b'CNC SoftwareDisplayed are images of an organically shaped mesh model being processed to create a Unified multi-axis toolpath. The model came in as a faceted mesh model. A CNC programmer broke it into individual components, smoothed the model to remove faceting and applied the Unified multi-axis toolpath.Meshing CAD With CAM something that cannot be seen withengineers used a mesh model and the naked eye is causing irregulari- smoothing tools to achieve opti-ties in toolpaths, running a Simpli- mum motion and better tool-axis andfaces.Aprogrammerthenfied solid, an Optimized solid or acontrol. Initially, due to the amount can use the colors to quickly selectRepair could result in more efficientof design detail, the tool tended to toolpaths. toolpathing. Users simply click onflip around. By making a copy of the Another method of cleaning up athe function and get a result. Theoriginal mesh and then smoothing mesh is to use the Refine CAD tool.software indicates if an issue wasout the fine detail, the tool flowed This improves the mesh model foroptimized. If users get odd resultsbetter and still cut the bust. Tilting finish machining by adding dataon a toolpath, running Optimizewas not as unpredictable. Using the Meshes always have presented challenges for machining,but with advances in reverse engineering,such challenges are becoming even more prevalent.points in detailed areas and reduc- and reapplying the toolpath couldoriginal mesh to drive the toolpath ing them in less detailed areas. Pro- improve the outcome. and using the smoothed mesh as grammers control the size of fac- In addition to smoothing mod- tool-axis control allow the program-ets and edges to ensure accuracy.el-cutting regions for cleaner cuts,mer to create an uninterrupted con-The current host of available meshmesh tools can be used with atinuous-motion toolpath.tools can help create a better-qual- multi-axis toolpath for machiningFor multi-axis machining, the ity surface or better-quality finishcomplex shapes. Trying to con- less axis movement there is on a on the cut. trol motion and not have the toolmulti-axis toolpath, the better. Less Sometimes a solid model mayflip around can be challenging. Formovement means a more rigid tool haveedgetoleranceissues.a recent Mastercam training ses- and a cleaner finish. Improving axis Solid tools to simplify or optimizesion, we created a five-axis tool- control and reducing flipping and the solid can yield improved re- path on a model of a bust of Abra- tilting lead to reduced cycle times sults when applying toolpaths. Ifham Lincoln, an organic shape. Ourand improved part quality.26OCTOBER 2022 DesignSoftward.indd 26 9/20/22 3:44 PM'