Mastercam2018 Interface Tutorial

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INTERFACE
TUTORIAL
Mastercam 2018 Interface
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Copyright: 1998 -2018 In-House Solutions Inc. All rights reserved
Software: Mastercam 2018
Author: Mariana Lendel
Revision Date: May 30, 2017
Notice
In-House Solutions Inc. reserves the right to make improvements to this manual at any time and without
notice.
Disclaimer Of All Warranties And Liability
In-House Solutions Inc. makes no warranties, either express or implied, with respect to this manual or
with respect to the software described in this manual, its quality, performance, merchantability, or
fitness for any particular purpose. In-House Solutions Inc. manual is sold or licensed "as is." The entire risk
as to its quality and performance is with the buyer. Should the manual prove defective following its
purchase, the buyer (and not In-House Solutions Inc., its distributor, or its retailer) assumes the entire
cost of all necessary servicing, repair, of correction and any incidental or consequential damages. In no
event will In-House Solutions Inc. be liable for direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from
any defect in the manual, even if In-House Solutions Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such
damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Copyrights
This manual is protected under International copyright laws. All rights are reserved. This document may
not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic
medium or machine readable form without prior consent, in writing, from In-House Solutions Inc.
Trademarks
Mastercam is a registered trademark of CNC Software, Inc.
Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, MS, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation;
Windows 8 and Windows 10, are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
This document requires Mastercam Mill and Solids for Chapter 5.
Legend
Conventions
Key words and Mastercam menu items are shown in bold the first time they are used. Columns on the outside
edges of each page and note pages at the end of each chapter provide ample space for taking notes.
Useful tips, recommended settings, best practices, and detailed instruction on the most important features are
included when possible.
Terms
The following terms are used throughout this book.
• Left Click means to click once on the left mouse button.

• Click means the same as left click.
• Right Click means to click once on the right mouse button.
• Scroll means to roll the mouse scroll wheel, or move the scroll index in a list.
• Options are Mastercam functions selected from the main menu.
• Enter means to select the <Enter> key on your computer keyboard.
• Press means to press on a keyboard key.
• Choose means to select a menu option or button.
• Open/Close means to open or close a dialog or information box.
• Dialog Box/Panel is a window that opens to allow input of information and setting of defaults.
• Drop Down/Flyout Menus are menus that expand down, left, right, or up, to reveal more menu lists.
• A Function is the same as a menu option or command.
• Help means the Mastercam help files loaded with your software.
Mastercam 2018 Interface Page |1

Page |2 Mastercam 2018 Interface
OBJECTIVES
This book explains the overall design and use of Mastercam’s 2018 Graphical User Interface (GUI).
 First you will study the GUI layout and interface components including Ribbon Tabs, Hot Keys, Dialog Boxes
and Panels.
 You will learn how to configure and customize Mastercam to suit your own preferences and maximize
productivity.
 A detailed explanation about the new ribbon tabs and where the commands and functions that you used in
previous versions are located will conclude this book.
Mastercam 2018 Interface Page|3

MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE
An illustration of the Mastercam workspace is shown below. Because this workspace is dynamic and
customizable, your screen may appear somewhat different from that shown.
For instructional purposes, this example shows notes and interface components that are not normally displayed
together. For example, the Grid is active, and Drop Down menu and Panel are shown offset from their normal
position for clarity.
Item Definition
Window Control Minimize, Restore Down or Close Mastercam.

Quick Access Toolbar Groups functions that are most used and displays them as Icons. Icons are
picture representations of functions.
Backstage By selecting FILE you open the Backstage where you have access to functions
that are used to open, save, and manage MCAM and other file types.
Ribbon Tabs The Ribbon tabs allows you to select all Mastercam functions from a list of
words across the top of the workspace. These tabs open ribbons with specific
commands.
Panels/ Dialog boxes A window that opens to allow input of information and setting options. Dialog
boxes are tailored for specific functions and often feature descriptive graphics
to simplify user input.

Item Definition
Drop-down Menu Menus that expand downward.

Graphic Area Area where geometry and toolpaths are created, edited, and displayed.
Origin Intersection of X, Y, Z axes.
Mouse Cursor Shows mouse location. Appears as a cross hair over the graphic area and as
arrow when over a menu item.
Mini Toolbar Displays the current attributes and allows the users to quick change them.
RMB Right Mouse Button. Clicking on Right Mouse Button with cursor in the graphics
area opens the RMB menu.
Function Prompt Prompts for user input. Provide information and prompts for next expected
action
Plane Information Information regarding the active planes, and WCS (Work Coordinate System)
Toolpaths/Solids/Planes/ Toolpaths manager panel lists the toolpath operations allowing you to
Levels Managers/Recent generate, sort, edit, regenerate, verify, backplot, and post any operation.
Functions Solids panel displays the history of the solid operations and allows you to view,
manage, and edit solids and solid operations.
Planes manager allows you to set the current Graphic view, the World
Coordinate System, the Construction plane and the Tool plane.
Levels manager allows you to manage the level settings for the current part file.
Recent Function panel displays a list with the latest functions used.
Quick Mask buttons Allows you to select entities based on an specific criteria. In Mastercam 2018
the buttons are divided in half.
Clicking on the left side of the button you select all entities that are matching
the mask function. Clicking on the right side of the Mask button you select only
the entities that are matching the mask function.
Keyboard Command Not shown. Keyboard Function keys [F1-F12] and other key combinations can
be assigned to functions.

