Jump to content

Welcome to eMastercam

Register now to participate in the forums, access the download area, buy Mastercam training materials, post processors and more. This message will be removed once you have signed in.

Use your display name or email address to sign in:

Tag name for ROUGH, FINISH on ACTIVE REPORT?


Recommended Posts

Hello Everyone,
   I am trying to put new feature in my active report as TOOLS LIST and I am interested in ROUGH/FINISH under TOOL DEFINITION but I do not know what is the TAG NAME in active report.  Would you guys please tell me what are the tags names?

PS:  See image below.
        I would like to know "A" and "B"


Thanks.

===========================

MILLINGS.thumb.png.194e5460aabca14550ac2b2451562016.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

The short answer:

image.png.40285c02bbda8b6469709504dc7225d4.png

 

 

The long answer is to use the "secret handshake" to output all data to the XML file.

From the Active Reports Tips and Tricks Word Doc available from Mastercam (i've attached it here)

image.png.81671c1ba801802cfda98b3d1a47e280.png

Mastercam does not output all of the data about a toolpath to the XML file.  Mastercam looks at the RPX report file and only outputs the data that is being called for those reports.  The "secret handshake" forces the output of all data to the XML file.

 

 

 

 

ActiveReports Tips-Tricks.docx

  • Thanks 1
  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites
5 hours ago, Bill Craven said:

 

The short answer:

image.png.40285c02bbda8b6469709504dc7225d4.png

 

 

The long answer is to use the "secret handshake" to output all data to the XML file.

From the Active Reports Tips and Tricks Word Doc available from Mastercam (i've attached it here)

image.png.81671c1ba801802cfda98b3d1a47e280.png

Mastercam does not output all of the data about a toolpath to the XML file.  Mastercam looks at the RPX report file and only outputs the data that is being called for those reports.  The "secret handshake" forces the output of all data to the XML file.

 

 

 

 

ActiveReports Tips-Tricks.docx

Thank you, Bill.  This is what I am really looking for.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
53 minutes ago, PcRobotic said:

Thank you, Bill.  This is what I am really looking for.

Hello Bill,
   I am trying to define if TOOL IS FINISH then show RED, I think I am failed to do so.  It said I did not define the name right.  Would you please point out what I've done wrong?

 

PS: To make more clear to understand, I am also attaching the ".PRX" file.

Thanks a million.

================================

My hard codes.............
    If txtIsFinishTool.Text = true Then
        txtIsFinishTool.visible = true
    End If


257964099_NOTDEFINED.png.3417872fcf3f8f00a89af5a05cff8f89.png

762573433_finishtool.thumb.PNG.1c68c2c286e0c217dd48eb0bceb48fe2.PNG

-Tool List (MILL-SIMPLE) - TEST.rpx

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was unable to open your file.  It gave me an error message.

Try this:

Bind the full data XML file to the report.

image.png.f49cd8b7d7a34c68c452d0ebbe2aff0c.png

Then select the xml file with full data from the secret handshake.

 

Then find the field that you want to include in your report.

image.png.f44de80cfb22260b8e401d2f63683ab8.png

 

Then drag and drop that field onto your report.

Note the path is included 

image.png.af7dc44d826f4bc9d68ad69b73dd206b.png

Try running your report without the conditional statement and see if it displays.

Once you get that displaying correctly, then start working on the script.

2 hours ago, PcRobotic said:

My hard codes.............
    If txtIsFinishTool.Text = true Then
        txtIsFinishTool.visible = true
    End If

I am not very familiar with the scripting for Active reports.

It looks like you have not defined txtIsFinishTool.Text correctly.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
On 10/31/2019 at 12:57 PM, Bill Craven said:

I was unable to open your file.  It gave me an error message.

Try this:

Bind the full data XML file to the report.

image.png.f49cd8b7d7a34c68c452d0ebbe2aff0c.png

Then select the xml file with full data from the secret handshake.

 

Then find the field that you want to include in your report.

image.png.f44de80cfb22260b8e401d2f63683ab8.png

 

Then drag and drop that field onto your report.

Note the path is included 

image.png.af7dc44d826f4bc9d68ad69b73dd206b.png

Try running your report without the conditional statement and see if it displays.

Once you get that displaying correctly, then start working on the script.

I am not very familiar with the scripting for Active reports.

It looks like you have not defined txtIsFinishTool.Text correctly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Bill,
   Thank you for your BIG support.  I've done it.  It is so nice.  Take a look of what I've done.  If you need anything about CONDITION on ACTIVE REPORT let me know.  Happy to share.

