Cutting 3D Forms with 2D Toolpaths in Mastercam

The Wireframe Toolpaths in Mastercam are often overlooked. They can be extremely useful toolpaths once you have an understanding of how they work. 

Mastercam's wireframe toolpaths let you create toolpaths similar to 3D toolpaths, but with the use of wireframe geometry. This wireframe geometry can be extracted from solid models or surfaces, or you can create the needed wireframe without any solid or surface.

There are 6 toolpaths to choose from...
Ruled
Lofted
Revolved
Coons Patch
2D Swept
3D Swept

This video focuses on the 2D Swept toolpath. 

Swept 2D toolpaths are 2.5-D toolpaths that are created by sweeping one contour (the across contour) along a second contour (the along contour).

There are a few rules for this toolpath to be aware of. A Swept 2D toolpath can have only one along contour. The contours cannot contain splines. The along boundary must lie parallel or perpendicular to the current toolplane.

2D Swept toolpaths are typically very efficient with amount of gcode/nci created for a given profile compared to an equivalent 3D toolpath. There is limited flexibility in the 2D Swept toolpath but if the feature being machined fits the requirements for this toolpath, it's pretty hard to beat.

For those interested in trying this programming technique yourself, here is a link to download the solid model...

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[tbcnc]

Thanks for the video. Working in a fast pace shop, I tend to use the same tool paths over and over and neglect to try some of the other ones that may be better or faster. Thanks for taking the time to create these videos.

[JohnDoe-gvjv]

I first thought you were going to cut the part up and down in Z-axis, but this cuts way faster and I bet it looks better also. Thanks.

[scottchordas]

I had to Machine a .05mm radii on a standing tab. The diameter was .236 x .157 wide with a .125 BEM. I tried using a flow line tool path but the tool motion was doing a lot of vertical cuts along with spiral motion around the tab. Tried the swept 2D tool path to create a spiral lifting tool path motion and it worked out great. Much thanks!

[JohnDoe-gvjv]

I basically run manual machines now, my boss likes to torcher me. Sometimes to try to put me in my place. About once every six weeks are so he likes to throw me on the Haas mill and make my program and run a 1 part order. I think just to make me nervous and see if I screw it up. I know one of these times I will be given a part that needs a 3d cut, but thanks to your video, I will be ready. I have a lot of experience as a CNC programmer, just not with master cam(Esprit Cam, Gibbs cam ect...) I really like MC. Maybe one day I will be able to use my Solidworks and master cam together. I love doing SolidWorks. I have to say my boss is a control freak.

[raym]

Thanks. Been using MasterCam for 12 years now and have never explored these toolpaths. Because they tend to be overlooked even at a training level. If you could do a breakdown for each of the like toolpaths that would be great. Now that I started fiddling with them, in a ramping situation, would the across and along need to be extended to ensure no collision?

[brettpetty]

I wish there were more YouTube videos like this for CATIA
Great video though, very informative

[ryankeys]

Did you ever go over the rest of the similar tool paths? I’m looking for them but can’t seem to find them

[terapode]

I use Mastercam since V3 (1990) and at that time "wireframe toolpath" were called "toolpath".

[vinodsasi]

Hi sir in this video 8:44 in one click all fillet selected u needed. I try its one surface only get. Cau u explained it

[farhadit]

Can you put the geometry for this part, please?

[christophercolumbus]

i cant do it
is there a reason i dont see the screen i only see a regular chain option tab

[joseantoniolopez]

Hello how can I get this file to practice