MasterCAM has limited object snapping capabilities as compared with Rhino. The following overview covers the basics of MasterCAM 2020 functionality as it pertains to CNC router use at the GSD. For those interested in a MasterCAM UI deep dive, these changes are detailed in this video. The most noticeable of these is the adoption of a Microsoft Office style 'ribbon' in the 2017 version and forward. You may consider the following as a quick start guide, representing only the minimum information needed for a successful CNC milling outcome. There are several key user interface changes between MasterCAM X. In addition to the CNC TAs and this online tutorial, the MasterCAM Help menu is itself a valuable resource. We highly advise all students to begin their MasterCAM projects by importing their geometry into one of our templates. The templates also include helpful suggestions for assigning geometry to each tool path. These template files include tool libraries and tool path parameters that are appropriate to the specified stock material. In order to set students up for success and reduce a few easily anticipated mistakes, the Fab Lab provides MasterCAM template files. Students are encouraged to build-up a working knowledge of the CNC milling procedure incrementally, each time attempting to push their MasterCAM familiarity and proficiency further. The Fab Lab employs dozens of TA's who are available to offer assistance during scheduled hours. Students who wish to make use of the CNC capabilities at the GSD are expected to make a good faith effort to learn the basics of the process, but mastery is in no way required. Additionally, skillful CNC machining takes time and patience to learn. Like much professional software, MasterCAM is complex and bulky, overloaded with seldom used features, and sports an un-intuitive user interface. The most common language for this instruction set is G-code. nc file extension) contains a list of coordinates that the machine must follow in order to excavate the desired form from the stock material. These paths are translated into machine-readable instructions through a process called posting. CAM applications use input geometry alongside machine+tool+stock definitions and user-specified parameters to generate a set of curves called tool paths. MasterCAM is a software suite of Computer Aided Machining (CAM) applications developed by CNC Software, Inc. MasterCAM 2020 now features the ability to import geometry from Rhino V6.

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