfor additional compensation to be set in the control.

Finish pass spacing - Determines the size of the cut for each finish pass. The roughingpass leaves stock on the walls of the pocket and on the islands, if the number of finishpasses is greater than zero. The finish passes remove stock left by the roughing pass.

Burn finish passes after roughing all pockets - Used multiple no core wirepaths exist ina single operation, Mastercam Wire can cut the roughing pass on each no core first.After completing all the roughing passes, Mastercam Wire then cuts the finish pass oneach no core wirepath.

Format – Controls how the arcs and lines in 4-axis wirepath are handled as data for thecontrol.4-axis taper - Outputs only UV/XY linear moves. All circular moves (arcs) are brokeninto linear moves based on the linearization tolerance set in the 4-axis parametersdialog box tab.

Direct 4-axis - Outputs XY/UV linear and circular moves simultaneously. Direct 4-axisrequires that the XY and UV contours have an equal number of entities. In cases wherethere aren’t an equal number of entities, branch lines need to be added to the geometryto connect the entities to a synch point.

General – Controls cutting method, wire EDM machine initial settings and otherparameters. Choose a topic below for more information.Wire - When checked, wire is present (threaded).Power - When checked, applies voltage to the wire.Flush - Sets the initial state for the water settings On, Off, or Other. The "Other" settingis specific to the control.Fill tank - Sets the initial state for the fluid tank. "On" fills the tank.

Generate stops – Creates a stop point before each tab.For first tab cut of each chain - Outputs a stop code before the tab cut for the first tabcut on each chain. Subsequent tab cuts do not include stop codes.

For first tab cut in the operation - Outputs a stop code before the tab cut for the first tabcut of the operation. Subsequent tab cuts throughout the operation do not include stopcodes.


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No stops output - Suppresses all stop codes for all tab cuts in the operation.

Infinite look ahead – Examines for wirepath self-intersections along the entire contourbefore creating the wirepath. If it finds a wirepath self-intersection, Mastercam Wiremodifies the wirepath so that it does not cut the portion of the part that comes after theintersection.

Land Height – Sets the height at which the wire pivots to the taper angle.

Lead in – Lets you place a combination of line and or arc at the beginning of a Contour,Tab cut or/ and Finish cut. The system can add a line or two, of given lengths and anarc, of given radius and arc sweep to the beginning of each chain. You can set thefollowing options.Line only: Lets you add a line at the beginning of each chain.Line and radius: Lets you add a line and a radius at the beginning of each chain.2 Lines and radius: Allows you to add two lines and an arc at the beginning of eachchain.


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Lead out – Lets you place a combination of line and or arc at the end of a Contour, Tabcut or/ and Finish cut. The system can add a line or two, of given lengths and an arc, ofgiven radius and arc sweep to the end of each chain. You can set the following options.Line only: Lets you add a line at the end of each chain.Radius only: Allows the system to add an arc to the end of each chain.Radius and line: Lets you add an arc and a line at the end of each chain.Radius and 2 lines: Allows you to add an arc and two lines at the end of each chain.

Entry/Exit Arc : Allows you to define the lead in and lead out arc.

Maximum Lead Out Length: Allows you to determine the distance that the wire travelstoward the cut position on each pass.

Overlap : Lets you set an overlap for the skim cut.


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Also trim final leadout : Moves the final lead out to the Maximum Lead Out Length.

Linearization tolerance – Sets the tolerance to convert 3D arcs and 2D or 3D splinesinto lines while creating the wirepath. Smaller linearization tolerance values make moreaccurate wirepaths, but may take longer to generate and create a longer NC program.

Misc values button – Sets the values of the miscellaneous integers and reals that cancontrol some specific machine settings. The post processor has to be customizedaccordingly.

Optimize path – Applies an additional check on the no core wirepath that takesadditional time to generate but eliminates material dropout. Not available for Morph orTrue Spiral cutting methods.

Output stop code – Sets the types of stop points that can be assigned to a wirepath.Glue stop - Pauses the wire machine before it cuts the tab only if the "optional" switchon the wire machine is turned on. If the switch is off, the machine cuts the tab withoutstopping. A glue stop (gstop) is also known as an optional stop. Glue stop outputs anM01 code.

Stop - Pauses the wire machine until the operator restarts the machine. The stop is alsoknown as a program stop. This stop outputs an M00 code.

