Running Mastercam X2 under Vista - Part 2

To avoid changing the look of Vista completely (See previous entry) and you like the cosmetic fluff of Vista, then leave the general setting we recommended changing and try this:

1) Right-click on your Mastercam X2 shortcut, select Properties, Compatibility

2) Try the settings in the screen shot below:

The Run this program as administrator may not be necessary.

Running Mastercam X2 under Vista

There has been quite a bit of controversy regarding running Mastercam under Vista. It actually works quite well with some minor adjustments, mostly to Windows itself. I would like to invite any viewers to post their comments to this topic. From this information, we can continue to work on fine tuning the settings, after all, Vista is not going to go away. Most all new computers ship with it unless you specify otherwise.

So here it goes:

(1) Make sure you have loaded the latest video driver for Vista. It is always best to load the driver recommended by the computer manufacturer, so for example, if you have an HP computer, go to HP's website, into their support section and with your computer model name at hand, search for updated drivers. Load the updated driver before continuing (if necessary).

(2) In Vista right-click on My Computer, click on Properties then advanced system settings. You may be faced with permissions dialog here, click Continue. Click on the "Performance" Settings button. Select the "Adjust for Best Performance radio button. Click on OK on both dialog boxes.

(3) Vista will now be reminiscent of Windows 2000 and Mastercam X2 will be much happier!

(4) On Some systems, this will not improve much, on others, this can provide the make or break difference.

(5) In Mastercam Verify, if you rotate the model during Verify, and you loose some of the image looks like this: (Took pic with IPhone, screen grabber would not grab this, because the screen must remain in motion)

To work around this, click the Stop button, then the "Step" button one click, then continue, the full solid will show. By the way, in X3 this is resolved with Vista.

Hope this helps!

Creating Stock Shapes In Mastercam X2

Using various stock shapes (other than simple block or cylinder)

The easiest way to incorporate various stock shapes for Milling, Router or Wire EDM is to create a 3D model of your stock using the surface or solid modeler. For previously machined stock, you can use the save STL function.

Creating a simple extruded shape without the Solids Option:

First , Create the 2D shape. The green geometry represents the part, the blue represents the
stock.

Using Create, Surface, Extruded Surface, Extrude the blue boundary
in the direction and to the thickness you desire.

Using Edit, Change normal, make sure ALL surface normals are pointing
outward. Select File, Save, set files of type to .STL and save this in the same folder
as your MCX.

To test your stock model, go into your machine group properties, stock setup,
select the “File” radio button and browse to the newly created STL.

Next, select the “Display” check box and the “Solid” radio button, then select OK.

When you return to the graphics screen you should see this.

Now you can run verify, or utilize this for rest operations.

NOTE: If you have solids, use the Extrude option, then continue from Step #4.

STL settings: Before trying this, go to Settings, Configuration, Converters, and check these settings:

We hope you find these tips useful!

Looking for Mastercam and Solidworks Experts

We are looking for a few good people to assist in training video
creation. If you are interested, please email your resume to sales@streamingteacher.com

Streamingteacher Prepares for X3

As we prepare for X3, we have made plans to offer existing X2 subscribers the new X3 channel (upon Mastercam's release) at no additional charge to X2 subscribers for the remainder of their current subscription.