Solid Import and Alignment | Xometry CNC Mill Test Part - Video 2

Link to download the CNC Mill Test Part Package...
https://community.xometry.com/kb/arti...

|Step one for almost any part programming is importing the supplied solid model into Mastercam. No matter the type of solid model you are trying to open, you open them all the same way. You can click File-Open within Mastercam, or as I show in the video, you can simply drag and drop the file which will perform a File-Open of the model.

Once imported, as is the case with most customer supplied solid models, the part is not aligned as we would like it. The next step is again a personal preference on method, I choose to move the model to align with the existing Top WCS. Some prefer to make a new plane at the imported models location. Either is fine and there are advantages and drawbacks for both.

To align the model, Dynamic Transform is used. Dynamic Transform basically combines Translate and Rotate into one single function. So, you are able to move the part along the X, Y, or Z axis, as well as rotate it about any of those axes as well. With this flexibility, you should be able to create any movement you could possible need.

My method for using Dynamic Transform is to place the gnomon onto the part in the location and orientation of the WCS you would like to use for machining. Then, using buttons in the Dynamic menu, you can quickly align the part to the current Top WCS. Again, this method is a personal preference and you could go about this differently.

Now that the part is imported and aligned, it is ready for machine selection and stock setup...which will be covered in the next video. Stay tuned!

0:00 Intro for Import and Alignment
0:45 Importing a Solid Model into Mastercam
1:40 Reviewing the Imported Models Orientation and Position
2:05 Deciding on Datum Location
3:35 Using Dynamic Transform to Align the Imported Model

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