Power Settings Library - Contains wire EDM machine-specific settings documented bythe manufacturer for the material you are cutting.A wire power settings library is organized into 24 "passes." In Mastercam Wire, "pass"refers to a single path made by the wire around a contour. Pass is synonymous with"cut". A library can contain up to 24 passes, each with unique power settings needed tocut a certain material type on a certain wire EDM machine. For example, Pass 1 in thelibrary may correspond to a rough cut, Pass 2 a tab cut, and Passes 3 – 5 finish cuts(also known as skim cuts).

Select Library button: - Allows you to choose the power settings library from a list ofexisting libraries.

Associate to library: - Allows you to associate the selected library to the operation. If it isnot checked the system allows you to edit each pass of the existing library.

Save Library button: - Allows you to save the changes made in the selected library.

Starting pass: - Sets the first pass to be used by the wirepath.

Offsets: - Sets the wire offset number. Refer to your wire machine documentation.


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Condition code: - Sets a wire machine-specific value that corresponds to a registernumber in control. It depends on material, wire type and thickness. Refer to your wiremachine documentation.

Feedrate: - Sets the speed at which the wire cuts the material in inches per minute orcentimetres per minute. Some controllers calculate the feed rate based on material nadthickness. Other controllers require a value that represents the material and thethickness. Refer to your wire machine documentation.

Wire diameter: - Sets the width of the wire.

Wire radius: - Sets the radius of the wire automatically when you enter the diameter.

Wire overburn: - Sets the extra material that can be removed by the wire.

Stock to leave: - Sets amount of stock to leave for the finish pass(skim cut).

Total offset: - Displays the sum of the wire diameter, overburn and stock to leave.

Registers1-10: - Values that correspond to the registers in the controller.

Pass comment: - Allows you to enter information about the current pass.

Perform rough cut – Enables the rough cut.Additional skim cuts (before tab): - Sets the number of skim cuts to be performed beforethe tab cut.

Program # – Lets you set the program number for the machines that require a programname.

Rapid Height – Sets the Z height of the upper wire guide for rapid moves whether ornot the wire is threaded.

Reset pass number on tab cuts – Allows you to use Pass #1 (rough cut) settingswhen cutting the tab.

Roll Wire Around Corners - This parameter functions only when you employ the WireCompensation - In Computer parameter. You use it primarily for inserting arc movesaround sharp corners in the wirepath. In some cases, the system will fillet sharp corners(even if the parameter is set to “None”). This is because some objects in the wirepathdo not intersect; in these cases, the computer will automatically add a fillet.


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Rough – Enables the settings for removing almost all of the material in the no corewirepath.Cutting method – Sets the patterns Mastercam Wire uses to clean out the no core part.

Zigzag

Constant overlap spiral

Parallel spiral

Parallel spiral clean corner


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Morph spiral

True spiral

Rough angle – Sets the angle of the zigzag pattern.

Seq. inc – Sets the numbering increment for each line of the NC program.

Seq. Start – Lets you set the first line number in the NC program for the machines thatrequire block numbers.

Stepover percentage - Sets the distance the wire shifts over between XY moves as apercentage of wire diameter. Changing the stepover percentage automatically adjuststhe stepover distance.

Stepover distance - Sets the distance the wire shifts over between XY movesChanging the stepover distance automatically changes the stepover percentage.

Sync option – Synchronizes the upper and lower contours using chain synchronization.When synchronizing the contours, Mastercam Wire breaks each chain into a number ofseparate subchains then matches up the chains using the Sync mode selection. TheSync option provides a choice of methods that Mastercam Wire can use to place pointsalong the chains, which it matches up when synchronizing the chains.When Mastercam Wire synchronizes the chains, it aligns the top contour with thebottom contour by entity, point, branch point, node (if both contours are made up ofsplines) or where you tell it (manual, manual/density).


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None: - Synchronizes the chains by dividing them into an even number of segmentsusing the Step Size option in the 4-axis parameters dialog box tab. The value you enterfor Step Size determines how far apart these points are placed. We recommend thatyou keep this value small to retain accuracy in the corners. In many cases, the defaultvalue of .01 is sufficient.

By branch - Requires branch lines to be added to the geometry to create sync points asshown in the example above.

By entity - Matches the endpoints of each entity and requires both chains to have anequal number of entities.

By node - Applies only to parametric splines and synchronizes the two chains by nodeson the splines.

Manual and manual/density - Allow you to manually place the sync points.

Linearization tolerance - Provides a factor that Mastercam Wire uses to place syncpoints along chains when using the by branch, by entity, by node, and by point syncoption.


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Suppress all thread flags – No thread flags will be written in the NCI file.

Suppress all cut flags – No cut flags will be written in the NCI file.

