camInstructor Video Blog

New for Mastercam 2021, Output Feed Move and Arc Fit found on the Linking Parameters page.

Linking Parameters are used in many of the toolpaths in Mastercam such as Contour, Pocket, Drill, Dynamic Mill, etc. This is how cutting depths and repositioning move heights are set. There are many settings within these which will have a large effect on the final toolpaths motion. Understanding how all these settings intertwine is imperative to constructing an efficient toolpath. 

This fifth video will look at the Output Feed Move option as well as the Arc Fit Maximum Radius setting.

The Output Feed Move setting, when enabled, will switch from outputting G00 rapid moves in the gcode to G01 feed movements. You will also have to specify a feedrate for these G01 moves. Typically, a high value would be set. One of the benefits of this setting is to reduce the occurrence of dog leg rapids. Dog leg rapids happen when 2 or more axes are rapiding to a position but have different distances to travel. If all axes move at their fastest speed (G00), the one with the shortest distance to travel will reach its destination first. The other axes will continue to rapid. The resulting motion is referred to as a dog leg. This is problematic as collisions may occur on the machine that do not show in Mastercam simulation due to different behavior between the two. 

Arc Fit Maximum Radius will try to fit a radius motion between the Z retract and the XY position move. This allows the machine to transition more smoothly. This setting can be used with or without Output Feed Move enabled. 

Link to the first video in the Linking Parameters series, Clearance...

Want to learn more about Mastercam? Check out;

camInstructor for Teachers - Independent Learners - Students