New to using Vericut with MCX 5

[Brian B 74]

We have 1 seat of Vericut and I was just hooked up with the software. We only have G-Code verification (no MCX interface). I have only done the tutorial that came with it (self explanitory). Is there an easy way to transmit the tool library and stock setup from MCX to Vericut? Or do I have to type the information in by hand.

 

We are getting a 30 day trial on the MCX interface (works well we may purchase).

 

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[MLS]

Libraries are really the way to go IMO for cutters. Better even than generating it with the vericut interface. They are a pain to build in Vericut but I prefer to build it manually once and get it over with. I only use import STL's in the tooling for holders. I don't use the interface to generate cutters. There is a decent library somewhere in the examples I think that you can modify. Of course if you don't have a standard tool list then the interface will probably be best.

 

Stock and design models I always STL out of mastercam in World coordinate system then I have a post that outputs a Vericut matrix so that when you simulate it it builds a coordinate system instead of trying to do all that manually. BTW the chordal tolerance you STL out your models on large parts has a lot to do with how fast Vericut will run. We don't have a MCX interface so I do still do that setup manually, but we have a Catia interface which is wayyy easier than manual set up.

 

I'd really suggest taking at least the first class CGtech offers. It will save a headache or three.

[robk]

IMO, the interfaces (regardless of what CAM software you use) are not worth the $$$. It is easy enough to export your models, and I always create my own tools. By creating my own tools, I mean importing an STL of the holder (most major manufacturers have them available for downloads on their websites), simply defining my cutter (if the cutter is a form tool of some sorts I model it in my CAD system and export it as DXF or use the Revolve Profile option in Vericut). I then save the tool to a library... I also save the tool holder to a separate library so in the future it's easy to find the holders.

I also created templates for the machines that I use. It makes setups a breeze.

Will you use it for 5 axis? If so I recommend that you get Machine Simulation option.

I agree with MLS, you should definitely take the class to get you going.

[MrFish]

We have the MCX interface and i do use it to output the cutters/holders - BUT you have to be carefull to check and adjust them if doing tricky low clearance work as vericut does not define them properly as far as the shank and cutter is concerned. CGTech have told me this is due to the mastercam tool manager not outputing enough info.

I still feel it is quicker to use the interface to get your basic tool list and geometry then modify from there. It just seems so frustrating having to build a tool list for vericut when you have only just done it for mastercam.

Fingers crossed that with the improving tool manager in mastercam that vericut will be able to start defiing cutters/holders more accurately in the near future.