How to send multiple ,nc files to CNC router w/ Mastercam X2

[Josh_Petitt]

Mastercam X2 MR1

 

Is it possible to send multiple files to a CNC machine with Mastercam communications? I have tried to multiselect files in the Communications Send... Open dialog, but am unable. It seems that sending multiple files to a machine in one step would be a fairly common task?

[crazy^millman]

Well depends on your machine. Do the files have % at the top and bottom. Most machines see this and have an internal switch that stop it from reciveing anymore files like and off switch trigger for the machine. Now what you might need to do is put all the file together in one file with a % at the top and a % at the bottom most machines see a OXXXX and see that as a program so make anything after part of that program so if you have 50 programs in one file and the % at the top of the file and the % at the bottom is should load all 50 if you have the room. Also depending on the machine M99 does matter either or another was of saying sub programs would not matter either.

 

HTH

[Josh_Petitt]

We have a C.R. Onsrud 96C12 3 axis router. For a typical job (we are in the cabinet business) there are anywhere from 3 to 10 or more .nc files that need to be sent to the machine. At the machine, the operator can scroll thru the list of available programs. For each program, a sheet of material is put on the table (usually 3/4" MDF) and multiple parts are cut from the sheet. Each .NC file is generated from its own .MCX file and only one .NC file is generated per .MCX file.

 

> Now what you might need to do is put all the file together in one file with

 

This would not be a feasible option. We don't mess with the .NC file unless we really have to. The less post-processing the better. It would seem like the Communications package with Mastercam would allow a user to select multiple .nc programs to send.

 

BTW, our files do not have a % at either the top or the bottom.

[crazy^millman]

Contact Mick at CNC software and see what he says when it comes to the Mastercam editor he is the one I would talk to.

[Mick from CNC Software Inc.]

Josh_Petitt,

 

I assume you want to queue up multiple NC files to send to the same CNC via the same port? Unfortunately our communications program does not support queuing files to send although it does support sending multiple files to multiple CNC's via unique ports but that doesn't address your needs I'm afraid.

[TFesta]

What kind of control do you have? If you have a Funuc you can put all the programs into 1 file, making sure you have a % at top and bottom with program #'s in it like O1223. When you send it to the Fanuc just punch in O-9999 and hit read. It reads forever till you hit the reset button and it records every program as you list it. It's an option at least.

[Kelly Burns]

I use Reckds FileMerge and Scomm to send multi-files to the Haas mills. Strips the % sign, squashes the program together, and then re-seperates them at the control. Works great and he doesnt even charge you for it! Look on the ftp its there somewhere, NC Merge, Scomm.