 

 

Thanks a million,
   S.Luong
==================================

2020729537_ToolsList.thumb.PNG.740131e7f2aa47834084690a60b6c0bf.PNG

144531530_setupsheet.thumb.PNG.99ff178492b642c3abf33ae113758a13.PNG

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
17 hours ago, Bill Craven said:

Great job Steve!

Active Reports is very powerful, but is not very friendly to learn.

The other part of that is that once you have a report template done, you might not need to make any changes for a year or more, and when you go back the learning curve starts over...lol

 

Hello Bill,
   At first, I contacted a specialist to make some conditions on the VIRTUAL BASIC (VB.NET) then I learned his codes.  That is how I got to this point.  I don't know why many companies using X+ or SOLIDWORKS to create SETUP SHEET and TOOLS SHEET because they are NOT ONE SYSTEM.  If I use MASTERCAM, I would like it to do the SETUP SHEET and TOOLS SHEET for me.  No redundant work, that is a must for me.

 

   Most CEOs don't know what the heck they are doing for the technical, they listen to some sale man of which spend more money but do a lot of REDUNDANT WORK.  They want to look good whereas they try to HIDE their un-needed cost.  If I am the CEO, it would be a different sorry.  I don't need to hire some B.A to run the machine, more images less words and that is how my setup sheet, tools list are always 90% are images.  

 

   Thank you for your big help, this is another session of ACTIVE REPORT that you have opened my eyes.  Once again, this cannot be done without your help and I truly appreciated. 

 

PS: SOLIDWORKS and MASTERCAM are already in my blood, I memorized every single command line.  If you need help on those, let me know.  I also wrote some crazy post functions just for my personal needs as well.

 

Best regards,
   S.Luong

Link to comment
Share on other sites
1 hour ago, PcRobotic said:

If I use MASTERCAM, I would like it to do the SETUP SHEET and TOOLS SHEET for me.  No redundant work, that is a must for me.

I agree.  I was spending as much time documenting things for the setup sheets and tool lists as I was programming.  Then, if I had to make a change, I would have to go back and fix my documentation.  My current setup sheets are basically a one click and done, with the exception of Viewsheet screen shots for WCS setup, chuck jaw, etc. detail.

 

A lot of times I will setup my laptop at the machine and work with the operator and see how I can make his job easier, safer, and more efficient.

I feel the same way about making my post processors generate code that requires no hand edits. 

I recently developed a post that outputs block numbers that match the operation numbers, so a machinist can look my setup sheet, find which operation they want to run or re-run and then search for that block number.  

 

I worked as a machinist many years ago where the programmer's nickname was:  "I think I got it right this time, Bob"  - Not so much fun -

 

Did you ever look at the Active Report templates that I posted back on February 23rd?

(Funky text colors in the link below, click on the "Free Active Reports Setup Sheet")

I like looking at how other people do things and try to learn from everything I see.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
On 11/5/2019 at 10:27 AM, Bill Craven said:

I agree.  I was spending as much time documenting things for the setup sheets and tool lists as I was programming.  Then, if I had to make a change, I would have to go back and fix my documentation.  My current setup sheets are basically a one click and done, with the exception of Viewsheet screen shots for WCS setup, chuck jaw, etc. detail.

 

A lot of times I will setup my laptop at the machine and work with the operator and see how I can make his job easier, safer, and more efficient.

I feel the same way about making my post processors generate code that requires no hand edits. 

I recently developed a post that outputs block numbers that match the operation numbers, so a machinist can look my setup sheet, find which operation they want to run or re-run and then search for that block number.  

 

I worked as a machinist many years ago where the programmer's nickname was:  "I think I got it right this time, Bob"  - Not so much fun -

 

Did you ever look at the Active Report templates that I posted back on February 23rd?

(Funky text colors in the link below, click on the "Free Active Reports Setup Sheet")

I like looking at how other people do things and try to learn from everything I see.

 

 

Great job, Bob.  Simple click, does the job well done.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
On 11/5/2019 at 1:27 PM, Bill Craven said:

I feel the same way about making my post processors generate code that requires no hand edits. 

I recently developed a post that outputs block numbers that match the operation numbers, so a machinist can look my setup sheet, find which operation they want to run or re-run and then search for that block number. 

I agree whole-heartedly about no hand editing! That is just a recipe for disaster.

