Getting Started in Mastercam for SolidWorks - Mastercam-France

Getting Started in Mastercam for SolidWorks

Getting Started in Mastercam for ® SolidWorks January 2009

Be sure you have the latest information! Information might have been changed or added since this document was published. The latest version of this document is installed with Mastercam for SolidWorks or can be obtained from your local Mastercam Reseller.

ii – Getting Started in Mastercam for SolidWorks

Getting Started in Mastercam® for SolidWorks® Date: January 2009 Copyright © 2009 CNC Software, Inc.—All rights reserved. First Printing: January 2009 Software: Mastercam for SolidWorks/ Mastercam X3 MU1 ISBN: 1-883310-90-3

IMPORTANT NOTICE! PLEASE READ THIS STATEMENT AND THE SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT COMPLETELY BEFORE USING THIS SOFTWARE. YOU MUST ACCEPT THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE BEFORE YOU CAN OPERATE THE SOFTWARE PROGRAM. BY AGREEING TO THE LICENSE BELOW, OR BY CONTINUING TO USE THIS SOFTWARE, YOU (EITHER AN INDIVIDUAL OR A SINGLE ENTITY) INDICATE YOUR INTENTION TO BE BOUND BY AND ACCEPT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS SOFTWARE LICENSE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, YOU MAY NOT ACCESS OR OTHERWISE USE THIS SOFTWARE AND WILL IN FACT BE PROHIBITED FROM DOING SO. THIS COMPUTER SOFTWARE MAY BE USED ONLY PURSUANT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH BELOW, AND SOLELY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ACCOMPANYING SECURITY MECHANISM (UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN THE “EXCEPTIONS TO SECURITY MECHANISM REQUIREMENTS” SECTION OF SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS) WHICH MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR COMPUTER (OR NETWORK AS APPLICABLE) AT ALL TIMES DURING SUCH USE. Please Note: Your company may have additional restrictions and guidelines in place regarding the use of this Software that are in addition to those found within this Software License. If you have any questions or concerns as to the existence of any such additional restrictions or guidelines, you should consult with your supervisor or your IT Department before using this Software. Read This If You Have Received This Software From A Third Party: If you received this Software from someone other than an authorized CNC Software, Inc. reseller, you do not have a legal software license. (For example, if you acquired this Software simply by buying a machine or Software from the former owner or from an auction, you do not have a valid license.) You should contact CNC Software, Inc. (860-875-5006) in order to obtain a new and valid license. Use of this Software without a valid software license is unlawful, a violation of the Copyright Act and may expose you to criminal liability under 17 United States Code Sec. 506, including fines and damages.

iii

Software License If you have paid a license fee, CNC Software, Inc. (“CNC”) a Connecticut corporation with its principal place of business at 671 Old Post Road, Tolland, Connecticut, 06084 hereby grants to you a non-exclusive, non-transferable license (the “License”) to use this software program and its accompanying documentation (and, if applicable, to permit your authorized employees to use them), solely in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Software License Agreement. You may use the Software solely for your internal business purposes and solely in conjunction with the accompanying hardware or software device, method, scheme or other security measure provided by CNC which allows a user to access the Software and prevents unauthorized access to the Software (the “Security Mechanism”). The Software, any updates to the Software through purchase or due to enrollment in an authorized software Maintenance program (including any that you download through the Internet), and the Documentation in printed or electronic form shall hereinafter collectively be referred to as the “Software” and are all governed by this License.

Restrictions You may not use the Software without a Security Mechanism provided by CNC or CNC’s suppliers. When CNC or CNC’s resellers provide you with a single-user Security Mechanism, the Software may only be used (in executable code form only) on a single computer to which the Security Mechanism is physically attached. In the event CNC or CNC’s resellers provide you with a multiple-user Security Mechanism for use over an internal network (a “Network Security Mechanism”), the Software may be used: (a) in executable code form only; (b) only on end-user computers that are connected to the internal network to which the Network Security Mechanism is attached; and (c) only by the number of users and accessed by the number of end-user computers for which licenses were purchased and as further allowed by the Network Security Mechanism. You may physically transfer the Software from one computer equipped with a single-user Security Mechanism to another only if the Security Mechanism is included in the transfer and is installed with the new computer. You shall not: (a) copy (except as provided below), adapt, modify the Software; (b) publish, display, disclose or create a derivative work from the Software or any part thereof; (c) de-compile or translate, disassemble, create or attempt to create, by reverse engineering or otherwise, the source code form of the Software from the executable code of the Software; (d) remove any proprietary notices, labels or marks from the Software; (e) sell, rent, lease, distribute or otherwise transfer or provide all or any part of the Software to any person or entity without the prior written consent of CNC; (f) use the Software to provide outsourcing, service bureau, time sharing or other services to any third party; or (g) sublicense, assign, delegate or otherwise transfer your rights in the Software, under the Software License Agreement or any of the related rights or obligations for any reason without the prior written consent of CNC. You shall not circumvent, bypass, modify,