Skim cuts after tab – Allows you to program the finish passes.

Together - Sets the number of skim cuts to make before moving to the next contour inthe operation.Separate - Sets the number of skim cuts to make, with one made on each chain in theoperation separately. Separate is enabled only when you choose Rough, tab, and finishseparately.

Subprogram – Creates subprograms called by the main program each time theprogram repeats the same passes in the XY plane. Used to generate a smaller NCprogram.

STCW – Sets the start, thread, cut and work origin positions for the current operation.

Start - Is the home position of the operation.

Thread - Is the point where the machine threads the wire, usually a predrilled hole in thematerial. The wire cuts from the thread position to the start of the chain basedon the settings for lead ins and lead outs.

Cut - Is the point where the wire machine cuts the wire before moving tothe next thread point.

Work origin - Is a reference point for wirepath creation and is set to thesystem origin by default. Changing the work origin offsets the coordinatesfor the wirepath.


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Non-vertical thread cut: Sets the UV plane coordinates to allow threading or cutting thewire on a diagonal.

Tab – Sets an area of uncut material that keeps the part in place until the machineoperator can secure it prior to cutting it free from the rest of the material. Using tabsprevents the part from falling into the tank and possibly damaging the lower wire guide.

Tab width - Sets the tab size.

Number of tab cuts - Sets the number of passes the wire machine the tab.

Make the tab cutoff move with the skim cut - Make the tab cut at the end of the skimcut (or rough cut if there is no skim cut).

All cuts together – Allows you to group together all the cuts of a chain (rough, skim cut,tab). The method is used when you have multiple contours selected in the operation.

Tabs and finish together – Allows you to generate first the roughing cuts on all chains,and then group together all the tab cuts with the finish cuts of each chain. The methodis used when you have multiple contours selected in the operation.


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Rough, tabs and finish separately – Allows you to generate first the roughing cuts on allchains, and then the tab cuts for all chains, and at last the skim cuts of each chain. Themethod is used when you have multiple contours selected in the operation.

Automatic – Allows you to set the number of tabs to place on each contour in theoperation. Mastercam Wire spaces the tabs equally over the contour.

Manual – Allows you to manually select the tabs positions around the contour, byselecting Position button.

Use square point for tab position – Automatically places a tab at each location markedby a square point. You have to previously create points using square style along thegeometry. If you use the square point method, select Start, Midpoint or End to indicatewhat square point marks.

Tab Cuts (no dropout method) – Used to eliminate sliver or slug material when usingeither the line and radius or (2) lines and radius moves combined with overlap.


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Trimming - Used in a 4-axis wirepath to reference Z values in the wirepath.In computer - Uses the XY and UV trim planes to reference the Z values for thewirepath.

In control - Uses the XY and UV height planes (by default, the locations of the XY andUV geometry) to reference the Z values for the wirepath.

3D tracking - Includes variable Z depths with the XY and UV planes. When supportedby the wire EDM machine and control, 3D tracking allows machining of geometry thatdoesn’t lie completely in a single construction plane. With 3D tracking, the wire guideson the machine follow the nonplanar geometry. When 3D tracking is selected,Mastercam Wire enables two additional planes: the XY and UV extensions.

UV Extension - Used for geometry with variable depths that not lie completely in asingle plane when 3D tracking is supported by the wire EDM machine. Give a positiveincremental value to lift the extension above the UV height and trim planes.

UV Height – Sets the height of the part, the upper contour of the wirepath. Absolutelocates the UV plane relative to absolute 0,0,0. Incremental locates the plane relative tothe Z depth of the chained geometry.


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UV Trim Plane – Sets the location of the upper guide that can be required by thecontrol and is usually set higher than UV Height. When is not required it should be setto the same height as the UV Height.

XY Extension - Used for geometry with variable depths that not lie completely in asingle plane when 3D tracking is supported by the wire EDM machine. Give a negativeincremental value to locate the extension below the XY height and trim planes.

XY Height – Sets the bottom of the part, the lower contour of the wirepath. Absolutelocates the XY plane relative to absolute 0,0,0. Incremental locates the plane relative tothe Z depth of the chained geometry.

XY Trim Plane – Sets the location of the lower guide that can be required by the controland is usually set lower than XY Height. When is not required it should be set to thesame height as the XY Height.


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IGES TRANSLATORIGES is a public standard. It is used by many full-scale CAD systems. The IGESstandard is considerably more complex than other file formats. The IGES interface isthree dimensional.

