Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for Machine Tool Techology 81C
MASTERCAM X
Catalog Description:
81C – Mastercam X
(May be repeated 3 times)
3 units
The fundamentals of the latest version of Mastercam X CAD/CAM manufacturing software as it
pertains to machine shop use and requirements. Instruction includes theory and laboratory practice
on the use of the Mastercam X software environment to create 2 1/2 and 3 axis, lathe, and wire edm
tool paths. Instruction includes part drawing, dimensioning, importing electronic files (DXF, IGES,
Sldprt, and Dwg), lathe and mill tool path construction, geometry and tool path transformations, tool
path editing, and post processors. Strongly recommended: Machine Tool Technology 71A. 2 hours
lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 35, laboratory 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcome for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
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draw basic 2D geometry from engineering prints;
create dimensions and notes for part features;
create custom views and coordinate systems
3D wire frame and surface construction;
import and export electronic files;
create point to point drilling and tapping tool paths;
create 2/12 milling contour tool paths;
create 3 axis surface milling tool paths;
create basic 2 axis lathe tool paths;
create engraving tool paths;
create basic two and four axis wire edm tool paths;
edit existing tool paths;
create tool paths from imported electronic files;
generate geometry transformations;
generate tool path transformations;
verify mill and lathe tool paths with built in the verify functions;
create tool paths following process plans;
create machine tool G code programs from the created tool path operations.
Course Content (Lecture):
1. Introduction to the latest version of Mastercam X
a. 2D geometry
b. Dimensions
c. Levels
2. 2 1/2 axis contouring
a. Spot drilling, drilling and tapping
b. Contouring
c. Verification
d. G code part programs
Chabot College
Course Outline for Machine Tool Technology 81C - page 2
Fall 2010
3. Managers
a. Tool manager
b. Material manager
c. Operations manager
4. Geometry Transformations
5. Pocketing and Engraving
a. Pocketing options
b. Pilot holes
c. Pocket entry options
d. Text machining
6. Coordinate systems
a. Work coordinate system (WCS)
b. Construction planes (Cplane)
c. Tool planes (Tplane)
d. Machining with custom planes
7. Tool path transformations
8. Two axis lathe tool paths
9. Electronic files
a. Importing DXF , DWG, and IGES files
b. Importing SolidWorks files
c. Imported file geometry modification
d. Exporting electronic files
10. Machining Solid Models
a. Tool paths from 3D solid models
b. Tool paths from 2D and 3D wire frame files
11. Creating wire frame surfaces
a. Ruled / lofted surfaces
b. Revolved surfaces
c. Swept surfaces
d. Flat boundary surfaces
e. Extruded surfaces
f. Fillet surfaces
g. Surface editing
12. Surface roughing
a. Pocket Rough
b. Parallel Rough
c. Parallel Rough
d. Flow Line Rough
e. Restmill rough
f. Plunge Rough
g. Projecting 2D tool paths
13. Surface finishing
a. Parallel and parallel steep
b. Scallop
c. Flowline
d. Contour
14. Surface finishing (continued)
a. Radial
b. Leftover machining
c. Shallow
d. Pencil
15. Surface high speed machining
16. Feature based machining FBM
a. FBM drill
b. FBM mill
Chabot College
Course Outline for Machine Tool Technology 81C - page 3
Fall 2010
17. Post Processors
a. MPost
b. Spost
18. Wire EDM two and four axis tool path operations
Course Content (Laboratory):
1. Techniques:
a. Create geometry from engineering part prints
b. Create and move geometry on and between levels
c. Create dimensions and notes
d. Edit existing geometry and features
e. Create customized tool planes and operation processes
f. Create and verify spot drilling and drilling operations
g. Create and verify contour operations
h. Use the tool path editor to make minor changes in tool path operations
i. Generate G code part programs
j. Create and verify pocketing operations with pilot holes and helical / ramp entries
k. Create and verify engraving operations
l. Transform and copy geometry
m. Create and verify tool paths using multiple Tool planes
n. Create and verify tool path operations using solid models
o. Generate G code programs from imported electronic files
p. Export electronic files
q. Make, save, and reuse common machining processes
r. Create and verify lathe operations and generate G code
s. Create common wire frame surfaces
t. Create, edit, and verify 3D surfacing operations
u. Project 2D tool paths on 3D surfaces
v. Create and verify two axis and four axis basic wire edm tool path
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lecture, informal with student questions encouraged
2. Powerpoint presentations, videos, instructor created movies, and overhead transparencies
3. Demonstrations
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Create the geometry and dimensions level for the Bullet Plate milling project from the
engineering drawing. Print out the geometry and the dimensions on separate sheets and
turn them in.
b. Create the geometry and dimensions on the dimension level for the Adapter Plate project
from the engineering drawing. Write a process plan and get it approved by the instructor.
Create the tool path operations outlined in your process plan. Verify the tool path
operations, create a part program G code file. Print out the geometry, the dimensions, the
Mastercam X setup sheets, and the G code part program file and turn them in.
c. Import the Mill2ax_3.sldprt solid model. Create dimensions on a dimension level. Create a
process plan to machine the part and have it approved by the instructor. Create the tool path
operations outlined in your process plan. Verify the tool path operations, create a part
program G code file. Print out the dimensions and the Mastercam X setup sheets and turn
them in. Do NOT print the G code part program!
Chabot College
Course Outline for Machine Tool Technology 81C - page 4
Fall 2010
d. Using the provided wire frame geometry create the Tea Pot surfaces. Match the color of
each surface to each of the provided wire frame entities. Trim the surfaces at each surface
intersection. Duplicate and mirror the top half surfaces to create the bottom half of the Tea
Pot on a separate level. Print out a picture of the completed Tea Pot , with your name level
visible, and turn it in.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Assigned lab projects
b. Written lab reports / drawings on each part project
c. Quizzes
d. Midterm examinations
e. Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
None
Special Student Materials:
1. Sharp EL-531W scientific calculator
2. USB drive – 1gb minimum
3. Headphones – 1/8” stereo jack
Revised: 9/29/09;
Ashley Long/Mike Absher