iv – Getting Started in Mastercam for SolidWorks

reverse engineer, disassemble, disable, alter, enhance or replicate the function of the Security Mechanism in any manner whatsoever. Any attempt to do so shall result in automatic termination of this License without prejudice to all other legal rights and remedies of CNC.

Copying Restrictions You may make one (1) copy of the Software for backup or archival purposes, provided that you reproduce all proprietary notices of CNC on any such copy.

Non Transferable You may not transfer or assign the Software or this Software License Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder. Any attempt to do so will automatically terminate this License without the need for notice. This termination is without prejudice to all other legal rights and remedies of CNC.

Intellectual Property Rights The Software is and includes intellectual property of CNC. All associated intellectual property rights, including, without limitation, worldwide patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret rights, are reserved by CNC. CNC retains all right, title and interest in and copyrights to the Software, regardless of the form or media in or on which the original or other copies may subsequently exist. This Software License Agreement shall not constitute a sale of the Software and no title or proprietary rights to the Software are transferred to you hereby. You acknowledge that the Software is a unique, confidential and valuable asset of CNC, and CNC shall have the right to seek all equitable and legal redress which may be available to it for the breach or threatened breach of this Software License Agreement including, without limitation, injunctive relief. Unauthorized copying of the Software or failure to comply with the above restrictions shall result in automatic termination of this License and this Software License Agreement without prejudice to all other legal rights and remedies of CNC.

Confidentiality You acknowledge that the Software contains proprietary trade secrets of CNC and you hereby agree to maintain the confidentiality of the Software using at least as great a degree of care as you use to maintain the confidentiality of your own most confidential information. You agree to promptly communicate the terms and conditions of this Software License Agreement to those persons employed by you who come into contact with the Software, and to use your best efforts to ensure their compliance with such terms and conditions, including, without limitation, absolutely preventing such persons to use any portion of the Software for the purpose of deriving the source code of the Software or defeating the Security Mechanism.

v

Enforcement Obligations In the event you become aware that any person or entity in your employ or under your control is using the Software in a manner not authorized by this Software License Agreement, you shall immediately take all steps necessary to stop such unauthorized use of the Software. You shall promptly notify CNC in writing of any unauthorized use of the Software of which you become aware.

Limited Warranties CNC WARRANTS THAT THE MEDIA ON WHICH THE SOFTWARE IS DISTRIBUTED WILL BE FREE OF DEFECTS IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP FOR A PERIOD OF THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY EXCLUDES DEFECTS ARISING OUT OF ACCIDENT, NEGLECT, MISUSE, FAILURE OF ELECTRIC POWER AND CAUSES OTHER THAN ORDINARY AND AUTHORIZED USE. EXCEPT FOR THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY, THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS, WITH ALL FAULTS.” THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY WARRANTY PROVIDED BY CNC REGARDING THE SOFTWARE. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CNC DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CNC IS NOT OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE ANY UPDATES TO THE SOFTWARE. Sole and Exclusive Remedy for Breach of Warranty: YOUR SOLE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND CNC’S SOLE OBLIGATION HEREUNDER SHALL BE, AT CNC’S SOLE OPTION (i) REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE MEDIA; OR (ii) REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE SOFTWARE. CNC SHALL HAVE NO OTHER OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO YOU ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THIS LICENSE OR YOUR USE OF THE SOFTWARE. ANY USE BY YOU OF THE SOFTWARE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. Note on Documentation: While CNC makes every effort to ensure that its Documentation for the Software is accurate and up-to-date, it cannot guarantee the Documentation at all times represents the latest operation and functionality of the Software. The content of all documentation, in electronic or printed form, for the Software is provided for informational purposes only. The content of the Documentation may be changed without notice to you. CNC expressly disclaims any warranty or representation that the Documentation is an accurate and/or current reflection of the Software’s operation and performance.

