Limits page
Use the Limits page to restrict the rotation angle of the tool for one or more selected axes. For example, you can choose to limit the tool axis rotation to plus or minus 45 degrees in the Y axis.
To create a tool axis limit, select the check box for the desired axis, then enter the minimum and maximum angles. You can enter positive or negative angles.
Which toolpaths does this page apply to?
This page applies to the following multiaxis toolpaths:
- Swarf
- Curve
- Flow
- Multisurface
- Port
It also applies to the following hole-making toolpaths:
- Thread Mill
- Drill
- Circle Mill
- Helix Bore
- Advanced Drill
- Chamfer Drill
This feature is only available for 4-axis or 5-axis operations. Select 4 axis or 5 axis as the Output format on the Tool Axis Control page.
Parameters
Common toolpath dialog box controls
| Icon | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Detect (FBM Drill) | Analyzes the solid model and detects features based on the Feature Based Machining (FBM) operation's current parameters. View the results of all detected features and their machining information in the Features page. For more information, please refer to Detection States and Modes in FBM. |
|
Reselection is not available |
Hole Wizard features for a Wizard Holes operation can only be selected in Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS. Contact Mastercam for more information. NOTE
Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS is no longer supported starting with Mastercam 2024. |
|
Preview toolpath operations (FBM Drill/Wizard Holes) | Opens the Toolpath Operations Preview dialog box where you can view the list of operations FBM will generate using the current Features page list. |
|
Select default formulae file (3D high speed toolpaths) | Lets you select a different *.formula file, which Mastercam uses to calculate default values. |
|
Save parameters to defaults file | Makes the current toolpath settings the default for future toolpaths of this type. Saves the current values in the toolpath properties pages to the .mcam-defaults file specified in the machine group properties. |
|
Reload parameters from defaults file | Overwrites the current values in the toolpath properties pages with the toolpath's default parameters. These parameters are reloaded from the .mcam-defaults file specified in the machine group properties. |
|
Display graphical elements | Enables the display of graphical elements, such as plane labels and geometry colors. In 2D or 3D toolpaths Mastercam also has Display only elements on current page, Display plane labels, and Simplify plane display as options. |
|
Hide dialog | Minimizes the dialog box so that you can use other Mastercam functions, like changing your shading settings or the graphics window view. When finished, press [Esc] to maximize the dialog box. |
|
Tool Manager | Opens the Tool Manager. Use the Tool Manager to create and edit tool definitions and to work with tool libraries. When you close the Tool Manager, the toolpath dialog box will reappear just as you left it. |
|
Feed speed calculator | Opens the Feed & Speed Calculator dialog box where you can modify the calculated feed rate or spindle speed by adjusting the material and tool parameters. |
|
None |
Page window | This window displays all of the pages that are available to you, depending on the selected toolpath type. A green check mark indicates pages where data has changed in the current session. |
| None | Quick View Settings | This window summarizes key toolpath information from the Tool page, Coolant page, and Planes page. It updates automatically as you make changes to the different pages and is always visible. |
| None | Generate toolpath | When selected, automatically generates the toolpath when you click OK. For more information, refer to Accepting and Generating Toolpaths. |
|
OK | Generates the toolpath and closes the dialog box. If editing a toolpath, applies the changes and closes the dialog box. |
|
Apply | Applies your changes to the toolpath without closing the dialog box. |
|
Cancel | Closes the dialog box and cancels the toolpath creation. If editing a toolpath, any changes to the toolpath are discarded. |
X / Y / Z axis
Select an axis to set tool axis limits around. Select the checkbox to activate the minimum and maximum fields for that axis. You may select any combination of axes appropriate for your needs.
Minimum
Enter the minimum angle value for the tool axis limit. The angle represents a cone generated around the selected axis.
Maximum
Enter the maximum angle value for the tool axis limit. The angle represents a cone generated around the selected axis.
Delete motion that exceeds limits
Select to delete tool vectors that fall outside the range of the set axis limits.
Modify motion that exceeds limits
Select to modify tool vectors that exceed the axis limits that you define on this page. The tool axis will be set to the maximum value or minimum value when it exceeds the limit.
