Is tool plane always in the Z-axis?

[badbascom]

I am configuring mastercam to program a Huffman 5-axis grinder. I have relented and hired a third party to develop the post but I am frustrated that I cannot figure out some of the simple problems. This grinder is similar to an HMC except that the tool points in the -Y axis direction, Table moves in standard X & Y with a C & A rotary, spindle is horizontal but moves in the Z, up & down. I have defined the tool orientation as RIGHT plane in machine configuration. When I make a simple 2d contour cut with WCS & T/P planes in TOP, verify shows the tool to be in the Z-axis. If I make the cut with the T/Plane set to RIGHT the post attempts to rotate B axis 90 to orient the part.

 

Any thoughts?

 

PS I have tried to confirm this with simulation but I get a "Check machine configuration file" error.

[Jasond0530]

Welcome to the forum!

 

Try programming in the front plane for horizontals! front = 0.0, right = 90.0, back = 180.0 and left = 270.0! this is standard for HMC and your post must be set up for this.