Disclaimer of Consequential Damages and Limitation of Liability IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER WILL CNC, OR ITS EMPLOYEES, SHAREHOLDERS, DISTRIBUTORS OR RESELLERS BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT OR THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE, EVEN IF CNC HAS

vi – Getting Started in Mastercam for SolidWorks

BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SHALL INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, AND LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO ANY PRODUCTS THAT THE SOFTWARE IS USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH. CNC’S ENTIRE LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF THE LICENSE FEE PAID BY YOU FOR THE SOFTWARE. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Indemnification You shall indemnify and hold harmless CNC, its officers, directors, employees, resellers and agents (the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against all losses, settlements, claims, actions, suits, proceedings, judgments, awards, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees (collectively “Losses”) which arise out of or are related to any breach of this Software License Agreement by you or your employees, agents, resellers, dealers or sub-dealers, and shall reimburse the Indemnified Parties for any and all legal, accounting and other fees, costs and expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with investigating, mitigating or defending any such Losses.

Educational Pricing If this Software was obtained through or in accordance with a CNC “Educational Pricing” plan, option, grant, schedule or program, it may not be used by anyone, including you, to conduct any computer aided design, computer aided drafting, computer aided machining, or training activities that, directly or indirectly, generate or otherwise result in monetary revenues for the benefit of any individual or any entity, other than the school that originally received this Software.

Termination This Software License Agreement is effective until terminated. You may terminate this Software License Agreement at any time by returning to CNC all copies of the Software under your control and by returning the Security Mechanism to CNC. CNC may terminate this Software License Agreement if CNC determines, in its sole discretion, that you have violated the terms of this Software License Agreement. Upon termination of this Software License Agreement, you agree to immediately return to CNC all copies of the Software, return the Security Mechanism to CNC, and certify to CNC in writing that all known copies, including backup copies, have been returned. All provisions relating to

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confidentiality, proprietary rights, indemnification and non-disclosure shall survive the termination of this Software License Agreement. You may not transfer this Software to the purchaser of any equipment on which the Software may be resident. You may not transfer this Software via liquidation, bankruptcy, auction, close of business, or any other method that does not involve an authorized Mastercam reseller. This License is for you alone. In the event you breach the provisions of this Section, CNC shall be entitled to liquidated damages in the amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000), plus its reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.

General This Software License Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Connecticut, USA without regard for Connecticut’s conflicts of law principles. The sole and exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any litigation arising from or related to this Software License Agreement or the subject matter hereof shall be in an appropriate state or federal court located in Hartford, Connecticut. You hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of the US District Court for the District of Connecticut and the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut. This Software License Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between you and CNC with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any waiver or modification of this Software License Agreement shall be valid only if it is in writing and signed by both parties hereto. If any part of this Agreement is found invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement shall be interpreted so as to reasonably affect the intention of the parties.

Attorneys Fees In the event that CNC is required to take legal action to enforce its rights under this License Agreement and obtains a ruling or settlement in its favor, you shall be liable to CNC for its reasonable attorney’s fee incurred in investigating and prosecuting its claim.

U.S. Government Restricted Rights The Software provided hereunder is a “commercial item,” as that term is defined in 48 C.F.R. 2.101, consisting of “commercial computer software” and “commercial computer software documentation,” as such terms are used in 48 C.F.R. 12.212. Consistent with 48 C.F.R. 12.212 and 48 C.F.R. 227.7202-1 through 227.7202-4, the Software made available to the United States of America, its agencies and/or instrumentalities, is provided with only those rights set forth in this Agreement. Use, duplication or disclosure of the Software by the government is subject to the restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c) (1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights clause at 48 C.F.R. 52.227-19, as amended, or any successor regulations thereto.

Export Restrictions You represent and warrant that you will not, without obtaining prior written authorization from CNC and, if required, of the Bureau of Export Administration of the

viii – Getting Started in Mastercam for SolidWorks

United States Department of Commerce or other relevant agency of the United States Government, export or re-export, directly or indirectly, the Software from the United States to (i) any country destination or entity to which export is restricted by the Export Administration Regulations of the United States Department of Commerce; (ii) any country or entity subject to sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, United States Department of the Treasury; or (iii) such other countries or entities to which export is restricted by any other United States government agency. You further agree that you are solely responsible for compliance with any import laws and regulations of the country of destination of a permitted export or re-export, and any other import requirement related to a permitted export or re-export.

