Making layer templates....

[MetalFlake]

I could have sworn I read something about this somewhere but now can't find the topic anywhere.

 

I want to have default layers and colors set when I start a new part.

 

Anyone doing this?

 

Thanks!!

 

MF

[Brendan P]

attributes/ea manager

[Mike Mattera - TFM]

Permenant changes can be made in ....

Screen - Config - Cad settings - Attributes - EA Mgr.

 

Mike Mattera

[acerx3]

I have different files set up with named layers that I use to start projects with. Several factors determine which one I use. I haven't had a chance to associate colors to them yet if that's even posible. I usually just click on the color tab and enter the number of the layer I'm working on. JM2C

[MetalFlake]

I should have been a bit more precise. I want to do is open Mastercam and already have a whole bunch of layers Named, numbered, and colors set.

 

ie:

Layer 1: Part Wire color

Layer 2: Part solid color

Layer 3: Stock color

Layer 4: .....

.

.

.

.

Layer 10: Op1 WCS Color

Layer 11: Op1 jaws

Layer 12...

.

.

.

.

Layer 20: Op2 wcs color

Layer 21: Op2 Jaws

Layer 22:

.

.

.

.

 

Layer 110: Op1 sketch

Layer 120: Op2 sketch

.

.

.

 

I don't see how to do this with Attributes_EA Manager.

 

Thanks again for any ideas!!

 

MF

[Mick from CNC Software Inc.]

MetalFlake,

 

You can do this easy with a script, just run the script before starting a drawing.

 

code:

---

' -- Start Script

Call Main()

 

 

' ////////////////////

' Sub Declaration

' ////////////////////

Sub Main()

 

If IsDrawing Then Call InitializeScreen()

 

 

SetLevelName 1 , "Part Wire color"

SetLevelName 2 , "Part solid color"

SetLevelName 3 , "Stock color"

SetLevelName 10 , "Op1 WCS Color"

SetLevelName 11 , "Op1 jaws"

 

' -- Add more as you need them ....

 

 

End Sub

 

' ////////////////////

' Function Declaration

' ////////////////////

 

Function IsDrawing()

 

Dim Ret

 

Ret = StartDBSearch(mc_alive, -1)

 

IsDrawing = Ret

 

End Function

 

 

' ////////////////////

' Function Declaration

' ////////////////////

Function InitializeScreen()

 

Call RunMastercamCommand("initscrn")

 

End Function

---

[iowajim62]

Hi Metalflake,

You can make urself a Newsource.mc9 file to start with everytime and have all the levels named and masking and ops even saved in the file and when you open that file it is all set.

HTH

[crazy^millman]

Hell mick what is the VB command for Bounding Box? What is the command for Xfrom all entites from point to another point? What is the Vb command for Xfrom Rotate? Is there a mass or volume command for direction like a sorting if voulme in x is greater than y? Is there a Vb command for calling surface rough pocket and is there one for all the other toolpaths?

 

I know I am asking for alot but I am thinking of making a automated script like the API but alot more advanced. I am working on taking a model and running this script to make a bounding box on another level then comapre the part to put it the best way for contions in my setting for the alograthims, then move it to the best place usign that control then I want it to do a surface rough pocket using another alograthim for best tool scararos lenght depth best fit things of that nature. I then want it to do a surface finish scallop and have it be done from there. I know it sounds like a pretty big task but thinking I can open up like 4 or 5 session of Mastercam run my script before going home and come in the next day and start cutting. I feel like I can create the algrothims been some years but still have my books for doing them just getting the right stuff for Mastercam to work with the VB and automate the things I want. If I am crazy tell me so but think I am on the right track.

[Mick from CNC Software Inc.]

Millman^Crazy

 

I'm afraid your can only call those functions using the RunMastercamCommand() function and that requires user interaction.

[crazy^millman]

Do you think X will have more of these functions called automatically or will it be still a RunMastercamCommand() function with user interface. So problay a chook would be the best apporach for something like this or am I off there also?

[Mick from CNC Software Inc.]

Ron,

 

VBScript support is in X, however, for more advanced functionality that will be as powerful as chooks you might want to ramp up on a .NET language either VBNET, C# or J#

 

That is if chooks are not your thing

 

BTW there is a very nice free open source .NET compiler available here