Mastercam X5 Solids Training Tutorial

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Solids Training Tutorial

Mastercam X5 Solids Training Tutorial

Copyright: 1998 -2010 In-House Solutions Inc. All rights reserved

Software: Mastercam X5

Author: Mariana Lendel

ISBN: 978-1-926566-81-8

Revision Date: October 25, 2010

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Solids Training Tutorial

Solids Training Tutorial Contents

Getting Started ...................................................................................................A-1

TutorialsTutorial #1 .........................................................................................................................1-1

Tutorial #2 .........................................................................................................................2-1

Tutorial #3 .........................................................................................................................3-1

Tutorial #4 .........................................................................................................................4-1

Tutorial #5 .........................................................................................................................5-1

Tutorial #6 .........................................................................................................................6-1

Tutorial #7 .........................................................................................................................7-1

Tutorial #8 .........................................................................................................................8-1

General Notes .....................................................................................................B-1

Quiz Answers ...................................................................................................... C-1

Solids Training Tutorial Page|2-1

TUTORIAL #21

TUTORIAL #2

Objectives:

The Student will design 2-D wireframe in the Top and Front Cplane using:

!Creating a rectangle anchored to a center point.

!Creating circle center points.

!Creating parallel lines.

!Create an Arc Tangent to 3 entities.

!Create fillets.

!Use Xform Translate to copy geometry.

!Using the trim command to clean up the geometry.

The Student will create the solid using:

!Changing the main color.

!Create a solid body by revolving a chain

!Cut holes through the solid by extruding circles.

Page |2-2 Solids Training Tutorial


SETTING UP THE GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE TUTORIAL #21

WIREFRAME CREATION

STEP 1: SETTING UP THE GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE

Before starting the geometry creation we should customize the toolbars to see the toolbars

required to create the geometry and create a solid part. See Getting started page A-4 for

details.

Make sure that the Grid is enabled. It will show you where the part origin is. See Getting

started page A-6 for further information.

Select the Solids Manager to the left of the screen. If it is hidden press Alt+O to display it.

Figure: 1.0.1


TUTORIAL #21 SET THE CONSTRUCTION PLANE AND CHANGE CURRENT COLOR

STEP 2: SET THE CONSTRUCTION PLANE AND CHANGE CURRENT COLOR

Select the Front (WCS) icon from the toolbars.

Left Click on the System Color button in the status bar.

Select the color Green #10 by either entering in the number in the current color area or

selecting it from the pallet as shown below.

Select the Ok button to exit the dialog box.

NOTE: You may skip this step if your color is already set to Green 10.


CREATE A RECTANGLE TO CREATE THE OUTSIDE BOUNDARY TUTORIAL #21

STEP 3: CREATE A RECTANGLE TO CREATE THE OUTSIDE BOUNDARY

In this step you will learn how to create a rectangle knowing the width, the height and the anchor

position.

Step Preview:

Create

Rectangle

Enter the Width and the Height and make sure that Anchor to Center is enabled as shown

below.

Press Enter after typing the values to see a preview of the rectangle.

[Select position of base point] Select the Origin as shown in Figure 3.0.1.

Figure: 3.0.1

Make sure that when selecting the Origin, the visual cue of the cursor changes as shown.

Select the Ok button to exit the command.


TUTORIAL #21 CREATE PARALLEL LINES

Use the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen.

The part should appear as shown in Figure 3.0.2.

Figure: 3.0.2

STEP 4: CREATE PARALLEL LINES

In this step, you will learn how to create parallel lines, from the rectangle created in the previous step.

These lines will be used as construction lines to create the rest of geometry in the tutorial.

Step Preview:

NOTE: During the geometry creation of this tutorial, if you make a mistake you can undo the

last step using the Undo icon. You can undo as many steps as needed. If you delete or

undo a step by mistake, just use the Redo icon. To delete unwanted geometry, select it

first and then press Delete from the keyboard.


CREATE PARALLEL LINES TUTORIAL #21

Create

Line

Parallel

[Select a line]: Select Entity A.

[Select the point to place a parallel line through]: Pick a point to the right of the selected line.

Enter the Distance 0.625 (press Enter).

Select the Apply button to continue.

[Select a line]: Select Entity A again.


Type the Distance 0.75 (Enter).


[Select a line]: Select Entity A again.





NOTE: The color of the geometry is cyan which means that the entity is "live" and you can

still change the line parameters if needed.

NOTE: To continue using the same command you can either select the Apply button or

press Enter. To exit the command you can either start a new command or select the OK

button.


TUTORIAL #21 CREATE PARALLEL LINES

Figure: 4.0.1

[Select a line]: Select Entity B as shown in Figure 4.0.2.

