[kendo]

Whats the best way to go about programming a part like this one?

I don't have 2D geometry of the part, just the STL. I tried fumbling with the surface roughing, but since it's all flat and vertical, should I just do 2D pocketing? If so, I'll have to generate geometry from the model I guess. Those bosses are all at different heights so I thought a surface op would be faster.

a newb learning on his own here,
so thanks for any help

[txcncman]

All the advanced MasterCAM users tell me I am wrong, but I prefer to extract geometry from a model and put it on different layers and then create the tool paths from that. I do this to #1 keep things straight in my head, and #2 if I need to modify any geometry slightly to get the tool path I want, I can do it.

I have seen guys on complicated parts put everything on one layer. And then literally spend hours trying to modify some geometry that is not cutting the way they expected.

[Superman]

STL files is only a bunch of small triangles arranged to generate a shape, which Mastercam shades to emulate the appearance of a surface or solid.

This is NOT an ideal model file to program toolpaths around, it can be done--- with difficulty

- the better files that are able to create desired geometry from are STEP & IGES ( can import & export from most CAD applications )
- or of course bring the direct file into Mastercam from the accepted list of CAD systems ( costs may be involved to enable those particular types )

[daedalus0x1a4]

If you create geometry from the STL and model it using Solids then you can use a Surface High Speed - Horizontal Area finishing toolpath and one-click that whole pocket.

[John_B]

If you create geometry from the STL and model it using Solids then you can use a Surface High Speed - Horizontal Area finishing toolpath and one-click that whole pocket.

Ditto - that would be my recommendation! Spending 5 minutes getting a solid you can work with will pay off so that you can use the advanced toolpath choices.

[cadcam]

All the advanced MasterCAM users tell me I am wrong, .

Sorry if you are taking that way. I know I speak for me, your way is NOT WRONG but another way to do it. It does matter on the file, for example Solid most of the time I can set it up and go right to work.
I do believe BIG time in using levels to organize and manage geo and fixtures and so on. This is how I teach people.

So I will say I apologize if I was saying it is Wrong it is not it is just another way to get the job done. My way is not the golden way but just another way.

Hope this helps.

PS like how I set things up using the Dynamic WCS. here is a short sample.
http://www.mastercam.us/SWintoMC.wmv