Exceptions to Security Mechanism Requirements CNC software programs Mastercam Design LT and Mastercam Demo as well as printed and electronic documentation do not require the use of Security Mechanisms, and the provisions in this Software License Agreement relating to Security Mechanisms do not apply to your use of such programs, provided, however, that such provisions shall apply to your use of all other Software and documentation provided hereunder.

Survival All provisions of this Software License Agreement relating to confidentiality, nondisclosure, CNC’s proprietary rights, disclaimers, and limits of liability, or indemnification by Customer shall survive termination of this License for any reason.

Reservation of Rights All rights not expressly granted are reserved by CNC.

Trademarks Mastercam® is a registered trademark of CNC Software, Inc. SolidWorks® is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes Corporation Windows, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Mastercam Verify is created in conjunction with MachineWorks Ltd. Mastercam Backplot includes Copyrighted intellectual property rights owned by NWD.

Printed in the United States of America. Printed on recycled paper.

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Contents 1. Introducing Mastercam for SolidWorks ......................... 1  Videos and Documentation .................................................... 1 Watching the Videos ................................................................. 1 Using the Help ........................................................................... 3

 Interface Tour ............................................................................ 5  Considerations and Limitations ............................................ 7 2. Installation ..................................................................................... 9  Licensing................................................................................... 10 Installing a HASP (Single-User License) ............................ 10 Using a NetHASP (Network Licensing) ............................... 11

 Installing Mastercam for SolidWorks ................................. 12 Entering the SIM Update Code ............................................ 16 Updating HASP Codes ........................................................... 17

3. General Work Flow ................................................................... 21 4. Basic Part Drawing in SolidWorks ................................... 27  Drawing a Part ......................................................................... 28  Changing the Default Tool Plane ......................................... 37  The Mastercam Gnomon ....................................................... 38 5. Miscellaneous Tasks ................................................................ 41  Configuration .......................................................................... 41  Tool Manager ........................................................................... 42  Material Manager.................................................................... 42  Machine Definition Manager ............................................... 43

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 Control Definition Manager ................................................. 44 6. Mastercam for SolidWorks FAQ ........................................ 45  General ...................................................................................... 45  Compatibility ........................................................................... 46  Licenses ..................................................................................... 47

chapter 1

Introducing Mastercam for SolidWorks Mastercam® for SolidWorks® provides Mastercam X3 CAM functionality within SolidWorks. Inside SolidWorks, you can access 3D high speed (HST) toolpath strategies and Mastercam’s new 2D Feature Based Machining (FBM) automated mill and drill toolpath generation. Also, Mastercam for SolidWorks supports boundary creation, part setup (including tool and material managers), verification, post processing, and communications.

Videos and Documentation Mastercam for SolidWorks includes tutorial videos and Help. You can find information about additional tutorials on www.mastercamforsolidworks.com.

Watching the Videos The videos provide a brief introduction to Mastercam for SolidWorks. Please watch these videos first. You can repeat any video section at your own pace.

2 – Getting Started in Mastercam for SolidWorks

From the SolidWorks menu bar, choose Help, and then choose Videos in the Mastercam Help section.

When the video starts, maximize the window and scroll down until you can see the caption and video controls (see below).

Introducing Mastercam for SolidWorks - 3

Using the Help The Help is a subset of the full Mastercam Help and provides primarily context-sensitive information for the dialog boxes that display as you work with the product. Click a dialog box’s Help button to view the associated help topic.


Some Mastercam dialog boxes display in the SolidWorks style. Those dialog boxes, too, have Help buttons that open the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.

The Help also includes high-level conceptual topics that describe Mastercam for SolidWorks. To access these topics, choose Help from the SolidWorks menu bar, and then choose Contents in the Mastercam Help section.


Interface Tour Mastercam for SolidWorks is integrated into the SolidWorks interface. The Mastercam menu provides access to all Mastercam for SolidWorks functionality in the SolidWorks menu bar.

The most used Mastercam for SolidWorks functions are also available from the SolidWorks Command Manager above the Mastercam tab.


The familiar Mastercam Toolpath Manager is an integral part of Mastercam for SolidWorks. All function buttons are supported and operate as in Mastercam.

Appropriate Toolpath Manager right-click menu functionality is also supported.


