MASTERCAM BASICS

TUTORIAL
October 2020
 MASTERCAM BASICS TUTORIAL
October 2020
© 2020 CNC Software, Inc. – All rights reserved.
Software: Mastercam 2021

Terms of Use
Use of this document is subject to the Mastercam End User License Agreement. The Mastercam End User License
Agreement can be found at:

http://www.mastercam.com/companyinfo/legal/LicenseAgreement.aspx

Be sure you have the latest information!

Information might have changed or been added since this document was published. The latest version of the
document is installed with Mastercam or can be obtained from your local Reseller. A ReadMe file (ReadMe.PDF) –
installed with each release – includes the latest information about Mastercam features and enhancements.

ii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 7

General Tutorial Requirements 7

Mastercam Interface Overview 9

Exercise 1: Exploring Mastercam’s Interface 9

Common Interface Controls 13

Exercise 2: Exploring Mastercam's Backstage 13

Exercise 3: Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar 14

Exercise 4: Using Mastercam Resources 18

Using My Mastercam 19

Using Mastercam Help 20

Exercise 5: Exploring the Ribbon Interface 23

Exercise 6: Customizing the Ribbon 24

Exercise 7: Setting Entity Attributes in the Current File 29

Exercise 8: Understanding the Selection Bar and AutoCursor 35

Exercise 9: Using Quick Masks 39

Exercise 10: Exploring the Status Bar 43

Working with the Managers 47

Exercise 1: Moving and Docking Managers 48

Exercise 2: Hiding and Displaying a Manager 50

Exercise 3: Customizing a Manager Display 53

Exercise 4: Accessing Recent Functions 54

Working with Configuration Files 57

Exercise 1: Creating a Configuration File 57

Exercise 2: Changing System Colors 59

Exercise 3: Changing CAD Settings 61

Exercise 4: Changing the Size and Opacity of On-screen Controls 63

Exercise 5: Setting up AutoSave and Backup 64

Customizing Mastercam 67

iii
 Exercise 1: Customizing the Graphics Window Context Menu 67

Exercise 2: Mapping Functions to Keyboard Shortcuts 70

Exercise 3: Setting Mastercam Display Options 72

Working with Files 75

Exercise 1: Opening Non-Mastercam Part Files 76

Exercise 2: Importing Multiple Part Files 79

Exercise 3: Saving Patterns (Save Some) 82

Exercise 4: Exporting a Single File 84

Exercise 5: Exporting Multiple Files 86

Exercise 6: Using Zip2Go 89

Working with the Graphics Window 93

Exercise 1: Customizing Function Prompts 93

Exercise 2: Changing Standard Views 95

Viewing Your Part 101

Exercise 1: Viewing All Entities 101

Exercise 2: Zooming In and Out 103

Exercise 3: Rotating Your Part View 105

Exercise 4: Panning Your Part 107

Exercise 5: Analyzing Your Part 108

Exercise 6: Using Viewsheets 111

Exercise 7: Blanking and Hiding Entities 114

Exercise 8: Using Materials 120

Exercise 9: Managing Section Views 124

Working With Levels 129

Exercise 1: Exploring the Levels Manager 129

Exercise 2: Showing or Hiding Levels 132

Exercise 3: Changing the Active Level 133

Exercise 4: Creating a Level and Assigning Entities 135

Exercise 5: Moving Entities to a Different Level 138

Understanding Views and Planes 143

iv
 Views and Planes 143

Exercise 1: Exploring the Planes Manager 144

Exercise 2: Creating a New Plane Using the Dynamic Gnomon 146

Exercise 3: Creating a New Plane Using Planes Manager 150

Exercise 4: Using a Custom Plane for Drawing Geometry 154

Working With Chain Selection 159

Exercise 1: Creating Wireframe from a Solid 159

Exercise 2: Exploring Wireframe Chaining 162

Exercise 3: Exploring Solid Chaining 167

Introduction to Toolpaths 175

Exercise 1: Selecting a Machine and Setting Up Stock 176

Exercise 2: Choosing a Toolpath and Geometry 179

Exercise 3: Programming a Toolpath 182

Exercise 4: Backplotting and Verifying 187

Exercise 5: Post Processing 191

Conclusion 195

Mastercam Resources 195

Contact Us 195

v
vi
 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Mastercam Basics Tutorial. This tutorial helps you explore Mastercam’s interface and learn basic
concepts of the software. This tutorial includes the following:

l A broad look at the Mastercam interface.

l An introduction to Mastercam’s File menu, also known as the Backstage.

l An overview of Mastercam’s graphics window.

l An introduction to creating and managing levels and planes.

l An exploration of solid and wireframe chaining.

l An introduction to creating toolpaths.

Tutorial Goals
l Understand basic Mastercam functions.

l Customize a configuration file and Mastercam’s interface for your working style.

l Chain geometry and create toolpaths for your part.

l Manipulate Mastercam’s graphics window, levels, and planes to view your part.

WARNING
This tutorial is for educational purposes only. We have not verified the values and settings in this tutorial with our
machines or tools. Do not use the values in this tutorial to cut parts without proper verification and testing for
your environment.

Screen colors in the tutorial pictures were modified to enhance image quality; they may not match your Mastercam
settings or the tutorial results. These color differences do not affect the lesson or your results.

Estimated time to complete this tutorial: 6 hours

General Tutorial Requirements

All Mastercam 2021 tutorials have the following general requirements:

l You must be comfortable using the Windows® operating system.

l The tutorials cannot be used with Mastercam Demo/Home Learning Edition. The Demo/HLE file format (emcam)
is different from Mastercam (mcam), and basic Mastercam functions, such as file conversions and posting, are
unavailable.

l Each lesson in the tutorial builds on the mastery of the preceding lesson's skills. We recommend that you
complete them in order.

l Additional files may accompany a tutorial. Unless the tutorial provides specific instructions on where to place
these files, store them in a folder that can be accessed from the Mastercam 2021 workstation, either with the
tutorial or in any location that you prefer.

7
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—4: Introduction

l You will need an internet connection to view videos that are referenced in the tutorials. All videos can be found
on our YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/user/MastercamTechDocs

l All Mastercam tutorials require you to configure Mastercam to work in a default Metric or Inch configuration.
The tutorial provides instructions for loading the appropriate configuration file.

8
 CHAPTER 1
MASTERCAM INTERFACE OVERVIEW
Mastercam’s ribbon interface is based on standard Windows design guidelines. The ribbon comprises familiar controls,
including a Quick Access Toolbar (QAT), tabs, contextual tab groups, galleries, buttons, and the Backstage. It also
features special on-screen controls, and movable, dockable Managers and function panels.

This section briefly touches on the elements that make up the Mastercam interface to give you a better
understanding of how to use these elements to create and machine your parts.

Goals
l Explore Mastercam's interface.

l Customize the Quick Access Toolbar.

l Access Mastercam resources.

l Configure entity attributes.

l Understand Selection Bar, AutoCursor, and Fast Point.

l Use Quick Masks.

l Explore the Status Bar.

Exercise 1: Exploring Mastercam’s Interface

Start Mastercam using your preferred method:

1. Double-click Mastercam's desktop icon.

Or,

2. Launch Mastercam from the Windows Start menu.

9
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

The following image displays the elements that make up the Mastercam interface. The corresponding sections provide
brief descriptions of each element and its use.

1. Quick Access Toolbar (QAT): A customizable set of commonly used functions that are always available in the
interface. The QAT can be located above or below the ribbon.

2. Tab: Groupings of related controls. Tabs are organized in a simple-to-complex workflow from left to right.

3. Tab Group: A region of the tab that contains a set of related controls.

4. Contextual Tab: A tab that displays when you make a specific selection in Mastercam. A contextual tab
presents controls and commands relevant to your current activity.

5. Tooltip: A small window with descriptive text that displays when you hover over a command or control.

6. Selection Bar: A toolbar that combines AutoCursor controls and general selection tools used to select entities
in the graphics window. There are two selection modes, Standard Selection and Solid Selection, which are
activated based on the function you are using. AutoCursor controls allow you to detect and snap to locations as
you move the cursor over geometry in the graphics window. AutoCursor becomes active whenever Mastercam
prompts you to select a position in the graphics window.

7. Quick Masks: A group of controls that helps you to select all entities of a certain type, or to select only entities
of certain type. Most Quick Mask controls are divided in half. Clicking the left or right side of the control toggles
between selection modes. When a Quick Mask control is selected it highlights to indicate the selection mask is
on. You can toggle multiple Quick Masks at a time.

10
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

8. Status Bar: A bar across the bottom of the workspace that shows the coordinate position of the cursor and
provides quick access to modify planes, construction mode, and Z depth. The right side of the Status Bar has
wireframe, shading, and translucency controls that change the appearance of your part. The left side of the
Status bar indicates the number of selected entities and the status of Section View.

9. Dynamic Gnomon: The on-screen gnomon allows you to manipulate views and planes interactively. The
gnomon comprises three axes connected at the origin, with selection points that let you choose different types
of transformations.

10. Managers: Managers include controls for toolpaths, solids, planes, levels, recent functions, and Art. The
Managers can be rearranged to suit your workflow.

l Toolpaths Manager: Lists the toolpath groups and machine types for the current file. Use the
Toolpaths Manager to control your operations.

11
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

l Solids Manager: Lists each solid in the current file along with its operation history and associated
toolpaths. Use the Solids Manager to edit solids and their operations.

l Planes Manager: Shows the planes in the current file. Use the Planes Manager to adjust planes and
work offsets.

l Levels Manager: Shows the levels in the current file. Use the Levels Manager to control your levels.

You can learn more about Managers in "Working with the Managers" on page 47.

11. Graphics window: The space in which you view, create, and modify your parts. The graphics window also
displays information about the current units (inches or millimeters), and the coordinate axes for the current
view or plane. You can learn more about the graphics window in "Working with the Graphics Window" on
page 93.

12
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

Common Interface Controls

The following table shows common controls used in the Mastercam interface. The icons may vary slightly depending
on their location in Mastercam.

Icon Option Icon Option

OK and Create New Cancel

OK/Save Help

Apply About Mastercam

Exercise 2: Exploring Mastercam's Backstage

The File drop-down in Mastercam is also known as the Backstage. Click File to open the Backstage view. The image
below shows the Info page of the Backstage with links on the left side to other pages and functions.

The following list provides brief descriptions of some of the functions and pages located in the Backstage. Click each
page to explore the Backstage.

l Info: Presents information and properties of the current Mastercam file. The Info page gives you access to
functions that take action on the currently open file, including: Project Manager, Change Recognition, Track
Changes, AutoSave, and Repair File.

l New: Opens a new file.

l Open: Accesses the Open page where you can select a recent document or browse for a file to open. You can
pin frequently used files or folders to the Recent Documents and Recent Folders sections.

l Open in Editor: Opens a file using a file editor of your choice.

l Merge: Imports and merges entities from an existing part file into the current file.

l Save/Save As: Saves the current part file or saves the file with a new name. You can pin frequently used
folders to the Recent Folders section of the Save As page.

l Save Some: Saves only entities that you select in the graphics window.

