Programming a pause

[Marshal]

What is the process for adding a "pause" to a toolpath? For example, if I'd like to make a cut with tool 1, pause to add clamps or change something, then continue cutting with tool 1 (or even switch tools), how would I add a pause where I want it to stop? I realize I could probably just add a M01 in the code, but how would I set MCam to do that for me? It wouldn't surprise me if there's some simple button to do this and I'm missing it, but I've never done it before so go easy

 

I'm especially trying to do this on our new AXYZ router using X5, but if it's easy enough, I've got a few programs on the mill it'd be nice as well.

[Dave.L]

What is the process for adding a "pause" to a toolpath? For example, if I'd like to make a cut with tool 1, pause to add clamps or change something, then continue cutting with tool 1 (or even switch tools), how would I add a pause where I want it to stop? I realize I could probably just add a M01 in the code, but how would I set MCam to do that for me? It wouldn't surprise me if there's some simple button to do this and I'm missing it, but I've never done it before so go easy

 

I'm especially trying to do this on our new AXYZ router using X5, but if it's easy enough, I've got a few programs on the mill it'd be nice as well.

 

 

Marshal, you need to use a program stop, M00. This way, it will always stop regardless of the op stop button. In MC you can do this a number of ways, one way is to add a manual entry and add M00.

[Marshal]

Marshal, you need to use a program stop, M00. This way, it will always stop regardless of the op stop button. In MC you can do this a number of ways, one way is to add a manual entry and add M00.

 

alright, I'll give that a shot.

 

thanks for the quick reply

[Matthew Hajicek - Singularity]

I always use a "manual entry" toolpath for that sort of thing. That way you can do things like this:

 

M00(BOLT PART DOWN, REMOVE CLAMPS)

M00(ARE YOU SURE THE CLAMPS ARE REMOVED?)

[buck30]

manual entry??? i assume you mean just add another line of code once the G code has been generated??

[SKIR68]

under "Toolpaths" there is a "manual entry" tab.

 

 

[Philcott]

Buck30, using the Manual Entry tab allows the program stop to be part of the mastercam file that will be included each time you post the gode. This way you don't have to remember to edit the code.

[Mr. Wizzard]

+100000

That's they way i do it. Always there and you can add comments or double post the M00 to make sure the operator follows the directions!

[Dave.L]

+100000

That's they way i do it. Always there and you can add comments or double post the M00 to make sure the operator follows the directions!

 

 

Just be aware that you can't transform manual entry

[Goldorak]

you can also use canned text directly from the toolpath page

[Dave.L]

you can also use canned text directly from the toolpath page

 

 

Yep, but if you want it to be an operation all by itself, you need manual entry

[Guest]

Just be aware that you can't transform manual entry

Ahh, actually in X5 you can Dave.

 

Manual Entry works, but I have taken to adding a canned text function if I do it enough.

[Dave.L]

Ahh, actually in X5 you can Dave.

 

Manual Entry works, but I have taken to adding a canned text function if I do it enough.

 

 

John, IMO, Manual entry and canned text are for (or can be) for two different purposes:

 

If what I need is part of the OP, I would use canned text. However, sometimes I want an op that is by itself (we break all programs in N blocks and use N blocks for safe start positions), then I prefer manual entry.

 

Glad to see you can transform in X5 although we will be on NX before adding X5

[Newbeeee™]

Just be aware that you can't transform manual entry

 

Dave, you can transform rotate and mirror manual entry:

 

M00

 

00M

 

W00

 

00W

 

How many more combinations for an M00 do you want

[Guest]

Glad to see you can transform in X5 although we will be on NX before adding X5

 

Then your problems really escalate but I digress.

[Dave.L]

Dave, you can transform rotate and mirror manual entry:

 

M00

 

00M

 

W00

 

00W

 

How many more combinations for an M00 do you want

 

 

I mean transform as in workoffsets...... (multiple parts on the table)

[Marshal]

I guess that's all simple enough. Looks like it works well on the router, and I've got plenty of time to go through any code and add the M00 if I need to.

 

Thanks for all the replies

[WSSM]

I ALWAYS USE FORCE TOOL CHANGE TO ADD PROGRAM STOPS, AND ADD PROGRAM COMMENTS TO THE COMMENT FIELD. AND THE TOOL IS AT TOOL CHANGE POSITION NOT IN YOUR WAY, JUST REMEMBER TO CHANGE THE M01 TO A M00!

[Marshal]

I ALWAYS USE FORCE TOOL CHANGE TO ADD PROGRAM STOPS, AND ADD PROGRAM COMMENTS TO THE COMMENT FIELD. AND THE TOOL IS AT TOOL CHANGE POSITION NOT IN YOUR WAY, JUST REMEMBER TO CHANGE THE M01 TO A M00!

 

Please, there is no reason to yell

[John Morris]

+1 WSSM

 

All caps or not, if you plan using the same tool again after the manual entry be sure to check the force tool changed box on the paramaters page for the following operation