madCAM 5.0 Beta (64-bit)

We have now released madCAM 5.0. Beta (64-bit).

New! madCAM 5 beta for Rhino 5 (64-bit).

Works with Rhino5 (64-bit) for Windows.

New level with 16 new functions for simultaneous 5-axis milling.

New interface with dynamic visualization of the cutter and tool holder when picking curves.

New adaptable machine setup and save to file option.

Machines can contain tool library, postprocessor, external dll for kinematics and simulation etc.

Predefined machines can be selected with one click from a dropdown list.

Commands with settings can be executed from the Rhino command line.

For high end users and beginners.

Read more....

madCAM 4.3 Release

We have now released madCAM 4.3. You are welcome to evaluate or upgrade.

madCAM 4.3 is a free service release for existing madCAM 4.x users.

Download now....

Below is a list of what's new in madCAM 4.3.

Toolpath functions:

•  Contour re-machining: (Expert-level)
  Automatic rest material contour machining calculated from previous cutter. This function works for 3,4 and 5-axis.
  

• Axis of revolution: (Four-axis and Expert-level)
  New option for calculating towards or away from the axis of revolution. This makes it possible to cut the inside of a shape with 4-axis or 5-Axis toolpaths.
  
  
• Profiling: (Four-axis and Expert-level)
  New option for keeping the cutter perpendicular to curve when using 2D-profiling in 4-axis.
  
  
• V-carving: (Four-axis and Expert-level)
  New V-carving option when using "From boundary Curves". 
  
  
• Contouring: (Expert-level)
  New start from outside option when using contouring.
  
  
• Linking: (Entry Level, Four-axis and Expert Level)
  Better linking for the z-level and pencil tracing for less rapid traverses.
  
  
• Taper cutters: (Entry Level, Four-axis and Expert Level)
  Some improvements when using taper cutters for better calculation speed.
  
  
• Z-level finishing: (Entry Level, Four-axis and Expert Level)
  Better quality of the z-level finishing when using small cutters and negative offset.
  
  
• Lead-in and lead-out: ( Expert Level)
  New closed loop lead-in and lead-out when setting the smooth corners option. 
  
  
• Pencil tracing: ((Entry Level, Four-axis and Expert Level)
  Improvements of the pencil tracing when using flat cutters and corner end cutters.


• Planar finishing: ((Entry Level, Four-axis and Expert Level)
  Multi threading when calculating planar finishing also for X and Y direction.
  
  

Simulation:

• Cut color: (When simulating 3-axis with Entry Level, Four-axis or Expert Level)
  It is now possible ta save a color with each cutter tool in madCAM. The saved colors will display during the simulation of material removal.
  
  
• Tool holder collision (When simulating 3-axis with Entry Level, Four-axis or Expert Level)
  Tool holder collision is shown in the simulator now. If setting the toolholder diameter for the saved cutter, the chuck collision will show in red color if colliding with material.


• Progress bar (When simulating 3-axis with Entry Level, Four-axis or Expert Level)
  New progress bar for the simulator when clicking on the "Next Toolpath" button.

Post Processor:

• Post processor variables: (Entry Level, Four-axis and Expert Level)
  New variables in the post processor "datetime" and "documentname" that can be used for printing current date and time and the Rhino document name in the output file. New *FEED_SCALE* variable for time calculation.
  
  
• Post processors: (Entry Level, Four-axis and Expert Level)
  Several new post processors. They are also listed and available for download here: http://www.madcamcnc.com/PostProcessors.html
  
  
• Tool length offset: (Entry Level, Four-axis and Expert Level)
  New option for tool length offset. For example: T6 M6 G49 H6 can now be T2006 M6 G49 H6. (The tool length number can be different from the tool number.)

Settings and options:

• Mesh: (Entry Level, Four-axis and Expert Level)
  New automatic mesh checker if right-clicking on the select model button from the madCAM toolbar. If the Rhino mesh is set to "Jagged and faster", madCAM will automatically change it to custom settings and the "maximum distance edge to surface" will be set equal to the Rhino absolute tolerance.

• Cutter Tool: (Entry Level, Four-axis and Expert Level)
  The last selected cutter is still loaded even if selecting a new model.
• Box region: (Four-axis and Expert Level)
  The madCAM box is disabled when using 4-axis and 5-axis toolpaths. The user will be prompted to select a 3D-stock model.
• madCAM License:
  Two new certificates for Entry + Re-machining and Four-axis + re-machining. The user can buy each bundle or upgrade from the Entry level or Four-axis version. See price list at: madCAM Sales...

New Video Tutorials:

Z-level and Planar Remachining	Contour Remachining	4-axis Contour Remachining	Simultaneous 5-axis mold milling

New PDF Tutorials

• Custom settings head/head machine.
• Custom settings table/head machine.

Simultaneous 5-axis mold milling

This video is showing simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths in madCAM and in our 5-axis Deckel Maho machine at RP-MOLD AB.

madCAM 4.3 Beta release

Download Now...

Bug fixes :

• Planar contour re-machining:
  The toolpath wasn't smooth in some cases. This is fixed now.
• Small cutters on large parts:
  It was a problem in some cases when using very small cutters on relatively large parts.
  This is fixed now.

Simultaneous 5-axis copy, paste and transform.

This video shows how to copy toolpaths from one model, paste it in to a new model, transform the toolpaths to a new position and then run it as simultaneous 5-axis.

madCAM 4.3 Beta release

Download now.....

New Features:

•  Contour re-machining: (Expert-level)
  Automatic rest material contour machining calculated from previous cutter. This function works for 3,4 and 5-axis.
  

• Axis of revolution: (Four-axis and Expert-level)
  New option for calculating towards or away from the axis of revolution. This makes it possible to cut the inside of a shape with 4-axis or 5-Axis toolpaths.


• Profiling: (Four-axis and Expert-level)
  New option for keeping the cutter perpendicular to curve when using 2D-profiling in 4-axis.

 Enhanced Features:

• Cut simulator: (Entry-level, For-axis and Expert-level when simulating 3-axis toolpaths)
  Multi color cut simulation. It is possible to save a color with each cutter.


• Planar finishing with contouring: (Four-axis and Expert-level)
  Now calculates faster, makes a smoother path and works better when using a small stepover.


• Z-level re-machining: (Expert-level)
  Optimized linking and smooth blending for less rapid traverses and better cutter motion.


• Toolpath Clipping planes: (Entry-level, Four-axis and Expert-level)
  New option for clipping planes at cutter tip or cutter center.

Simultaneous 5-axis contour re-machining

Video showing simultaneous 5-axis contour re-machining by using the axis of revolution function together with 3D-regions.