Linking page: Flow, Curve, Multisurface, Port, Rotary, and Swarf
Use this page to establish the linking parameters for your Multiaxis Flow, Curve, Multisurface, Port, Rotary, Swarf, toolpath. Linking settings determine how the tool moves when it is not cutting material.
Common toolpath dialog box controls
| Icon | Name | Description |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Select default formulae file (3D high speed toolpaths) | Lets you select a different *.formula file, which Mastercam uses to calculate default values. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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OK | Generates the toolpath and closes the dialog box. If editing a toolpath, applies the changes and closes the dialog box. |
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Apply | Applies your changes to the toolpath without closing the dialog box. |
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Cancel | Closes the dialog box and cancels the toolpath creation. If editing a toolpath, any changes to the toolpath are discarded. |
Clearance
Sets the height (at an incremental distance from the current tool position) at which the tool moves to and from the part. Select the checkbox to activate the clearance height. If it is not selected, the Retract value is used as the clearance plane. Click the button to set or change the clearance height. You can select a point on the geometry or enter a value.
Use clearance only at start and end of operation
Rapids to the clearance plane only at the start and end of the toolpath.
Retract
Sets the height (at an incremental distance from the current tool position) that the tool moves up to before the next tool pass. Select the checkbox to activate the retract plane, then click the button and select a point on the geometry or enter a value. The retract height should be set above the feed plane. If you do not enter a Clearance height, the tool will move to the retract height between operations.
Feed plane
Sets the height (at an incremental distance from the current tool position) that the tool rapids to before changing to the plunge rate to enter the part. The tool also moves to this height between operations if you do not enter both the clearance height and the retract height. Choose the Feed plane button and select a point on the geometry or enter a value.
Distance
Select to enter a distance value. If the distance from the end of one pass to the start of the next pass is less than this value, Mastercam will not create a retract move. The tool will move directly between the passes at the feed rate.
% of tool diameter
Select to enter a percentage value. If the distance from the end of one pass to the start of the next pass is less than this value, defined as a percent of the tool diameter, Mastercam will not create a retract move. The tool will move directly between the passes at the feed rate.
