Mastercam APlus

Mastercam APlus Integrates Additive Manufacturing Toolpaths into CAM Programming

Mastercam APlus is an add-on that integrates additive manufacturing toolpaths, or 3D printing, into Mastercam. Developed in collaboration with CAMufacturing Solutions Inc., APlus brings Mastercam users' experience with CAD/CAM software interface into the realm of additive manufacturing. APlus enables programming, retrospective analysis, and simulation of 3D printing scenarios much like traditional toolpaths.

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, adds material layer by layer, while subtractive manufacturing reveals a part from a whole blank by removing material. Hybrid manufacturing combines these approaches, and Mastercam APlus is a perfect additional tool for this process, utilizing the Direct Energy Deposition (DED) method.

APlus provides Mastercam with the capability to manage 5-axis additive toolpaths, improving the quality of parts and offering numerous applications, such as repairing existing parts and creating multi-material components. Complementing your traditional CNC software arsenal, APlus is a crucial step towards efficient hybrid manufacturing.

Benefits of Mastercam APlus in Hybrid Manufacturing

  • Simplified Workflow: APlus enables the programming and simulation of additive and subtractive toolpaths in the same interface, reducing uncertainty and improving efficiency.
  • Manufacturing of Larger Parts: DED uses large grains for printing, allowing for quick and cost-effective creation of larger parts. Subsequent machining enhances the part's dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
  • Creation of Complex Shapes: By alternating additive and subtractive operations during the process, users can create complex internal features in their parts without unnecessary support structures.
  • Elimination of Gaps: APlus provides advanced toolpaths that reduce and eliminate potential gaps, ensuring high-quality prints.
  • Realistic Rendering and Simulation: With APlus, you can review the final part layer by layer and use the Backplot feature to visualize the process from start to finish.