Figure: 4.0.2

[Select the point to place a parallel line through]: Pick a point below the selected line.



[Select a line]: Select Entity B again.















CREATE PARALLEL LINES TUTORIAL #21






Select the OK button to exit the command.

The drawing should look as shown in Figure 4.0.3

Figure: 4.0.3


TUTORIAL #21 CREATE TANGENT ARCS

STEP 5: CREATE TANGENT ARCS

In this step we will use the Arc Tangent command to create arcs made from the construction lines we

created in the previous step.

Step Preview:

Create

Arc

Tangent

Select the Arc Tangent 3 Entities button in the ribbon bar as shown below.

[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity A as shown in Figure 5.0.1.

[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity B as shown in Figure 5.0.1.

[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity C as shown in Figure 5.0.1.

Figure: 5.0.1


CREATE TANGENT ARCS TUTORIAL #21

[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity D as shown in Figure 5.0.2.

[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity E as shown in Figure 5.0.2.

[Select the entity that the arc is to be tangent to] Select Entity F as shown in Figure 5.0.2.

Figure: 5.0.2



Figure: 5.0.3


TUTORIAL #21 CREATE LINES KNOWING THEIR ENDPOINTS

STEP 6: CREATE LINES KNOWING THEIR ENDPOINTS

In this step we will use the Line Endpoint command to create angled lines from the parallel lines that

we created earlier.

Step Preview:

Create

Line

Endpoint

Enable the Multi-Line icon in the ribbon bar. Multi-line will allow you to create multiple

lines connected at their endpoints.

[Specify the first endpoint] Select Endpoint A as shown in Figure 6.0.1.

[Specify the first endpoint] Select Endpoint B as shown in Figure 6.0.1.

[Specify the first endpoint] Select Endpoint C as shown in Figure 6.0.1.

[Specify the first endpoint] Select Endpoint D as shown in Figure 6.0.1.

Figure: 6.0.1


CLEAN UP THE GEOMETRY TUTORIAL #21



Figure: 6.0.2

STEP 7: CLEAN UP THE GEOMETRY

In this step we will delete un-needed geometry, and use the trim command to clean up the geometry.

Step Preview:


TUTORIAL #21 CLEAN UP THE GEOMETRY

Edit

Delete

Delete Entities

[Select Entities] Select the lines that appear as hidden (dotted) lines in Figure 7.0.1.

Figure: 7.0.1

Once you have selected all of the entities, click on the End Selection button to delete the

lines.


Figure: 7.0.2


CLEAN UP THE GEOMETRY TUTORIAL #21

Edit

Trim/Break

Trim/Break/Extend

Enable the Divide button in the ribbon bar.

[Select the curve to divide/delete] Select the lines that appear as hidden (dotted) lines in

Figure 7.0.3.

Figure: 7.0.3



Figure: 7.0.4


TUTORIAL #21 TRANSLATE GEOMETRY

STEP 8: TRANSLATE GEOMETRY

In this step, you will learn how to use the Xform Translate command. We will use this command to

copy previously created geometry.

Step Preview:

Xform

Translate

[Translate: select entities to translate] Holding the Shift key on your keyboard, select Entity A

as shown below.

Click on the End Selection button in the toolbars.

NOTE: Holding the Shift key and selecting an entity will force Mastercam to select a chain.


TRANSLATE GEOMETRY TUTORIAL #21

The Translate dialog box will appear, match the settings that are established below.

Once you enter in the parameters as shown above, press enter and a preview should be

displayed on the screen as shown below.


Select the Clear Colors button to return the geometry to its original color.


# is used to indicate the number of translated entities in the direction you specify.

Delta allows you to define a transformation vector using Cartesian (XYZ) coordinates that you

enter for the transformed entities.

From/To allows you to define a transformation vector using the distance and angle between

two points that you select from the graphics window.

Polar defines a transformation vector using the polar coordinates (a linear distance and an

angle)


TUTORIAL #21 TRIM THE GEOMETRY

Figure: 8.0.1

STEP 9: TRIM THE GEOMETRY

In this step we will use the Trim Divide command to delete geometry on the "grooves" we just created.

Step Preview:

View

Zoom Window


TRIM THE GEOMETRY TUTORIAL #21

[Specify zoom window] Left click and hold down the mouse button in the upper left corner,

drag the mouse down to a location as shown in the graphic below and release the mouse

button.

Edit

Trim/Break

Trim/Break/Extend

Enable the Divide button in the ribbon bar.

[Select the curve to divide/delete] Select the lines that appear as hidden (dotted) lines in

Figure 9.0.1.

Figure: 9.0.1

Select the Ok button to exit the Trim/Break/Extend command.



