Using macros

[BijuGeorge]

Hi,

 

I am new to MastercamX2 and I don't know how to use macros within it. Can anybody please help?

 

Thanks

[Guest]

What kind of macros and what are you trying to do with them?

[Storkman]

What version Mcam?

[BijuGeorge]

I am using MastercamX2. I am basically a developer and I don't have any experience with machining. I am developing a CHook(a kind of plugin) for MastercamX2 and one of our customers wants to use macros and I have no idea what a macro does, I thought you guys might know.

[Guest]

You're talking about generating parametric macros off of programmed geometry, ughhhh.

 

Not sure how successful that's going to be.

 

A macro is a program that takes the variables entered into it and cuts the programmed path.

 

I know how to write a macro but I have never done anything, seen anything or even know if it could be done.

 

Macros are usually generated by hand.

 

Not much help, sorry

[BijuGeorge]

Nevermind, thanks for your help anyway.

[Storkman]

I used macros back in Version 9. They record commands for doing repatative tasks. If you are using the same commands over and over again to create geometry the are well worth it. All you have to do is click record. Run through your commands to create the geometry, turn off record and name the macro. Then just select play every time you need to use it. Since X came out I don't use them anymore. I find a custom toolbar just as fast.

[Matthew Hajicek - Singularity]

Apples and oranges. Two different kinds of macros. Macros in Mastercam I've never used as far as I recall, but as I understand it you turn on the macro recorder, do some stuff, and turn off the recorder. Then you can play back the macro in lieu of doing the stuff by hand. Macro B programming is something that runs on the CNC machine along with the G-Code. It's a way of using variables, flow control (if/then/goto) and math and trig functions in the CNC program. Many but not all CNC machines support Macro B. I've used it for serial number engraving, and another good use is for a "family of parts" where you change a variable and a number of dimensions are automatically adjusted to match.

[Charlie Pierson]

BijuGeorge

 

I've got some posts that give me hardcoded or switchable hardcoded Macro B statements.

Do you think that that is what your customer wants ??

 

cp

[BijuGeorge]

Yes I am talking about Macros in CNC machines not the ones used in Mastercam itself to automate tasks. I want to know what settings you change in Mastercam so that when you create the NC code there are Macro statements in it. Somewhere on the forums I read that you can use custom drill cycles for that, is that true? I am a novice, so my talk may sound crap to you but thank you guys for responding. Please lead me in the right direction.

[Charlie Pierson]

There are many many ways you can incorporate macros into CNC programming. How you do it is dependent upon what the macros (all custom built and stored away as subprograms) are going to do.

 

for example here is a return for tool change macro.

 

O9950(TOOL CHANGE)

G91G28Z0.

M09

M05

T#20

M06

G90

M99

 

and its call from the main program (or another sub)

 

G65P9950T22

 

Hardcode the 'G65P9950' and have Mcam output the appropriate tool number from the ops and then use that code in the ptlchg postblock.

 

To get the pound sign '#' output from the post you need to code the post like this , 35, (35 is the ascii code for the pound sign).

 

You can set up helical bore cycles, custom deep hole drill cycle, etc , and have the Mcam post variables output as arguments for your macros.

 

BUT, first you have to know the macro's design , purpose and required arguments.

 

Without that knowledge, it's kinda hard to be of much help from here.

 

 

cp

[Guest]

BGeorge

 

Here's a link to some information that might be of help.

 

Linky

 

Yesterday I though you were talking about something different but this should get you some of the info you need.

 

Charlie, Are you doing Eastec this year?

[Charlie Pierson]

John,

I plan on going, what are the dates ??

[Guest]

May 22 - 24

 

I plan on going the 23rd

[Charlie Pierson]

Sound poifect to me, I recon I should register soon

[BijuGeorge]

Thank you guys for helping me, I've got some idea now how to do it.