Ribbon Interface
Mastercam 2018 features a ribbon interface that is similar with other software such as Microsoft Office products.
With this interface it is easier to find the functions you need to complete your part. The nine ribbon tabs allow
you to access every function available in the software. Each ribbon tab is a list of similar functions displayed from
simple to more complex. Each tab contains groups of commands specific to a type of activity. The ribbon tabs
combine icons with text which makes finding a function very easy.
To hide the ribbons and gain more space in the graphics window, double click in the tab area as shown in
Figure: 1.
Figure: 1
To display the ribbons back, double click again in the tab area as shown in Figure: 2.
Figure: 2
There are designated ribbon tabs to create or to manipulate the geometry using wireframe, surfaces or solids.
Special ribbon tab is allocated to dimension the geometry.

You also have a specific Machine tab that includes your machines. Selecting a machine will open a contextual tab
that contains all the toolpaths and related functions that can be used with the machine.
To move from one tab to the next one you can hover the cursor above the tab area and scroll up the mouse
wheel to move to the next tab on the left or scroll down the mouse wheel to move to the next tab to the right.
To start a command you select the specific ribbon tab and the ribbon opens along the top edge of the graphics
area. In the ribbon, you then click on the command icon. One of the most common ways to work with Mastercam
is shown in Figure: 3.
Choose a function by moving the cursor over it until the icon and text background color change, and then left click
once. This causes a panel or a dialog box to appear. Make the desired changes in the function panel and follow
the prompts. Select the OK button to finish the command.
Figure: 3

Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar is located at the upper left corner of the screen.
By default, Quick Access Toolbar has the following functions, as shown in Figure: 4.
Figure: 4
Mastercam File (Backstage) Functions
By selecting FILE you open the Backstage where you have access to functions that are used to open, save, and
manage Mastercam files and other file types.
Click FILE to access the Backstage view.

You can also access information about the current file, customize the interface, open the help, or connect with
the Mastercam community. The following functions are available in the Backstage view.
The Community tab links your Mastercam installation to your Mastercam.com user account. It also manages your
feedback to improve the quality of the software. Customer Satisfaction Survey rates Mastercam quality,
usefulness and ease of use.

Manager Panels
In the VIEW tab, the Managers group allows you to toggle the display of the Toolpaths, Solids, Planes, Levels,
Groups and Recent Functions panels. It also allows you to access the Multi-Threading Manager and if you
purchased Art, the Art Manager can be activated here too.
Once the managers are selected, the respective panels should appear on the left side of the graphics window as
shown.
To hide all panels, click on the Auto Hide icon.

The panels will be hidden to the left of the graphics window as shown.
To re-open the panels you can click on one of the managers’ tabs. To dock the panel click again on the pin icon.
Grid
The Grid superimposes a pattern of dots and dashed lines on the drawing space. Evenly spaced dots provide a
visual cue of the approximate size and location of part features. Furthermore, the center of the grid shows the
part origin.
Activate the grid dialog box by selecting the VIEW then select the Grid dialog launcher as shown.

The Grid Settings dialog box appears as shown.

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General Selection bar
The General Selection Bar is a combination between AutoCursor and General Selection from the previous
versions of Mastercam.

Quick Mask Buttons
The Quick Mask buttons allow the quick selection of all the entities of a specified type, attribute, diameter, or
length. The QM buttons are located to the left in the graphics window as shown.
The buttons are divided in two sections. The left upper side allows you to select all entities that can be grouped
based on their type or specific attributes. The right lower side of the button allows you to select only entities
similarly grouped.
For example, to select all lines, click on the left upper side of the button to Select all line entities button as
shown.
To select only entities that are lines, click on the right lower side of the button to Select only line entities as
shown.
The following Quick Mask buttons are available in Mastercam.
Item Definition
Select all/only point entities Selects all/only points from the graphics window.
Select all/only line entities Selects all/only lines from the graphics window.

Item Definition
Select all/only arc entities Selects all/only arcs from the graphics window.
Select all/only spline entities Selects all/only splines from the graphics window.
Select all/only wireframe Selects all/only wireframe entities from the graphics window.
entities
Select all/only drafting Selects all/only drafting entities from the graphics window.
entities
Select all/only surface Selects all/only surfaces from the graphics window.
entities
Select all/only solid entities Selects all/only solids from the graphics window.
Select all results entities Selects all entities that were create after a transform command.
Select all group entities Selects all entities that were selected in a transform command.
Select all named group Select all the entities that were saved under a group.
entities
Select all/only entities by Selects all/only entities that have the same color from the graphics
color window.
Select all/only entities by Selects all/only entities from the desired levels.
level
Select all/only advanced Opens Select all dialog box in which you can filter entities to be selected
based on common type, attributes or properties.
Clear selection/all masking Unselect all selected entities or all masked entities from the graphics
window.

Select all advanced button allows you to select all the entities that have the same combined conditions.
The following dialog box appears on the screen.