I have modified every post we have to do the block number matching, our operators love it and it makes any changes easier for all of us. We also have our operators make notes on each operation, on the setup sheet, that they have to adjust (speed/feed increase or decrease, mostly), then they return the setup sheet to the programmer, so that he can incorporate the changes & repost the program. That way everything is completely set if we get another order for the parts.

We use X+, because setting it up is so user freindly, and also because generating Active Reports could, literally, take hours on some programs! Not sure if that is still the case, but it certainly was for us back on X9.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
10 hours ago, So not a Guru said:

I agree whole-heartedly about no hand editing! That is just a recipe for disaster.

I have modified every post we have to do the block number matching, our operators love it and it makes any changes easier for all of us. We also have our operators make notes on each operation, on the setup sheet, that they have to adjust (speed/feed increase or decrease, mostly), then they return the setup sheet to the programmer, so that he can incorporate the changes & repost the program. That way everything is completely set if we get another order for the parts.

We use X+, because setting it up is so user freindly, and also because generating Active Reports could, literally, take hours on some programs! Not sure if that is still the case, but it certainly was for us back on X9.

Hello Guru,
   I think Active Report is pretty much SINGLE CLICK and the result as you see.  Great, simple and fast as long as you have a dedicated time to design like the way you want it to be.  Mine, it took me up to 6 months design because I am such a picky person.  I want it to be simple, easy for everyone and "PERFECT".  Trust me, once you have your active report ready, no installation.  Don't need ADMIN rights to install the X+, all you need is to copy your template into the COMMON folder of which about 2 - 3MB then done.

 

My setup sheet is also for 3axis, 4axis, horizontal,  5axis and lathe as well.

 

Glad to help if you need it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I believe what Mr. guru was referring to is:

There were cases where Active Reports would take a long time to generate a report. 30 minutes or more.  From what I recall it had something to do with min/max values.

 

Ah, I found it.  From the tips and tricks Word doc:

Processing Time 

When any MIN or MAX values are in the report, the BNCI file must be searched, which takes longer. Cycle time also takes time, but not as much. With a large file or lots of operations selected, the report can take a very long time to run (15-30 minutes in some cases).

 

I haven't run into this problem and I have run reports with over a hundred operations.

 

X+ is blazingly fast.  A great utility.  I still use it to check for coolant conditions and other things, but I need the polish and detail with 1 click that Active reports gives me when I am generating the documentation for turnkeys for customers.

 

Regards,

 

 

Bill

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
44 minutes ago, PcRobotic said:

Great, simple and fast

The fast was very, very slow for us. We were just using a pretty simple template, but when we clicked to create a sheet, on an involved program, it took anywhere from 5 minutes to a couple of hours to generate. And we couldn't use Mastercam while it generated (this was on X8 & X9, when it was much less stable to have multiple instances of MC open)

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
23 hours ago, Bill Craven said:

I believe what Mr. guru was referring to is:

There were cases where Active Reports would take a long time to generate a report. 30 minutes or more.  From what I recall it had something to do with min/max values.

 

Ah, I found it.  From the tips and tricks Word doc:

Processing Time 

When any MIN or MAX values are in the report, the BNCI file must be searched, which takes longer. Cycle time also takes time, but not as much. With a large file or lots of operations selected, the report can take a very long time to run (15-30 minutes in some cases).

 

I haven't run into this problem and I have run reports with over a hundred operations.

 

X+ is blazingly fast.  A great utility.  I still use it to check for coolant conditions and other things, but I need the polish and detail with 1 click that Active reports gives me when I am generating the documentation for turnkeys for customers.

 

Regards,

 

 

Bill

 

Hello Bill,
   Not sure if you like this but this is what I've got for detailed tools list...

 

Capture.thumb.PNG.f77167aa10a2a963c520761ead82173c.PNG

 

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
On 11/8/2019 at 3:25 PM, PcRobotic said:

 

Hello Bill,
   Not sure if you like this but this is what I've got for detailed tools list...

 

Capture.thumb.PNG.f77167aa10a2a963c520761ead82173c.PNG

 

 

Excellent work and looks good. 

Where are you holders? If you take the time to define your holders then they will show up. I would think that is probably one of the biggest things I see shops doing today is not taking time to define their holders. Yes a little more work, but once the programmer has built a library of holders and has it dialed in then it should be just point and shoot. Problem is Mastercam doesn't make this easy. However if the programmer copies all their tools into their holders library and then uses the holder library as their tool library then life becomes that much faster and easier.  