Considerations and Limitations Mastercam for SolidWorks operates differently than the full version of Mastercam. Please be aware of the following issues: 

Mastercam and SolidWorks differ in the use of planes. For more information, see Chapter 4, “Basic Part Drawing in SolidWorks” on page 27.



You must use SolidWorks selection methods. Mastercam selection methods have been removed.



Parts that are appropriate for HST machining strategies in Mastercam can be programmed in Mastercam for SolidWorks.



You must not resize the screen during backplotting.



Rotary simulation is not yet functional.



Mastercam for SolidWorks will not install with 64-bit SolidWorks.


chapter 2

Installation To install and run Mastercam for SolidWorks, you must have administration privileges and the following: 

SolidWorks 2008 or 2009 installed (32-bit version)



Mastercam for SolidWorks installation files



Valid Mastercam for SolidWorks license (HASP SIM or NetHASP)



Update code information (current users only)

Minimum requirements for Mastercam for SolidWorks: 

Operating System: Windows XP® (preferred) or Windows Vista® (Business or Ultimate), including the latest service packs and recommended updates. NET 3.0 framework.



Software: SolidWorks 2008 or SolidWorks 2009. (Note that Mastercam will not install in a SolidWorks 64-bit version.)



Processor: 1.5 GHz 32-bit Intel®-compatible processor. 64-bit Intel®-compatible processors are supported.



Memory: 2 GB (minimum). Your use of the software could require more RAM to ensure optimal performance.



Virtual memory: Double the amount of RAM.



Graphics Card: Certified OpenGL graphics card and driver. Go to www.solidworks.com/sw/support/videocardtesting.html for a complete list of certified graphics cards.




Hard Disk Space: 2 GB available hard disk space (minimum).



Monitor: 1024 x 768 pixel resolution (minimum) at 96 dpi (1280 x 1024 recommended).



Mouse: 2-button Windows® compatible mouse (minimum).



Network Protocol: (NetHASP users only) TCP/IP protocol for NetHASP installation; VPN is unsupported.



Other: DVD drive. Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0.7 or higher. Internet Explorer 6.x or 7.x.

Licensing Mastercam for SolidWorks supports both single-user and network licensing. With single-user licensing, you need a small device called a HASP SIM. The standard HASP SIM is a USB device. If your computer cannot accept a USB device, you can obtain a parallel HASP SIM through your Authorized Mastercam Reseller for an extra charge. With network licensing, you need a device called a NetHASP (parallel or USB) SIM. This device is also called a network SIM and must be installed on a network PC. These devices protect against illegal use of Mastercam software.

Installing a HASP (Single-User License) To install the single-user license: 

Turn off the computer, monitor, and all external peripheral devices.



Based on the type of HASP, locate an available parallel or USB port on the computer. If you are unsure of the port’s location, consult your computer documentation.

Installation - 11



Plug the male end of the HASP into the port.

Caution: The HASP attaches to your port in only one orientation. Do not force it, because you might damage the port and the HASP. If the HASP does not slide easily into the port, check its orientation. Match the HASP to the port and try again. Also, check the HASP for damaged pins. If the pins are damaged, and you cannot easily straighten them, contact your Mastercam Reseller for a replacement. 

If you are installing a HASP to a parallel port, tighten the two screws on the HASP to firmly attach it to your computer.



If necessary, connect your printer cable to the HASP. Then tighten the screws on the printer cable connector to firmly attach it to the HASP.

Note: You can connect a printer cable to the back of a parallel HASP and continue to use the port for printing.

Using a NetHASP (Network Licensing) With network licensing, a group of users who are connected to the same network can run Mastercam for SolidWorks from any PC on the network. Instead of requiring one HASP per computer to run Mastercam, a single NetHASP is installed on any PC on the network. That computer is referred to as the NetHASP server; it is not necessarily a network server. An individual Mastercam user then checks out a license from the available licenses on the network when starting Mastercam for SolidWorks.


Installing Mastercam for SolidWorks The following sections describe how to install Mastercam for SolidWorks, as well as how to integrate the product into SolidWorks and how to manage your HASPs and licensing. Note: Before proceeding, you must have SolidWorks installed. 

To install Mastercam for SolidWorks 1

Insert the Mastercam for SolidWorks disk, and when the installation dialog box displays, click the Mastercam for SolidWorks button.

2

When the Mastercam for SolidWorks welcome window displays, click Next.

Installation - 13



3

Read the agreement, select I accept the terms of the license agreement, and then click Next.