13
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

l Zip2Go: Creates a compressed *.ZIP, *.Z2G, or *.MCAM-CONTENT file of the current file that includes your
Mastercam configuration, machine definition, post files, tool and material libraries and other necessary files. A
Zip2Go file is helpful when sharing file information with other users or Technical Support.

l Convert: Provides access to Import and Export functions, as well as the Migration Wizard so that you can update
older Mastercam files to the latest version.

l Print: Previews, configures, and prints the current Mastercam file.

l Help: Presents information about Mastercam and licensing. Includes links to the What’s New and ReadMe
documents, tutorials, and the Help system. Visit this page to check for software updates. Some functions
require an active Internet connection.

l Community: Links your account to Mastercam.com, Mastercam University, the Mastercam Community App,
Mastercam Forums, Mastercam Knowledge Base, the Customer Feedback Program, and satisfaction surveys.

l Configuration: Opens the System Configuration dialog box where you set system defaults for Mastercam.

l Options: Opens the Options dialog box where you customize the Mastercam interface.

Exercise 3: Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar

The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) is a collection of frequently used functions. The QAT is always available and can be
displayed above or below the ribbon. You can add to or remove functions from the QAT.

In this exercise you move and customize the QAT.

1. Click the Customize Quick Access Toolbar drop-down, and select Show Below the Ribbon.

14
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

The QAT displays between the ribbon and the managers.

2. Click the drop-down again, and select More Commands.

The Options dialog box opens.

15
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

3. On the Quick Access Toolbar page, select View from the Choose commands from drop-down to see a list of
commands that appear in the View tab.

4. Select Redo in the right-hand pane. The command you add to the QAT will appear below this selection.

16
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

5. Select Copy from the Commands list, and then click Add.

The command appears below the Redo command in the right-hand pane.

You can use the up and down arrows to rearrange the list.

NOTE
The Commands list is in alphabetical order.

17
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

6. Click OK, and the Copy command shows in the QAT.

Alternatively, you can add any command in the ribbon to the QAT by right-clicking the command in the ribbon
and selecting Add to Quick Access Toolbar.

7. Return the QAT to its placement above the ribbon.

Exercise 4: Using Mastercam Resources

Your Mastercam license gives you access to resources that can improve your project and advance your Mastercam
skills. Learn about using Mastercam and connect with the community to share ideas.

These resources include:

l My Mastercam: Connect to the Mastercam community to share ideas, get news, seek assistance, and download
the latest versions.

l Help: Use Help to learn about Mastercam functions, gain information about parameters, and expand your
concept knowledge.

l What's New and ReadMe documents: Read the What's New to learn about the latest features in a release and the
ReadMe to keep up-to-date on fulfilled enhancement requests.

l Tutorials: Bolster your Mastercam skills with step-by-step tutorials that lead you through many of Mastercam's
products.

In this exercise you visit each resource and explore the options available to you.

NOTE
You must have an internet connection to access My Mastercam and its associated links.

18
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

Using My Mastercam
1. Click My Mastercam to open the login dialog box.

2. Enter your credentials and click Login.

NOTE
If you do not have a My Mastercam account, create one at https://users.mastercam.com/signup.

Your My Mastercam account loads. Use this feature to quickly access the CAD/CAM community, Mastercam
downloads, and your personal account.

19
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

You can also use this feature to access Mastercam social media sites.

3. Click outside of the account dialog box to close it.

Using Mastercam Help

1. Mastercam Help is an excellent resource for learning about the software's functions. To access the Mastercam
Help Center, select the Help icon in the upper right corner of Mastercam.

NOTE
You can also access the Mastercam Help Center by selecting File, Help, Contents in Mastercam's
Backstage.

Mastercam Help Center opens in your internet browser.

20
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

Use the Mastercam Help Center to access information about CAD/CAM topics and other Mastercam resources
such as the What's New, ReadMe, and tutorials. Click on each of the tiles to explore your options.

2. When you are done exploring the Mastercam Help Center, return to Mastercam.

3. Context-sensitive Help is targeted to the location in which you click the Help button. To view an example of
context-sensitive Help, click the Help icon in the Toolpaths Manager. Use context-sensitive Help topics to
learn about the purpose and options for the dialog box in which you click Help.

NOTE
If necessary, select the Toolpaths tab of the Managers.

21
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

4. In the topic, select Toolbar buttons.

The expanded Help menu drops down to identify and describe Mastercam interface icons. Dropdown headings
in Help topics may also describe menu options and procedures.

When using Mastercam, context-sensitive help is an excellent resource for learning more about interface
options.

5. Scroll down to the bottom of the topic to review the links in the Learn More section. This section is located at

22
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

the bottom of each help topic with information about similar topics. Use these links to enhance your
understanding of CAD and CAM concepts.

6. When you are done exploring the Learn More links, return to Mastercam.

Exercise 5: Exploring the Ribbon Interface

The ribbon interface comprises multiple tabs that group together related functions and controls. Tabs are organized
in a simple-to-complex workflow from left to right. Some tabs are contextual and only display when needed in the
workflow. For instance, you must select a piece of wireframe geometry for the Wireframe Selection tab to display on
the ribbon.

In this exercise you manipulate the ribbon tabs.

1. Right-click the ribbon, and select Minimize the Ribbon.

Only the tab names display in the interface.

2. Click any tab to display it. Click in the graphics window to hide the tab again.

3. Right-click the ribbon and deselect Minimize the Ribbon to show the tabs again.

23
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

4. Open BLANK_PART.mcam, which was provided with this tutorial. If you see a message for switching units from
inch to metric, click OK to allow the change.

5. Select the geometry shown below.

6. The Wireframe Selection contextual tab displays. This tab contains Mastercam functions relevant to your
selected wireframe geometry.

7. Press [Esc] to deselect the geometry in the graphics window.

The Wireframe Selection contextual tab disappears from the ribbon.

Exercise 6: Customizing the Ribbon

You can create a new ribbon tab and customize it with functions of your choice. In this exercise, you create a new tab,
add several functions, and change the tab's position on the ribbon.

24
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

1. Right-click the ribbon, and select Customize the Ribbon.

The Options dialog box opens.

2. If necessary, highlight View in the Customize the Ribbon list.

25
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

3. Click New Tab.

New Tab (Custom) and New Group (Custom) appear in the Main Tabs list.

4. Select New Tab (Custom) and then click Rename.

5. Enter My Tab for the Display Name and click OK.

26
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

6. Right-click New Group (Custom) and select Rename from the context menu.

7. Enter My Group in the Display Name field and click OK.

8. Select Pan from the Commands Not in the Ribbon list, and then click Add.

NOTE
Type to jump to a command in the Choose commands from list box.

The command is added to My Group (Custom).

27
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

9. Select Zoom Target from the Commands Not in the Ribbon list, and then click Add.

The command is added to My Group (Custom).

10. Select My Tab (Custom), and use the up arrow button to position the tab below the Home tab.

11. Click OK to close the Options dialog box.

12. Choose My Tab to view your customized tab with the Pan and Zoom Target commands.

13. On your own, return to the Options dialog box to add more commands to your tab, or rearrange the order of
the ribbon tabs.

28
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

Exercise 7: Setting Entity Attributes in the Current File

Entity attributes control point and line styles, as well as the colors associated with entity types you create in
Mastercam. You can change the attributes of selected entities in the graphics window two ways:

1. Use the controls on the Home tab.

2. Use the right-click mini-toolbar.

When nothing is selected in the graphics window, you can also set entity attributes for the current file using these
controls. To set entity attributes that persist between sessions using the Color and CAD Settings pages of the
System Configuration dialog box.

In this exercise, you use the attributes controls located on the mini-toolbar.

29
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

1. Select File, New to start with a new part file. If prompted to save BLANK_PART.mcam, choose Don’t Save.

2. Right-click the graphics window to open the mini-toolbar and context menu.

3. Select Toggle Attributes Panel on the mini-toolbar.

The mini-toolbar now displays independent of the right-click menu. You can resize and position the mini-toolbar
anywhere in the graphics window or anywhere on your desktop.

4. With nothing selected in the graphics window, click the Line Style drop-down, and choose the style shown
below.

Any new geometry you create uses the line style you select.

30
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

5. Select the Line Width shown below.

New geometry you create uses the line width you select.

6. Click the Wireframe Color drop-down, and select green as shown below.

7. On the Wireframe tab, choose Rectangle.

The Rectangle function panel opens.

31
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

8. Click in the graphics window and draw two rectangles of any size. Follow the prompts in the graphics window.

9. Click OK.

Your rectangle wireframe geometry is created.

10. Hold down your left mouse button and drag to draw a window around one rectangle in the graphics window.

32
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

Mastercam selects the rectangle.

11. Click the Wireframe Color drop-down and select purple.

Only the rectangle you selected changes to purple.

The default wireframe color does not change on the mini-toolbar. Any new wireframe geometry you create still
uses the default color, which is green.

12. With nothing selected in the graphics window, set the Line Style to the option shown below. This resets it to

33
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

default.

13. Set the Line Width to the default option shown below.

14. Set the Wireframe Color to the default blue shown below.

15. Select Toggle Attributes Panel to return the mini-toolbar to the right-click menu.

16. Click File, Save. Name your file ATTRIBUTES.mcam, and save it in the same location as the other tutorial files.

34
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

Exercise 8: Understanding the Selection Bar and AutoCursor

The Selection Bar combines tools used to select entities in the graphics window and AutoCursor controls. The
Selection Bar is located across the top of the graphics window. It has two modes, Standard Selection and Solid
Selection, which are activated based on the function you are using.

AutoCursor controls allow you to detect and snap to points as you move the cursor over geometry in the graphics
window. AutoCursor becomes active whenever Mastercam prompts you to select a position in the graphics window.

In this exercise, you locate points and lines using AutoCursor and Fast Point mode. Use Fast Point Mode when
AutoCursor is active to input X, Y, Z coordinates to set an endpoint.

1. If necessary open the file, ATTRIBUTES.mcam, that you saved from the previous lesson.

2. On the Wireframe tab, select Line Endpoints.

The Line Endpoints function panel opens, and Mastercam prompts you to specify the first endpoint.

NOTE
If you are using multiple monitors., the prompt may appear on a different monitor.

35
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

3. Click the AutoCursor drop-down and select Midpoint.

4. Click anywhere on the top line of one of your rectangles and drag up to draw a line.

Mastercam uses the midpoint of the entity that you selected as the first endpoint.

5. Click to set the second endpoint.

36
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

6. Select OK in the Line Endpoints function panel.

7. Press [F9] to show the coordinate axes in the graphics window.

8. On the Wireframe tab, select Circle Center Point.

The Circle Center Point function panel opens, and Mastercam prompts you to enter the center point.

37
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

9. Select AutoCursor Fast Point on the Selection Bar to display the Fast Point field. You can enter numbers,
formulas, or X,Y,Z coordinates.

NOTE
You can also press the spacebar to display Fast Point mode.

10. Type 0,0,0 to enter the coordinate location of the circle’s center point, and then press [Enter].

11. Drag and click to set the radius of the circle. The center point is 0,0,0.

38
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

12. Choose OK in the Circle Center Point function panel.

13. If the entities are outside of the graphics window, right-click and choose Fit.

14. Press [F9] again to hide the coordinate axes.

15. Save your file.

Exercise 9: Using Quick Masks

Mastercam’s Quick Masks allow you to select all entities of a specific type, or to select only entities of a specific type.
Most controls are divided in half. Clicking the left or right side of the control toggles between all/only selection modes.
You can select multiple Quick Masks. Hover over each control to view the tooltip describing its function.

