I tried this, Del, and what do you know, it worked! So, yes, we did have the same problem, and I thank you for your timely assistance. I got your reply shortly after you posted it, and tried to respond this morning, but just as I clicked "add reply" the forum went off line for routine upkeep. (John really gets around. Is there anyone in this forum who has NOT gotten an assist from John at one time or another? I think probably not.) I know he has gone way out of his way to help me in the past, giving freely of his experience and extreme expertise with MasterCam, asking nothing in return. This after I had only just started reading and using this forum, a "Virgin Mastercamist". He is quite a guy in that regard, I hope to be able to meet him some day in the near future. He and others like him are what make this forum the invaluable resource it is. There is so much knowledge offered here at EMastercam, I spend hours browsing old posts, even kicking in a reply now and again, if I think I can offer help to someone. Just as you did for me. Seems everyone can contribute something, even us newbies! Thanks again, Del, and welcome to, IMHO, the best MasterCam user forum in existance, bar none!

Greetings all, Has anyone had problems when printing the graphics screen to a network printer, using Windows 2000? I get multiple pages with a single line of alpha numeric and control characters printed along the edge. Other apps. print normally, like Word, Excel, and Adobe Reader. Site uses Windows networking capabilities. Mostly Windows 2000 and NT comps. on LAN. I know this is pretty general information, just feeling out other users as a starting point. Any comments appreciated. Thanks

Hi, everybody! Haven't posted in a while, but this thread prompts me to speak out against what I perceive to be an injustice. I am coming up on 52 years old. Most of what I know well I learned through doing it "less than optimaly" the 1st time through. It is human, it is part of living. I find many errors I make now are oversights in routine functions that I know well, have applied a thousand times, and scan over without seeing. An error in an area not being scrutinizing for a flaw will get by any one of us from time-to-time. Cut the guys writing the code some slack. To me, what they do is quite amazing. MasterCam is one hell of a complex piece of software, and what's been done to reach X from 9.1 is so major an undertaking there are certain to be areas that will need "fixing". The software is so versatile, and continually evolving with the industry, how can absolute perfection ever seriously be expected, much less demanded, of leading edge software. This thread seems to put emphasis on a minor problem, with the major issues overlooked by most. It seems some serious flaws were corrected, and a minor error introduced that doesn't really cause a problem, once one is aware of it. (Like the 1st time code is posted. Like noticing, "Wow, that's not right" "Oh, it just has the text misplaced. Code is fine. Need to report this next chance I get", and let the shop people know what's up, and that it is temporary.) Imagine the hours these guys stared at a monitor over the last year or so, working on X, chalk it up to tired eyes, shake your' head and smile maybe. Remember the last time you worked past exhaustion. Did you maybe slip to a "little less than optimal" performance level? Maybe needed a few edits at the machine? Sure, point out any flaws we can find, so they get the attention needed to resolve them, make other users aware of problem areas to benifit the MasterCam community. Lastly, we should all give credit to the software guys, just look at all that IS RIGHT with MasterCam, the relatively minor flaws get fixed nearly as soon as discovered. They surely do not deserve all the disrespect doled out in these 3 pages, postings of frustrated disertation, after acomplishing such a feat as creating MasterCam X. They have created for us this marvelous tool, maybe not perfect, but close, very very close! Let's back up and give loud KUDOS all around to these dedicated people, and respectfully point out problems we need addressed, and they no doubt will be taken care of. Thanks for the vent space. I hope I have swayed some people from such a hard-line attack mode relative to our softwares' creators. They're the "good guys", remember?