4

Enter your user and company name, and then click Next.

5

Select an installation path (or leave the default), and click Next.

6

Select your SIM type and the default measurement units, and then click Next.

7

Click Install to finalize your choices and to begin the installation.

8

When installation completes, click Finish.

To verify the installation 1

Start SolidWorks.

2

In the Tools menu, select Add-Ins.


3

Find Mastercam for SolidWorks in the Add-Ins dialog box, and check the Active Add-ins box, if necessary.

Installation - 15

4

If you want Mastercam for SolidWorks to start automatically with SolidWorks, select the check box in the Start Up column.

5

Click OK to finalize your choices.

6

In the SolidWorks menu bar, make sure that you have a Mastercam menu.


Entering the SIM Update Code When you install or upgrade Mastercam for SolidWorks, and you are not on Mastercam Maintenance, you must update your HASP and NetHASP SIMs with an update code. The SIM must be activated with the update code before you can run the new or updated version of Mastercam for SolidWorks. The update code is a file that is delivered to you by one of these methods: 

Included with your Mastercam for SolidWorks software kit



Mailed on electronic media



E-mailed as a file attachment



Printed documentation received via fax, e-mail, or mail

Note: You should remove any SIMs other than the Mastercam for SolidWorks SIM before entering the update code. Before entering the update code, prepare for the update based on the format of the update code you received and your personal preference: 

E-mail attachment: Save the attachment as a file to an accessible location. (Do not change the file extension.)



Mastercam for SolidWorks installation kit electronic media: Insert the media in the appropriate drive to access the file.



Printed documentation: Have a copy of the document available.

Installation - 17

Updating HASP Codes IMPORTANT: Before you begin this phase of the installation process, be sure you have read the previous sections “Installing a HASP (Single-User License)” and “Installing Mastercam for SolidWorks.” 

To enter a HASP update code 1

Choose ONE of the following methods to run HaspX.exe. The method you choose is based on the format of the update code you received and your personal preference: ♦

In the Mastercam Help section of the SolidWorks Help menu, choose About Mastercam for SolidWorks. In the About Mastercam dialog box, click Hasp.


♦

From the Windows desktop, choose Start, All Programs, Mastercam X3 MU1 in SolidWorks, Hasp X.

♦

Double-click the update code file (*.HCODE).

♦

Use Windows Explorer to navigate to the Mastercam for SolidWorks installation location, and double-click HaspX.exe. The HaspX utility analyzes the SIM and displays the SIM serial number. Verify that the displayed serial number matches the serial number provided with your Mastercam for SolidWorks documentation.

Installation - 19

TIP: Keep a record of the serial number in the event that you need to contact Technical Support Services at CNC Software or your Mastercam Reseller. 2

In the HaspX dialog box, use one of the following methods to enter the update code: ♦

If you received your update code as a file, choose Update code to open the code file. The HaspX utility extracts the update code from the file.

♦

If you received your update code as printed documentation, enter the code in the text field next to the Update code button. (Do not click the Update code button.)

3

Choose Update at the top of the HaspX dialog box. The program updates the SIM and displays the products for which the SIM has been activated.

4

Choose OK to exit the HaspX utility.

Notes: 

Start date/End date: Displays the start date and end date for the SIM. For some evaluation copies of Mastercam for


SolidWorks, the HASP SIM starts and expires on a specified date. You cannot use the software after the end date. 

Maintenance Expiration date: This field shows the date your Maintenance plan expires, based on your annual renewal date.



HASP Status: This area shows whether the utility found the HASP SIM on your computer.

chapter 3

General Work Flow The general work flow for programming Mastercam toolpaths in SolidWorks will be familiar to a Mastercam user, as the following steps show. (For more detailed instructions, please refer to Chapter 4, “Basic Part Drawing in SolidWorks.” Also, you can find information about additional tutorials on www.mastercamforsolidworks.com.) 1

Open a SolidWorks part. (To create one, see Chapter 4, “Basic Part Drawing in SolidWorks” on page 27.)

2

Set a tool plane, as follows: a.

Choose View Manager from the Command Manager.

b. In the View Manager dialog box, select the plane you want to use (1 below), and click the set tool plane button (2 below). c.

Click OK.


3

Click the Mastercam Toolpath Manager button (circled in the image below) to display the Mastercam for SolidWorks Operations Manager.