In this exercise, you select entities using several Quick Mask functions.

1. If necessary click File, Open and open ATTRIBUTES.mcam, which you saved in the previous lesson.

2. Click Clear all masking.

3. Click Select all line entities.

39
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

Mastercam selects the rectangles and line that you drew in the previous exercise.

4. Click Clear selection to deselect the line entities.

5. Click Select only arc entities.

40
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

6. Click and drag to window select all entities in the graphics window.

Mastercam selects only the arc.

7. Click Clear selection.

41
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

8. Click Select all entities by color.

The Select All dialog box opens.

9. Select the blue color checkbox, and then click OK.

NOTE
Notice that Select only arc entities and Select only wireframe entities remain selected from the
previous steps and affect the outcome.

Mastercam selects only the circle because it is the only blue arc entity.

42
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

10. Select Clear all masking.

11. Save your file.

Exercise 10: Exploring the Status Bar

The Status Bar across the bottom of the Mastercam workspace displays the XYZ coordinates of the cursor in the
workspace. It also provides quick access to the 2D/3D switch and lets you modify the Cplane, Tplane, WCS, and Z Depth
of geometry and toolpaths in the graphics window. The right side of the Status Bar contains wireframe, shading, and
translucency controls.

In this exercise, you use the wireframe, shading, and translucency controls to change the appearance of a part.

1. Open BRACE.mcam, which was provided with the tutorial. If you see a message for switching units from inch to
metric, click OK to allow the change.

43
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

2. Choose Wireframe on the Status Bar.

3. Choose No Hidden on the Status Bar.

44
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

The part displays only the wireframe that is visible in the current view. No hidden wireframe is visible.

4. Choose Outline Shaded and Translucency on the Status Bar.

45
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—1: Mastercam Interface Overview

The part displays as a translucent solid.

You can also alter how a part displays using the Appearance options located on the View tab.

5. Close Mastercam without saving your changes or leave the part open for the next exercise.

You have now completed this chapter of the Mastercam Basics Tutorial. In the next chapter, you will explore
Mastercam's Managers and their uses.

46
 CHAPTER 2
WORKING WITH THE MANAGERS
Mastercam has several movable, dockable managers that provide flexible access to frequently used functions
including:

l Toolpaths

l Solids

l Planes

l Levels

l Recent Functions

You can toggle the display of the managers, as well as move one or more managers to a new location. Dock a manager
to a fixed location on the interface, float it anywhere on the workspace, or even move it to another monitor.
Mastercam remembers the settings even after you close the application.

Goals
l Dock, undock, and move a manager.

l Hide and display a manager.

l Customize a manager.

l Access Recent Functions.

47
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—2: Working with the Managers

Exercise 1: Moving and Docking Managers

1. Select File, New to start with a new part file.

2. Select the title bar of the top Manager (the Toolpaths Manager in this exercise), and drag the panel of
managers into the graphics window.

The managers are now floating in the graphics window.

3. Click and drag the managers again. Drop them onto the blue docking icon on the right side of the interface.

NOTE
Docking icons snap the managers into alignment with the graphics interface. Hover the stack of managers
over a docking icon to see a preview of the new location.

48
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—2: Working with the Managers

All of the managers are now docked in the new location.

49
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—2: Working with the Managers

4. Click the Planes tab, and drag and drop it anywhere on the workspace (except on a docking icon).

5. Resize the Planes Manager by clicking and dragging any of its edges.

6. Double-click the Planes Manager’s title bar to redock it on top of the stack of managers.

7. Click the title bar of the stack of managers, and drag it to the left side of the graphics window, where it was
docked at the beginning of this exercise.

If you work with multiple monitors, you can position the managers onto the monitor that is not running
Mastercam to free the entire graphics window for drawing.

Exercise 2: Hiding and Displaying a Manager

In this exercise, you hide and display the Toolpaths Manager.

50
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—2: Working with the Managers

1. Click the Toolpaths tab to bring the Toolpaths Manager to the front.

2. Hide Toolpaths Manager by clicking the Close button in its upper right corner.

3. Re-display the Toolpaths Manager by choosing Toolpaths in the Managers group on the View tab.

NOTE
You can use the keyboard shortcut [Alt+O] to toggle the display of the Toolpaths Manager.

4. Hide the Toolpaths Manager by clicking the Auto Hide button in its upper right corner.

51
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—2: Working with the Managers

The Toolpaths Manager collapses against the left side of the graphics window. If you have other managers
docked together, they also collapse against the side of the graphics window.

5. Hover over the Toolpaths tab to temporarily display the Toolpaths Manager.

6. Click Auto Hide again to dock the Toolpaths Manager.

52
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—2: Working with the Managers

Exercise 3: Customizing a Manager Display

In this exercise, you learn how to change the background color of the Toolpaths Manager. Some Managers have
different options that are not shown in this exercise.

1. In the Toolpaths Manager, select Background color from the Options drop-down menu.

The Color dialog box opens.

2. Select the blue color shown below.

3. Click OK.

The background of the Toolpaths Manager changes to the selected color.

53
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—2: Working with the Managers

4. Select Options, Restore default attributes to return the background color to its default setting.

Exercise 4: Accessing Recent Functions

Recently used functions are recorded in the Recent Functions panel. While not a Manager, the Recent Functions
panel resides in the same location for ease of use. You can access a function by selecting it from the list.

In this exercise, you build a recent functions list, resize and dock the Recent Functions panel, and then access a
previously used function.

1. On the Wireframe tab, select Rectangle.

The Rectangle function panel opens.

2. Follow the on-screen prompts to draw a rectangle of any size in the graphics window. Click OK when done.

3. Click the Recent Functions tab to bring it to the front.

Note that Create rectangle has been added to the top of the list.

54
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—2: Working with the Managers

4. On the Wireframe tab, select Line Endpoints.

5. Follow the prompts and draw a line of any size in the graphics window. Click OK when done.

Note that Create Line Endpoint has been added to the list.

6. Click the Recent Functions tab and drag it onto the graphics window.

7. Resize the Recent Functions panel until only the icons show. This keeps the recently used functions on screen
while minimizing the space required.

55
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—2: Working with the Managers

8. Click the title bar of the Recent Functions panel, and drag it to any convenient location on the screen, or dock it
on the right side of the graphics window, as shown below.

9. Click the Create rectangle icon.

NOTE
You can also press the spacebar to open the most recent function.

10. Follow the prompts to create another rectangle in the graphics window, and then click OK.

11. Click and drag the Recent Functions Manager to the left side of the interface and dock it with the other
managers.

12. Close Mastercam without saving your changes or leave the file open for the next exercise.

You have now completed this chapter of the Mastercam Basics Tutorial. In the next chapter, you learn more about
Mastercam configuration files.

56
 CHAPTER 3
WORKING WITH CONFIGURATION FILES
The System Configuration dialog box defines and manages the configuration files that store Mastercam’s settings.
You can change your system configuration or create a new configuration at any time. It is easy to switch from one
environment to another because each configuration is saved to a separate file.

In this chapter, you change options in the System Configuration dialog box to see the different kinds of settings that
are stored within one configuration file.

Goals
l Create a configuration file.

l Change system colors and CAD styles.

l Modify the size and opacity of on-screen controls.

l Set up AutoSave and Backup.

Exercise 1: Creating a Configuration File

In this exercise, you create a configuration file (.config).

1. Press [Ctrl + N] to create a new file.

If prompted to save your work from the last chapter, select Don't Save.

2. Select File, Configuration.

57
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—3: Working with Configuration Files

The System Configuration dialog box opens.

3. If necessary, select mcamxm.config <Metric> from the Current drop-down to enable the metric
configuration.

4. If you change the units, the following warning displays:

Since there is currently no geometry, click OK.

58
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—3: Working with Configuration Files

5. Click Save As in the lower left corner.

The Save As dialog box opens.

6. Enter Tutorialconfig for the File name.

7. Click Save.

Mastercam creates a new .config file. You can create multiple .config files using the same method.

In the following exercises, you save system settings to this configuration file.

Exercise 2: Changing System Colors

In this exercise, you change some default colors to customize Mastercam’s interface and geometry colors.

1. In the System Configuration dialog box, select the Colors page.

59
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—3: Working with Configuration Files

2. Select Wireframe geometry from the list.

Wireframe geometry is assigned to color 1.

3. Type 163 for the Color value, and press [Enter].

Wireframe geometry you create now uses this color.

4. Select Background (gradient start) from the list.

Background (gradient start) is assigned to color 111.

5. Select white from the color options on the right side of the dialog box.

The start of the gradient background is now white.

60
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—3: Working with Configuration Files

6. Deselect Use gradient background to remove the gradient from the background.

NOTE
The drop-down list next to Direction allows you to set gradient direction when Use Gradient background
is selected.

7. Click Apply to save the settings on this page and leave the System Configuration dialog box open..

8. Choose Yes to save all current settings to the Tutorialconfig.config file.

Choosing Yes enacts your changes every time you open Mastercam. If you choose No, the changes are in effect
only until you close Mastercam.

Exercise 3: Changing CAD Settings

In this exercise, you make changes to the CAD page. The CAD page specifies design defaults, such as default line and
spline attributes.

61
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—3: Working with Configuration Files

1. Select the CAD page.

2. In the Default attributes section, select the Line style shown below.

Wireframe geometry you create now uses this line style.

3. Select the Line width shown below.

Wireframe geometry you create now uses this line width.

4. Click OK in the System Configuration dialog box.

5. Click Yes to save all current settings to the Tutorialconfig.config file.

62
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—3: Working with Configuration Files

6. On the Wireframe tab, select Rectangle.

The Rectangle function panel opens.

7. Follow the prompts to create a rectangle, and then click OK in the Rectangle function panel.

The line style and width of the geometry matches the selections in the CAD page, as well as the geometry color
set in the Colors page.

Exercise 4: Changing the Size and Opacity of On-screen Controls

In this exercise, you set the size of the on-screen gnomons and text and change the opacity of the Selection Bar and
Quick Mask buttons.

1. Click File, Configuration to open the System Configuration dialog box.

2. Select the Screen page.

3. Enter 1.5 for Scale display gnomons and text and press [Enter].

The size of the elements in the graphics window is increased to 150%.

63
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—3: Working with Configuration Files

4. Move the Selection controls opacity slider from left to right.

This option adjusts the opacity of the Selection Bar and Quick Masks. Watch as the opacity changes with the
slider movement, and choose an opacity setting you like. The first image below shows the slider set to 50%
opacity and the second image shows the slider set to 100% opacity.

5. Click Apply to save the settings on this page.

6. Select Yes to save the settings to the configuration file.

Exercise 5: Setting up AutoSave and Backup

When you are working on a part, Mastercam can save your work automatically, at intervals that you specify. You can
also save versions of your files as backups. In this exercise, you set up these functions.

1. Expand the Files category, and select the AutoSave / Backup page.

2. In the AutoSave / Backup page, do the following:

l Select AutoSave to activate the AutoSave options.

l Enter 10 for Interval (in minutes).