Thoskins and Gavetta hit the mark squarely IMHO. I would like to comment on DC Gorns post, or actually join in on his "Gee, I wonder why ...." Again, just an opinion, albeit a strong one, I agree with DC that macro language support in MasterCam would be a huge plus. Let me tell you why, and prod you all to ponder the possibilities that could be afforded by such an addition. Way back when I still had lots of hair, and even more enthusiasm, I used some software (DOS days) from Pathtrace Systems that included a macro system. That feature recorded keystrokes into a man readable file which allowed for editing.This man-readable recorded keystrokes file could then be modified in a text editor to query for user input, pause for the needed data, and continue on, while executing the macro. Anything from selecting simple "yes/No" answers, to entity selection, performing error trapping of the input, getting cutter sizes, performing mathmatical calculation, do if then branching, etc., could be done from this text type file. You could put up a graphic, label dimensions using A, B, C etc., then ask the user to input values for A, B, C, and the macro could do all the rest, clear to posted code, saving geometry files, part files, whatever could be done from the keyboard. The possibilities boggle the mind. Family of parts, posting to multiple machines, auto tool selection dependent on feature size, nearly anything the system could do, could be automated into a macro. Error checking for bogus input could be handeled easily also. The feature worked in Design, Machining, and even in the editor! (I still use the software, circa 1990 or there abouts, and the simple macros I created way back then are still huge timesavers in certain situations!) CNC Software might do well to consider building in such a feature for a future release, or as an additional optional module interested users could purchase. I would certainly have an interest in obtaining the capability, were it available. The speed and potential time savings of being able to "hot key" into a macro call mode is very useful, fast, and once people begin to use the feature, most will find the tool indespensible. That has been my experience, and I find myself often wishing for such a powertool, so much of our software use is repetitive tasks that would lend themselves to just such a tool. Hope this puts a "bug" in the ears of the "People who CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN", to many users delight, most certainly!

Hi, On a Mori Seiki NV5000/A40, we use an adapter with a 256 meg chip. The memory, and hardware to read-write the memory at the computer, via the USB interface, and the ATA adapter that carries the memory chip for insertion into the controllers' interface, were all purchased for under $100, about 10 or so months ago. Works like a charm for large programs.

Hey! How ya' all doin'?

In the class I am currently taking, when machining wireframes, people frequently forget to turn off all other levels except the one the wiredrame is on. When this is not done, everything gets screwed up when creating toolpaths. Also, not naming levels as they are using them, with meaningful names, and not making a text note on each operation, for ease of editing mistakes. Mainly, Save it all, Save it all, Save it frequently. Gonna make a bunch of edits, or try something out? Save it under a naw name, so you don't screw up what you are pleased with. Quick to add a character to the original: "happy-with-this.mc9" like "happy with this2.mc9" Quick, easy, and limits possibility of a hard won accomplishment being damaged with a mis-click. I speak from experience, example: lost associations realized AFTER a save file can finish a class session with less than a "warm and fuzzy feeling" as you walk to the car! [ 03-29-2005, 08:34 PM: Message edited by: MCam Newbie ]

Thank you all for the input, and the time. You are all correct, in that a little patience on my part is indeed required. I did not intend to sound unreasonable, just a great deal of tension around here the last few months, much shakeup in the shop. Many roles being redefined, including my own. After years of being a key man in the shop, in line for shop supervisor, working with having run a crew of 22 before a merger in '92, I find myself in a position of having little or no input. Now that they are finally investing in the shop, improvements that for years I tried to help initiate, I seem to be left on the sidelines. I think I screwed up, believing hard work would eventually pay off. 24 years of outstanding performance reviews, my last one, by a manager who knows nothing about machine work, gave me my first ever poor review. A week after my 25th year with the company, no less. I may make a move, after mastering this software. I really am an excellent machinist and programmer, very seldom is there a problem with a process I plan and fixture and program. Should have made a change years ago, I suppose. Anyway, didn't mean to let my current situation affect my posting as much as I obviously have. I appoligize to all of you, didn't intend to come off so negative. Thanks for all the well grounded input. Much needed, and less painful than a slap across the chops!

Yes, posts were discussed. We were under thye impression that examples of our C.N.C. code for each machine we need posts for was all that would be needed. Maybe a misunderstanding on our end, but we certainly thought it was all clear. We were lead to belive it was no big deal. Basicly a "Show us a sample of your current format, and we can duplicate it, or come very close." I sure don't want to start anything. That was not my intention, not at all. My current instructor is fine, and very helpful. However, when approached on the 4th axis application of MasterCam, he tells me it is for the advanced class. I was going to try and sit in on an advanced class, but feel it would be an intrusion, even if allowed to do so, to take an instructor's time away from the rightful students. My main problem is having time to work out a file that has all functions to insure a correct and complete post, as we need it. Additionally, a file I create may have "Newbie" errors, which might cause unexpected output, because input is not up to snuff. The post guy should not have to deal with that, as well as working to get the post like we need it, if you see my point. Thanks for the reply. Additionaly, my thanks to whoever moved the initial post to the users forum, from the instructors forum. My posting there was my mistake, as were the 2 copies (Browser over a local network, I over clicked!) Anyway, thanks for cleaning up my "Post Mess".

