Mastercam 5 Axis Cube Test

5 Axis Cube Test

Things to know:
  • The attached cube test is setup for a 5 axis table/table mill that tilts to the left
  • The X0, Y0, and Z0 is the bottom center of the part, and it's not based on the machines center of rotation
  • The tool numbers can be changed, along with feeds and speeds, but the toolpaths have been setup to cut quick and efficiently to test the custom post 
First Test
The first test is the "Basic 3 Axis Test" and it will test the basic start and end of a program along with tool changes and basic drill cycles. Select the first toolpath group and post out only operations 1 through 5. If any edits are needed to get the machine to work, edit the code to get it to run, then send the edited code and the Zip2go from the file that generated the code.


Second Test
Once the "Basic 3 Axis Test" is done, it's time to test the second toolpath group "Positional Toolpath" This will test the direction of the tilting axis and the rotation to make sure the kinematic match the machine definition. If the machine has a work offset correction for positional toolpaths, i.e. Dynamic Work Offset, Dynamic Compensation, the activation of the code will be tested to ensure it comes on in the right place for your machine, and that the approach is correct. Select the second toolpath group and post out operations 6 through 12. If any edits are needed to get the machine to work, edit the code to get it to run, then send the edited code and the Zip2go from the file that generated the code, but if there is a major problem where it's unreasonable to edit, send in a description of the problem or call. If a video or picture can be taken, that helps to and a Dropbox can be generated so files that are too big can be loaded.


Third Test
After the 3 + 2 motion is proven out with the positional toolpaths, the simultaneous 5 axis toolpaths need to be tested from the "5 Axis Toolpaths" tool group. This will be tested using 5 axis drill, and run through 2 milling toolpaths. The test will verify that the retract at the end of a toolpath is correct as well as the unwind and reposition. If you have tool center point control, TCPC, it will test the activation and deactivation within the code. Select the third toolpath group and post out operations 13 through 16. If any edits are needed to get the machine to work, edit the code to get it to run, then send the edited code and the Zip2go from the file that generated the code, but if there is a major problem where it's unreasonable to edit, send in a description of the problem or call. If a video or picture can be taken, that helps to and a Dropbox can be generated so files that are too big can be loaded.

    • Related Articles

    • Changing Post Processors

      This solution is to show how to change post processors in existing Mastercam files. Before switching posts, make sure the post processor supports the toolpaths used in the Mastercam file or it might not load. Also, toolpaths axis limits and retracts ...

    • Mastercam 2020 Loading and Managing a Post Processor

      A post processor is made up of 3 or 4 files. The Machine Definition is the machine's kinematics, axis combinations, and machines limits. The Control Definition will change some of the output from the post processor like staged tool routines, N number ...

    • Loading and Managing a Post Processor

      A post processor is made up of 3 or 4 files. The Machine Definition is the machine's kinematics, axis combinations, and machines limits. The Control Definition will change some of the output from the post processor like staged tool routines, N number ...

    • Mastercam 2019 System Requirements

      Mastercam 2019 System Requirements See the table below for minimum and recommended system configurations for Mastercam. These recommendations are based on systems we have in use at CNC Software for testing and evaluation purposes. Our recommendation ...