In this case you can select same type of entities that also have the same attributes.

The Select only advanced button opens a dialog box that lets you configure the cursor to only select entities of a
specified type, attribute diameter or length.
For example, to select only arcs of a specified diameter, click to place a checkmark by the Miscellaneous option
and then click on the Miscellaneous button. Then, enable Diameter and enter a value in its field. Exit the Select
Only dialog box and pick entities from the graphic area.
Only entities that are matching the criteria set will be selected. Using this dialog box prohibits you from choosing
entities that do not match your criteria.

Mini Toolbar and Right Mouse Click Options
The new Mini toolbar allows you to quick change entities’ attributes, the construction mode and the z depth of
the construction plane.
The commands that are included in the Mini toolbar are shown in Figure: 5.
Figure: 5

Mastercam 2018 allows you to transform the Mini toolbar to be able to access the attributes at all times as you
did with the Status bar in previous Mastercam X versions.
Click on the Toggle Attributes Panel icon to lock the toolbar as shown.
The toolbar should look as shown.
To re-attached the Mini toolbar to the Right Mouse Click, select the Toggle Attributes Panel icon again.
A simplified Status Bar exists at the bottom of the graphics window. You can use it to quick modify the
construction mode (2D/3D), the Cplane, the Tplane and the WCS plane as well as to set the appearance options
for surfaces and solids.

CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE
Customizing Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar is located at the upper left corner of the screen and by default, it contains the functions
shown in Figure: 6 .
Figure: 6
You can move the QAT above or below the ribbon and you can customize it as needed by selecting the drop down
arrow as shown.

You can customize Mastercam’s Quick Access Toolbar, ribbon tabs, drop-down menus, and RMB menus using
the FILE, Options dialog box. You can Add, Remove functions from the toolbar or you can Reset the toolbar to the
original functions that Mastercam installation provides.
The Options dialog box with the Quick Access Toolbar should look as shown.

The ability to customize Mastercam is a powerful tool for improving productivity.

To add a new command to the QAT, you have to find first the command in the ribbon. Then right mouse click on
it and select Add to Quick Access Toolbar.
For example, to add Clear Colors to the QAT, from the HOME ribbon, right mouse click on the Clear Colors icon as
shown.
The QAT should look as shown.

Create a New Ribbon Tab
Create a custom Ribbon Tab using the FILE, Options dialog box. From the Options dialog box select Customize
Ribbon. Select New Tab button to create a new tab and a new group. Mastercam will automatically create a tab
named New Tab (Custom) with a group named New Group (Custom). Rename both tab and group.
Click on the Choose command from drop down arrow to display a list with all the Mastercam commands. Select
the command you want to be added in the new group and click on the Add button.
For example, you may want to create a toolbar with your favorite geometry creation commands as shown in
Figure: 7.
Figure: 7

From the All Commands, select another function and click on Add. Repeat this step until you created a group
with all the functions you desire, as shown in Figure: 8. Select the OK button to finish.
Figure: 8
• Step 1: Select New Tab.

• Step 2: Rename the tab and the group.
• Step 3: Select the category from where you can select the command you want.
• Step 4: Select the command that you want to add.
• Step 5: Click on the Add button.
• Step 6: Select the OK button to finish.

The My Tab ribbon should look as shown.
If you want to create another group that contains, for example, the toolpaths that you are usually using, follow
the same method and create a new group by selecting New group.
Customize the Context Menu (RMB Menu)
Change drop-down and context menu (right mouse button menus) using the Options dialog box.
For example, you could customize the RMB like the one shown in Figure: 9 to select all common geometry
creation and editing commands without moving the mouse away from the work area.
Figure: 9

• Step 1: Select Context Menu.

• Step 2: Change Category to Geometry.
• Step 3: Click on the last function to add the submenu below it.
• Step 4: From the Category select Create Line Endpoint.
• Step 5: Select the Add button.
• Step 6: Right mouse click on the Line Endpoint and select the Create submenu.
• Step 7: Rename the submenu Geometry and click on the plus sign to expand it.
• Step 4: Repeat the process to add the rest of the geometry functions.
• Step 5: Select Add button.
The Context Menu dialog box should look as shown.

Key Mapping
Key Mapping allows you to assign keyboard shortcuts, which are single or pairs of keyboard selections to execute
Mastercam functions. There are two types of hot keys:
• Function Keys (F1 thru F12).

• Letters or numbers selected with Alt or Ctrl (example: Alt-S).
Assign keyboard shortcuts using the FILE, Options dialog box and then in the Quick Access Toolbar, select the
Customize button.
Pick the Category and then the command from the list as shown in Figure: 10.
In the Press new shortcut key enter the key combination as shown in Figure: 10.
Select the Assign button to finish.
Figure: 10

HOME RIBBON
HOME RIBBON
The HOME ribbon allows you to copy/paste, set the attributes, delete/undelete entities, set some of the display
options, analyze the geometry and open the C-hook directory as shown in Figure: 11.
Figure: 11
Clipboard group
Attributes group
Attributes group is used to set the drawing attributes such as color, line style, and line width. Any new geometry
will be created using the active attributes.

