Improved Workflow for Setting Tool Projection

Mastercam Mill-Turn includes a new workflow for setting the tool’s projection length. When you manually adjust the projection by dragging the tool in the graphics window, Mastercam typically displays the projection length measured from the back of the tool holder. Often, this number is not meaningful to the programmer or setup person. Use the new workflow to measure the projection from the face of the tool locator or other meaningful location, making it easy to precisely match a value from a blueprint or setup sheet.

To begin, open the Tool Setup Manager. Right-click on the tool and choose Set projection length.

When the tool appears in the graphics window, click the new mode button. This button toggles between Geometry mode, where you can drag the tool, and Axis mode, where you can drag the gnomon arrow or origin. Click it to switch to Axis mode so you can relocate the zero point to the face of the locator.

Click the axis arrow and drag it to the tip of the tool, or to another point that indicates the maximum tool projection.

Next, drag the ball which represents the origin to the face of the locator, or to the location which represents the zero point for the projection length.

When you have successfully relocated the origin, click the mode button to switch back to Geometry mode.

Now you can click on the tool and drag it to the desired projection length. You can also simply type the desired distance—for example, 80mm—directly in the distance field.