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

1. Download & Install

1. Download the correct version: Visit the HSMAdvisor MasterCAM hook page and download the installer for your version of MasterCAM.
2. Install HSMAdvisor (recommended): Install the standalone HSMAdvisor app first. This sets up the tool library and machine profile databases.
3. Run the hook installer as Administrator: If nothing happens during install, temporarily disable antivirus/firewall and run again.

2. Enable the Plugin in MasterCAM

1. Open MasterCAM.
2. Go to "Customize Toolbar" and add the “HSMAdvisor” buttons to any toolbar.
3. If it doesn't appear or fails to load, try launching MasterCAM as Administrator or disabling .NET restrictions.

3. Running HSMAdvisor from MasterCAM

1. Select a toolpath (e.g., Pocket, Face, Contour, Drilling, 2D/3D HST).
2. Click the HSMAdvisor toolbar button.
3. A dialog will open, importing:
   • Tool geometry and coating
   • Material type
   • Cutting parameters (DOC, WOC, ramping)
   • Machine power/spindle settings
   • Some of the imported types such as coatings, etc, might be incorrect, so please select the actual values you will be using in your machine.
   • Click on the OK button to accept the imported operation
4. Inside HSMAdvisor, you can:
   • Switch units between inch/mm per field
   • Use the performance slider to balance chip load and tool wear
   • Enable ramping/circular feed rate compensation
   • View RPM, feed rate, deflection, HP and torque

4. Save & Retrieve Toolpath Settings

1. Save optimized settings to the HSMAdvisor database (linked by tool name).
2. When you open the same toolpath again, saved values are automatically applied.

5. Apply Back to MasterCAM

1. Click “Apply” to send calculated RPM, feed rate, DOC, WOC, etc. 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 HST and 3D finishing toolpaths

Note: Turning and Routing are not supported yet.

7. Video Walkthrough

Watch these videos for a step-by-step demonstrations:

HSMAdvisor MasterCam tutorials

8. Troubleshooting

• No dialog appears: Run MasterCAM as Administrator.
• Tool data not imported: Ensure plugin matches your MasterCAM version.
• Toolpath not updated: Make sure to click “Apply” in HSMAdvisor after editing.

9. Example Workflow

10. Summary

The HSMAdvisor hook brings advanced feed and speed calculation directly into MasterCAM.

• Calculates optimized values based on your machine, tool, and material
• Allows you to adjust and save toolpath-specific cutting parameters
• Supports most common 2D and 3D milling toolpaths
• Easy to install and integrates into the MasterCAM UI

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

Tags:mastercam plugin hook