Might think to add a EDP or Part number for the cutting tools as well so the person getting the tools can use exactly what the programmer wanted and not something totally different than what they were expecting.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
On 11/12/2019 at 4:08 PM, 5th Axis CGI said:

Excellent work and looks good. 

Where are you holders? If you take the time to define your holders then they will show up. I would think that is probably one of the biggest things I see shops doing today is not taking time to define their holders. Yes a little more work, but once the programmer has built a library of holders and has it dialed in then it should be just point and shoot. Problem is Mastercam doesn't make this easy. However if the programmer copies all their tools into their holders library and then uses the holder library as their tool library then life becomes that much faster and easier.  

Might think to add a EDP or Part number for the cutting tools as well so the person getting the tools can use exactly what the programmer wanted and not something totally different than what they were expecting.

Hello 5th Axis,
   I only define holder when I am programming 5Axis machine and that is a must for me.  3 Axis is not that important to me unless some weird long, deep place those need to be defined.  Thank you for your comment, that is a plus for me.

 

 

Regards,
   S.Luong

Link to comment
Share on other sites
2 hours ago, PcRobotic said:

Hello 5th Axis,
   I only define holder when I am programming 5Axis machine and that is a must for me.  3 Axis is not that important to me unless some weird long, deep place those need to be defined.  Thank you for your comment, that is a plus for me.

 

 

Regards,
   S.Luong

Hum well you leave a lot of room for error by not defining them. I know what I want for a stick out and program according to that stick out even on a 3 Axis part. I know what I know and pass that on to who I want running my parts they way I want them run. Not that much longer to define a holder and have the person setting up the job do exactly they way you want once you do it a couple times becomes second nature. Now if you are constantly programming for a CAT40 as example not a big deal, but if you programming for HSK63, HSK100, CAT40 or CAT 50 as the possible ending place for your part not knowing upfront where it might end up then it becomes a totally different conversation.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
32 minutes ago, 5th Axis CGI said:

Hum well you leave a lot of room for error by not defining them. I know what I want for a stick out and program according to that stick out even on a 3 Axis part. I know what I know and pass that on to who I want running my parts they way I want them run. Not that much longer to define a holder and have the person setting up the job do exactly they way you want once you do it a couple times becomes second nature. Now if you are constantly programming for a CAT40 as example not a big deal, but if you programming for HSK63, HSK100, CAT40 or CAT 50 as the possible ending place for your part not knowing upfront where it might end up then it becomes a totally different conversation.

 

By the way, I am looking for 5 Axis holders like SLIM FIT SOLID HOLDER (STEP files), do you know where I can download them?  We bought most of our holders from TEKNIKS.

 

PS: it is tough to contact TEKNIKS, don't know why.

 

Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
3 minutes ago, PcRobotic said:

 

By the way, I am looking for 5 Axis holders like SLIM FIT SOLID HOLDER (STEP files), do you know where I can download them?  We bought most of our holders from TEKNIKS.

 

PS: it is tough to contact TEKNIKS, don't know why.

 

Thanks.

I have normally taken and made them when I have a drawing. All of them are given dimensions. All else fails I break out a set of calipers and make a hand sketch and then go from there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
3 hours ago, PcRobotic said:

By the way, I am looking for 5 Axis holders like SLIM FIT SOLID HOLDER (STEP files), do you know where I can download them?  We bought most of our holders from TEKNIKS.

They don't have the step files, but Techniks has most of their tool holder drawings on their site here: https://www.techniksusa.com/drawings/

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 10 months later...
On 11/14/2019 at 3:59 PM, PcRobotic said:

 

By the way, I am looking for 5 Axis holders like SLIM FIT SOLID HOLDER (STEP files), do you know where I can download them?  We bought most of our holders from TEKNIKS.

 

PS: it is tough to contact TEKNIKS, don't know why.

 

Thanks.

Contact the person you purchase the holders from and he should be able to get them from the Techniks rep. That's what I did and I got a drop box of all the tools in .step files.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Most of these guys have similar models for holders. I've been using the parlec and kennametal models for most of what I need even though it may not be the one they grab its usually pretty close.

I also use the machining cloud program to get them if they are in that system, its real hit and miss there.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

Join us!

eMastercam - your online source for all things Mastercam.

Together, we are the strongest Mastercam community on the web with over 56,000 members, and our online store offers a wide selection of training materials for all applications and skill levels.

Follow us

×
×
  • Create New...