Hello all, I need to get posts developed by my reseller, but my problem is this: He wants a file generated through a generic MAsterCam post, with the output G code anotated as to what changes are to be made to suit our needs. I sent him a file I wrote, not using mastercam, with notations, etc. This he doesn't even want to deal with. Being new to MasterCam, how the hell am I supposed to be able to create a file, including multi-side machining with A axis, (vertical mill), rigid tapping, thread milling, high pressure coolant, flood, or air blast, showing how we want subs handled, and incorporating multiple coordinate systems (G54-59, G54.1-48), setting up coordinate systems using G10 statements at the head of the program, (We machine workholding, or know location, as we use ball-lock tooling plates), and all the other capabilities we need the post to handle? I have taken the dealers introductory classes, lathe and mill, and have started and am 1/2 way through the initial 16 week course at a NTMA facility. (Scored 199 out of possible 200 points on mid-term test) However, it will be some time yet before I can address the rotary issue, as I have yet to be able to create the various CP and TP views assigning them coordinate systems and having them work properly. Between the job, school at night, and life stuff, I simply don't have a lot of time, (or brain function!), to work this out in a timely manner. Seven more weeks of class, then a 3 month wait to take the advanced class, and 16 weeks more to complete it, and maybe I could tweak a post on my own. I will get there, but I need to get this post issue addressed "NOW". The company wants results, and until I can get custom post outputting code taylored to our operation from our reseller, I am sort of stuck with mastercams true power unavailable. I end up editing generic post output. (Which is one of several reasons we purchased 2 seats of MasterCam, I have been editing the output of another Cam package for 16 years! I find myself stuck in nearly the same situation, again!) Hence my hesitant, somewhat desperate request, because I know it is HUGE: Does anyone have a post-test MasterCam part file for a vertical mill that incorporates all, or the majority of these functions? I would use it to give the post guy what he wants, in order to get the custom posts (that we paid for!), worked on. The guy only wants to communicate via Email, so I imagine changes back and forth will be time consuming to begin with. Do all resellers handle new customers in this fashion? If so, it sucks, as it requires people new to the software to perform advanced programming before custom posts are supplied.(Note: Everyone I have been face to face with concerning MasterCam training has been excellent! I do not intend this to be a "gripe session" on my part.) Anyway, if anyone is in possesion of such a file, and is willing to share it, I would be eternally grateful, and will not pass it on unless given the authorization by the provider to do so. So, please, if someone could help ...... ?? My position is getting uncomfortable, if you get my drift ..... Excellent forum, incidently. "The BOMB", as they say these days. Keep it going strong.

Sorry all my postings are so brief .... Shy, I am.

