Speed And Feed Calculator for Professional CNC Programmers and Machinists

Help >>Integration >>Using the HSMAdvisor MasterCAM Plugin: Installation and Operation Guide

Using the HSMAdvisor MasterCAM Plugin: Installation and Operation Guide

July 21, 2025, 2:28 pm by admin

This article provides a step-by-step guide to installing, activating, and using the HSMAdvisor MasterCAM plugin (hook) within MasterCAM. It explains how the plugin streamlines your CAM workflow by allowing you to calculate optimized speeds and feeds - based on your tool, material, and machine parameters - directly within MasterCAM.

HSMAdvisor MasterCAM Workflow

STEP 1
Install & Setup
Install standalone app and MasterCAM hook.
→
STEP 2
Enable Plugin
Add buttons via MasterCAM toolbar customization.
→
STEP 3
Select Toolpath
Choose a milling or drilling toolpath in MasterCAM.
→
STEP 4
Run HSMAdvisor
Import parameters and optimize feeds and speeds.
→
STEP 5
Save Settings
Store toolpath configurations to database.
→
STEP 6
Apply & Regens
Send calculated values back and update toolpath.

1. Download & Installation

  1. Download the correct version: Visit the HSMAdvisor MasterCAM hook page and download the installer for your specific version of MasterCAM.
  2. Install the HSMAdvisor desktop app: You must install the standalone HSMAdvisor app first, as it is required for the MasterCAM hook to function properly.
  3. Run the hook installer as Administrator: If nothing happens during installation, temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall and run the installer again.

2. Enable the Plugin in MasterCAM

  1. Open MasterCAM.
  2. Go to Customize Toolbar and add the HSMAdvisor buttons to your preferred toolbar.
  3. If the button does not appear or fails to load, try launching MasterCAM as Administrator or checking for .NET restrictions.

3. Running HSMAdvisor from MasterCAM

  1. Select a toolpath (e.g., Pocket, Face, Contour, Drilling, or 2D/3D HST).
  2. Click the HSMAdvisor toolbar button.
  3. A dialog box will open, importing the following parameters:
    • Tool geometry and coating
    • Material type
    • Cutting parameters (Depth of Cut [DOC], Width of Cut [WOC], ramping)
    • Machine power and spindle settings

    Note: Some imported values - such as coatings - may occasionally be incorrect. Please verify and select the actual values you intend to use on your machine.

  4. Click OK to accept the imported operation.
  5. Inside HSMAdvisor, you can:
    • Switch units between inches and millimeters per field.
    • Use the performance slider to balance chip load and tool wear.
    • Enable ramping or circular feed rate compensation.
    • View calculated RPM, feed rate, tool deflection, horsepower (HP), and torque.

4. Save & Retrieve Toolpath Settings

  1. Save your optimized settings to the HSMAdvisor database (linked by tool name).
  2. The next time you open the same toolpath, your saved values will be applied automatically.

5. Applying Changes Back to MasterCAM

  1. Click Apply in HSMAdvisor to send the calculated RPM, feed rate, DOC, and WOC back to MasterCAM.
  2. MasterCAM will update the toolpath parameters automatically.

6. Supported Toolpaths

  • Face Mill
  • Contour
  • Pocket
  • Drilling (Boring, Tapping, Chamfering)
  • Circle Mill
  • 2D High-Speed Toolpaths (e.g., Dynamic Milling)
  • 3D High-Speed Toolpaths (HST) and 3D finishing toolpaths

Note: Turning and Routing are not supported at this time.

7. Video Walkthroughs

For step-by-step visual demonstrations, check out the HSMAdvisor MasterCam tutorials.

8. Troubleshooting

  • No dialog appears: Run MasterCAM as an Administrator.
  • Tool data is not imported: Ensure that your plugin version matches your MasterCAM version.
  • Toolpath is not updated: Verify that you clicked Apply in HSMAdvisor after making edits.

9. Example Workflow

Step Action
1 Select a MasterCAM toolpath.
2 Open HSMAdvisor using the toolbar button.
3 Adjust settings (material, units, tool engagement, ramping).
4 Save the toolpath settings.
5 Apply settings back into MasterCAM.
6 Regenerate the toolpath with optimized speeds and feeds.

10. Summary

The HSMAdvisor hook brings advanced feed and speed calculations directly into your MasterCAM environment:

  • Calculates optimized cutting values based on your specific machine, tool, and material.
  • Allows you to easily adjust and save toolpath-specific cutting parameters.
  • Supports most common 2D and 3D milling toolpaths.
  • Installs quickly and integrates seamlessly into the MasterCAM user interface.

For downloads, help, or software updates, visit the official HSMAdvisor MasterCAM Hook website.