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HOME RIBBON
To set the attributes, you have to make sure first that no entities are selected. Then you can select the attribute
or a group of attributes that you want to use while creating the geometry.
To change an attribute for one or more selected entities, you need first to select the entities and then to select
and set the attribute.
If you want to change a group of attributes, click on the Set All icon and then select the entities that you
want to change the attributes. The Attributes dialog box will open as shown.
Organize group
Organize allows you to set the Z depth of the construction plane. It also allows you to set the main level on which
you will create the geometry or change the level of existing entities.

HOME RIBBON
Delete group
Delete group allows you to delete selected entities, permanently remove entities that are not associative,
duplicate entities or undelete entities that you erased by mistake.
Here are some fast and easy ways to pick entities and delete them.
• Pick Single Entities: Click once with the left mouse button on the entity to select it.
• Window Entities: Click and hold the left mouse button and drag the cursor to form a rectangle around
them. Click and then release the button.
• Chain Select: Hold down the Shift key and click on an entity to select.
After selecting the entities, select the Delete key on the keyboard or the Delete icon to delete the entities.
Display group
Display area, allows you to use the Hide/Unhide function, display the arc center points, endpoints and to remove
entities from the screen using the Blank function.

VIEW RIBBON
Analyze group
Analyze area allows you to analyze the entity properties and to edit some or all properties. You can also analyze
the position of a point, a distance between two points, a contour or a chain. You can analyze all entity types such
as lines, arcs, points, splines, surfaces, solids and drafting dimensions.
Add-Ins group
VIEW RIBBON
The VIEW ribbon allows you to change the way the entities are displayed in the graphics window using the zoom
functions and the graphics view. You can also change the appearance of the surfaces or solids, set the managers
that are active, and set the display of the axes or gnomons. You can set and display the grid, control the rotation
position and set the viewsheets as shown in Figure: 12.
Figure: 12

VIEW RIBBON
Zoom group
Mastercam offers several zoom options to change your view of entities in the graphics window.
To zoom in and out you can also scroll up and down the mouse wheel once you select a focus point on the part.
Named Graphic Views
Mastercam predefines nine of the most commonly used Graphic views and Construction planes: Top, Front, Right,
Left, Back, Bottom, Isometric, Isometric Reverse, and Trimetric. Later you will learn how to select and create
Construction planes in any orientation.
Figure: 13
Changing Views
Mastercam provides many ways to change views, including:

• Graphics View in the VIEW Ribbon.
• Keyboard View Commands.
• Right Mouse View Commands.

VIEW RIBBON
The Graphics Views can be set from the Graphics View group of the VIEW ribbon.
The Views can also be changed using the mouse. Hold the mouse wheel down and move the mouse to either Pan
or Dynamic change view, depending on the settings in the system configuration.
You can hold down the S key and the mouse wheel to rotate the part. It will snap to the standard graphic view
closer to your current rotation.
NOTE: You have to be fairly close to the standard view for Mastercam to snap to it. This method does not
change the construction plane.
You can also rotate the part about one of the axis if you hold down X, Y or Z key and use the mouse wheel to
rotate the part.

Keyboard Commands
These are the most commonly used view keyboard commands:
Function Key(s) Function Key(s)
Zoom F1 Top View Alt+1

Fit Screen Alt+F1 Front View Alt+2
Unzoom F2 Right View Alt+5
Repaint F3 Isometric View Alt+7
Appearance group
The Appearance area allows you to choose different shading display options. Applying shading to surfaces and
solids in the graphics window helps you visualize 3D geometry while you work.
Use this area to set other shading parameters such as hidden edges, material appearance, translucency, lighting
mode and other properties.
Managers group
The Managers area allows you to toggle the display of the Toolpaths, Solids, Planes, Levels, Groups and Recent
Functions panels. It also allows you to access the Muti-Threading Manager and if you purchased Art, the Art
Manager can be activated here too.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
WIREFRAME RIBBON
Wireframe geometry commands are selectable from the WIREFRAME Tab.

Figure 14 shows the commands used to create wireframe geometry. The commands are arranged in groups
based on entity types or specific activity. The groups are displayed in the ribbon from basic to more complex
functions.
Figure 14

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Enter Coordinate Values and AutoCursor Toolbar
During geometry creation, AutoCursor automatically finds and locks (snaps) to geometry features. For example,
as the cursor approaches the endpoint of an existing line, the cursor jumps and locks onto it.
The AutoCursor is located in the General Selection bar. Figure 15 shows what options Mastercam has to
preselect geometric features using the AutoCursor.
Figure 15
To enter the coordinates of a point you can press Space bar or simply start to type the X, Y, Z coordinate values.
The values are separated by commas and should be entered in this order; first the X value, then a comma, then
the Y value followed by a comma and then the Z value. Press Enter to finish the point.
If you enter the specific label (X, Y or Z) in front of the value, you do not need to enter the coordinates in the
specified order.
Figure 16 shows examples of how to enter the coordinate values.
Figure 16