TUTORIAL #21 FILLET THE PART

Figure: 9.0.2

STEP 10: FILLET THE PART

In this step we will use two different fillet commands to fillet the part, fillet chains and fillet entities.

Step Preview:

Create

Fillet

Chains


FILLET THE PART TUTORIAL #21

[Select chain 1] Enable the Partial chaining mode in the Chaining dialog box.

[Select the first entity] Select Entity A as shown in Figure 10.0.1.

[Select the last entity] Select Entity B as shown in Figure 10.0.1.

Figure: 10.0.1

Select the Ok button to exit the Chaining dialog box.

A warning will appear on the screen indicating that old fillets will have a new fillet radius

applied to them. Select the No button.

NOTE: Partial chaining mode allows you to select one entity and another entity and creates

a chain in between the two entities.


TUTORIAL #21 FILLET THE PART

Change the Radius and any other parameters as shown below.



Figure: 10.0.2

Select the Fit icon to fit the drawing to the screen.

Create

Fillet

Entities

Change the Radius in the ribbon bar and make sure trim is enabled as shown below.

[Fillet: Select an entity] Select Entity A as shown in Figure 10.0.3.

[Fillet: Select another entity] Select Entity B as shown in Figure 10.0.3.

Figure: 10.0.3


FILLET THE PART TUTORIAL #21

Select the Apply button to stay within the command.

Change the Radius in the ribbon bar as shown.

[Fillet: Select an entity] Select Entity C as shown in Figure 10.0.4.

[Fillet: Select another entity] Select Entity D as shown in Figure 10.0.4.

Figure: 10.0.4


The finished part should appear as shown in Figure 10.0.5.

Figure: 10.0.5


TUTORIAL #21 CREATE THE CIRCLES IN THE TOP PLANE

STEP 11: CREATE THE CIRCLES IN THE TOP PLANE

In this step, we will change the construction plane to TOP and create the circles to finish the part.

Step Preview:

Select the Isometric view from the toolbars.

Ensure the Construction Mode is set to 3D.

Create

Arc

Circle Center Point

Change the Diameter in the ribbon bar as shown below.

[Enter the center point] Select Endpoint A as shown in Figure 11.0.1.

Figure: 11.0.1



CREATE THE CIRCLES IN THE TOP PLANE TUTORIAL #21


[Enter the center point] Select Endpoint B as shown in Figure 11.0.2.

Figure: 11.0.2



[Enter the center point] Select Endpoint B as shown in Figure 11.0.3.

Figure: 11.0.3


The finished part should appear as shown in Figure 11.0.4.


TUTORIAL #21 SAVE THE FILE

Figure: 11.0.4

STEP 12: SAVE THE FILE

File

Save As

Enter in the File name: "Wireframe 2"

SOLID CREATION

A Solid is a geometric entity that occupies a region of space and consists of one or more faces,

which define the closed boundary of the solid.

STEP 13: CHANGE THE COLOR TO RED #12

Select Color from the Status Bar.


CHANGE THE MAIN LEVEL TO 2 TUTORIAL #21

Select the color Red #12.

Select the Ok button to exit the Colors dialog box.

STEP 14: CHANGE THE MAIN LEVEL TO 2

In this step we will change the main level to 2, to put the solid on level 2 when we create it.

Left click in the number area to the right of the Level button.

Change the level number to 2.

Press the Enter key on your keyboard.


TUTORIAL #21 CREATE THE SOLID BODY BY REVOLVING A CLOSED CHAIN

STEP 15: CREATE THE SOLID BODY BY REVOLVING A CLOSED CHAIN

Solid Revolve: Performs an operation that results in the creation of one or more new solids.

Mastercam revolves entities by driving the shape of the curves about an axis using given start and end

angles as well as other parameters which define the results.

Step Preview:

Solids

Revolve

[Select chain(s) to be revolved 1] Leave the default settings in the

Chaining Dialog box and select Entity A to create the chain as shown

below.

Select the Ok button to exit the Chaining Dialog box.

[Select line to be used as axis...] Select the Center Line as shown in Figure 15.0.1.


CREATE THE SOLID BODY BY REVOLVING A CLOSED CHAIN TUTORIAL #21

Figure: 15.0.1

The Direction dialog box will appear, and a visual cue of the revolve

direction will be displayed in the graphics area. In the dialog box you

have the option to reselect the Axis line or reverse the axis direction if

you wish. Select the Ok button.

The Revolve Chain dialog box will appear. You are forced to Create Body and the Start and

End angles should both default to 0 and 360 respectively.

Select the Ok button to exit the Revolve Chain dialog box and generate the solid.



