Right/Left Turret +/- Signs

[Reko]

Hi,

 

I need to make a permanent change to how my post outputs the right and left ram +/- signs. Both need to output positive numbers.

 

I searched the topic here and found the information on where it is in the post. Attached is a picture of the area that I change... and it works, but it is only a temporary fix.

 

All of my right turret numbers come out positive, left turret negative, when I set I thru Q to 000000000

All of my left turret numbers come out positive, right turret negative, when I set I thru Q to 100100100

 

Flipping them back and forth when I post the right turret, then the left turret program out is do-able, but it is a pain.

 

Does anyone know a way (short of having two separate posts) to make it so the post handles both left and right positive X-axis output without flipping that line manually every time?

 

Thank you.

[K2csq7]

How are you telling Mcam which one your using? (left or right)

[Reko]

How are you telling Mcam which one your using? (left or right)

 

Under Toolpath parameter's... Axis Combo's (Right Turret) button... or I change it to Axis Combo's (Left Turret).

 

My controller is a Siemens 840Di and the left and right rams (turrets) use X and Z for the Right ram, and XL= and ZL= for the left ram. Those come our fine.

 

The X and the XL= have to both be positive numbers.

 

The only way I can get the Left turret to output positive numbers is to change the post parameter to 100100100

 

By doing that... it changes the right turret to negative numbers.

 

I can't think of a way to make them both output positive numbers, unless I create a second post for the left turret. I really don't want to do that.

[K2csq7]

Keep the setting so the right turret values come out positive and format your XL variable to use the absolute value of the number?

[K2csq7]

abs

Formula Type Advanced Math Functions

Description Returns the absolute value of the argument.

Form function argument

Argument numeric variable, value (scalar)

Return Type numeric variable (scalar) as a positive value

Formula Code Ex. real_result = abs(x)

Boolean Code Ex. if abs(x) < mtol, “THIS IS A SMALL NUMBER”

Notes Nested return values are stored internally to the post executable.

 

 

From the V9 post ref. guide page 3-22

[NOTW Programmer]

What machine do you have again ? Is it an MPMaster or IHS Post ?

[Chris McIntosh]

Make sure that your tool is setup for the correct turret! This is crucial in telling mastercam which of the axis combinations you are using. The fact that you are having to change the same string in the post back and forth means that the post believe that all operations are for the upper turret, main spindle.

 

To check your tool settings, in an operation, right click and edit tools. Then select the setup tool button and ensure that the turret and active spindle are set correctly.

[Reko]

@ Greyman

 

It is a post that came with Mastercam called "Generic Fanuc 4X MT_Lathe" that I have altered to suit my machine. Everything works good but the output for the left turret.

 

@ Chris

 

It is possible that I am setting up incorrectly. I have been using the button in the lower left of the tool parameter page called "Axis Combo (Left Turret)"

 

That button does switch between the right turret (which outputs "X") and the left turret (which outputs "XL=") but I do not change the turret left/right within the "Setup Tool" menu.

 

Is that the one I should be using?

 

BTW, I tried changing the turret to left inside the tool set up, but it had no effect. If I use the tools set up, left turret, I wonder if there is a different place within the post I need to change. I am going to try that and I'll let you know what happens.

[K2csq7]

Why not just make these changes?

 

 

pfxout          #Force X axis output
     if xabs < 0, xabs = xabs * -1                      <<<<<<<<<<<<<added this line
     if absinc$ = zero, *xabs, !xinc
     else, *xinc, !xabs

pxout       	#X output
     if xabs < 0, xabs = xabs * -1               	<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< & this one
     if absinc$ = zero, xabs, !xinc
     else, xinc, !xabs

 

 

What adverse effects could arise?

[Reko]

Why not just make these changes?

 

What adverse effects could arise?

 

I just did, and none that I can think of.

 

I read your post above but I could not come up with the string that you just posted. I guess sometimes I need to be spoon-fed

 

Thank you for spelling that out for me... it is EXACTLY what I was after.

 

Many thanks Keith, I owe you a beer

[K2csq7]

I don't know if your arcs are going to need flip flopping as well.... keep an eye on them. I see your using X5. I ran into a problem a while back.

My link

 

 

^ there is the thread I had.

They said the issue was fixed for X6, but I have no idea if your going to run into a problem or not using the right & left turrets.

I think you'll be fine since your using a CNC software post... I was using the MPLmaster post.

 

Just keep a close eye on your arcs for a while.

 

[Reko]

Just keep a close eye on your arcs for a while.

 

I will.

 

The thread you linked to was a good read.

 

I'm actually using X6, but only for the Lathe and the "Remaining Stock" feature (rulz!)... I'm holding off on the mill side until the re-release.

 

Thank you, again, for your help.