X2, X3, X4 corrupted, merged, tabs missing

[Scott Hutson]

I am working with Mastercam X4 and have been having this problem with X3 and X2 as well. I am doing very simple 2D programming, just lines with contour tool paths, tool compensation, at programmed depths. The recurring problem I am having comes when I try to alter a tool path after creating it to leave tabs so my small parts will hold down. After I regen, the tabs are either gone, or half of them have changed from partial to full tabs (X4 only). The other irritating part is that after I do adjust the geometry or tool path, some of my 2D chains will not show on the screen. When I look at the chain list under the tool path, the chains are still there, but many of my chains will be duplicated and many will be gone. The only way I have found to fix this is to delete the operation, and start a new one. BUT - I have to do it perfectly the first time, otherwise the chains will be duplicated, some will disappear and my tabs will be wrong. Any help would be great, as this has become a daily problem.

[generaldisarray]

I have had these problem with tabs also.

The only work around I had was to make sure the operation was how I wanted it then apply the tabs. If I had to alter it after that I would create a new operation.

 

or

 

Create a 3d chain with tabs on it

[Sbarner]

Tabs are helpful, but sometimes more trouble than they're worth. My personal favorite is when Mastercam puts a tab in the area where the tool does a lead in and lead out. Really?!? It couldn't figure that out itself? I don't think I've ever successfully made a toolpath with tabs and not had to move them to appropriate locations. Tabs needs some work.

[Scott Hutson]

Well, those are some more interesting instances. I have tried to do the tabbing last, but still being partially human, I usually can't get it right still. So, I am still wondering why the chains are duplicated and missing. I rarely let Mastercam choose where to put the tabs. Since some of my parts are specific to have a finished edge along one side, I can't have Mastercam decide where to put the tabs. I always choose myself. Can you move a tab after it's already been inserted? How? The 3D tab idea is a thought.

[Sbarner]

quote:

---

Can you move a tab after it's already been inserted?

---

Yes. If you go into the chain selection box AFTER the toolpath has been made, right click on the chain with the tabs, and click "edit tabs". Now you can move tabs, add tabs, remove tabs, etc. Cheers.

[Sbarner]

As far as the duplicate chains, I don't know. I've not had that happen. Do you have one of the cutoff operation buttons selected? That is, one other than "No Cutoff Operation". Make sense?

[Scott Hutson]

I didn't have a cutoff operation selected. I was finally able this morning to get the operation "perfect" using the tips from above. Thanks a lot everyone for your input - I guess I will call customer support before they release a new version and then say "Of course your having that problem - you haven't upgraded to the latest version!" Thanks!