64
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—3: Working with Configuration Files

l Select Mastercam Backup Files to activate the backup options.

Mastercam will save your work automatically every ten minutes and keep the ten most recent versions
of your file.

3. Select the Files page to view the location of your backup files.

4. Choose Backup files (Mastercam format) in the Data paths list. The path displays in the Selected item box
as shown below.

5. Select mcamxm.config <Metric> from the Current drop-down to enable the metric configuration for the
remainder of this tutorial.

6. Click OK.

65
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—3: Working with Configuration Files

NOTE
If you would like to learn more about the individual settings on any System Configuration page, click the Help
button located in the lower right-hand corner of the dialog box.

You have now completed this chapter of the Mastercam Basics Tutorial. In the next chapter, you learn how to
customize the Mastercam workspace.

66
 CHAPTER 4
CUSTOMIZING MASTERCAM
In this chapter, you learn how to customize your Mastercam workspace, including tab and interface options, the
graphics window context menu, and keyboard shortcuts. Your settings apply each time you open Mastercam and are
not specific to a configuration file.

Goals
l Customize the graphics window context menu.

l Map Mastercam functions to keyboard shortcuts.

l Set display options for tabs and interface colors.

Exercise 1: Customizing the Graphics Window Context Menu

In this exercise, you customize the graphics window context menu that displays when you right-click in the graphics
window. Customizing this menu allows you quick access to your commonly used functions.

1. Select File, Options.

The Options dialog box opens.

2. Select the Context Menu page.

Categories of functions are displayed on the left side of the dialog box, while the right side contains the
functions currently in the context menu.

67
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—4: Customizing Mastercam

3. Right-click the last item in the Context Menu list, and select Insert Separator to place a line of separation after
the item.

A separator line appears after the last item.

4. Select File from the Category drop-down list.

68
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—4: Customizing Mastercam

5. Select the Save As function in the Category list and SEPARATOR in the Context Menu list.

6. Click Add to add the Save As function after the separator.

7. Click OK to save these changes to the right-click menu.

69
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—4: Customizing Mastercam

8. Right-click in the graphics window to see the updated context menu.

Save As has been added to the bottom of the menu.

Exercise 2: Mapping Functions to Keyboard Shortcuts

In this exercise, you map a Mastercam function to a shortcut key.

1. Select File, Options.

The Options dialog box opens.

2. On the Quick Access Toolbar page, select Customize next to Keyboard shortcuts.

The Customize Keyboard dialog box opens.

70
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—4: Customizing Mastercam

3. Select Home from the Categories list.

The Commands list populates with functions from the Home tab.

4. Select Statistics from the Commands list.

Notice that the Current Keys list is blank. This is because there are no shortcut keys assigned to this function.

5. Click in the Press new shortcut key field, and press [Ctrl+Shift+H] to create a new shortcut key.

6. Select Assign to map this shortcut key to the Statistics function.

7. Select Close to exit the Customize Keyboard dialog box, and then OK to close the Options dialog box.

71
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—4: Customizing Mastercam

8. In the graphics window, press [Ctrl+Shift+H] to access the Statistics function.

The Statistics dialog box displays a summary of the entities in the current file, including total number of visible
entities by type, and the number of operations and tools. In this example, Statistics reports four lines because
of the rectangle created in the previous lesson.

9. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Exercise 3: Setting Mastercam Display Options

In this exercise, you set some of Mastercam’s display options.

1. Select File, Options.

The Options dialog box opens.

2. Select the Options page.

3. Select Large icons.

72
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—4: Customizing Mastercam

4. Set Theme to Colorful and Accent color to Green.

5. Click OK to close Options. Mastercam uses the larger icons and green theme.

6. Click File, Options, and return the options to the original settings or any other settings you choose.

7. Close Mastercam without saving your changes or leave the file open for the next exercise.

You have now completed this chapter of the Mastercam Basics Tutorial. In the next chapter, you learn more about
working with files.

73
74
 CHAPTER 5
WORKING WITH FILES
Mastercam not only saves and loads its own file types (.mcx-* , .mcam), but also many common file formats, including the
following:

l SOLIDWORKS

l AutoCAD

l ProE/Creo

For the full list of available formats, refer to the Mastercam website (mastercam.com/support/technical-
support/translators/). Load and save native Mastercam files by selecting Open, Save, Save As, or Save Some from
the Backstage menu or from the QAT.

You can also open files by:

l Dragging a Mastercam file or third-party compatible file from Windows Explorer and dropping it in Mastercam’s
graphics window.

l Dragging and dropping a file onto the Mastercam desktop icon to open a new instance of Mastercam.

Goals
l Open a non-Mastercam file.

l Import multiple files.

l Save patterns (Save Some).

75
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

l Export one or more files.

l Use Zip2Go files.

Exercise 1: Opening Non-Mastercam Part Files

Importing files from other applications is similar to opening native Mastercam files. Depending on the file, you might
need to specify how Mastercam imports elements of the file. In this exercise, you convert a SOLIDWORKS (.sldprt) file
to a Mastercam part. You do not need SOLIDWORKS to open or convert a SOLIDWORKS file.

1. Select File, Open. Select Computer, then Browse.

The Open dialog box displays. Browse to the tutorial parts folder.

2. In the Open dialog box, select SOLIDWORKS Files (*.sldprt; *sldasm) from the drop-down.

The dialog now displays only SOLIDWORKS parts.

3. Navigate to SW_PART.sldprt, which was provided with this tutorial.

4. Select Options.

The SOLIDWORKS File Parameters dialog box opens.

76
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

You can use these options, which change based on the file type, to control how files are read into the
Mastercam database.

5. Select OK without making changes.

6. Select the file, but do not double-click it.

7. Select Open in the Open dialog box.

Select Don’t Save if you are asked to save changes to the current Mastercam file.

77
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

Mastercam converts and opens the part.

8. Right-click in the graphics window, and select Isometric (WCS) from the menu.

78
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

The part displays as shown below.

You learn more about the graphics window and views in later sections of the tutorial.

9. If necessary, click Outline Shaded and toggle Translucency off to view the part as a solid.

Exercise 2: Importing Multiple Part Files

When you have many files to import into Mastercam, you can convert them all at once using the Import Folder
command.

79
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

1. Select File, Convert and then select Import Folder.

2. Select Don't save when Mastercam asks if you want to save changes to SW_PART.mcam.

The Import folder dialog box opens.

3. Select SOLIDWORKS Files (*.sldprt; *.sldasm, *.slddrw) from the Import from files of type drop-down.

4. Select Browse to the right of From this folder.

The Browse For Folder dialog box opens.

80
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

5. Select the location where you stored the tutorial files, and then click OK.

6. Select Browse to the right of the To this folder field.

7. Browse to \Documents\My Mastercam 2021\Parts and click OK.

81
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

8. Click OK in the Import folder dialog box.

Mastercam converts all SOLIDWORKS files in the selected tutorial files directory, but does not display the
converted files in the graphics window. In this instance, SW_PART.mcam is the only SOLIDWORKS part in the
From this folder location. As directed, Mastercam places the converted file in the \parts folder.

Exercise 3: Saving Patterns (Save Some)

A pattern is a set of reusable entities. For example, you may have a bolt that you use in many different parts. By saving
that bolt as a pattern, you can merge it with your other parts as needed.

When you save a Mastercam part, you can choose to save the entire file or to save only selected entities. Saving a set
of selected entities is one way to create a pattern from a part file. This exercise demonstrates the Save Some
command, which lets you choose the entities to save.

1. Open 2D_CHAMFER_MM.mcam, which was provided with this tutorial.

NOTE
In the Open dialog box, you might need to change your file type to Mastercam Files (*.mcam).

82
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

2. Select File, Save Some.

3. Choose Wireframe on the Status Bar to show the wireframe of the solid body making it easier to select the
arcs.

4. Select the five arcs shown in the picture below. The arcs change color when they are selected.

83
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

5. Press [Enter] to accept the selection.

The Save As dialog box opens.

NOTE
You can also select End Selection on the Selection Bar to accept your selections.

6. Enter 2D_CHAMFER_ARCS for the File name.

7. Select Save to save the file. Mastercam saves only the selected arcs.

8. Open 2D_CHAMFER_ARCS.mcam, and click Don't Save when asked to save changes.

Notice that this part file only contains the arcs that you selected.

Exercise 4: Exporting a Single File

When exporting, you might need to set a few options to guarantee a successful conversion of the file data for your
purposes. In most cases, you need only select the software package to which you are exporting the file. In this
exercise, you learn to convert a Mastercam file to a different format.

84
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

1. Open 2D_CHAMFER_MM.mcam, which was provided with this tutorial.

2. Select File, Save As, and then click Browse.

The Save As dialog box opens.

3. Select StereoLithography Files (*.stl) from the Save as type drop-down list.

4. Select Options.

The Save as an STL File dialog box opens.

85
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

5. Select the ASCII option.

6. Click OK to close the Save as an STL File dialog box.

7. Click Save in the Save As dialog box.

Mastercam saves the file in ASCII StereoLithography format, which allows you to view it with any text editor,
such as Notepad, as shown below.

Exercise 5: Exporting Multiple Files

When you have many Mastercam files to convert to a different format, use the Export Folder command to convert
them all at the same time.

86
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

1. Select File, Convert, and then click Export Folder. Click Don't Save when asked to save changes.

The Export folder dialog box opens.

2. Select IGES Files (*.igs, *iges) from the Export to files of type drop-down.

3. Select Browse to the right of the From this folder box.

The Browse For Folder dialog box opens.

87
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

4. Select the directory where you stored the tutorial parts, and then click OK.

5. Select Browse to the right of the To this folder box.

6. Browse to \Documents\My Mastercam 2021\Parts, and click OK.

7. Click OK in the Export folder dialog box.

Mastercam converts the files in the selected tutorial folder. You can find the resulting IGES files in your \parts
folder.

88
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

Exercise 6: Using Zip2Go

Zip2Go utility gathers and compresses the current Mastercam part data into a .MCAM-CONTENT, .Z2G. or .ZIP file.
Zip2Go utility scans the machine groups in your current file and captures information such as your Mastercam
configuration, machine definition, post files, tool and material libraries, and other files associated with your part. This is
useful if you are trying to share information with other users or Technical Support.

For information about each file type, see the following table.

File Type Benefits

Can be dragged and dropped into Mastercam. This unzips the files to their proper location within
.MCAM-CONTENT
the default folder structure. To view the files inside, rename it to a .zip.

Can be unzipped by anyone to view contents. These maintain the original file structure inside the
.Z2G and .ZIP
compressed file.

In this exercise, you run Zip2Go to compress a file.

1. Open BRACE.mcam, which was provided with this tutorial.

2. If necessary, click Outline Shaded on the Status Bar to view the part as a solid.

89
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

3. Select File, Zip2Go.

The Zip2Go dialog box opens.

The file list displays information about the files that will be saved in the Zip2Go archive. You can also select files
that you want, and deselect files that you do not want to include in the compressed file. For this tutorial, keep
the default settings.

90
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

4. Select File, Options from the Zip2Go dialog box.

The Options dialog box opens.

Use this dialog box to configure the default settings for Zip2Go.

