[yenchen23]

Hi, I'm new to Mastercam and this forum.

I've been trying to machine a simple mold such as the picture below. It's going well until I did the Surface Finish toolpath. It doesn't matter whether it's scallop, hybrid, parallel, etc. The lines came up all screwed up and it's not even straight!

I've highlighted the problem area with green arrows. All the settings are default since I'm not brave enough (yet) to tinker with them.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[metlshpr]

I would do a surface finish contour for the walls and then do the scallop for the floors.

[yenchen23]

Blistering barnacles! It works!
Thanks a lot metlshpr! You really saved my day!

I guess my next question is, is this screwed up toolpath creation normal? I really cannot figure out why a CAM software failed to make a path just for a straight surface. Is it just Mastercam or it's a common occurrence in other CAM softwares?

In any case, thanks again. Now on to my next drawing!

[cadcam]

are the walls tapered? other wise you would cut this as 2d correct.
It did not make the best path as you did not pick the correct paths for the shape you are making.any cam system could give you a bad result if you don't use the right path or setup the paths correct.

[metlshpr]

AS cadcam said, if the walls are straight then a 2d path should work just fine. With you saying that it is a mold a naturally assumed that the walls are tapered. But I'm glad you are happy with the results anyway. Good luck and have fun!

[yenchen23]

Yes, the wall is tapered. The floor is slightly smaller than the top.

What is 2D path? Newbie here! Is it the '2D High Speed' option? All I know is Rough and Finish toolpath.

[crazythunder]

A 2d path is like a contour path where you make the same path from top to bottom for straight walled parts. I would also look at Opti-Rough to get the meat out of there and Pencil for the finishing. I think you will find it does a good job. X6 will be out soon and I think you will like what it has.