My purpose for writing this blog is to introduce CAM users to the powerful Mastercam Art feature which encourages designers and manufacturers, to new possibilities for creating 3D organic reliefs.

Mastercam Art allows the user to create a machinable 3D model from a 2D image or sketch. In my humble opinion, it’s one of the most underrated features in Mastercam. Art is simple to set up, and it communicates your complex geometry into specialized toolpaths. Imagine machining your favourite family photo onto a wooden block – that would make a great gift, wouldn’t it!

First, let’s take a tour through the sub-groups in the Art tab in Mastercam.

Base: This group is used to import* an image or file into the graphics window to create your Art base surface (ABS).

*List of supported file formats:

–From Image: (.bmp, .gif, .tif, .jpg, .jpeg, .pcd, .pcx)

–From File: (.asc, .txt, .doc, .stl)

Wireframe: This group allows you to create a vector image directly from your 2D imported image using the “Raster to Vector” function. Alternatively, you can select a vector image from Mastercam’s Design Library.

Surfaces: Mastercam Art has a variety of surface textures and design functions to choose from. You may also import your own Art surface texture if you wish. In a future blog, these will be covered in more detail.

Modify: You can make the Art surface details appear smoother with the “Smooth” function.

Position: The “Translate” and “Mirror/Rotate” functions help to manipulate the orientation of the model.

Utility: Export your ABS as a 3D printable Stereolithography (.stl) file using “Export Base” or save a selected portion of your ABS as an Art Surface Library (.asl) file by using “Save to Library”.

Toolpath: To enable the “Surface” function option, you must first choose a Mill or Router machine from the Machine tab and then click on Surface to create your toolpath.

A general way to create “a work of Art”:

The following method is just an outline of the workflow for creating models with Art.

1. Import your image or file using the “From Image” or “From File” function. You can also create an ABS by using the “Raster to Vector” function or selecting a file from the “Design Library” in the Wireframe sub-group.

2. Build your 3D relief surface by specifying the parameters in the “Import Image Settings” box as seen in the gif below.

3. Create your Art Surface toolpath by first selecting the “Machine” tab and then choosing a Mill or Router machine to perform the job. Then go to the Art tab and click on “Surface”.

• Select a cutting tool and set feeds, speeds, and other general toolpath parameters
• Enter values for different cutting parameters and compensation options
• Define the toolpath cutting method, stepover, cutting direction, and tool containment boundaries

Note: You may want to create stock for your model before creating a toolpath. You can do this by clicking on “Stock Setup” in the Machine Group Setup in the Toolpaths Manager.

4. Click on Verify to simulate the cutting and check for inconsistencies. You may then upload the g-code to your CNC machine and set up the job for machining.

You can create custom company logos and much more with Mastercam ART

Have fun with Mastercam Art!

If you have any questions please contact us or schedule a demo here.