TUTORIAL #21 EXTRUDE CUT THE 0.25" CIRCLE

Figure: 15.0.2

STEP 16: EXTRUDE CUT THE 0.25" CIRCLE

In this step we will use the Extrude command to "cut" the 0.25" hole through the entire part. We will

also enable translucency in the system settings to be able to see the extrude cut through the solid

model.

Step Preview:

Settings

Configuration


EXTRUDE CUT THE 0.25" CIRCLE TUTORIAL #21

The System Configuration dialog box will appear, select Shading from the tree view list on

the left hand side of the dialog box, and enable Translucent on the right hand side.

Select the Ok button.

Select the Yes button to save the settings.

The part should now appear translucent as shown in Figure 16.0.1.

Figure: 16.0.1

NOTE: Translucent entities let diffuse light pass through them so that objects on the other

side are partially visible.


TUTORIAL #21 EXTRUDE CUT THE 0.25" CIRCLE

Solids

Extrude

Leave the default settings in the Chaining Dialog box and chain the 0.25" circle as shown

below to create the chain.

Select the Ok button to exit the Chaining dialog box.

The Extrude Chain dialog box will appear and an arrow will appear on the geometry. This

arrow will indicate the direction of the extrusion operation. If the arrow appears to be

pointing upwards, click on the point as indicated in the graphic to change the direction.

NOTE: The chaining direction doesn’t matter because the direction of extrusion can be

changed afterwards.


EXTRUDE CUT THE 0.25" CIRCLE TUTORIAL #21

Change any parameters as shown below to indicate the Extrusion Operation and Extrusion

Distance as shown below.

Select the Ok button to Extrude the chain.

The drawing should appear as shown in Figure 16.0.2.

Figure: 16.0.2


TUTORIAL #21 EXTRUDE CUT THE 1.0" HOLE

STEP 17: EXTRUDE CUT THE 1.0" HOLE

In this step we will cut the 1.0" hole through the solid by a specific distance.

Step Preview:

Solids

Extrude




NOTE: The chaining direction doesn’t matter because the direction of extrusion can be

changed afterwards.


EXTRUDE CUT THE 1.0" HOLE TUTORIAL #21

The Extrude Chain dialog box will appear, change the Extrusion Operation to Cut Body and

enable Extend by specified distance with the specified amount as shown below. Ensure the

direction is pointing upwards to identify the extrusion direction.

Select the Ok button to exit the Extrude Chain dialog box.


Figure: 17.0.1


TUTORIAL #21 EXTRUDE CUT THE 1.25" HOLE

STEP 18: EXTRUDE CUT THE 1.25" HOLE

In this step, we will create another extrusion operation to cut the 1.25" hole from the solid body to a

specific depth to finish the part.

Step Preview:

Solids

Extrude





SAVE THE FILE TUTORIAL #21

The Extrude Chain dialog box will appear, change the Extrusion Operation to Cut Body and

enable Extend by specified distance with the specified amount as shown below. Ensure the

direction is pointing upwards to identify the extrusion direction.

Select the Ok button to exit the Extrude Chain dialog box.


Figure: 18.0.1

STEP 19: SAVE THE FILE

File

Save As

Enter in the file name "Solid_2"


TUTORIAL #21 REVIEW EXERCISE -STUDENT PRACTICE

REVIEW EXERCISE -STUDENT PRACTICE


CREATE THE GEOMETRY FOR THE TUTORIAL #2 EXERCISE TUTORIAL #21

STEP 20: CREATE THE GEOMETRY FOR THE TUTORIAL #2 EXERCISE

Use these commands to create the geometry.

Create the left half of the geometry.

Create line endpoints.

Create arc endpoints.

Create Line Parallel.

Fillet Entities.

Xform Mirror.

Trim/Break/Extend.

Delete Entities.


TUTORIAL #21 CREATE THE SOLID FOR THE TUTORIAL #2 EXERCISE

CREATE THE SOLID FOR THE TUTORIAL #2 EXERCISE

Create the solid for Tutorial #2 Exercise as per the instructions below.

Revolve the rounded shape to create the main body.

Chain the outside profile to revolve.

Select the centerline as the axis.

Create a body 360 degrees.

Add bosses to the body.

Use the revolve command.

Use the centerline as the axis.

Specify to add bosses to the solid.

Only revolve the bosses from -10 to 10 degrees.


NOTES: TUTORIAL #21

NOTES:


TUTORIAL #21 TUTORIAL #2 QUIZ

TUTORIAL #2 QUIZ

How does a solid revolve operation work?

What does the Xform Translate command do?

What is a CPlane?

Mastercam X5 Solids Training Tutorial

Documents

partial chaining mode

chaining dialog box

solids training tutorial

solids extrude leave

create tangent arcs

create lines knowing

create parallel lines

xform translate command