Feature Based Machining, Solidworks Integration

Mastercam's Feature Based Machining (FBM) automates the machining process, offering speed improvements and allowing for reductions in programming time. FBM automatically evaluates a part and programs pockets, contours, bosses, and drilling routines with minimal user input. Mastercam's FBM will be part of the Mastercam X3 release, later this year.

Also being shown, but not available until after the release of Mastercam X3, is Mastercam in SolidWorks. A fully-integrated CAM that runs seamlessly in SolidWorks, SolidWorks users can now program their parts for machining directly within SolidWorks using Mastercam's toolpaths and machining strategies.

Until the X3 release, Mastercam X2 features will also be shown, which include:

• Multi-axis enhancements included in the advanced multi-axis toolpaths;
• Peel Milling toolpath which moves the tool in and "peels" away material, layer by layer;
• The Operations Manager pane floats to a different area of the graphics window or to a separate screen when working with dual monitors;
• The Create Boundary function greatly expands Mastercam's toolpath boundary creation, restricting the toolpaths to highly specific areas; and
• Common edge optimization in nesting.