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Configure AutoCursor Dialog
Use AutoCursor Settings to disable or enable the geometric features AutoCursor will sense.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Undo/Redo
As you work, Mastercam keeps track of your actions. If you make a mistake, click on the Undo icon (left arrow) to
undo the action or press Ctrl Z. Continue clicking on the Undo button to undo the next previous action. The
Redo (right arrow) function reverses Undo actions or press Ctrl Y. The Undo and Redo icons are located in the
QAT.
Retrieving Numeric Data
As in the previous versions of Mastercam, right click in any data field in Mastercam to retrieve numeric data from
existing geometry. Figure 17 shows a right click with the cursor in the angle field on the Line Endpoints panel. This
opens a drop-down menu. Select the geometry feature to query, and then follow the function prompts.
Figure 17

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Lines
Create lines by selecting the WIREFRAME tab, then select the type of the line from the Lines group as shown
in Figure 18.
Figure 18
Since Mastercam 2017, the Line Normal command allows you to create a line perpendicular to a surface or a solid
face. You can also create points where the line contacts the surface or at the endpoint of the line. This command
was under the Create Point Dynamic in previous versions.
In the Line Normal panel you should enter the Length. You will be prompted to select the surface or the solid face
and then to select the locations to create the normal lines.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
The Line Normal panel should look as shown.
Term Definition
Line Normal Panel identifier.
Entity Contact point creates points at the contact point between the line and
the surface.
End point creates points at the other endpoint of the normal line.
Without any of the entities selected, Mastercam will create just the
normal line.
Reselect Allows you to select another location for the normal line.
Length Sets the line normal length.
Direction Normal creates the line on the surface or surface solid in the same
direction as the surface normal.
Reverse Normal will reverse the normal line direction.
Both creates the normal line in both directions.
OK and Create New Creates the line but keeps panel open allowing you to continue in the
Operation same command.
OK Creates the line but also leaves the line command, same as selecting the
[ESC] key.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Line Panels
The Line panels control values and relations of lines. Line parameters can be changed until the OK and Create
New operation or OK buttons are selected to complete its creation. Until then, the entity is said to be "live" and
is a cyan color. When fully defined, the line changes to the default drawing color. The Line Endpoint panel is
shown in Figure 19.
Figure 19
Term Definition
Line Endpoint Panel identifier.
Type Freeform allows you to draw the line at any desired angle.
Tangent specifies a line to be tangent to arc or spline. When this option is
active, the line will be tangent to the arc if no other geometric feature,
such as an endpoint or quadrant, is selected.
Horizontal draws a horizontal line.
Vertical draws a vertical line.
X axis offset-value of a vertical line, Y axis offset-value of a horizontal
line. When either the Vertical or Horizontal is active, the horizontal/
vertical position value allows users to set the X or Y position of the line.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Term Definition
Method Two endpoints allows you to create one line at the time entering the two
endpoints.
Midpoint
Multi-line creates a string of lines.
Endpoint 1 Changes the value of the start point.
Endpoint 2 Changes the value of the end point.
Length Enters/displays the length of line.
Angle Enters/displays the angle of line.
Axis Offset Moves a live line by a defined distance along X and Y axis.
OK and Create New Creates the line but keeps panel open allowing you to continue in the
Operation same command.
OK Creates line but also leave the line create option, same as selecting the
[ESC] key.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
More Line Options
Other functions on the line drop-down menu are shown below:
You should be able to create lines using any of these options by simply following the function prompts. If you
have problems, use the online help [Alt-H].
Arcs
Create arcs by selecting WIREFRAME, from the Arcs group select the desired command as shown.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Arc Panels
The Arc panels controls values and relations of arc entities as they are being created. The arc panel changes
depending on the type of arc selected. Circle center point command is the most common selection. It uses the
following panel as shown in Figure 20.
Figure 20
Function Definition
Circle Center Point Title box: identifies this as the Circle Center Point panel.
Method Manual allows you to create full circles from a center point.
Tangent allows you to create circles tangent to existing entity given a
center point
Center Point Reselect Edits the center point while arc is live.
Radius Radius input. Press space bar and enter R to jump to this field. Click on the
locker icon to lock the value.
Diameter Input diameter. Press space bar and enter D to jump to this field. Click on
the locker icon to lock the value.
OK and Create New Operation Creates the circle but keeps the panel open to continue to create another
circle.
OK Completes the circle and exits the command.

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WIREFRAME RIBBON
Depending on the arc option selected, the following options may appear on other arc panels.
Arc Tangent
Circle Edge Point
Arc Polar
Arc Polar Endpoints

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Creating Arcs
Follow the steps below to create a circle with center point at (X1,Y1) and diameter of 0.5 inch.
• Step 1: Select the WIREFRAME tab and from the Arcs group select the Circle Center Point icon.
• Step 2: Enter D on the keyboard and set the arc diameter to 0.5 inch. If creating several arcs with the
same diameter, click on the locker icon to lock the diameter.
• Step 3: Select the AutoCursor Fast Point icon from the Selection bar to open the coordinates field and
enter 1,1. Press the Enter key. A Cyan colored circle is displayed, indicating the circle is a "live" entity.
Altering parameters on the ribbon bar can still change live entities.
• Step 4: Complete the arc using any of the following options:

• Click on the OK button in the Circle Center Point panel shown in Step 2 above or Press the Esc key on the
keyboard.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
More Arc Options
Other arc options on the Arcs group are shown below:
You should be able to create arcs using any of these options by simply following the function prompts. If you have
problems, use the on-line help [Alt+H].
Fillet
A Fillet is an arc between two entities. The Fillet Entities and Fillet Chain commands are located in the Modify
group as shown.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Fillet Entities Panel
The fillet panel controls the radius, fillet style, and trim choice.
Mastercam has five fillet styles: Normal, Inverse, Circle, Clearance and Relief.
Creating a Relief using Fillet command
Follow the steps below to create a Relief fillet between two lines.
• Step 1: Select the WIREFRAME ribbon and from the Modify group, select the Fillet Entities icon.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
• Step 2: Set the fillet Style, Radius and Trim in the Fillet Entities panel.
• Step 3: Select the first line as the tangent edge for the fillet.
• Step 4: Select the second line to fillet.
• Step 5: Select the OK to create the fillet.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Chamfer Entities Panel
The Chamfer Entities panel works similar to Fillet and provides several ways to define the chamfer. Select the
chamfer Method and fill in any open fields. Function prompts will pop up in the graphic area to help you select
entities to create the chamfer.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Point
Mastercam displays points using one of eight point styles. To set the point style, right mouse click in the graphics
window to open the Mini Toolbar. Click on the arrow to the right side of the Point Style in the Mini Toolbar and
select the desired style as shown.
You can also use the same steps from the HOME ribbon in the Attributes group.
Point Commands
To create points, select WIREFRAME and from the Points group select the drop down arrow next to the Point
Position and choose the desired point command.
The Point Dynamic command which creates a point along an entity by dragging the cursor along the entity and
clicking. This command was under the Create Point Dynamic in previous versions.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
The Point Dynamic panel looks as shown.
Item Definition
Distance along Specifies the position of the point on the selected entity. Enter a value in
the Along field, and select an entity on which to place the point.
Point Position Panel
Point Position panel below allows editing of the point coordinates while the point is live.
Item Definition
Point Position Title box: Identifies this as the Point Position panel.
Type Point allows you to create a point from existing geometry or by entering
X, Y, Z coordinates.
Thread Point allows you to create a thread point that specifies where a
wire machine threads the wire.
Cut Point allows you to create a cut point that specifies where a wire
machine cuts the wire.
Reselect Allow editing of the point coordinates while the entity is still live.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Depending on the point option selected, the following options may appear on other point ribbon bars.
Point Segment
Point Small Arcs
Create Points
Follow the steps below to create a point given its X,Y coordinates.
• Step 1: Select the WIREFRAME tab and from the Points group select the Point Position command.
• Step 2: Press the Spacebar on the computer keyboard to open the coordinates field and enter 1,1. Press
the Enter key. This places a point at the coordinates: X1, Y1.
• Step 3: Complete the point by pressing Enter and then selecting the OK button in the Point Position
panel.
More Point Function
You should be able to create points using any of these options by simply following the function prompts. If you
have problems, use Mastercam help (Alt-H).

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Trim Break Extend Options
In Mastercam, entities are trimmed, broken or extended using the same Trim Break Extend function. To trim or
extend entities, select the WIREFRAME tab and from the Modify group click on the Trim Break Extend icon as
shown below.
The Break at Points command allows you to break lines, arcs and splines at points that lies on them. You have to
have the points already created along the entities and to include them in the selection. Use window selection to
include the points.
Trim Break Extend Panel
In the Type area you can set the command to Trim or to Break entities. The rest of the options are define as
shown.
More Wireframe Geometry Options

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Mastercam has many wireframe geometry commands to make your job easier. For example, the Rectangular
shapes command creates rectangles, obrounds, and D-holes. You could create these objects using line and arc
commands. However, the rectangle shapes command makes creating these shapes easier by defining them with
settings and parameters.
Shapes Group Commands
The following commands are organized in the Shapes group.
Rectangle Options
Create a rectangle by selecting the WIREFRAME tab and selecting Rectangle icon from the Shapes group as
shown below.
Rectangle Panel
The Rectangle option uses the panel shown below.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Letters
Create letters by selecting the WIREFRAME tab, Create Letters icon from the Shapes group as shown.
The following options are available in the Create Letters dialog box.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
Bounding Box
From WIREFRAME tab, select Bounding Box to create wireframe geometry, a solid model, or a stock model
around selected entities. The command creates a rectangular or a cylindrical shape. This function is especially
useful to determine the overall dimensions of a part.
Since Mastercam 2017, you can create center points on each face of the box.
The Bounding Box Basic tab should look as shown.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
The Bounding Box Advanced tab should look as shown.
Drafting
Mastercam has extensive drafting capabilities. Unless you are doing tool design, you probably do not need to
create detailed drawings. However, some basic dimensioning skills are useful for creating setup sheets,
documenting your work for future reference, or communicating your ideas to others.
All the drafting commands are in the DRAFTING tab as shown.
To learn more about drafting functions, select Alt-H for Mastercam Help.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
The following groups and options are available in the DRAFTING ribbon.

