TABLE OF CONTENTS After completing this chapter you will be able to:
State the system requirements for installing Mastercam
Describe the general process of generating a word address program via Mastercam
Know the types of files created by Mastercam
Understand how to start Mastercam
Describe the screen menus and short-cut keys for entering commands
State how to set the system's working parameters
Know how to use the Help, Save, and Exit commands
One of the most popular CNC software packages available today is Mastercam from CNC Software, Inc located at 671 Old Post Road, Tolland, CT 06084. CNC Software can also be reached at 860-875-5006 or at their web site www.mastercam.com.
This software has a short learning curve. It presents the user with an easy to follow menu system that works fully with the Windows 98/00, NT4.0 or higher, ME or XP operating systems. Part geometry can be easily created with Mastercam's CAD package. The CAM package enables the operator to quickly select machining operations and cutting tools. The software allows the operator to identify the CAD geometry to be selected for a machining operation then quickly generates the required tool path. The operator simply selects the appropriate postprocessor from the system's library and directs Mastercam to generate the corresponding word address part program. A very powerful feature of the software is its ability to verify the part program by animating the entire machining process.
