Accurate Time Estimate

[Mr. Wizzard]

I use the backplot time estimates and compare them with actual run times. As far as i know, i have all feedrates, rapids, and tool changer time accurate in the machine definition. Some program backplot times are within minutes of actual run times, while others can be off an hour or two. Does anyone know of any way to get a consistent, accurate run time estimate from your programs?

Thanks, in advance.

[Columbo™]

have you tried the setup sheet times...they seem to be a little more accurate....

 

good luck

 

[Tony35]

check the times for rapid, tool change in the post

 

HTH

[MLS]

There is no perfect way for this that I know of. You would have to consider the Acc/Dec settings, 5-axis feedrates, etc. on the machine to get extremely accurate.

 

AFAIK Mastercam does not have that capability, I have always used it as an approximation.

 

I would guess the ones that are close involve motion that does not have alot of drastic direction changes on toolpaths or multiaxis toolpaths.

[Robert Bell]

My experience (limited) No Drill cycles = fairly accurate. With Drilling its always off. The more peck drilling the worse it gets.

 

Does not account for pecking reract, peck clearance etc. Just depth at specified feed.

[Flycut]

I find that the backplot time becomes less accurate when you're surfacing. I've also found that when you're tapping and you have you feed set to IPR it throws the time way off.

Are you tapping in theses programs?

If so try backplotting without the tap and see what you get.