5. Set the Default output folder to your \Documents folder if it is not already set.

6. Click OK to accept the defaults and close the Options dialog box.

7. Select Create File.

91
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—5: Working with Files

The Save file dialog box opens.

8. By default, Mastercam creates a zipped file with a .ZIP extension in the selected folder. Change the file type to
.Z2G in the Save as type drop-down.

9. Select Save.

The Zip2Go file list displays the files included in the Zip2Go file.

10. Click OK to close the Zip2Go dialog box.

11. Close Mastercam without saving your changes or leave the file open for the next exercise.

You have now completed this chapter of the Mastercam Basics Tutorial. In the next chapter, you learn more about the
graphics window and related functions.

92
 CHAPTER 6
WORKING WITH THE GRAPHICS WINDOW
The graphics window is your workspace in the Mastercam interface.

Mastercam provides many tools you can use to change the graphics window display to suit your needs. This section
introduces some of these tools, and teaches the basic skills you need to manage your Mastercam workspace.

Goals
l Customize on-screen prompts.

l Change standard views.

Exercise 1: Customizing Function Prompts

When you use a function that requires your input, such as selecting an entity, Mastercam provides brief directions in a
prompt. You can customize these prompts to change their size, text color, background color, and position on the
screen.

In this first exercise, you alter the size and appearance of the function prompts.

1. Select File, New.

2. On the Wireframe tab, select Point Position.

The Point Position function panel opens. The prompt displays in the graphics window.

93
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—6: Working with the Graphics Window

3. Right-click the prompt, and select Small font.

The prompt text now displays smaller as shown below.

4. Right-click the prompt, and select Background color.

The Colors dialog box opens.

5. Enter 91 for Current color.

94
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—6: Working with the Graphics Window

6. Click OK to change the background color and exit the Colors dialog box.

The prompt now displays with a pink background.

7. Move the function prompt by clicking and dragging it to a new location on your screen.

8. Return the prompt to its default attributes for the remainder of this tutorial, by doing the following:

a. Set the font size to Large font.

b. Set the Background color to 15.

9. Click Cancel or press [Esc] to close the Point Position function panel.

Exercise 2: Changing Standard Views

In this exercise, you learn how to look at your part from different sides.

1. Open ANGLEBLOCK-MM.mcam, which was provided with this tutorial. The part opens in Isometric (WCS) view.

95
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—6: Working with the Graphics Window

2. On the View tab, select the Show Axes drop-down. If necessary, deselect World, Cplane, and Tplane. Only
WCS remains selected.

The coordinate axes show the origin and the part orientation to help you visualize the part in 3D space.

3. On the View tab, select Show Axes or press [F9] to toggle the display of the WCS axes.

96
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—6: Working with the Graphics Window

4. On the View tab, select the Show Gnomons drop-down and deselect Cplane and Tplane. Only WCS remains
selected.

5. On the View tab, select Show Gnomons. The WCS gnomon displays. The text indicates that the WCS is set to the
Top plane, and the Cplane and Tplane are also set to Top.

97
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—6: Working with the Graphics Window

6. On the View tab, select Top.

The part changes to show the Top WCS view.

7. On the View tab, select Unzoom 80% to reduce the size of the part on the screen.

98
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—6: Working with the Graphics Window

8. You can also use the right-click menu to change the view. Practice switching to other views using this menu.

9. When finished, return the part to Isometric (WCS) view for the next chapter.

10. Click Show Gnomons to turn off the display of gnomons in the graphics window.

11. Close Mastercam without saving your changes or leave the part open for the next exercise.

You have now completed this chapter of the Mastercam Basics Tutorial. In the next chapter, you learn more about
viewing your part.

99
100
 CHAPTER 7
VIEWING YOUR PART
Mastercam provides several tools and methods for changing the appearance of the geometry and toolpaths in the
graphics window. In this chapter, you learn different ways of viewing your part, to hide portions of your part, and to
create and use Viewsheets.

Goals
l Fit all entities in the graphics window.

l Use zoom functions to magnify your view of selected entities.

l Dynamically rotate and pan entities in the graphics window.

l Create a Viewsheet.

l Blank and hide entities.

l Select materials.

l Analyze your part.

Exercise 1: Viewing All Entities

In this exercise, you set up your graphics window to view all entities in a Mastercam part file.

1. If necessary, open the ANGLEBLOCK-MM.mcam part used in the previous chapter. Change your view to
Isometric, and press [F9] to show the axes.

2. On the View tab, select Fit. You can also press [Alt+F1].

101
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

The part now fills the entire graphics window.

NOTE
Fit and several other Zoom commands are also available in the right-click menu.

3. On the View tab, select Unzoom 50% to decrease the size of the display to 50%. This creates free space around
the part.

102
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

Exercise 2: Zooming In and Out

In this exercise, you practice different techniques for viewing areas of detail in your part.

1. Place your cursor in the upper left quadrant of the graphics window.

2. If your mouse has a middle mouse wheel, spin it back and forth to dynamically zoom in and out. You can also
press the [Page Up] and [Page Down] keys on your keyboard to zoom in and out.

3. Click Fit or press [Alt+F1] to fit the part to the screen.

4. On the View tab, select Window.

5. Click and drag a window around the upper section of the part as shown below.

103
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

6. Click to set the zoom window. Mastercam scales the selected area to fit the entire graphics window.

7. Right-click the graphics window and choose Fit.

8. Select the circle on the front of the angle block.

9. On the View tab, choose Selected from the Fit drop-down menu.

104
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

The selected entity is scaled to fit the graphics window.

10. Press [Esc] to clear the selection.

11. Right-click in the graphics window and select Fit.

Exercise 3: Rotating Your Part View

This exercise shows how to set the preference for the action that your middle mouse button or wheel performs in the
graphics window (rotate or pan). You also learn to dynamically rotate entities in the graphics window so that you can
see them from any angle.

1. Select File, Configuration.

The System Configuration dialog box opens.

2. Expand the Screen group, and select View.

105
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

3. If necessary, set Middle button/wheel to Rotate.

By choosing Rotate, Mastercam sets dynamic rotation as the primary function when you click and hold the
middle mouse button or mouse wheel.

4. Click OK to close the System Configuration dialog box. If prompted to save the current settings to
configuration file, click No.

5. Set up the part in the graphics window, as follows:

a. Set the Gview to Front.

b. Click Unzoom 80%.

6. Middle-click in the graphics window where indicated below and continue to hold down the middle mouse button
or wheel as you move the mouse slowly in a circular motion.

This action rotates the part in space about the selected position and lets you see it from any angle.

106
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

7. Let go of the middle mouse button/wheel to finish rotating the part.

The axes symbol (gnomon) in the graphics window changes as you rotate the part. The Gview name in the
graphics window no longer displays because you are not in a standard view.

8. Return the view to Isometric, and fit the part to the screen.

You can also select Dynamic Rotation from the right-click menu and follow the on-screen prompts to rotate
the part.

Exercise 4: Panning Your Part

In this exercise, you change your view in the graphics window by using shortcut keys.

1. Hold down the [Shift] key, middle-click in the graphics window where indicated, and continue to hold down the
button/wheel while you move the mouse up, down, side to side, and around.

It appears that you have picked up the part and are moving it in the direction of the mouse. However, the
entities are not physically moved in space, only the display changes. The GView does not change as you pan the
entities.

2. Release the [Shift] key while still holding down the middle mouse button/wheel and you can rotate the part.
Press the [Shift] again to return to panning.

107
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

3. When you finish panning, release the [Shift] key and the middle mouse button/wheel at the same time to exit
the function.

Exercise 5: Analyzing Your Part

Mastercam's Analyze functions allow you to measure distances between lines, arcs, points, angles, and more.
Depending on the type of entity you analyze, these functions can provide information about the following:

l Entity type

l Coordinates

l Operations

l Measurements

l Associated toolpaths

The Analyze functions also allow you to edit features, such as the entity's name, measurement units, and levels.

In this exercise, you use the Analyze functions to view and edit the properties of your wireframe.

1. Set your view to Isometric.

2. On the Home tab, select Analyze Entity.

108
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

3. In the graphics window, select the line shown in the following image.

The Line Properties dialog box opens. Analyze Entity recognizes you have selected a line and shows
information such as the X / Y / Z endpoint coordinates, the angle, and the level.

NOTE
Analyze functions report position coordinates in relation to the Cplane origin.

4. Enter -1 in the Y position field for the start and end points.

5. Press Enter.

109
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

The line moves -1 units on the Y axis.

6. From the Style drop-down, select the option shown below.

The selected line changes to dashed. You can also change its level, color, and width. Use this function to adjust
units and precision as well.

7. Click Cancel or press [Esc] to exit the Analyze Entity function. If you select OK, the changes are applied.

8. On the Home tab, expand the Analyze Distance drop-down and select Analyze Distance Along Curve.

The Analyze Distance Along Curve dialog box appears.

110
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

9. Select the circle on the front of the angle block.

The Analyze Distance Along Curve dialog box updates to show information about your selection. It lists the
distance along the curve and the angle information.

You can use the Units and Precision drop-downs to adjust the measurements.

10. Press [Esc] to exit the function.

Exercise 6: Using Viewsheets

Mastercam allows you to view your part in different orientations by using viewsheets. Viewsheets make viewing a
large part easier, as you can set up multiple viewsheets with different views. Also, you can create a bookmark for each
viewsheet.

111
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

A bookmark holds the settings for the view displayed in the viewsheet. When you save your part file, Mastercam
stores the viewsheet settings, including the bookmark, along with the part. When working with your part, you can
restore the viewsheet to its saved view by restoring the bookmark.

In this exercise, you create a viewsheet.

1. If necessary, fit the part to the graphics window, and set the view to Isometric.

2. On the View tab, select On/Off to toggle viewsheets on.

At the bottom of the graphics window, there is now a tab named Viewsheet #1. This is the main view of your
part and cannot be deleted.

3. On the View tab, select New from the New drop-down.

NOTE
You can also right-click Viewsheet #1 and select New Viewsheet from the menu.

112
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

4. Enter Viewsheet #2 and Press [Enter] to accept the name.

Viewsheet #2 is created and displayed next to Viewsheet #1.

5. Right-click in the graphics window, and select Right (WCS) to view the part from the right.

6. Select Viewsheet #1 again.

Notice that the view did not change on Viewsheet #1. Each viewsheet can contain different views and planes.

113
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

7. Right-click Viewsheet #1 and select Settings.

The Viewsheet Settings dialog box opens.

You can use the Viewsheet Settings dialog box to indicate which settings to save to the viewsheets. These
settings only apply to the selected viewsheet.

8. Click OK to exit the Viewsheet Settings dialog box without making changes.

Exercise 7: Blanking and Hiding Entities

In larger and more complicated parts, it can be difficult to select geometry for toolpaths or geometry manipulation.
Mastercam has two functions that let you choose which entities to display. The Blank function lets you choose which
elements to conceal, while the Hide function lets you choose which elements to display.

114
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

Both functions have their benefits, but consider these differences:

l You can save the state of blanked entities; hidden entities' states are not saved.

l Choose Blank to select entities to remove from the display. Choose Unblank to restore blanked entities.

l Choose Hide to select entities to remain on the display. Choose Unhide to quickly restore hidden entities.

