Edit chains

[CNCme]

Good Day,

I dont think its possible but I would like to be able to edit or repair contour or pocket chains.

Sometimes chains are long and complex (many branch points ). Like on surfaces or solids where 2d and 3d Machining happen. To add chain peices

at the middle or ends ... any ideas??

 

Better Chain Manager

[MACHINEMASTERG]

not sure exactly what your saying maybe when you chain you should look in options for plane mask etc... to add pcs you need to create some geometry???

[CNCme]

I need the ability to edit, add,or change

shape of existing chain without rechain single

or all

 

Tonyg

[Michael Reynolds]

As far as I know, the "original" geometry that was chained to create your toolpath is associated TO the toolpath, so I don't think you can change the toolpath without editing the geometry associated to it.

 

HTH,

 

Mike R.

[heeler]

Many times you can go to analyze screen and select a part on the geometry, select the edit and make the changes you want. You have to make sure that you change the next piece of the chain so that they still connect. HTH

[CNCme]

I guess by the replys that I've got that this cannot be done.

 

I DONT want to edit geometry... I would like to

edit chains by using existing branch points or

extending EXISTING geometry at the ends or in the middle of a complex 2d/3d surface or solid model.

 

Sorry for the upper case

 

Tonyg

[Tony]

You have to chain whats there in front of you.

Thats How it Works.

When I want something to extend or go past

the true Model,I copy it to another level and modify it there as needed.

Have A nice day.

 

[ 10-17-2002, 07:13 PM: Message edited by: Tony ]

[CNCme]

Its not PAST the true model..It could be an Extention of the same model. I have had many

chain areas (mostly 2D )that after I chained,

I wanted to seek or use a different branch point.

Or include a larger area in an existing chain.

 

If thats not possible ,thats O K.

 

I will be the first one to admit that Mastercam

is the most interesting ( GREATest ) Software

that I've ever used. Every day I use it I learn somthing new...thats awesome.

 

I Just think that you should be able to edit a chain without rechaning.

 

What Im looking for might be something for V10

[P_Scott]

CNCme,

 

There is a way to edit toolpath, if not a Chain, by using the Toolpath Editor. When in the Operations Manager, right-click on the actual NCI path name of the operation that you wish to edit. This will open up the Toolpath Editor, which will allow you to add points throughout the toolpath. Simply find the location you want to change in the middle of your 2D or 3D toolpath by scrolling through the points, or selecting the point closest to the area to edit. There is Help available from the small question mark icon in the Toolpath Editor dialog box. When you are done making the edits, Mastercam will Lock the toolpath so you will not be able to Regen them and obliterate any changes you made to the NCI. You will still be able to Post the edited and Locked toolpaths. HTH