Mastercam RCTF and Iscar HEM - Explained

If you are using one of Mastercams Dynamic motion toolpaths, the option to enable RCTF, Radial Chip Thinning Factoring, becomes avaialble. Also in these toolpaths, if you select an Iscar Endmill to this toolpath, Iscars HEM, High Efficiency Machining, also becomes available.
The use of these two settings in conjunction with the Dynamic toolpath motion, you will increase the metal removal rate of the toolpath which also reduces the overall cycle time.
RCTF - When selected, Mastercam applies radial chip thinning calculations to the toolpath. This option is also automatically applied when the ISCAR HEM checkbox is selected. The following toolpaths are supported: All 2D High Speed toolpaths, Face, Pocket, Slot Mill, Horizontal Area, Dynamic OptiRough, Area Roughing, and Circle Mill.
ISCAR HEM - Select to activate the ISCAR HEM (High Efficiency Machining) options. By selecting this option, the RCTF (radial chip thinning factor) option is automatically applied. This field display only when an ISCAR CHATTERFREE tool is selected for a Dynamic milling or Dynamic OptiRough toolpath.
HEM Factor - Adjusts the ISCAR tool's feed rate and spindle speed values to achieve maximum speed and efficiency. Enter a value in the field or use the slider positioned directly above the field to adjust it. You can enter a value from 1 up to 5, depending on the selected machine and tool configuration. Mastercam displays the corresponding feed rate and spindle speed values below the field. When you enter the maximum HEM Factor allowed by the machine and tool configuration, Mastercam displays a message marked with an asterisk and marks the threshold value in the same manner.
Both RCTF and HEM are effected by the stepover percentage used in the toolpath. When using HEM, you will be limited to only a few selections for the stepover percentage whereas with RCTF, you can define any value you want.
When trying to push cutters to their limits, some often get caught up in high feedrates and spindle speeds. These make for great stories but don't show overall efficiency. For this you must calculate the MRR, Metal Removal Rate, of the toolpath. It's a fairly simple calculation...
Width of cut x Depth of cut x Feed in Inches Per Minute = Metal removal rate in cubic inches per minute
The higher then number for MRR, the better.
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[@duckslayer11000]

2 years and no comments? Guess that means the video was so good everyone understands.

[@peterodriguez4597]

Pay it forward

[@CamInstructor]

People are shy I guess :)

[@cuchosnp]

Hello! Nice video! Ive been trying to understand the formulas of this effect regarding speeds and i cant seem to find the next video where you explain how to calculate this, can you give me the name of the video or where can i find them? Thanks!

[@gulch1969]

The RCTF changes are all based on the initial speed and feed, right? Those speeds and feeds are based on what type of cutting exactly? Full slotting? 50% stepover? This is information that I can't find anywhere and therefore makes that button useless to me.

[@CamInstructor]

They are based off of manufacturer recommendations.

[@gulch1969]

@@CamInstructor Yes but for what type of cut? Full slotting, 50% stepover? It's very vague.

[@CamInstructor]

It will say in the chart. Usually they state full slot at 1 or 1.5 D deep or 20% axial at 2D. Different mfgs may state values differently though.

[@mrnothing7865]

Too good