When should I use each function?

l Use Blank to remove selected entities, on any level, to reduce the complexity of the screen display.

l Use Hide to remove unselected entities, allowing you to focus on a small amount of geometry at a time.

In this exercise, you first blank and unblank geometry, and then hide and unhide geometry.

1. Open BLANK_PART.mcam, which was provided with this tutorial.

If prompted to save ANGLEBLOCK-MM.mcam, choose Don’t Save.

2. On the Home tab, select Blank.

Mastercam then prompts you to select entities to blank.

3. Select the geometry shown below.

115
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

4. Press [Enter] or choose End Selection.

The selected geometry no longer displays in the graphics window.

5. On the Home tab, select Unblank from the Blank drop-down.

The graphics window changes to display entities that have been blanked, so that you can select which ones to
unblank and which ones to keep hidden.

116
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

6. Select all of the blanked entities, and press [Enter]. All of the entities display.

7. On the Home tab, select Hide/Unhide.

Mastercam prompts you to select which entities to keep.

117
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

8. Select the geometry shown below.

9. Press [Enter] or choose End Selection to accept the selection.

The graphics window hides the unselected geometry.

118
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

10. On the Home tab, select Unhide Some from the Hide/Unhide drop-down.

Mastercam then prompts you to select entities to keep on the screen.

11. Select the geometry shown below:

119
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

12. Press [Enter] to accept the selections.

Mastercam unhides the selected geometry. Any geometry that was hidden and not selected remains hidden.

13. Select Hide/Unhide to show all entities.

Exercise 8: Using Materials

In this exercise, you use Mastercam's Material options to make your parts look more realistic.

1. Open the GPS SUCTION MOUNT.mcam file, which is included with this tutorial.

2. Press [F9] to hide the gnomon axes.

3. On the View tab, select Material.

120
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

4. In the graphics window, click the base of the part to select it.

5. On the Home tab, select the Set Material drop-down to display the material type gallery.

121
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

6. In the Metal group, select the Metal Level 4 from the gallery.

The part's base changes to the selected material, a semi-reflective metal.

122
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

7. Select the face of the clamp, as shown below.

8. On the Home tab, select the Set Material drop-down and select Plastic Level 7.

123
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

9. Select the casing behind the clamp face, and choose Glass Level 3 from the Set Material drop-down.

10. Rotate and zoom in on the part to view the different types of material.

11. On the View tab, toggle Material on and off to see how the material options affect the part.

12. Before moving to the next exercise, ensure that Material is toggled off.

Exercise 9: Managing Section Views

In this exercise, you use Mastercam's section views to show cross sections of a part.

124
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

1. Load the file SPOOL BODY.mcam, which is included with this tutorial. If prompted to save
GPS SUCTION MOUNT.mcam choose Don't Save. If you see a message for switching units, click OK to allow the
change.

2. On the View tab, select Section View to toggle section views on.

Section views only show in the graphics window when the feature is on.

3. Select the Planes tab to bring the Planes Manager to the front.

4. In the Top plane row, click in the Section column. An X indicates that a section view is created from the plane
when the Section View is on.

125
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

Mastercam displays a cross section of the part, using Top as the clipping plane, as shown below.

5. On the View tab, click the Section View drop-down.

Use this menu to select what types of entities are affected when using section views.

126
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—7: Viewing Your Part

6. From the Section View drop-down menu, select Show Caps. Mastercam adds solid caps to the sectioned areas,
as shown below.

You can also access Section View from the Planes Manager's toolbar.

7. Close Mastercam without saving your changes or leave the file open for the next exercise.

You have now completed this chapter of the Mastercam Basics Tutorial. In the next chapter, you learn more about
levels.

127
128
 CHAPTER 8
WORKING WITH LEVELS
A Mastercam file can contain separate levels that include wireframe, solids, surfaces, drafting entities, and other part
data. Organizing your geometry by levels lets you control which areas of the part are visible and which entities you can
select in the graphics window.

This control makes it easier to work with the file and helps prevent you from affecting areas of the drawing you do not
want to change.

You can create and name as many levels as you need and set any one to be the active, current working level. For each
level you create, you assign a unique number and, optionally, a name. Mastercam’s Levels Manager provides a central
location where you can view and create levels, and set their properties.

Goals
l Explore the Levels Manager.

l Modify the Levels Manager display options.

l Turn level displays off and on.

l Change the active level.

l Create a new level.

l Move selected entities to a different level.

Exercise 1: Exploring the Levels Manager

In this exercise, you explore the Levels Manager and modify some display options.

1. Open LEVELS_PART.mcam, which was provided with the tutorial, and save it with a new name. If prompted to
save SPOOL BODY.mcam choose Don’t Save. If you see a message for switching units, click OK to allow the
change.

129
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

2. Click the Levels tab.

If the Levels tab is not displayed, select Levels on the View tab to toggle the display.

130
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

The Levels Manager shows all levels that are in the current part file, their display status, and the number of
entities per level.

A. The checkmark in the Number column indicates the current active level.

B. Settings for the active level display in this section.

C. Click any column heading to sort the levels grid. Click again to change the sort order.

D. Use these options to choose which levels are displayed in the grid.

3. Select Hide level properties to hide the property controls in the lower section of the Levels Manager and
maximize the space allotted to the levels grid.

4. Select Hide level properties again to show the controls at the bottom of the Levels Manager.

131
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

5. Select Display options, Contrast rows to apply shading to every other row used in the grid.

In the next exercise, you learn to toggle the display of different levels.

Exercise 2: Showing or Hiding Levels

In this exercise, you change the graphics window display by hiding and showing the levels. To select or otherwise work
with an entity in the graphics window, the level it occupies must be visible.

1. In the Visible column for the 2: Solid level, click once to hide the level.

The part display in the graphics window updates accordingly.

2. Click again in the Visible column to display the solid.

132
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

3. Try turning off the display of level 1: Wireframe.

When Active level is always visible is selected in Display options, you cannot hide the active level.

Turning off the display of the active level while you are working in that level is not recommended. However, it
may occasionally be necessary.

4. Select Display options, and deselect Active level is always visible.

5. Use Turn all levels off and Turn all levels on to toggle the display of all levels.

6. Select Active level is always visible again.

7. Make sure all levels are visible before continuing on to the next exercise.

Exercise 3: Changing the Active Level

Any geometry that you create is always placed on the active level. There can only be one active level at a time, but you
can change the active level as often as necessary to work with the part. In this exercise, you change the active level
using several methods.

133
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

1. In the Levels Manager, click once in the Number column of level 2: Solid to set it as the active level. A
checkmark indicates that it is now the active level.

NOTE
The level field located on the Home tab also shows that level 2: Solid is the active level.

2. On the Home tab, select the Level drop-down and select 1 : Wireframe to make it the active level.

In the Levels Manager, a checkmark appears in the Number column for level 1.

3. In the Levels Manager, turn off the visibility of level 2: Solid.

134
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

4. Position the cursor anywhere in the row for level 2: Solid, right-click and choose Make active.

A checkmark appears in the Number column for level 2.

Level 2: Solid is also visible because the Levels Manager display option Active level is always visible is
selected.

Exercise 4: Creating a Level and Assigning Entities

In this exercise, you create and name a level, and then assign entities to that level.

1. In the Levels Manager, select Add a new level.

Mastercam adds a new level to the Levels Manager grid and sets it as the active level.

135
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

2. Enter Tutorial for the Name.

The Levels Manager grid updates to show the new name. Although level names are optional, descriptive names
are helpful.

3. Make level 1: Wireframe the active level.

4. Use the Display options in the lower section of the Levels Manager to control the visibility of levels.

l Click Used and notice that level 3: Tutorial is no longer visible because there are no entities assigned to
it.

l Click Used or named to restore visibility of all levels.

5. Make level 3: Tutorial the active level.

136
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

6. On the Wireframe tab, select Point Position.

The Point Position function panel opens.

7. Click a few times in different places in the graphics window to create points.

8. Click OK in the Point Position function panel to exit the function.

9. In the Levels Manager, verify that the new geometry was created on level 3: Tutorial. The number of entities is
not 0.

137
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

Your number of points may be different than what is shown.

10. Practice turning level displays on and off and changing the main level.

When you are ready, turn on the visibility for all levels and continue with the next exercise.

Exercise 5: Moving Entities to a Different Level

In this exercise, you create a new level using a different method than you used previously and move entities from one
level to another. You can use the same basic procedure to copy entities to a different level.

1. In the Levels Manager, enter 4 in the Number field, and then enter Labels for the Name.

The new level, 4: Labels becomes the active level.

2. Make level 1: Wireframe the active level.

3. On the Home tab, select Change Level.

Mastercam prompts you to select which entities to move.

138
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

4. In the graphics window, choose the Select all advanced Quick Mask.

The Select All dialog box displays.

5. In the Select All dialog box, do the following:

a. Select the Entities checkbox.

b. Expand Drafting and select Labels.

139
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

6. Click OK.

In the graphics window, Mastercam highlights all of the labels, indicating that they are selected.

7. Press [Enter] or choose End Selection.

The Change Levels dialog box opens.

NOTE
You can also use general selection methods to pre-select entities before choosing the Change Level
option. When you pre-select entities, Mastercam does not prompt you to select additional entities and you
advance directly to the Change Levels dialog box.

8. In the Change Levels dialog box, do the following:

a. Select Move.

b. Deselect Use Active Level to allow the entities to be moved to any level.

140
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—8: Working With Levels

c. Enter 4 for Number.

9. Press Enter.

10. In the Levels Manager, verify that level 4: Labels now contains the four label entities that were on level 1. Level
1: Wireframe contains four fewer entities.

11. Save your part.

You have now completed this chapter of the Mastercam Basics Tutorial. In the next chapter, you learn more about
views and planes.

141
142
 CHAPTER 9
UNDERSTANDING VIEWS AND PLANES
Mastercam locates your work in three-dimensional space. This means that geometry and toolpath positions are
expressed in terms of three coordinate axes: X, Y, and Z. Each axis has a positive and negative direction.

In previous chapters, you learned about standard views and planes. In this chapter, you learn more about creating
your own planes and using them for geometry creation.

Goals
l Understand views and planes.

l Customize the Planes Manager.

l Adjust follow rules.

l Create a new plane using the dynamic gnomon.

l Create a new plane using the Planes Manager.

l Use a new plane for geometry creation.

Views and Planes

You use views and planes in Mastercam for many drawing and machining purposes.

A plane is any two-dimensional slice of a 3D coordinate system. Examples of planes include the XY plane in a 3D
coordinate system, or a face of your part, no matter its angle.

A view is a plane with an origin and orientation. For example, the Left side view and Right side view are both aligned
with the same plane; but a clockwise arc in one view is a counterclockwise arc in the other view.

Mastercam includes a number of pre-defined views, which you explored in "Viewing Your Part" on page 101. These
include Top, Front, Right, Isometric, and others.

The work coordinate system (WCS) refers to the alignment of the coordinate system itself. You can choose to align the
coordinate system axes with any plane you wish. When this happens, you map the XY plane to the plane of the view.
The origin of the view becomes your new (0,0,0) point. The view becomes the Top plane in the new working coordinate
system.

If you would like to learn more about the work coordinate system, try the Mastercam Work Coordinate System Tutorial
located on www.mastercam.com/en-us/Support/Tutorials.

