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MasterCAM 2020 Step-by-Step Guide

MasterCAM 2020 Step-by-Step Guide

Apr 07, 2024

Reference Pages

MasterCAM 2020 Reference > Managing Operations

Reference Pages

Please use this page in conjunction with the MasterCAM 2020 Reference.

In order to use the large bed CNC routers at the GSD, students must submit a MasterCAM file to the online queue with geometry imported and operations assigned. CNC TA's are available during regular daily hours throughout the semester to answer questions , review submitted files, and run approved files on the mill. This page will enumerate the steps required to have an approvable MasterCAM files.

The GSD CNC lab is not full service. Staff and TA's are not available to set up users' files for them.

The FabLab has created material-specific MasterCAM template files to help alleviate common setup issues. 

A basic workflow for successful MasterCAM setup is as follows:

  1. Open template file (material appropriate)

  2. Merge geometry 

  3. Verify location of geometry relative to file origin

  4. Define stock size (must match physical material to be milled)

  5. Assign geometry to roughing operation(s)

  6. Assign geometry to appropriate finishing operation(s)

  7. Adjust operation parameters (tool selection, machining heights, etc)

  8. Generate toolpaths

  9. Verify operations (ensure no collisions and desirable outcome)
    < repeat steps 4 thru 8 iteratively until successful verification >

  10. Submit file to online queue for approval and scheduling


 

 

1 - Open Template File

Material Based

The GSD FabLab provides MasterCAM templates with and without example geometry, for both Foam and Wood projects. It is necessary to separate the two, because the material qualities and behaviors vary greatly and require different tooling and parameters for successful milling.

• The foam template should be used for all densities and types of foams, including extruded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, and high density polyurethane.

 (2020)

 (2020)

• The wood template should be used for all wood and wood products, including softwoods, hardwoods, plywood, oriented strand board, and medium density fiberboard. A special template is provided for milling flat stock materials, such as single sheets of plywood or MDF.

(2020)

(2020)

(2020)

The GSD FabLab does not currently provide templates for less frequently machined materials, though we do maintain tooling to work with the following:

• Non-ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, copper)

• Plastics (Acrylic, HDPE, Corian, Pattern Board)

• Machinable Wax 

 

 

2 - Merge Geometry

Reference Pages

MasterCAM 2020 Reference > Managing Geometry > Merge Geometry

Rhino File Preparation

Preparing Geometry in Rhino

Change Rhino file model space units to inches.

Scale geometry for milling.  

Move geometry to the origin and arrange in all positive space (+X, +Y, +Z).

Check that geometry fits within the maximum machinable extents of the intended CNC mill. 

Explode geometry and remove vertical surfaces.

 

 

Xmax

Ymax

Zmax

 

Xmax

Ymax

Zmax

ONSRUD

48"

96"

6"

ROLAND

12"

12"

3"

Note that machinable Z height decreases for tougher materials. 

 

Organize geometry in Rhino by layer, such that each layer will receive similar treatment in MasterCAM (e.g. Building Tops, Draped Surface, etc).

Avoid using Yellow and Black as layer colors due to MasterCAM interface conflicts. 

Importing from Rhino

Click file in the ribbon menu, and choose merge to open the file picker window. Change the file extension filter to Rhino 3D Files (*.3dm). Select the .3dm that contains your geometry. 

Click open, and the geometry appears in the MasterCAM model space. 

Select the radio button for "Merged File Levels" in the Levels dropdown of the File Merge dialog pane.

Select and then de-select an option from the bottom "Settings' of the Merge Dialog

Press Enter or click the green checkmark. 

 

 

Excessive Import Time

Large / complex surfaces or meshes can cause MasterCAM to become unresponsive during merging. This slowdown can be avoided by changing Visibility from shaded to wireframe prior to merging. This prevents MasterCAM from "Tessellating", increasing responsiveness.