Unlocking the full power of Mastercam can offer enormous benefits, from improved accuracy and precision to maximizing efficiency within your machine shop. While many tips are available online on how best to use this software suite, it’s often difficult for users – overwhelmed by too many details.
To help you quickly unlock significant gains in productivity with minimal effort we present some essential topics that should be explored as part of any successful optimization process: basic changes, previously unknown options and broader strategies specially designed for all Mastercam shops.
EPISODE 1: Keyboard shortcuts, view and setup sheets & tool lists
1. Keyboard Shortcuts and where to find them
Making use of keyboard shortcuts will save you a good amount of time and effort.
Mastercam has shortcuts keys setup by default for almost any tool we need in order to create and design a part. These shortcuts are available within the Toolpaths, Backplot features, Simulators etc.
To Find Mastercam shortcut keys please follow below:
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- Select File.
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- Select Help.
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- Select Contents.
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- Next Navigate with your mouse next to the search key on the top right section of the page.
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- Click on the button and write “Keyboard Shortcuts”.
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- Select Search, and all the available shortcut options will be populated and made available for your use.
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- Click on the Desired option you would like to use.
This is also the same place you will find lots more of the answers to your questions regarding Mastercam, and the help feature is in fact very helpful.
2. View Sheets, Setup Sheets and Tool lists
Basic Example:
In this example, 4 view sheets were set up while programming this lathe part.
3. Setup Sheets and Tool lists
Setup sheets and tool lists should be used as a form of communication between the designer, programmer, machinist, and machine operator. This document can be customised to your exact specification by you or your reseller and can contain areas where certain values should be measured and populated by each relevant department. Imagine a proper feedback loop where you constantly review the expected cutting speeds VS optimal speeds, and it’s documented for each project.
When used properly, this data can become a powerful tool in the optimisation of your CNC shop, as well as create a clear strategy for each job, leaving less room for error and more cohesiveness between all parties involved.
To access these features, right click in the toolpath window, and click on setup sheet / tool list.
MECAD hosted a Mastercam “What’s New 2023 Hands-On Test Drive“ event in Q4 2022, and we had a fantastic turnout. The day was quickly sold out, with top manufacturing companies joining, eager to learn.
During the day our presenters enabled programmers and managers to see the real value of using Mastercam to its full capabilities, and we are grateful to each person who attended. Keep an eye out for the What’s New event that will take place in 2023!
Read the next episode in our Mastercam Tips Series by clicking on the links below.
Contact the Mastercam Team on 0126454300 or Email us