4

Set the machine group properties as needed. Remember that a stock definition is required for FBM Milling. For more information on machine group properties, please refer to “Machine groups” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.)

5

If appropriate, choose Mastercam, Create Boundary to create machining boundaries (see following image). For more information on creating boundaries, please refer to “Containment Boundaries” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.

General Work Flow - 23

6

Use ONE of the following methods to choose a toolpath type: ♦

Choose HST Surface Toolpaths to program high speed surface toolpaths. HST toolpaths demonstrate the integration of Mastercam with SolidWorks selection methods. If you have pre-selected geometry, Mastercam applies the toolpaths to the selections. Otherwise, Mastercam applies the toolpaths to the entire part. (For more information, please see “HST Toolpaths” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.)


Note: HST in Mastercam for SolidWorks does not support check surfaces.

7

♦

Choose FBM Drill to have Mastercam detect and program drilled holes automatically. (For more information, please see “FBM Drill Toolpaths” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.)

♦

Choose FBM Mill to have Mastercam detect and program closed, open, nested, and through pockets automatically. (For more information, please see “FBM Mill Toolpaths” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.)

Set the appropriate toolpath parameters, and create the toolpath as you would in Mastercam.

General Work Flow - 25

8

Backplot the toolpath. (For more information, please see “Backplotting Toolpaths” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.)

9

Verify the toolpath. (For more information, please see “Verifying Toolpaths” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.)

10 Edit the toolpath as necessary.


11 Post the toolpath. (For more information, see “Posting Toolpaths” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.)

12 When ready for machining, choose Mastercam, Communications to send the posted NC code to the machine. (See “Mastercam Communications” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.)

13 Cut the part.

chapter 4

Basic Part Drawing in SolidWorks When Mastercam users draw parts in SolidWorks, they quickly discover a major difference in the two applications’ coordinate systems. Mastercam sets up its default planes like this: 

The Z axis of the work coordinate system (WCS) is normal to the Top plane.



The Top plane is the default tool plane.


But SolidWorks sets up its default planes like this: 

The world Z axis is normal to the Front plane.



The Front plane is the default tool plane.

In other words, Mastercam’s Top plane is equivalent to SolidWorks’s Front plane. This means that, for the best compatibility with Mastercam, start your SolidWorks drawing on the Front plane.

Drawing a Part Perform the following procedure to draw a simple Mastercam for SolidWorks part. (You can find information about additional tutorials on www.mastercamforsolidworks.com.)

Basic Part Drawing in SolidWorks - 29



To draw a basic Mastercam for SolidWorks part 1

Choose File, New.

2

In the New SolidWorks Document dialog box, click the Part button and then OK.

Note: If the New SolidWorks Document dialog box shows Templates and Tutorial tabs, click the Novice button to return to Novice mode.

3

In the panel on the left, click Front Plane, and then click the Sketch button in the popup window that displays.


4

Click the Sketch tab in the Command Manager.

5

Click the small arrow next to the Rectangle tool, and select Corner Rectangle from the menu that displays.


6

Click the Front plane’s origin, and draw a rectangle towards the upper-right.

7

Click the Smart Dimension button.


8

Place your mouse over the left-hand line and click.

9

Drag the dimension to the left, and click again.

10 Type 80 into the Modify box, and press [Enter].


11 Similarly to how you set the height, dimension the part’s width to 110.

12 Click the Features tab in the Command Manager.


13 Click Extruded Boss/Base.

14 In the graphics area, drag the gray arrow until the scale reads -20, and then release the mouse to set the size.


15 Click the green check mark to finalize the extrusion.

16 Go back to the Sketch tab, and choose the circle tool.


17 Click on the part’s Front plane, click and drag to draw a circle, and then give the circle a dimension of 20.

18 On the Features tab, select Extruded Cut.

19 Click the green check to finalize the feature. 20 Create a toolpath on the part.


Changing the Default Tool Plane Although Front is the default tool plane for Mastercam for SolidWorks, you can change the default to any plane you want. 

To change the default tool plane 1

From the SolidWorks menu bar, choose Mastercam, Configuration.

2

In the left-hand pane of the System Configuration dialog box, select Mastercam for SolidWorks.

3

In the Tool plane drop-down, select the plane that you want.

4

If you want Machine Z to always equal the tool plane, select Machine Z Equals Tool Plane.

5

If you want a different Machine Z, select it from the Machine Z drop-down.


