Hybrid Finishing 101

Mastercam X5 introduces a new cutting technique called Hybrid Finishing. The word "hybrid" has become more and more common: hybrid cars, hybrid bikes, even hybrid plants. But hybrid finishing? What is it, how does it work, and what can it do for you?

What it is
Mastercam X5's new Hybrid Finishing toolpath combines two separate, proven cutting techniques to provide faster programming and a better single-pass finish. The two techniques it combines are:

• Constant Z cutting. Also called "waterline" cutting, this type of toolpath carries out its cutting pattern at a given depth with no up or down movement in Z, then moves down to do the next level. Essentially a series of contour cuts, this technique is especially useful on high vertical walls or very steep surfaces where other techniques might leave a "stair step" look.
• Scallop machining. This high-speed machining technique measures its stepover in 3D as it moves along the surface, rather than parallel to the toolplane as other techniques do. The result is cut spacing that is maintained as the surface angle changes, creating a consistent scallop height. This technique is good for complex surface shapes that need a consistent finish.

How it works
Just like a hybrid car switches between gas and electric as the situation demands, Hybrid Finishing switches between cutting techniques based on the shape of the part. Steep areas will be machined using constant Z cutting and shallower areas will be handled with scallop machining. The toolpath switches seamlessly between techniques and cuts in a logical optimized order.

Since shops have their own preferences and best practices, the setup for this technique is flexible. You can set the "steep" and "shallow" values in a variety of ways, letting you dial in exactly how you want the software to perform. Or you can just go with the defaults that we used to test cuts in our own shop.

What it can do for you
Hybrid Finishing can help streamline your programming. Instead of creating two separate toolpaths to achieve the same end, you can now do it with just one. Since Mastercam automatically creates smooth transitions between the techniques, you get a better finish off the machine. Give it a try!

Tips For Manufacturing Training Materials

Tips For Manufacturing has a long history of developing training material for CAD/CAM systems, Machine Tools, and CNC controls. Going back 30 years, the company's owner, Mike Mattera, had developed classroom training material and a series of training multimedia. These days, the Tips For Manufacturing product line is focused on video training material for Mastercam. Having been involved with CNC Software since V2 (1989), Mike has seen Mastercam mature first hand. His training CDs bring a keen insight, reflecting the strong history of the Mastercam product line.

The Tips For Manufacturing training system is simple. You learn by watching a series of project-based videos, each approximately four to seven minutes in length, and then practice what you've learned in Mastercam. The focus is always on the "process", not "feature." This is what makes the Tips For Manufacturing CDs more practical for "real world" part training. Having the training on a simple-to-use, self-contained CD offers the user a number of advantages. A few are below:

• The CD is easy to move from PC to PC (work to home / job to job).
• No high speed internet access is required, making it suitable for remote locations.
• There is no recurring subscription to buy, and the CD never expires.

Some of the latest training CDs available from Tips For Manufacturing are focused on Mastercam's High Speed Toolpaths (HST). The 3D HST Surface Machining CD has been updated for X5. And the new 2D High Speed Toolpath CD is receiving great reviews from customers because of its comprehensive training on Mastercam's Dynamic toolpaths. Both first-time users and long-term users will find this CD very informative. Each CD contains approximately 55 lessons, using eight different parts, in almost five hours of video.

Tips For Manufacturing's philosophy is simple... "Why Read The Book, When You Can See The Movie?" The latest enhancements in X5 are intended to reduce programming time. But this only happens after you've learned how the new features work. Reading a book can be time-consuming and always leaves some things subject to interpretation. This is why most people prefer to be shown how it works. The Tips For Manufacturing videos offer the most expedient solution to your training needs.