IGES files are written in five sections: the start section (a comment), the global section,the directory section, the parameter section and the terminate section. The parametersfor the global section cannot be changed. The default delimiter and end of record(comma and semicolon) are used. A comment is solicited and written in the startsection.

Read FileAfter you select the file to read, Mastercam displays the Read IGES window. Use thisfeature based on the following descriptions.

Trim Surface HandlingUse this setting based on the following descriptions.

Use Preference Flag, XYZ if unspecifiedSelect this option if you want Mastercam to use the preference flag in the IGES file. Ifthere is no flag, Mastercam uses XYZ co-ordinates to trim surfaces.

Use Preference Flag, UV if unspecifiedSelect this option if you want Mastercam to use the preference flag in the IGES file. Ifthere is no flag, Mastercam uses UV co-ordinates to trim surfaces.

Always Read XYZsSelect this option if you want Mastercam to always use XYZ co-ordinates regardless ofany preference flags.

Always Read UVsSelect this option if you want Mastercam to always use UV co-ordinates regardless ofany preference flags.

Untrimmable SurfacesSelect the Put Untrimmable Surfaces on new level check box if you want to separateany IGES surfaces that Mastercam cannot trim. Type the level that you wantMastercam to use in the Level Number text box.

Override with File Values


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Use this selection to override Mastercam's Tolerance settings with those that the IGESfile is using. This feature scales all Mastercam tolerance settings to meet the convertedfile's scale. Select .MC9 Name to replace the current Mastercam file name with thename of the IGES file.

File is EnglishThis selection lets Mastercam automatically change the Unit System setting in Screen |Configure | Misc. Settings based on whether the IGES file is U.S. Customary Units or SI(metric).Select Scale Data to scale the converted IGES file to the current Mastercam setting.Select Override Units if you want to reset Mastercam based on whether the IGES file isU.S. Customary Units or SI (metric).

IGSCANUse this feature to scan the IGES file for information. Mastercam displays theinformation to the screen.

MaskingThis function defines the IGES read/write mask for all supported data types from 100 to500 (excluding 124 - transformation matrix). Only supported entities may be maskedMastercam displays the IGES Entity Masking window. Select all the check boxes forthose entities you want to include. Deselect the check boxes for those entities you donot want to include. Click Done after you select the entities you want to include orCancel to quit without masking.

AUTODESK TRANSLATOR

The Autodesk conversion option available with Mastercam Version 9 reads AutoCAD10 through AutoCAD 2000 DWG, DXF, and Autodesk InventorÔ (IPT) files. It alsowrites AutoCAD 13, AutoCAD 14, and AutoCAD 2000 DWG/DXF files.The DXF (Drawing Interchange File) format is used by AUTOCAD®The DXF format is three dimensional and supports colors and levels. Splines,dimensions, leader lines or notes are not supported (use IGES). Commonly used forshape translation.

The DWG format is the AutoCAD® drawing (*.DWG) file format. The DWG format isthree dimensional and supports colors and levels and splines, dimensions, leader linesor notes.


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You can read a single file or an entire directory. A single file becomes the current file. Ascan function is built into the converter to allow you to examine the DWG file before youconvert it. You can also mask entities to selectively convert them.

The Autodesk Inventor file is a 3D solids file created in Autodesk Inventor software. Youmust have Autodesk Inventor or Autodesk DesignTracker installed in order to use thisconverter. You can install DesignTracker from the Mastercam system CD.


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OPERATIONS MANAGER

The Operations Manager lists all operations in the current job. Use this dialog box tosort, edit, regenerate, verify and post any operations. You can enter this dialog box bychoosing Wirepaths, Operations from the Main Menu.

Select AllThis button selects all operations listed in the Operations Manager. Selected operationsare represented by a check mark on the folder icon.

Regen PathThe Regen Path button recreates the selected operations after changes have beenmade to the operations. This option applies only to associative wirepaths.

BackplotThe Backplot button backplots all selected operations in the order they appear in theOperations Manager.

VerifyThe Verify button opens Mastercam’s wirepath verification program and creates amodel of all selected operations in the order they appear in the Operations Manager.

PostThe Post button creates an ASCII NCI file. The Mastercam post processor uses thistext file for the selected operation according to your default post processor settings. The


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Post button creates the NC file automatically only if you turn on the default postprocessor.

Operation List AreaThis area displays the order of operations in the current job. Select the + or – in front ofthe file folder icon for an operation to display/ collapse the pieces of that operation,including parameters, tool definition, geometry, and the NCI file.

