Initial machine setup configuration

[perseid88]

I need help with a new install. I have X6 on a new PC. Win 7 pro. Mill level 2. sim updated.

We have one machine and one post file. This should be a simple set up. How do I get the new machine definition set up?

Machine group properties? Machine type? Machine definition manager? All three?

 

I don't see how to default to our machine and post file. I have placed files such as the .mmd and .control and .pst files where they appear to go but I think X6 doesn't use these old files.

[connormac]

John P had a post pinned, I think it is the 6 one down. " Updating to X6" It really tells you how to Transfer the things over you want.

[Del.]

Creating a basic machine definition

Follow these steps to create a machine definition. If you want to change an existing machine definition, see Editing a machine definition.

 

Before you begin

Each machine definition represents a single machine tool. You will need to enter information into the Machine Definition Manager about feed rates, spindle speeds, coolant, and more. Have your machine tool documentation available when you create a machine definition.

 

The machine definition also requires a control definition and post processor. Be sure to have these files available on your Mastercam system so that you can add them to the machine definition. Contact your Mastercam Reseller if you have further questions about setting up a control definition or post processor.

 

You can create a new machine definition file by modifying one of the machine definitions provided with Mastercam. In the Machine Definition Manager, choose the Save As button and give the file a new name.

 

If your machine definition needs to support simulation or MultiTasking, click here to learn more about requirements for those machines.

 

Click each of the links to below to expand that step of the process.

 

Get started

 

Choose the Settings menu, Machine Definition Manager.

 

Select the type of machine you want to create by clicking the appropriate button.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have an active machine group in the Toolpath Manager, the Machine Definition Manager automatically opens that machine definition. Use the File New button to open an empty machine definition.

 

 

 

Add the control definition and post processor

 

Select a control definition file (.control). Use the button to navigate to a folder where you store your control files.

 

 

 

One or more post processors can be associated with the .control file. Click the file drop-down under Post Processor to select the post to add to the machine definition.

 

Enter general machining parameters

 

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Open the General machine parameters dialog box by clicking the button in the toolbar.

 

These parameters control axis feed rates and limits, coolant, machine dynamics used for highfeed machining, and also Lathe-specific parameters for the coordinate system.

 

Place component groups (Lathe and Router)

 

Every machine definition, no matter the type, starts with a machine base. Mill machine definitions have three component groups attached to the base.

 

Lathe and Router have component groups for you to choose from. Drag the component groups to the machine configuration tree.

 

Add components and enter their properties

 

Add the components to the machine definition so that they represent how the machine is constructed. The relationships between components and groups, and between the components are called "sibling" and "child".

 

Sibling components both attach to the same component and move together and can move independently

 

A child component attaches to a parent component and moves along with it.

 

A component group can have only one child component immediately below it in the tree.

 

You can add the components in any of the following ways:

 

Right-click on a component or group and choose Add component from the menu.

 

Drag a component from the component library into the desired position in the machine configuration tree.

 

Drag an existing component from the tree to a new position. Mastercam will ask if you want to move or copy the component.

 

Double-click a component to open its properties dialog box. (Not all components have properties dialogs. For example, steady rest and tail stock components do not have properties.) For each component, you only need to complete the Parameters tab for the component properties:

 

 

 

Geometry and Position/Orientation On Machine tabs are used to support machine simulation functions. If your machine definition needs to support simulation, click here to learn more.

 

 

 

Create axis combinations (if necessary)

 

Axis combinations are necessary when you have more than one component with the same axis label. For example, if you have a twin-spindle lathe, both spindles are considered the Z axis. Axis combinations let you specify which set of components define the coordinate system for a specific part.

 

Most mills and routers will only have a single default axis combination. This will be created automatically for you.

 

Axis combinations are used most often on multi-turret or multi-spindle lathes.

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Save the machine definition

 

Choose the Save button to save your machine definition file.

 

 

 

Important! The only way to create and save a machine definition file is through the Machine Definition Manager when accessed through the Settings menu. If you opened the Machine Definition Manager by way of the Machine group properties and made changes to a machine definition, those changes are only saved to the local copy of the machine definition in the part file.

 

When you edit a machine definition by way of the Settings menu and that machine is currently being used in a machine group, Mastercam asks you if you want the updated machine definition to replace the one in the machine group.

 

Use the machine definition in a part file

[heavychevy2155]

Way to go Del, did you use copy and paste or did you really type all that out?

[Del.]

Way to go Del, did you use copy and paste or did you really type all that out?

 

 

I typed every single word. LOL