Finishing operations clean up the extra material purposefully left behind by the roughing operation. Most MasterCAM files need at least one and frequently several separate finishing operations to produce an acceptable part. MasterCAM 2020 Reference> Assigning Geometry What is a Finishing Operation?Р”Р„ finishing operation followsР’В roughing and is used to achieve the final geometry and surface finish. Set Parameters > Cut Depths > Max Rough Step to = 50% flute length.Set Parameters > Linking Parameters > Depth to = 50% stock thickness.Set Parameters > Multi Passes > Rough > Spacing = 50% of tool diameter.Set Parameters > Multi Passes > Rough > Number = 3.Enable Multi Passes in the operation parameters.Adjust Compensation such that the toolpath is drawn outside the part.Choose an appropriate tool for clearing a lot of material.Assign a part perimeter chain as the input geometry.The Contour 2D operation may be used for roughing as follows: In this circumstance, it is necessary to partially clear away the stock outside the part perimeter before proceeding to the finishing operations. When stock thickness exceeds the shoulder length of the tools, the surrounding uncut stock may interfere with toolpaths drawn on the perimeter of the part, causing collisions.

A roughing operation uses large diameter tools and coarse settings, and should not cut all the way down to the drive surface(s), instead leaving a small offset for the finishing operations to clean up afterwards. 3D geometry will typically need to include one as the first operation, while 2D geometry may not. MasterCAM 2020 Reference > Assigning Geometry What is a Roughing Operation?Р”Р„Р’В roughing operation is used to remove large amounts of material rapidly and to produce a part geometry close to the desired shape. MasterCAM 2020 Reference > Managing Operations Plastics (Acrylic, HDPE, Corian, Pattern Board).Non-ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, copper).The GSD FabLab does not currently provide templates for less frequently machined materials, though we do maintain tooling to work with the following: Wood Flat Stock 2D Milling Template - With Sample Geometry (2020) Wood Context Model Milling Template - With Sample Geometry (2020) Wood Context Model Milling Template - Without Sample Geometry (2020) A special template is provided for milling flat stock materials, such as single sheets of plywood or MDF. The wood template should be used for all wood and wood products, including softwoods, hardwoods, plywood, oriented strand board, and medium density fiberboard.The foam template should be used for all densities and types of foams, including extruded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, and high density polyurethane.Р”Р‡oam Context Model Milling Template - Without Sample GeometryР’В (2020)Р”Р‡oam Context Model Milling Template - With Sample GeometryР’В (2020).It is necessary to separate the two, because the material qualities and behaviors vary greatly and require different tooling and parameters for successful milling. The GSD FabLab provides MasterCAM templatesР’В with and without example geometry, for both Foam and Wood projects.

Submit file to online queue for approval and scheduling.

Verify operations (ensure no collisions andР’В desirable outcome).

Adjust operation parameters (tool selection, machining heights, etc).

Assign geometry to appropriate finishing operation(s).

Assign geometry to roughing operation(s).

Define stock size (must match physical material to be milled).

Verify location of geometry relative to file origin.

Open template file (material appropriate).

The FabLab has created material-specific MasterCAM template files to help alleviate common setup issues.Р”Р„ basic workflow for successful MasterCAM setup is as follows: Staff and TA's are not available to set up users' files for them. This page will enumerate the steps required to have an approvable MasterCAM files. CNC TA's are available during regular daily hours throughout the semester to answer questions, review submitted files, and run approved files on the mill. In order to use the large bed CNC routers at the GSD, students must submit a MasterCAM file to the online queue with geometry imported and operations assigned. Please use this page in conjunction with the MasterCAM 2020 Reference.

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