Point Chaining
Mastercam can use point entities in chains as chain start points. You enable this feature by selecting Point in the Chaining dialog box. With point chaining, you can use Mastercam to:
- Generate rapid moves from endpoints to start points: When machining a contour that consists of several closed boundaries, Mastercam retracts the tool at a chain endpoint, then rapids to the start of the next chain and descends back into the workpiece.
- Automate the position of the start point of a chain: When you place point entities along the curve to be chained and select Start chain at point in the Chaining Options dialog box, Mastercam automatically starts the chains at the position of the point entities. The points mark the start points but are not physically part of the chains.
- Control the tool lead-in so that it enters the part from a specific point: You can place a point outside of the geometry and Mastercam can place the lead-in and lead-out in reference to that point. The tool plunges at that point before entering the part. The point becomes an individual chain listed in the Chain Manager.
Points are excluded from other chaining methods. Using Point is the only way to chain a point.
Understanding
points and surface creation
Surface creation can use points in chaining. A point can make up a surface boundary in cases where the geometry is triangular in shape. In the example below, creating a net surface on the triangle requires you to chain a point to make up the fourth surface edge. Chain selection follows the numbers as indicated.