ParametersSelect the Parameters icon to edit the wirepath parameters.

GeometrySelect the Geometry icon to edit the chains and points to be machined in that operation.Right-mouse click in the list area and you can change the followings:

♦ Add a new chain.♦ Change the side of the cutter compensation.♦ Rechain all the chains.♦ Resynchronizing chains.♦ Analyze all chains.♦ Delete a chain.♦ Reverse the chain direction.♦ Rechain a single chain.♦ Change the Start point of the chain.♦ Change at point some of the parameters.♦ Rename the chain.♦ Change the thread/cut positions.♦ Analyze a single chain.♦ Edit existing tabs.

NCINCI is a separate intermediate file that contains all information of the wirepath data.The post-processor uses the NCI file to create a NC file for your specificmachine/control.Select NCI icon the system will open the Backplot command.Right-mouse click on the NCI icon and the Wirepath Editor will be displayed.


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Wirepath Editor allows you to edit the wirepath. Modify or delete a single move, asection or an entire pass or depth cut.

About Right-mouse click in Operations Manager list area.Right-mouse click in Operations Manager list area opens an extensive menu ofcommands.

Wirepaths: Displays a list with all operationsavailable in Mastercam. You can start to create anoperation from here.For example by selecting Wirepaths, Contour thesystem will prompt you, in the graphic mode, to chainthe geometry to be machined.

Wirepaths, New allows you to delete all operationsand tools that were already created.

Wirepaths, Import NCI allows you to import wirepathsfrom an existed job.


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Options: Allows you to:

Edit common parameters allows you to edit thecommon parameters of all the operations insideof a wirepath group. For example you canchange the Feed plane value for all theoperations inside off the group. Make sure thatpreviously you select all operations.

Filter filters the wirepath.

Change at Point allows you to send specialmachine codes at specific points on thecontour. For example you may want to programa stop code at a given point.

Wirepath Editor allows you to edit the wirepath.Modify or delete a single move, a section or anentire pass or depth cut.

Change the NCI destination allows you to change the name of the NCI file.

Renumber the work offsets allows you to renumber the work offsets when using morethan one offset (tombstone application)

Wirepath display can be turned On/Off.

Locking allows you to lock the wirepaths to block the associativity. Can be turnedON/Off.

Posting allows you to block the post processing option. Can be turned ON/Off.

Select by geometry brings you back in the graphic mode and allows you to select thegeometry used in an exiting operation. It will then, automatically highlight the operationthat used that geometry.

Select by view allows you to see all the operations that use a selected view as theirconstruction plane (Cplane), tool plane (Tplane), or work coordinate system (WCS).

Select all invalid selects all invalid (dirty) operations at once so they can be regeneratedat the same time.


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Setup sheet provides information about a workpiece, including operations, toolreference, total programming time and comments added during programming in aprintable format.Groups: Allows you to organize operations. Operation groups are handy for quickselection of wirepaths: selecting a group automatically selects all operations within thegroup.

Create new operation group instructsthe system to add a new wirepathgroup.

Rename operation group allows you tochange the group name.

Delete operation group instructs thesystem to delete a selected group. Theoperations within the group are notgoing to be deleted.

Set as ACTIVE group places newwirepaths in the active operation group.The name of the active operationgroup appears in bold type.

Expand all groups displays all theoperations within all groups.

Collapse all groups displays only the group names.

Expand operations within a group expands all the operations within a group.

Collapse operations within a group collapses all the operations within a group.

Cut, Copy/Paste: Allows you to reorder the operations.

Delete/Undelete: Allows you to delete selected operations or recover them usingundelete.

Expand all expands all the operations and the groups inside of the OperationsManager.

Collapse all collapses all the operations and the groups inside of the OperationsManager.


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Doc file creates a text file that lists all the groups, operations, tools, geometry and NCIdestination that are in the Operations Manager.

Sort operations: Allows you to reorganize operations by:

Tool number sorts operations by thetool number in either ascending ordescending order.

Tool plane sorts operations by thetool plane number in eitherascending or descending order.

NCI destination sorts operations bythe NCI destination in eitherascending or descending order.

Work offset sorts operations by thework offset number in eitherascending or descending order.

Creation order chronologically sortsoperations in either ascending or

descending order.

Operation type sorts operations by the type of the operation. For example it will list allthe drilling wirepaths.

Get from library: allows you to import saved operations from a library.

Save to library: allows you to save operations into a library.

Display options: sets the Operations Manager display options.

Job setup: opens Job Setup dialog box.

Technology

Master Cam 9