Mastercam 5-Axis Curve

In 5-axis curve machining, the toolpath is generated based on, for example, a 3D curve, wireframe geometry, or the edge of a surface or solid model. In the Mastercam 5-Axis Curve Machining and Drilling add-on, the Curve 5-axis toolpath follows the specified geometry while the tool axis orientation can be controlled throughout the operation.

This makes it possible to machine three-dimensional edges, trim features, and other curve-based geometry using 4- or 5-axis motion without requiring the complete range of toolpaths included in the Mastercam Multiaxis add-on.

When programming holes in different orientations, the tool direction is determined by the hole axis. On a 4- or 5-axis machine tool, the machine’s rotary axes can be used to orient the tool or workpiece to the correct position before machining the hole.

Mastercam 5-Axis Curve Machining and Drilling enables you to program holes located at different angles and on different faces so they can be machined in a single setup without reclamping or resetting the workpiece.

Yes. The Mastercam 5-Axis Curve Machining and Drilling add-on can be used to program holes at different orientations on 4- and 5-axis machine tools. Multiaxis motion is used to orient the tool or workpiece according to the hole axis.

Once the correct orientation has been achieved, an appropriate Mastercam hole-making method can be used to machine the hole, such as drilling, tapping, thread milling, or circular interpolation.

Yes, provided that the configuration of the 4- or 5-axis machine tool and access to the part allow it. The machine’s rotary axes can orient the part or tool according to the axes of the different holes without removing the part from the fixture.

Mastercam 5-Axis Curve Machining and Drilling enables you to program these differently oriented holes in the same CAM environment. Machining them in a single setup can reduce the need for refixturing and the associated setup work.

In a Curve 5-axis toolpath, the tool axis can be controlled relative to the curve, edge, or other specified geometry being machined. The tool orientation can change during the toolpath so that the tool can follow 3D geometry in the appropriate orientation.

Tool axis control is a key difference between a conventional 3-axis curve toolpath and simultaneous multiaxis curve machining. In 5-axis machining, not only the tool position but also its orientation can change continuously throughout the toolpath.

Mastercam 5-Axis Curve Machining and Drilling is specifically designed for curve- and edge-based 4- and 5-axis machining, as well as programming holes located at different angles.

The Curve 5-axis toolpath can be used, for example, to machine 3D curves, model edges, and trims. For hole machining, the add-on enables drilling, tapping, thread milling, circular interpolation, and other hole-making operations to be oriented to holes at different angles.

5-Axis Curve Machining and Drilling is a more limited add-on that provides multiaxis milling based on the Curve 5-Axis toolpath and also enables 4- and 5-axis hole machining.

Mastercam Multiaxis includes a much broader range of multiaxis toolpaths and tool axis control methods. These include flank machining, multisurface toolpaths, the Combined operation, multiaxis pocketing, and other strategies intended for more advanced multiaxis machining.

If your multiaxis programming needs are limited to curve machining and holes in different orientations, 5-Axis Curve Machining and Drilling may be sufficient. More extensive 4- and 5-axis machining requires Mastercam Multiaxis.

Yes. The add-on allows the axes of holes oriented in different directions to be taken into account in 4- and 5-axis programming, after which a suitable Mastercam machining method can be used to create the holes.

For example, holes can be drilled, tapped, thread milled, or machined with circular interpolation at different angles in a single setup, provided that the machine tool's configuration, travel ranges, and workpiece accessibility allow it.