Operation library frustration

[Rory]

In the mill package, 9.1 MR0304, I have saved operations to a library. All is ok with tools in library, I have looked at the library by going to "NC utils", "Def. ops", "Library". When there I have verified that the correct tool is associated with the correct operation.

When I go away from there and into the "Operations Manager" on a new part, I right click and pick "get from library". From there I pick the operations that I previously verified (verification again shows correct tools for operations).

After the "get from library" is complete, I notice that some but not all operations have the wrong tool associated with it.

When I go back into the "Library" through the "NC utils" path, I notice that the library has been changed to what I see in the operations manager.

Nothing I did directly overwrote the library, so how can it be getting changed?

Has anybody observed this problem?

If so how have you worked around it?

Rory

[jctjct]

Maybe under job setup make sure "assign tool numbers sequentially" in unchecked.

[Thad]

Do you have "number tools sequentially" check in Job Setup?

 

How exactly are the tools different?

 

Did you try compressing both tool and ops libraries?

 

Thad

[robk]

I have seen that in the past. If the other guys advice doesn't work you need to compress your operation library (after making the correct edits in it).

[Rory]

The "tool number sequentially" is not picked in job set up so it should import the tools as is from the library. Correct?

What is strange is that not just the tool number changed but the actual tool is different.

[Rory]

I did not previously compress the library.

 

I did go back and do so now, but it did not have any effect. The tool imported is not the correct one and the library is also changed when I go back and look at it.

[Thad]

I've had this happen before also. About 2 years ago, I posted on this exact problem. I ended up chalking it up to being "one of those things." It seems that the file got corrupted somehow. I could open another file and all was fine, but any time I went back and opened that file, it was still jazzed up.

 

Thad

[robk]

I have over 600 operations in my library . I compress it everytime that I make a change. Prior to that habit the tools that would be "replaced" would always be the same dia. tool that I needed, but the tool # along with the actual tool would change, usualy to the lowest # tool in the library. I don't realy have an answer for you, but it did work for me. Also you should consider compressing your tool library.

[Rory]

Thanks all for the help!

Maybe I'll start over building the library since there are only eight operations in there. I will blow the old one away first in case it is corrupt.

Once it is in place again, I will compress and see if that makes the difference.

 

Thanks,

Rory

[mario]

It is possible to create a VB file for compress op9 and tl9 ???

 

[Thad]

Just to clarify, it was my MC9 file that was corrupted, not my ops library. I could use my ops library on other files with no problem.

 

Thad

[Thad]

Derek,

 

I use my ops library for about 98% of my programming. Save your ops with "common" paramters. Each time, you'll have to chain new geometry...not a big deal. As you use it more and more, you'll see how you can fine tune your library.

 

Check your mail.

 

Thad

[somename75]

Thad---mind sharing, I would love to see others ideas on how you guys use the ops manager, currently I create all my ops from scratch. If there is a better way I would love to see it. Thanks

[Thad]

Derek,

 

After ruffing the pocket, I copy the op below it, change top of stock to the finish depth, uncheck depth cuts, make Z stock zero, add another .020 to my XY stock (just so I don't rub the wall), and regen it. This is my "finish bottom" program. I use 3 ops to mill a pocket...ruff, finish bottom, finish wall. Just select the op that has the tool size that you need.

 

In the comments, I add a 1,2,3, etc after the "PRG." That's how I keep them organized.

 

Another note...if I need to pick the corners after ruffing, I copy the op below it, change it to "remachining" (note most of my parameters are already set in there. I mainly rough with a 2" face mill), and regen. All the rest of the parameters are the same.

 

Thad

[Thad]

quote:

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Thad---mind sharing,

---

Do you have a first name?

 

What do you do at Key Knife? Do you machine the wood cutters? Sounds interesting.

 

Thad

[Thad]

Speeds and feeds from tool. We cut mainly tool steel.

 

Always glad to help.

 

Thad

[robk]

+1 to everything Thad said.

quote:

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I see you all use ops mgr. any tips on how to use it efficiently?

---

It saves a lot of repetative work. I have all my pockets (with geometry for standard size cavities in mold bases), SHCS(drill, c'bore,chamfer), bore ops (drill, rough bore, finish bore), ejector pins by sizes, leader pins, tapped holes, even simple drill & chamfer. It saves a lot of time. I prefer to have 1 big operation library set in alphabetical order, that way I don't have to open/close different libraries so I could grab as much stuff out of it as I could in one shot. As simple as possible.

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

+1 Robk. I am a big fan of operation libraries. I have beeen using ATP (automatic toolpath) lately with good results. Have you guys tried the ATP stuff yet?

[robk]

quote:

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Have you guys tried the ATP stuff yet?

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No, can you explain Jimmy.

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

With atp you set up a strategy that associates levels with operations. Not usel with solid models, but very useful in wireframe.

 

There is a better explantion in:

C:Mcam9VBMastercam ATPautomatic toolpath.hlp

[robk]

Thanks Jimmy

Going to take a look @ it shortly.

[jagg2499]

I am interested in trying the atp feature but i went to to follow the path (C:Mcam9VBMastercam ATPautomatic toolpath.hlp) and i could not find it can any one offer some help i have mc9.1 sp2

[somename75]

Thad, yeah I do most of the new product programming, and yes, we make very large indexable cutters, 12-24" dia, for processing lumber. On average we fill a very large dumpster full of steel chips once a week, pretty fun stuff. I havn't seen one yet, but the machines they install these heads on are nuts, 1000hp, and spinning a 3500lb cutter at 3500 rpm, they process a 20' log in under 3 seconds. I cant wait to see that. As far as the name thing goes, I've always been a little paranoid about putting my name out on the net Have a good day all

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

jagg

 

You can go to the mc support download page and find it. dec03atp

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

Atp was put in mainly for router customers that are nesting parts. The cad packages they use order the geo by level/layer. Atp then will toolpath and nest hundreds of parts and post them out with a few clicks of the mouse.

 

If you were to use atp you would need to draw geometry on specific levels link to ops. I think the current atp script would be a little more work on your part. If you are drawing your own geo and using the same toolpaths then it could be a good time saver for you.