OptiRough Up Close

Mastercam X5 includes a new roughing technique called OptiRough. From the name, you can that guess the toolpath is meant to optimize your rough machining, but there is much more to it than that.

What it is:
The new OptiRough toolpath is based on the dynamic milling technique we introduced in Mastercam X4. Dynamic milling is a pocketing/contouring technique that constantly monitors tool dynamics and adjusts the toolpath to maintain a consistent load. The result is a cutting edge toolpath that yields faster, more efficient machining.

With X5, we expanded that technique to include 3D roughing by adding a new way of making sure that your rough depths are cut not only with dynamic milling motion, but with as much of the flute length as possible.

How it works:
Let's look at a traditional roughing example where you have a cavity with a boss in the center. The material you want to rough out is 1.2-inches deep. A typical approach might be to take a cut at 0.2-inch depth using as much of the cutter diameter as you can, machine that whole Z-level, and then move on to the next .2-inch depth and repeat.

OptiRough takes a different approach. It takes a deep 0.6-inch dynamic milling cut, using the entire flute length but a very small percentage of the tool diameter, which keeps the material removal volume high. After cutting that level, the tool then takes successive up-cuts at 0.2 inches to bring the machined part to the net shape you wanted. Then it repeats the cutting at a second .06-inch depth. The savings in tool travel alone can be impressive.

The result is a part roughed to the same specification, but in much less time and with much more even tool wear than with the traditional method.

Final thoughts:
The beauty of OptiRough is that you don't need any special tooling to use it. It simply uses the tools you have now, but in a much more efficient way.

Try OptiRough out for yourself—you'll be glad that you did!

Streamingteacher Release 6 for Mastercam

Streamingteacher has released training for Mastercam X5. Being a pioneer in the on-line training market for Mastercam has provided Streamingteacher time to make many discoveries about how people learn. Most individuals that use Mastercam have a considerable pressure to be productive while migrating between versions. So, they need a way to learn as they go, in a user friendly, on-demand format. Providing this is their #1 goal.

Database Driven
Searching is a key feature. The system is database driven and it allows for a user to search for specific lessons or topic segments. When the pressure is on, finding the answers quickly becomes paramount. A user is able to keep track of what training segments have been completed. Those segments can be re-opened and studied again any time during your subscription.

Sequencing
As the Mastercam software becomes more advanced, the workflow changes. As a result, Streamingteacher evaluates and adjusts the training sequence with every update. For example, if a user learns v9 methodologies and attempts to apply those in X5, they would not be using the software to its fullest potential, so the order and content of training is structured based on the Mastercam version.

Video QC (Quality Control)
While they prepare the courseware for each subsequent release, they also QC existing videos, sample files, and downloads to make sure that they are accurate relative to the new release, modify those that are necessary, and add new content.

Hybrid Training (On-Line and Classroom)
Streamingteacher is designed with hybrid training in mind. The training, in combination with your Mastercam Reseller's training programs, has proven to be highly effective. Access to Streamingteacher before, during, and after will fortify what is learned in the class. If your instructor is familiar with Streamingteacher, they can provide you with specific segments to focus on after the class.

For more information, visit www.streamingteacher.com, e-mail sales@streamingteacher.com, or call them at 503-653-5260.