Parameter settings

[Tim Penrose Troxler Labs]

Hey all,

I was just wondering what other end users think about the new layout for the parameters in X4. I personally, think it’s horrible, seems to be kind of backwards and confusing I always liked it with all the settings (contour parameters) on one page or tab. Just seems to take a lot longer when programming. Would like to know what other end users think.

Thanks.

[Thad]

I hate the tree style parameter pages. Luckily for me, I'm not using X4 yet, but I hated it with the high speed toolpaths. But, we better get used to it because it's not going to change.

 

Thad

[Tony35]

its ok but could use some improvements i HATE having to scroll thru the tree what a PIA i like that it gives you an overview of how things are set tools, coolant (x style dont stick) etc if the window was bigger might help

 

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Just seems to take a lot longer when programming.

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yes

[Dave.L]

I think it’s horrible. I like the intentions but I don’t think the design has been given good thought. Even each screen is poor. What I mean is, each screen has all kinds of un-used space yet some areas have scrolls to see all. Very, Very poor in my opinion.

 

I think the old screens flowed much easier and made more sense. Also, you would think for coolant on/off they could have a nice icon instead on the words on/off in the lower summary window. It would be much easier to pickup. Now they call the approach and depth screen “linking parameters”. Not a big deal but I can figure out where that nomenclature came from.

[alancopp]

When drilling and tapping DO NOT forget to go into Linking Parameters and reset your Z depth for the tap. Depth carry's over from previous operation. At least on X3 if you forgot to set Z depth it would be 0.

[[email protected]]

I love it. 99% of what I do is HST anyway, so I was used to it already.......it'll grow on ya

[Dave.L]

In my opinion, I would set "linking parameters" then set cutting parameters, not the other way around. You know, set depth first, and then depth cuts. Maybe the tree order could be user defined.

 

And yes, I will get used to it but that does not mean I will like it.

[peon]

I hated the tree style in the HST's and I hate it now in the 2d paths. It's not unusual for me to have over 60 operations in a single file, and the tree style takes WAY too long to page through all the settings! So much more can be fit on a single page. CNC, please lose this tree style or give me the option to page down a list on a single page without any graphic bells and whistles.

[peon]

Pro/e's manufacturing parameter settings. No eye candy, but meant to actually get something done in a hurry.

 

[[email protected]]

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Pro/e's manufacturing parameter settings

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Isn't there someone else here that constantly compares "other" softwares to MCAM??

j/k with ya peon

[peon]

Trust me. I hate programming in Pro/Man. Very cumbersome, but they do have a few good features. No offense taken murray

[gcode]

I hated the tree sytle interface at first, but it grows on you. I like being able to switch between

different types of toolpaths.. especially the drilling/circle toolpaths..and the 2D highspeed

[Dave.L]

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but it grows on you

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A bad design is a bad design. I would prefer a good design than getting used to something less....

[Rob @ Target Machine]

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A bad design is a bad design. I would prefer a good design than getting used to something less....

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I suspect this is just a rough draft of what is to come.

 

As we all can see, it is painfully obvious that marketing is more important to CNC than solid code, leading them to release "as is". But if you are a developer, you can understand the size of the undertaking here.

 

I have faith that CNC will "catch up" in the next couple of releases.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Personally, the parts I see, I routinely use the same geometry for different toolpaths. I did a part the old fashioned way, was 3.5 hours. With X4 and the new tree style, 2.25 hours. That's an hour and change difference. Granted, it does take a little longer to go through the menus, the time I save, PALES in comparison to the time I used t spend. I've wanted them this way since they first introduced the tree style toolpaths when it was only the HST stuff.

 

On a side note, I find myself using the HST stuff about 75-80% of the time now.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Here's a taste of CATIA's Contour Operation

for reference

[Leigh @ Kodiak]

Wow, that's a lot of pages! I think I would choose tree style any day.

[Dave.L]

It's not about tree style, it's about good design. A well designed tree that flows well would be great. What X4 has does not.

[mchin-pilot]

"" A bad design is a bad design. I would prefer a good design than getting used to something less.... ""

 

Very wise statement!!

[Leigh @ Kodiak]

One thing is certain, not everybody is ever going to agree on what layout "flows well". My personal preference would be to make the parameter pages customizable, similar to a certain other software.

[Colin Gilchrist]

You guys aren't alone in the quest for streamlining the Tree style interface. We've brought this up in the Beta forum and CNC is working on the interface. We should see some changes in X5 (the next release since MU1 is almost out). Normally we don't share what goes on in Beta, but I thought I would nip this in the bud.

[Dave.L]

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Normally we don't share what goes on in Beta

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Maybe more sharing / dialog with the users on the forum would streamline the design process as to make it right from the start.

 

That may sound harsh and I don't mean it to, but some things should get more attention in the start so they can come out correct and not force users to deal with poor issues until "the next release".

 

Although this may not be the most important issue, for me it's troublesome since it really apprears that a novice designed the screens. The fields don't even line up top to bottom or left to right.....Anyway you put it, it's sloppy.

[gcode]

The bottom line is

X was a big improvement over V9

X4 is a big improvement over X thru X3

X5 will be an improvement over X4.

It's progress..good progress IMO.

There is stuff in the tree I don't like..

I think Tip Comp should be ON the Linking Paramters page not a submenue...but like it or not I get my work done faster in X4 than I did X3 and that's what its all about.

I've spent the last couple of days working with a V9 version of Verisurf... and V9 SUCKS!!!!

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

I am also faster with each release. "Good Flow" is going to be elusive because we all work differently and a V9 and earlier user has a different idea. Many Beta Members have shared/submitted screen shots of improvements.

 

As for more sharing in the main forum about future development..... Not a big fan. Mastercam's Competitors come in here. That would not be smart. Join the Beta Program where the "eyes" can be somewhat regulated.

 

JM2C

[Leigh @ Kodiak]

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I get my work done faster in X4 than I did X3 and that's what its all about.

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