This section introduces some ways planes are used and some ways to access them. You can use views and planes for
three main functions:

l Graphic views (Gviews)— A Gview determines the angle from which you are looking at the part in the
graphics window.

l Construction planes (Cplanes)—When you draw geometry, the Cplane is the plane in which the geometry is
created. This does not have to be the same as the Gview. For example, you can look at your part in Isometric
Gview, while drawing geometry in the Front Cplane.

143
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

l Tool planes (Tplanes)— This is the plane that is typically normal to the tool axis. Tplanes are only used when
creating toolpaths. Tool planes determine the tool orientation. In almost all cases, your Cplane will be the same
as your Tplane (the most common exceptions are mill/turn operations).

You use the Planes Manager to select, edit, create, and manage planes.

Exercise 1: Exploring the Planes Manager

In this exercise, you open the Planes Manager and experiment with display options.

1. Open BRACE.mcam, which was provided with the tutorial. Save the file with a new name.

2. Select the Planes tab to bring the Planes Manager to the front.

If the Planes tab is not displayed, select Planes on the View tab to toggle the display.

3. In the Planes Manager, select Show Gnomons.

The gnomon for the currently selected plane displays in the graphics window whether or not the Planes
Manager has focus. Additionally, if the Display column is selected for a particular plane, the gnomon will also
display.

144
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

4. Click the Follow rules drop-down and select the options shown in the following image. With these settings,
when you change the Gview of a plane, the Cplane and Tplane follows.

5. Click in the G column of the Bottom plane to set the Gview to bottom. Note that Cplane and Tplane follow the
Gview as directed by the follow rules.

6. From the Follow rules drop-down, deselect Cplane follows Gview.

145
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

7. Click in the G column of the Top plane to set the Gview to Top. Note that Cplane and Tplane no longer follow the
Gview, as directed by the new follow rules.

8. Click the Follow rules drop-down, and reselect Cplane follows Gview.

9. Click in the G column of the Iso plane to return the Gview to Isometric. Note that Cplane and Tplane remain in
the Top plane as the follow rule, Cplane = Top in Iso Gviews is selected.

10. Select Show Gnomons to toggle it off.

Exercise 2: Creating a New Plane Using the Dynamic Gnomon

In this exercise, you create a new plane using the dynamic gnomon. When creating a new plane using this method, the
gnomon is initially oriented to the current Gview.

1. On the View tab, select the Show Axes drop-down and select WCS, Cplane and Tplane.

2. Toggle Show Axes on.

3. On the View tab, select Window.

146
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

4. Draw a box around the area of the part shown below and click to zoom into the window.

5. In the lower left corner of the graphics window, hover over the Dynamic Gnomon.

147
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

6. Click and drag the gnomon so that it matches the orientation shown below. Click to set the position.

The New Plane function panel opens.

7. To change the orientation of the Dynamic Gnomon, hover over the blue arc until the dial appears.

148
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

8. Click the blue arc and rotate the gnomon from within the dial until it is at 90 degrees. Click to set the location.
(Rotating within the compass snaps in angular increments.)

Or, you can enter 90 in the on-screen edit field, and press [Enter] twice.

9. In the New Plane function panel, enter DYNAMIC PLANE for the Name.

10. Click OK to close the New Plane function panel.

11. DYNAMIC PLANE appears in the Planes Manager. Click in the CPlane column of DYNAMIC PLANE.

149
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

The Cplane and Tplane axes indicate the location of the new plane origin as shown below.

Exercise 3: Creating a New Plane Using Planes Manager

In this exercise, you used Planes Manager to create a new plane aligned with the slanted face of the part. You add it to
the list of system planes.

1. Press [F9] to turn off the XZY axes.

2. Press [Alt + F1] to fit your part to the graphics window.

3. In the Planes Manager, select Create a new plane, From solid face.

150
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

4. Select the slanted face of the part, shown below:

The Select plane dialog box opens.

5. In the Select plane dialog box, click the arrows to cycle through the possible planes. For most applications, it
make sense to have +Z pointing away from the part.

151
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

6. Cycle to the plane shown below.

7. Click OK in the Select plane dialog box.

The New Plane function panel opens.

8. In the New Plane function panel, enter the following:

a. Enter FACE OF PART for Name.

b. Select Cplane for Set As.

152
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

9. Under the Origin group, click Reselect to return to the graphics window to choose a new point for the origin.

10. Select the point at the lower-right corner of the face.

11. Click OK in the New Plane function panel to create a plane. Your new plane, FACE OF PART, displays in the
planes grid.

153
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

Exercise 4: Using a Custom Plane for Drawing Geometry

In this exercise, you create geometry using the new Cplane. You see that the new plane determines the orientation of
the geometry. You then set the Gview to the new plane.

1. In the Planes Manager, click in the WCS column for the FACE OF PART plane.

2. On the Wireframe tab, select Circle Center Point.

3. The Circle Center Point function panel opens.

4. On the Selection Bar, select Origin from the AutoCursor drop-down.

154
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

5. In the Circle Center Point function panel, enter 80.0 for Radius and then click OK.

6. On the View tab, select Show Axes. If necessary, click the drop-down and ensure that all options are selected.

155
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

7. The axes that define each view display in a different color. Since Cplane and Tplane are the same, the axes
display as dotted lines. Experiment by turning individual sets of axes on and off.

156
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—9: Understanding Views and Planes

8. In the Planes Manager, click in the G column of the FACE OF PART plane to set the Gview.

You are now looking straight down into the face of the part. The Gview is aligned with the custom plane that you
just created.

9. Press [F9] to turn off the axes.

10. Save your part.

You have now completed this chapter of the Mastercam Basics Tutorial. In the next chapter, you learn more about
working with chain selection.

157
158
 CHAPTER 10
WORKING WITH CHAIN SELECTION
Chaining is the process of selecting and linking pieces of geometry. Use chains to create a toolpath, surface, or solid.
Chains are a subset of selection. However, chains are directional. Cutting tools follow the direction of the chain. The
following image shows a clockwise wireframe chain. The tool will move in the direction of the green arrow.

There are two modes for chaining: wireframe and solid. The mode determines the selection options that are available
to you. Wireframe chains are typically used when you wish to create a toolpath without first creating the associated
solid. Solid chains are used on solid models.

Goals
l Use curve all edges to create wireframe from a solid.

l Explore wireframe chaining.

l Create and modify solid chains.

Exercise 1: Creating Wireframe from a Solid

In this exercise, you use curve all edges to create wireframe for a solid.

1. Open the file SOLID CHAINS.mcam, which is included with this tutorial, and use Save As to save it with a new name.
If you see a message for switching units, click OK to allow the change.

2. In the Levels Manager, select Add a new level.

Level 2 appears and becomes the active level. Note that it has 0 entities. The solid body has remained on level 1.

159
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

3. On the Wireframe tab, select Curve All Edges.

The Curve On All Edges function panel opens.

4. Window select your entire part.

5. Click End Selection.

6. Click OK in the Curve On All Edges function panel.

The solid body has a wireframe outline.

160
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

7. In the Levels Manager, hide level 1.

The solid body is no longer visible. The wireframe remains.

8. Save your part.

161
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

Exercise 2: Exploring Wireframe Chaining

In this exercise, you explore wireframe chaining methods.

1. On the Machine tab, select Mill, Default.

NOTE
If Mill is unavailable, select the default machine for a machine type licensed to you.

This sets your machine type, which is the first step in creating a toolpath. You will create a complete toolpath in
the next chapter. For this chapter, you will follow the first steps of toolpath creation in order to practice
chaining.

2. On the Toolpaths contextual tab, select Contour from the 2D group. If you are not using a Mill, select any
toolpath available to your machine that brings up the Wireframe Chaining dialog box.

162
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

The Wireframe Chaining dialog box opens.

3. Check that Wireframe and 3D are selected beneath Mode. These options allow you to select wireframe entities
defined in the X,Y, and Z axes.

4. Be sure that Chain is selected under Selection Method.

163
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

Selection methods make it easier to select the desired geometry. For example, when Chain is selected in 3D
mode, Mastercam pauses chaining at all branches and prompts you to select the next entity.

5. Select the line shown below.

A chain appears with three arrows:

l Green appears at the start of the chain and shows the direction of the cutting tool.

l Red shows the default chaining direction.

l Blue shows alternate chaining directions.

These arrows allow for guided chaining. Guided chaining uses the Next, Previous, and Adjust buttons to
control your chain.

NOTE
You can customize your chain-related colors in the Colors page of the System Configuration dialog box.

164
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

6. Click the Next button twice to continue your chain around the base of the wireframe.

Each time you click Next, the chain continues in the default direction indicated by the red arrow.

7. In the Wireframe Chaining dialog box, select Adjust.

Adjust changes your default chaining direction. The red arrow of your chain switches direction.

165
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

8. Select Next. Your chain continues up the corner edge of the wireframe.

9. To undo the most recent addition to the chain, select Previous.

10. Select Reverse to switch the direction of your chain, as well as the start and end points.

NOTE
When chaining to create a toolpath, clicking Reverse changes the start point of your toolpath and direction
of your cutting tool.

166
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

11. Press [Esc] and click No to exit the toolpath function.

Exercise 3: Exploring Solid Chaining

In this exercise, you create and edit a solid chain.

1. On the Levels tab, make level 1 active and visible. Click in the Visible column of 2 to make the level not visible.

2. On the Toolpaths contextual tab, select Contour from the 2D group. If you are not using a Mill, select any
toolpath available to your machine that brings up the Solid Chaining dialog box.

167
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

The Solid Chaining dialog box opens. It shares many similarities with the Wireframe Chaining dialog box.

The default selection modes for solid chaining are Loop and Face.

3. Deselect Loop so that only Face is active.

168
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

4. Select the four faces in the following image.

The green arrow appears on the last chain created.

5. Click Display all selection arrows.

A green arrow appears to indicate the direction of each chain.

6. Select Reverse to reverse the direction of all selected chains.

169
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

7. Click Unselect to get rid of the selected chains.

8. Change the selection method to Loop. Be sure to deselect Face.

9. Hold down [Ctrl] and click on the edge shown below.

[Ctrl + click] allows you to select matching holes or fillets on a part. All circles on the same face as the original
selection become chained.

170
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

10. Select OK to accept the chains.

The 2D Toolpaths - Contour dialog box opens. This is where you program a toolpath. You can also edit chains
here.

11. Click Select chains under Chain geometry.

Chain Manager opens.

171
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

12. Expand Solid Chain 1 and select the first Loop. Yellow arrows identify the loop on the part.

13. Right-click the first Loop and select Reverse.

The first loop is reversed. The others maintain their original chaining direction.

172
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—10: Working With Chain Selection

Use the right-click drop-down in Chain Manager when you want to analyze, edit, name, and make other
changes to your chains.

14. Select OK to accept the new chains.

You return to the 2D Toolpaths - Contour dialog box. After chaining, the next step in toolpath creation is to set
parameters. You will do this in the next chapter.

15. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box.

16. Select No to discard your toolpath.

17. Save your part.

You have now completed this chapter of the Mastercam Basics Tutorial. In the next chapter, you learn more about the
creating toolpaths.