The Mastercam Gnomon Mastercam for SolidWorks has its own gnomon, which displays at your part’s origin. In its normal state, the gnomon’s blue arrow denotes the machine Z, the green arrow denotes the Y axis, and the red arrow denotes the X axis:

When you change a plane’s orientation (such as setting the tool plane), you may see multiple Mastercam gnomons on the screen:

One of the gnomons shows the orientation of the new tool plane, and the other represents the orientation of machine Z.


You can toggle the display of Mastercam’s gnomons in the Graphics Options dialog box, which you access from the Mastercam, Graphics Options menu command. To remove the gnomon from the screen, deselect both Show Tool Plane Icon and Show Machine Z Icon:

Alternatively, you can drag the sliders to change the icons’ transparency from opaque to fully transparent.


.

chapter 5

Miscellaneous Tasks Mastercam for SolidWorks includes the following functions for support tasks. You can find detailed information about these features in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.

Configuration To access the System Configuration dialog box, choose Mastercam, Configuration from the SolidWorks menu bar. (For more information, please refer to “System Configuration dialog box” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.)


Tool Manager As in the full version of Mastercam, the Tool Manager lets you view and manage tool libraries, the tools in your part file, and tool definitions. You can create new tools, edit existing tools, and copy tools between libraries and machine groups. (For more information, please refer to “Tool Manager” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.)

Material Manager Mastercam for SolidWorks also includes the Material Manager, where you can select, edit, and create materials that Mastercam for SolidWorks can use to calculate more accurate feed rates and spindle speeds. (For more information, please refer to “Material Manager” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.)

Miscellaneous Tasks - 43

Machine Definition Manager Use the Machine Definition Manager to configure your machine’s capabilities and features.


Standard machine definitions are installed with Mastercam for SolidWorks. However, modifications to the machine definition and posts must be done using a licensed installation of Mastercam X3. For more information, refer to “Machine Definition Manager” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help. Note: Although you can make changes to the part’s machine definition with Machine Definition Manager, you should not create new definitions within Mastercam for SolidWorks.

Control Definition Manager Use the Control Definition Manager to configure your machine control to work with Mastercam and the machine’s post processor. See “Control Definition Manager” in the Mastercam for SolidWorks Help.

chapter 6

Mastercam for SolidWorks FAQ General Question: How does Mastercam for SolidWorks work? Answer: It is an add-in to SolidWorks just like COSMOS, PhotoWorks, and PDMWorks. Question: Is Mastercam for SolidWorks equivalent to Mastercam Level 3? Answer: It features a subset of Level 3’s functionality, including 3D HST-style toolpaths, FBM Drill, FBM Mill, Verify, Backplot, Communications, and posting. Question: Is there an add-in for Mastercam Multiaxis? Answer: Not yet. Question: Is there an add-in for Mastercam Lathe? Answer: Not yet.


Compatibility Question: Can I install Mastercam for SolidWorks on Windows XP 64bit? Answer: Yes, but Mastercam for SolidWorks must run inside the 32-bit version of SolidWorks, even on a 64-bit machine. Question: Will I need to have a copy of Mastercam X3 on my system to run Mastercam for SolidWorks? Answer: No. Mastercam for SolidWorks is a standalone installation that contains all the necessary Mastercam program files to run the product. (You do, however, need to have SolidWorks installed.) Question: Will Mastercam for SolidWorks run on Microsoft Vista? Answer: Yes, in Vista Business or Ultimate editions. Question: I have an OEM version of SolidWorks that came with another software package. Can I add Mastercam for SolidWorks to that version? Answer: No. The OEM versions disallow add-ins. Question: Will Mastercam for SolidWorks work with SolidWorks Configurations and Assemblies? Answer: Yes. Question: Can my SolidWorks files be stored in my PDMWorks Vault? Answer: Yes.

Mastercam for SolidWorks FAQ - 47

Licenses Question: How will my Mastercam product work on a SolidNetWork license? Answer: As long as the computer has an active license of SolidWorks running, Mastercam for SolidWorks will run. Question: What happens when I open a SolidWorks file (with Mastercam toolpaths) in a seat of SolidWorks that does not have Mastercam? Answer: The user will notice nothing different about the file.

Mastercam is a registered trademark of CNC Software, Inc. ©Copyright 1983-2009. All rights reserved. SolidWorks is a registered trademark of DS SolidWorks Corporation.

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Getting Started in Mastercam for SolidWorks

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