Machine Time

[Georgi Baltov]

Hi Guys,

 

we are using Mastercam X2 MR2 SP1, Router Pro (Level 3). Is there a way to estimate actual machine time from within the program. I have a big mold to do and I am thinking it'll take more than 8-9 hours. I don't want to have one of my guys stuck for too long and I don't want to leave the machine unattended. Any idea?

 

Cheers

[Bryan Johnson]

Expand your "BackPlot" menu, and you will find the cycle times.

There is a small arrow in the corner that you need to select.

 

 

 

 

[Georgi Baltov]

Thank you very much you kind sir.

 

Are those accurate from your experience stand point? I just posted a 750K line code and 3 hours seem kind of little. Hmm, I guess I'm going to find out.

[Colin Gilchrist]

Georgi,

 

The Backplot times will not take into account the acceleration/deceleration of your machine tool. It will also not calculate times for canned cycles.

 

For Roughing and Finishing of a Mold, you should be fairly close, depending on the accel/decel issue. In the past when I was strictly programming with Mastercam, I would typically add about 20% to that value and be fairly close. Still, that number should get you fairly close to reality.

[Marshal]

Thank you very much you kind sir.

 

Are those accurate from your experience stand point? I just posted a 750K line code and 3 hours seem kind of little. Hmm, I guess I'm going to find out.

 

I haven't seen either of my machines be accurate to the backplot time over programs longer than about 20 minutes, but it's entirely possible I don't have something in Mcam set up quite right.

[#Rekd™]

I have found the cycle times to be pretty close but not perfect.

[K2csq7]

Ha, for quoting on our big ol VTL's, we usually triple the backplot time

[Festus]

I'm with Keith... I quit using that time. i am more accurate looking at a part a guessing from experience. I tested this on a mold for the front end of a bus... it said a 40 hour part should take 15 hours!!! needless to say I won't be in business long if i use it for quoting purposes!!

 

Would be a very nice feature if it were close though....

[DavidB]

I'm with Keith... I quit using that time. i am more accurate looking at a part a guessing from experience. I tested this on a mold for the front end of a bus... it said a 40 hour part should take 15 hours!!! needless to say I won't be in business long if i use it for quoting purposes!!

 

Would be a very nice feature if it were close though....

 

 

 

This issue is a problem with MC in my opinion and has bugged me for a long time. The backplotting time is useless. You would be out of business real quick if you used it for quoting purposes. X+ is no better.

 

cycle times

 

As others have said experiance gives a better time than MC.

 

Vericut gives a very accurate cycle time.

[DavidJackson]

hi there,

i posted a way of doing it a few weeks ago, might be helpful,

 

http://www.emastercam.com/board/index.php?showtopic=63979&st=0&p=722357&fromsearch=1entry722357

[Festus]

hi there,

i posted a way of doing it a few weeks ago, might be helpful,

 

http://www.emastercam.com/board/index.php?showtopic=63979&st=0&p=722357&fromsearch=1entry722357

 

Interesting...thank you...something to play with over the Christmas slowdown.