MasterCam X3

[cncmike]

We recently received the New Release of MasterCam X3.

After Installation I took the opportunity to customize Machine Definitions/Machine Control and customize posts for all of our machines via our network.

I will say that the new X3 so far is a great update. We are a little slow in trying the new Feature Based Machining Features, but I think that will stream line alot of our 1 piece prototype programming applications.

Any comments on MasterCam X3's new release let me know.

Thanks,

cncmike

[cncmike]

Well hello everyone,

After using X3 for some time I will start by saying that the Feature Based Milling feature is a flop.

I believe overtime CNC Software will get it down, but unless you have very specific perpendicular walls and nice flat bottoms, this feature of MasterCam is completely useless in the shop I work in which is primarily Aerospace.

I have talked to numerous people in Job Shops that use MasterCam and they pretty much think the same of this feature.

I do still really like the 2d High Speed Roughing passes. They are a quick and easy path to rough out your part. I do not use it for finishing work.

I think MasterCam has some way to go to get the toolpathing efficiency a little bit better, but is a far better tool then running multiple pass contouring paths.

So in short, if you are thinking about buying MasterCam because you think the FBM feature will cut your programming time down, you will be a little bit let down.

I was excited about the new feature, but it really did not deliver by all the hype that was created.

cncmike