WIREFRAME RIBBON
The Drafting panel for the Smart Dimension command should look as shown.
In the Basic tab, you can choose the method in which you create the dimension between Auto, Horizontal and
Vertical. You can add the display for the arc symbols and modify the appearance of the witness lines. The leaders
arrow direction can be set here as well as the editing the text, format and height.

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WIREFRAME RIBBON
The Advanced tab allows you to set the text position and select the drafting Options.

TRANSFORM RIBBON
TRANSFORM RIBBON
Transform geometry by selecting a function from TRANSFORM tab as shown in Figure 21.
Figure 21
Item Definition
Dynamic Used to manipulate geometry orientation and location through the use of an
interactive gnomon.
Rotate Rotates about Origin or point.
Translate Moves, copies or joins the geomery in X-Y coordinate system.
Translate To Plane Translates between views, or planes.
Project Projects entities to a depth, plane, or surface.
Move to Origin Moves your geometry to the Origin.
Mirror Flips about an axis, line, or two points.
Roll Used to wrap/unwrap entities around a cylinder.
Offset Entity Used to to move, copy, join, or slot a single entity parallel to the original,
generating it a defined distance and perpendicular to the original entity.
Offset Chain Used to move, copy, join or slot one or more chained entities, displacing them
by a defined distance and direction and, optionally, a depth.
Geometry Nesting Automatically transform and copy entities to fit within a specified space.
Rectangular Array Makes copies in a circular or linear pattern.
Distribute Create multiple copies of geometry between two defined points and along a
vector.
Scale Makes a larger or smaller drawing.
Stretch Moves entities and automatically update connected geometry.

TRANSFORM RIBBON
A new option in the Scale, the Scale Calculator, allows you to calculate the scale factor based on existing
geometry. You define the Base by entering or selecting an existing entity Line, Diameter, Radius or the distance
between two points. Then in the Result you set the value that you wish the base to become.

SOLIDS RIBBON
SOLIDS RIBBON
Create solids by selecting Solids commands from the SOLIDS tab as shown.
Introduced in Mastercam 2017, Impression allows you to create a solid body from a closed chain and a negative
impression of an existing solid as shown in Figure: 22.
Figure: 22

MODEL PREP RIBBON
Create a Solid Impression
Follow the steps below to create the Solid Impression.

• Step 1: Create a boundary around the original solid, using Silhouette Boundary command.
• Step 2: Use Offset Contour command and offset inside the boundary with a very small amount such as
0.005".
• Step 3: From the Solids tab, select Impression icon.
• Step 4: Select the boundary.
• Step 5: Select the solid.
MODEL PREP RIBBON
Model Prep allows you to edit an existing solid by using options such as move faces or edges, move or copy
existing features, split solid faces, modify or remove features or fillets, create hole axis, simplify and remove all
history, and modify solid face color or set feature colors.
Modify the solids by selecting the MODEL PREP tab as shown.
The commands from the SOLIDS and MODEL PREP ribbons are working in the same way as in previous
Mastercam versions.

SURFACES RIBBON
SURFACES RIBBON
Surfaces supported by Mastercam and where are they located in Mastercam 2018 are shown in the ribbon
below.

MACHINE RIBBON
MACHINE RIBBON
The MACHINE tab allows you also to set the Control Definition, Machine Definition and the Material. You can
start the Backplot and Verify simulations as well as the Machine Simulation. Note that you can still open
Backplot and Verify from the Toolpaths Manager.

TOOLPATHS RIBBON
TOOLPATHS RIBBON
Note that by default there are no toolpath functions displayed in the ribbons. To activate the toolpaths, you first
need to choose a machine from the MACHINE tab. As soon as you choose a machine, one or two new tabs known
as contextual tabs will appear on the screen that will include all the related toolpaths.
The TOOLPATHS tab for a mill machine starts with 2D toolpath group, moving to 3D toolpaths and finally to the
Multiaxis toolpath group as shown.
Lathe and Mill-Turn machines include multiple tabs. For example the Lathe contextual tabs include Turning and
Milling tabs as shown.

TOOLPATHS RIBBON
To see all the toolpaths that are included in a group you can click on the Expand library arrow and the Toolpath
gallery will appear as shown in Figure: 23.
Figure: 23

TOOLPATHS RIBBON
Note that since Mastercam 2017, the Toolpath gallery for the 3D toolpath group does not include some of the
legacy toolpaths from the previous Mastercam toolpaths such as Shallow or Leftover.

You can access all the Legacy toolpaths in the Toolpaths Manager, right mouse click and select Mill toolpaths as
shown in Figure: 24.
Figure: 24

LEVELS MANAGER
LEVELS MANAGER
With the Levels Manager, you can set the active level, choose a level on which to create entities, select which
levels are visible in the graphics window, and much more. To open Levels Manager, make sure that in the VIEW
tab, Managers group, Levels is enabled as shown.
The Levels Manager panel will be placed to the left side of the graphics window and you can open it by clicking on
the Levels tab as shown.

LEVELS MANAGER
The Levels Manager options should look as shown in Figure 25.
Figure 25

CONSTRUCTION PLANES (CPLANES)
Mastercam predefines the most commonly used Cplanes -- those aligned with the coordinate system XYZ axes.
These can be selected from the Planes Manager, or the Status Bar.
To open Planes Manager, make sure that in the VIEW tab, Managers group, the Planes are enabled as shown.
The Planes Manager panel will be placed to the left side of the graphics window and you can open it by clicking
on the Planes tab as shown.