173
174
 CHAPTER 11
INTRODUCTION TO TOOLPATHS
As a CAD/CAM program, Mastercam allows you to create both the geometry and toolpaths needed to machine your
part and achieve your project goals. Toolpaths are the routes along which the cutting tool is instructed to travel. To
effectively meet the needs of users, Mastercam is capable of creating toolpaths that range from simple to complex.

For example, the following image shows a 2D milling toolpath.

One of the most important features of Mastercam is associativity. Associativity is the link between the part and the
toolpath. When the part changes shape or moves, the associated toolpaths adapt and change also. If there is a design
change with the part, associativity makes it so the toolpaths just need to be recalculated, as opposed to completely
reprogrammed.

To create toolpaths, input specific information such as the machine type, tool specifications, and size and shape of your
material. You also select a toolpath type and set the feeds and speeds at which your part will be machined.

Mastercam takes this information and post processes it - this turns it into G-code (sometimes known as NC-code) to be
read by a CNC machine. Depending on the type of machine and your part, this process may be entirely automated or
may require occasional assistance from the machine operator.

Goals
l Choose a machine and set up stock.

l Select a toolpath and geometry.

l Set parameters.

175
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

l Backplot and verify.

l Post the part file.

NOTE
This chapter requires a Mill machine. If your Mastercam license does not allow access to Mill, you can either:

l Download Mastercam Demo/HLE and use it to complete the exercise:

https://signup.mastercam.com/demo-hle. Note that you will not be able to complete Exercise 5 with
Demo/HLE.

l Read through the exercise.

Exercise 1: Selecting a Machine and Setting Up Stock

In this exercise, you select a machine type and set up your stock.

Each machine type allows access to toolpaths specific to that machine. Selecting a machine is the first step in setting up
a toolpath. Once a machine is selected, you set up the stock material boundaries. Setting up stock enters the
dimensions and location of your initial material.

1. If necessary, open the part you created in "Working With Chain Selection" on page 159.

2. Go to the Toolpaths Manager. Machine Group-1 is present because you selected a Mill machine during the
chapter on selection. Machine groups organize your cutting operations by machine.

3. Expand Properties - Mill Default.

4. Click Stock setup.

Stock is the material from which your part will be cut.

The Machine Group Properties dialog box opens.

176
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

When creating a toolpath, use the tabs in this dialog box to:

l Select machine files, tool and operations libraries, and operation defaults.

l Set feed calculation, material type, and toolpath numbering.

l Configure stock shape, origin, and wireframe.

5. Select Bounding box. This function creates a boundary around selected entities in the graphics window

The Bounding Box function panel opens.

177
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

6. Select the part and click End Selection.

7. In the Size section of the Bounding Box function panel, change X to 12.1 and Y to 8.1.

This adds a small amount of material to your stock in the X and Y directions. Although your stock values would
ultimately be defined based on the actual stock that you have available, for the purposes of this exercise we
only want to skim off a small amount of material.

8. Click OK in the Bounding Box function panel.

9. Click OK in the Machine Group Properties dialog box.

The outline of your part's stock is set.

178
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

Exercise 2: Choosing a Toolpath and Geometry

In this exercise, you choose a toolpath and chain associated geometry.

1. On the Toolpaths contextual tab, select Contour from the 2D group.

The Solid Chaining dialog box opens.

2. In the Solid Chaining dialog box, check that Solids and 3D are selected in the Mode group. In the Selection
Method group, check that Loop and Face are selected. These options allow you to chain the desired geometry.

179
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

3. Select the chain shown in the following image.

A green directional arrow appears. This arrow shows the direction the tool will follow. Typically, you want the
cutter to move in a clockwise direction so that it will be on the left side of the chain. This is not the case in the
following image.

4. If necessary, select Reverse to reverse the direction of the arrow so that the part is to the right side of the
green arrow.

Your part is now to the right of the green arrow. Your cutter will be on the left side of the chain.

180
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

5. Select OK in the Solid Chaining dialog box.

The 2D Toolpaths - Contour dialog box opens. This is where you program your toolpath.

181
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

6. To review your chains, click Select Chains.

The Chain Manager opens. You can use the options in the right-click menu to edit your chain.

7. Press [Esc] to exit the Chain Manager.

Exercise 3: Programming a Toolpath

In this exercise, you program your toolpath by selecting a tool and setting parameters.

182
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

1. Select the Tool page in the 2D Toolpaths - Contour dialog box.

2. Click Filter.

The Tool List Filter dialog box opens. Use this to filter your tools by type.

3. Select None to clear filters. Choose Endmill1 Flat from Tool Types.

4. Click OK.

183
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

5. Click Select library tool.

The Tool Selection dialog box opens. All tools listed are endmills because they are filtered. Use the row
headers to sort tools by characteristics such as name, diameter, or flutes.

6. Select 1/2 Flat Endmill and click OK.

You return to the 2D Toolpaths - Contour dialog box.

7. Select the Depth Cuts page.

184
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

8. Select Depth cuts.

Depth cuts direct the tool to cut in multiple depth passes.

9. Change Max rough step to 0.2. This is the maximum amount of material removed with each rough cut.

10. Select the Linking Parameters page.

The Linking Parameters page defines how Mastercam calculates heights and depths. These can be measured
in absolute, incremental, or associative values.

11. Select the check box next to Clearance. Clearance sets the height at which the tool moves to and from the part.

12. Enter 2.00 and select Absolute for Clearance.

185
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

13. Enter the following, as necessary, on the Linking Parameters page.

l Retract: Enter 0.25 and select Incremental. Sets the height that the tool moves up before the next
tool pass. Incremental values are relative to other parameters of chained geometry.

l Feed plane: Enter 0.2 and select Incremental. Sets the height that the tool rapids before changing to
the plunge rate to enter the part.

l Top of stock: The bounding box you created has pre-populated the Top of stock value. Select
Absolute. Sets the height of the material in the Z axis. Absolute values are measured from the origin
0,0,0.

l Depth: Enter 0 and select Incremental. Determines the final machining depth and the lowest depth
that the tool descends into the stock.

NOTE
You can explore the other pages, such as Holder, Lead In/Out, and Break Through. For this tutorial
those settings remain at default.

14. Click OK. The toolpath information appears in the Toolpaths Manager. Your 2D Contour toolpath appears in the
graphics window.

186
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

NOTE
To edit your toolpath, click on Parameters. The 2D Toolpaths - Contour dialog box will re-open.

When you are finished, regenerate the toolpath by selecting Regenerate all dirty operations.

Exercise 4: Backplotting and Verifying

In this exercise, you backplot a toolpath and verify it with Mastercam Simulator.

Backplot to see a quick simulation of your toolpaths. Verify to see a more detailed view of your operations, including
simulated material removal.

187
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

1. In the Toolpaths Manager, check that your 2D Contour operation is selected.

2. Select Backplot selected operations.

The following appear in the graphics window:

l Backplot dialog box: Controls the backplot display and allows you to save geometry or settings.

l Play bar: Adjusts the speed of the simulation and allows you to pause, play, and set stops.

l Tool and holder: Simulate the selected tool and holder.

NOTE
If you do not see the tool and holder, right-click in the graphics window and select Fit.

3. Select the Play button or press [R].

The tool and holder follow the toolpath.

4. When the simulation has finished, change the simulation speed by adjusting the run speed slider.

5. Press [R] to view the adjusted simulation.

188
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

6. While the simulation is running, rotate your part. View the tool as it moves along the toolpath.

189
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

Select OK in the Backplot dialog box.

7. Reset your view to Isometric and Fit.

8. Select Verify selected operations.

Mastercam Simulator opens. Your tool, toolholder, and stock are visible in the graphics window.

9. Select Play.

Mastercam Simulatior shows the path of your tool and holder. The stock updates as material is removed from
the part.

10. Reset the simulation by selecting Start.

190
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

11. Click Play and observe the information under Move Info. One of the benefits of simulator is that it gives you
more in-depth information about your operation.

12. Exit Mastercam Simulator.

Exercise 5: Post Processing

In this chapter you post process your part file.

Post processing, or posting, refers to the process by which the toolpaths in your part file are converted to a format
that can be understood by your machine tool's control (for example, G-codes). A program called a post processor, or
post, reads your part file and writes the appropriate NC code.

1. Click Select all operations.

2. Click Post selected operations to post the toolpaths for the selected operations. The post processor creates a
machine-readable NC program from the Mastercam file.

191
Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

The Post processing dialog box displays. The name of the post processor for the machine you have chosen
displays as the Active post field in read-only mode.

3. Click OK. The Save As dialog box opens.

4. Name your NC file and click Save.

The file opens in Mastercam Code Expert.

192
 Mastercam Basics Tutorial—11: Introduction to Toolpaths

The NC code specifies information such as stops, cutting coordinates, and tool changes. Block numbers appear
in front of each command. Code Expert allows you to sync operations, manually edit code, and switch NC
Configurations.

5. Exit Code Expert.

6. Save your part.

193
194
 CONCLUSION
Congratulations! You have completed the Mastercam Basics Tutorial! Now that you have mastered the skills in this
tutorial, explore Mastercam's other features and functions.

You may be interested in other tutorials that we offer. Mastercam tutorials are being constantly developed, and we
will add more as we complete them. Visit our website, or select Help, Tutorials from the File tab.

Mastercam Resources
Enhance your Mastercam experience by using the following resources:

l Mastercam Documentation—Mastercam installs a number of helpful documents for your version of software in
the Documentation folder of your Mastercam 2021 installation.

l Mastercam Help—Access Mastercam Help by selecting Help, Contents from Mastercam's File tab or by
pressing [Alt+H] on your keyboard.

l Mastercam Reseller—Your local Mastercam Reseller can help with most questions about Mastercam.

l Technical Support—Our Technical Support department (+1 860-875-5006 or support@mastercam.com) is open

Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. USA Eastern Standard Time.

l Mastercam Tutorials—We offer a series of tutorials to help registered users become familiar with basic
Mastercam features and functions. Visit our website, or select Help, Tutorials from Mastercam's File tab to see
the latest publications.

l Mastercam University—Mastercam University, an affordable online learning platform, gives you 24/7 access to
Mastercam training materials. Take advantage of more than 180 videos to master skills at your own pace and
help prepare for Mastercam Certification. For more information on Mastercam University, please contact your
Authorized Mastercam Reseller, visit university.mastercam.com/, or email training@mastercam.com.

l Online Communities—You can find a wealth of information at www.mastercam.com.

l Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Mastercam), Twitter (twitter.com/Mastercam), and

Instagram (www.instagram.com/mastercamcadcam/) for the latest tech tips and Mastercam news.

l See Mastercam in action on YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/MastercamCadCam).

l For more information on CNC Software, Inc., to find and apply to jobs, and connect with people using
Mastercam, visit us on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/cnc-software/).

l Registered users can search for information or ask questions on the Mastercam Web forum,
forum.mastercam.com, or use the Mastercam Knowledgebase at kb.mastercam.com.

Contact Us
For questions about this or other Mastercam documentation, contact the Technical Documentation department by
email at techdocs@mastercam.com.

195
 ATTENTION! UPDATES MAY BE AVAILABLE.
PLEASE REFER TO MASTERCAM.COM/SUPPORT
FOR THE LATEST DOWNLOADS.