Mastercam releases APlus add-on for additive manufacturing
Now, customers can program, backplot, and simulate their 3D printing scenarios just like they would with traditional toolpaths in Mastercam
Mastercam, one of the world’s leading CAD/CAM softwares, has released a new Add-On product, Mastercam APlus by CAMufacturing Solutions, which was designed specifically for additive manufacturing. APlus can be used with Mastercam Mill, Lathe, or Router licenses.
Using the same interface Mastercam users are familiar with, APlus customers can program, backplot, and simulate their 3D printing scenarios just like they would with traditional toolpaths in Mastercam. APlus uses Direct Energy Deposition (DED) and has toolpaths developed specifically to handle any geometry in AM, as well as features and utilities designed to remove uncertainty from the process and improve efficiency.
Hybrid manufacturing provides users with the versatility to build parts from scratch, add features to an existing part, or repair a worn or damaged part. APlus integrates seamlessly with Mastercam to allow users to generate AM toolpaths, and visualize the additive and machining outcome.
“APlus brings additive manufacturing to the Mastercam user in a form that is consistent with the workflow used for over 40 years. Direct Energy Deposition is making its way into many machine shops and being able to program hybrid machines or dedicated additive machines using Mastercam makes the transition seamless. With the hybrid process of alternating adding material and milling allows parts with internally machined features to be created that would have been impossible without additive,” said Kenneth Fortier, Technical Product Manager at Mastercam.
Since AM is not simply reversing machining toolpaths, all features and toolpaths are designed and developed to ensure users experience efficient and practical results for the additive and hybrid manufacturing process.
A great application for using APlus is for blade repairs where the tips of individual blades are showing wear. To repair the part, the user machines off the worn tips using a suitable toolpath in Mastercam. Using APlus, you can 3D print or deposit material onto the machined surfaces to near net shape. Finally, you machine the printed sections to the desired specifications. This process can dramatically lower costs when compared to buying or machining a new blade, or even stocking spare parts.