The Planes Manager options should look as shown in Figure 26.
Figure 26

Item Definition
Create a new plane Allows you to select one of the options to defined a new plane.
From Geometry Defines a Cplane by selecting a flat entity, two lines, or three points. A flat
entity is an arc, 2D spline, flat surface, or flat solid face.
From Solid Face Selects a plane by picking on a flat solid geometry face.
FromGview Creates a Cplane the same as the current Graphics View.
From Entity Normal Uses an entity to define the Z-axis of a Cplane.
Relative to WCS Sets Cplane to be the same as a defined WCS.
Dynamic Creates a plane through the use of an interactive gnomon in the graphics
window.
Select lathe plane Allows you to select one of the available planes used to draw and machine a
lathe part.
Lathe Diameter Predefined Cplanes Lathe planes that are using the diameter and the z
coordinates such as +D +Z, -D +Z, +D -Z, -D -Z.
Lathe Radius Predefined Cplanes Lathe planes that are using the radius and the z
coordinates such as +X +Z, -X +Z, +X -Z, -X -Z.
Find a plane Allows you to find an existing plane previously defined.
Display options Allows you to customize which planes are shown, and if the gnomon and
plane info are displayed.
Follow Rules Allows you to enable rules such as updating the Cplane and Tplane when
changing Gview.
You can also set the Cplane from the Status bar as shown.

Create Planes
The following options are available to create a new plane.
Since Mastercam 2017, the Rotate Plane option is removed. You can use Dynamic plane instead.
Dynamic Plane uses an interactive gnomon to create a plane in the graphics window. The gnomon comprises
three axes connected at the origin, with selection points on the gnomon's segments.
The selection points on the gnomon are defined as shown.

The Dynamic plane command can be triggered by clicking the Gview gnomon locate at the lower left corner of
the graphics window.
• Step 1: Hover the cursor above the gnomon until is highlighted and then click on the origin ball.
• Step 2: Drag the gnomon to a position on the geometry where the new origin will be located as shown.

• Step 3: Align the X-axis by picking the proper portion of the arc and then select the Endpoint as shown.
• Step 4: Align the Y-axis by picking the proper portion of the arc and then select the Endpoint as shown.
• Step 5: Named the plane and select the OK button to exit Dynamic Plane panel.

Construction Plane From Two Lines Example
Any two lines that intersect can define a Cplane. Ideally, the lines intersect at a 90-degree angle and share an
endpoint. This is a preferred way to define Cplanes since it is easy to set the orientation, Origin, and axes
directions based on how the entities are selected.
• Step 1: Open the Planes Manager panel and select the arrow next to New plane icon.
• Step 2: Select From Geometry.
• Step 3: Select one line that represents the new Cplane X+ axis. Pick the line near the new Cplane Origin.
Then select a line that represents the new Cplane Y+ axis near the new Cplane Origin.
• Step 4: Observe the axes indicator. Use the arrows to toggle through the possible solutions until you see
the one you want and then click on the green checkmark.

• Step 5: By default, the new Cplane is assigned a number. Name the Cplane by entering it in the Name
field. The Origin of the new plane is where the two lines intersect. Shift the Origin by clicking on the arrow
below the Origin field and then picking a point on the part.

2D/3D DRAWING MODE
Construction Depth (Z:)
Work on any space parallel to the active Cplane by changing the Construction Depth setting, Z: setting in the
HOME tab, Organize group as shown in Figure 27.
Figure 27
You can also change the Z value in the Mini Toolbar as shown.
2D/3D DRAWING MODE
The 2D/3D setting, located in the HOME ribbon, Attributes group or in the Mini Toolbar or in the Status Bar
allows you to switch to the 3D drawing mode as shown in Figure 28.
Figure 28

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The following terms are used throughout this book.

• Left Click means to click once on the left mouse button.

Mastercam 2018 Interface Page |1

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MASTERCAM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Window Control Minimize, Restore Down or Close Mastercam.

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Drop-down Menu Menus that expand downward.

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Quick Access Toolbar

Mastercam File (Backstage) Functions

Click FILE to access the Backstage view.

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To hide all panels, click on the Auto Hide icon.

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The Grid Settings dialog box appears as shown.

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General Selection bar

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Quick Mask Buttons

The following Quick Mask buttons are available in Mastercam.

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The following dialog box appears on the screen.

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The toolbar should look as shown.

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CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE

Customizing Quick Access Toolbar

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The ability to customize Mastercam is a powerful tool for improving productivity.

The QAT should look as shown.

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Create a New Ribbon Tab

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• Step 1: Select New Tab.

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The My Tab ribbon should look as shown.

Customize the Context Menu (RMB Menu)

Mastercam 2018 Interface Page|25

• Step 1: Select Context Menu.

The Context Menu dialog box should look as shown.

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• Function Keys (F1 thru F12).

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Mastercam 2018 Interface Page|29

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Mastercam 2018 Interface Page|31

Named Graphic Views

Mastercam provides many ways to change views, including: