Lathe custom tool geometry error

[jplecan]

I'm trying to create new custom lathe tools by bringing in tool geometry files (dogbone tools, etc.) which are saved as MC9 files with the appropriate colors 55 and 116. In the Parameters page when I try the Tool Clearance button, a message box says "error creating offset tool boundary". Are there any unwritten rules for creating custom tools that I would need to know to prevent this error? Presently running v9.0SP1.

 

Thanks

Jim

[Brendan P]

I have never had this problem.

Is the tool tip or nose radius positioned in the right spot?

(meaning that your tool is not in space)

 

I will look at it if you can put it on the ftp.

[jplecan]

Hi Bucket,

I put a tool geometry file called f2.mc9 on the ftp MC9 folder. I made the insert half a dogbone hoping that would help but it didn't.

Jim

[Camdude®]

jplecan,

please make sure that the insert and the holder are drawn as complete seperate entities. in other words don't have the insert and the holder "share" geometry. if you look in your tools

library for mastercam you should find some examples of how custom tools are drawn. just select file, get, change to tools directory and you should see some sample MC9 files. HTH

[Brendan P]

jplecan,

Ok I tried a few things.

I put my modified tool on ftp.

new groove bp.MC9 in the mc9 folder.

Try this and see if it works.

 

HTH

[MATSSMan]

Lathe custom tool geometry rules:

 

There must be separate planar closed boundaries for the insert and holder drawn in the Top view.

 

The boundaries must consist of lines and arcs only.

 

The insert and holder geometry must be different colours, usually the screen->configure colours.

 

There must be no other geometry in the file.

 

Endpoints of entities defining the outer boundary of the insert and holder must be within .00000005, or you may get error messages.

[jplecan]

Bucket,

yes, the file you modified worked fine.

Jim

[Brendan P]

you welcome

[gcode]

You can also define custom tools on a layer within

your file. That way the tool stays with the

part file, even if it moves to another computer

or your tool library gets destroyed,--personal experience speaking here

 

I think this a a new feture in v9

[jplecan]

Thanks for all the tips guys, custom tool creation is working well for me now.

Jim