Solidworks to Mastercam

[Kurt98]

Does any one know how to transfer Solidworks files to Mastercam. Every time I try the part is switched from the base plane to the front plane.

 

[smcadman]

I've never used MasterCAM, but I have used laser/punch press hybrids and other machines. I bet your problem has to do with the way the SW does the X-Y axis, and the X-Y axis of machines. See screenshot to explain a little better:
X-Y axis

SW07 SP2.0

Flores

 

[ak762]

1. Why not to make a new one template when SW planes will match with Mcam
2. Use WCS in Mcam

 

[AnnaWood]

MasterCAM works with the xy plane as the top/plan view.

Use Insert > Features > Move/Copy the body. Rotate the body 90 degrees so it is oriented to the xy plane in your SolidWorks file before opening in MasterCAM.

This will be a feature in the tree and can be suppressed or un-suppressed. I will put this as the last feature in the SW file.

I will also add a configuration called Milling Operation which only shows the features that are needed for milling the part. For our tool and die work this will show wire start holes, dowel/punch reliefs, etc that need to come off the CNC mill before going to the wire dept.

Can the newer versions of MasterCAM recognize the configurations in SolidWorks? I know Esprit 2006 and 2007 can.

I am also assuming that you could, as an alternate solution, translate/rotate the data in MasterCAM or re-oriented your WCS (Work Coordinate System) in MasterCAM to get the milling orientation you wish.

Regards,

Anna Wood
SW06 SP5 x64, WinXP x64
Dell Precision 380, Pentium D940, 4 Gigs RAM, FX3450
WD Raptors, 1 Gb network connection

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/solidmuse

 

[SBaugh]

FOr furture files you will need to build your SW models with the intention of transferring them to Mastercam. This is what SW refers to as Design intent.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[TheTick]

Add a coordinate system to match how you want the part oriented in your CAM software. When you export files to parasolid, STEP, or IGES, you can select which coordinate system to use (system default or one that you made).

 

[Heckler]

If you're using MasterCAM X it reads native SWx files. Scott is correct, What is Design Intent - Designs are created for a purpose. Design intent is the intellectual arrangements of features and dimensions of a design. Design intent governs that relationship between features in a part and parts in assemblies. The intent of each component of a design is to work as a solution to the design problem.


Best Regards,

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SW2006 SP 5.0 & Pro/E 2001
Dell Precision 370
P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
XP Pro SP2.0
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
o
_`\(,_
(_)/ (_)

Never argue with an idiot. They'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.

 

[AnnaWood]

Design intent doesn't always work nicely with making it easy for manufacturing. Depends on who your audience is that you are modeling for. If you are modeling for the shop then yes model it such a way to make it easy to import/open in your CAM software.

I would think that most any CNC programmer would need to now how to manipulate data, to orient it in the CAM software to work the best for how they want to manufacture a part. They are not always going to models that are oriented optimally for the cutter paths.

Same for the CAD operator that is importing some dumb solids or maybe a dwg/dxf into a sketch. It is not always going to come into your model oriented to the origin the way you wish. You need to know the tools available to you to get the data where you need it in the design.

FWIW,

Anna Wood
SW06 SP5 x64, WinXP x64
Dell Precision 380, Pentium D940, 4 Gigs RAM, FX3450
WD Raptors, 1 Gb network connection

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/solidmuse

 

[G1DESIGN]

im with the tick

its easier to pick a dummy wcs

or even simpler reorient the wcs in mastercam

 

[smcadman]

If possible, change the world coordinate system instead of drawing all your parts at an odd view. It is good practice to create the parts the way it "sits" in the real world.

For example, let's say you are making a simple dining table. You would want to create it with the feet on the ground, not laying it on it's side.

Not sure why Solidworks chose to handle the x-y-x different than it's big brother Catia:

http://www.3ds.com/typo3temp/pics/35b206b510.jpg

To create all the part above laying on it's side in SW seems like it would be a hassle. Again, modify the wcs if possible.

SW07 SP2.0

Flores

 

[AnnaWood]

Flores,

I agree. Good example with the table.

Regards,

Anna

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

"Not sure why Solidworks chose to handle the x-y-x different than it's big brother Catia: "
... because they weren't related when SW was 'born'.
Pro/E was probably it's nearest relative when the PTC condom split and some sperm programmers escaped to breed SW.
I'm not sure how Pro/E applies the XYZ axes.

 

[smcadman]

CBL, sometimes you just "ain't right".

Flores