The xxxxm & scribe method works well. Also, the top surface of the inserty in the bar should be parallel to the X axis travel. In my experience, it is better to run a boretool set about .010/.015 above centerline of spindle rotation, unless you must face to spindle centerline, in which case you would want to be right on center. The reason is that if the tool is loaded enough to flex, an above center tool pushes down, making a lighter load, whereas a bar on center, if deflected, will pull more chip, loading the tool further. Sometime, the increasing load will cause catostrophic tool failure, especially if initial deflection is caused by a dulling insert. An extyernal tool, set at or below center, for the same reason. If you have trouble picturing what I descrine, draw a circle, a aline thruogh center, and a paralell line on eaithr side, Tool deflection will be perpendicular to the cutting edge, more or less, Note that pressed inerts, with edges square to the top face, are set into the holsers at an angle, so that side clearence is obtained, giving a negative tool rake. These inserts will not have top surface paralell to X axis, but those tools almost always have flatts on the tool shanks by the mfg. I have seen people place a scale between the insert tip and an O.D., (machine spindle stopped. Hey, one never knows ....) And move the slide in towards the o.d. until scale is held there. It should be 90 degrees to the plane of axis travel. This will get you quite close, if not exact. Lastly, build a duplicate of the tools mounting on the turret, basicly locating on the same surfaces on your fixture the turret will. Make sure the base of the fixture holds the toolholder in the same planes, relative to X asis novement plane, as when on the tool turret. Get a tool that is on center in the machine, place it into your fixture, and on a surface plate, get the distance to tool centerline from the surface plate. Face a piece of bar stock to that length, and bolt a flat piece of stock to one end, covering half the face on the bat, overhanging on one edge. You can now mount a tool to your block, face up or face down, and have a surface you can pass under, or over the cutting toi to check height. I have done this for Mori Seiki lathe with block type holders, and Hitachi Seki lathes with V taper holders. In the latter case, I bough manually acctuated recievers from the Mfg. and built my tooling around them. These centering devices allowed the machinist to set tool with extremely accurrate results, without stopping the spindle to find centerline. We used drop indicators for tools requiring exact centering, when required, to insure no "nub" at centerline. (Yes, I know they are "xxxx", but the ruckus that word caused on an incoming parts inspectiuon report, sent along with the parts to review due to such a flaw ....... Well, we'll just say that on two coastlines memos flew into in baskets, the buck goty passed, again and again, until the official sanctioned term for raised metal at centerline of turned parts, as deemed politically correct and sexually non-offensive by corporate lawyers and acceptable to the board of directors, is now "Nub" I kid you not, this really happened! We LOAO for a couple months over it, but we all say "Nub" now! Unless we are discussing things some might construe as being sexually offensive, as boys are apt to do from time to time ...... But then we are not refering to that raised material at enter line, I can assure you.

I am partial to Mori Seiki, having used their lathes over the last 25 years. Extremely accurate and durable equipment, very dependable. We now have a Mori Seiki MV5000A/40 about 1.5 years old. It is a truly excellent machine, well laid out, lightning fast positioning and tool change, and unsurpassed accuracy in it's class. Glass scales are an option for even more precision. Thermal compensation and chilled air mist bearing oiling with ceramic preloaded spindle bearings provide high stiffness throughout the speed range. Very low maintanence, no way lube contamination of coolant supply. I would venture to say you cannot go wrong with a Mori Seiki machining center/Big Plus spindle/ and Fanuc controller. Definitely a solid, reliable, profitable investment in capitol equipment for any shop, IMNSHO. The Fanuc 18i control is easy to become familiar with, and can get very large programs from a plug in adapter and a memory card, if you require it. We added 256Mb for about $80., including the 256 Mb memory, the read-write USB device for the PC, and the adapter that plugs the memory into the CNC panel beside the CRT. I am with James on the Big Plus spindle, and also use the Nikken 3 Lock holders and they are sweet, highly rigid with the flange contact, finish milling with their "Dream Cut" high taper contact design, also 3 lock. Never saw an endmill run so true 4" out. I have however, experienced endmill pullout with carbide endmills during roughing, and sometimes with agressive finishing cuts. I believe the shanks are too smooth to get a proper grip on a cylindrical shank with the holders. For drilling, small endmills etc., accuracy is excellent, runout being a couple "tenths" with all their high speed balanced holders and Sk series collets. With 12,000 RPM, high pressure thru tool coolant, and Nikken CAT40 holders, we drill small holes, under .100, 15+ diameters deep in 300 series and 15-5 stainless, drill .028 diameter holes in Inconel x750 with predictable tool life. The rigid tapping I have used to within 1/2 lead of hole bottom using 0-80 form taps. I only wish we had opted for more than the standard 30 tool magazine.

Oh, almost forgot, G28U0W0 is the same as G91G28 on a mill. U and W are incremental mode for X and Z. There is no G code for incremental, absolute. The axis character does the deed. Way nuff said. Nighty night. Still dark, anyway ....

Just a G28Z0 can home the Z axis, if no Z has been set after a movement from Z home, with a G92Z(value), because machine home is the only reference zero for Z. Z is usually brought to program, or part Z0 using and offset extention, which does not actually set a Z value in the coordinate system, because the head position will vary with each tool loaded. The offset changes the head level for each tool in turn. Part zero for X and Y axis IS set by a value X Y distance from machine home to part zero. This position is constant (for all practical discussion, though multiple coordinate systems are frequiently used, each one will have a fixed absoute zero defined referenced to machine home from part, or program zero. That is why, on X and Y a G28X0Y0 in G90 mode will first go to the defined part zerp,or absolute zero THEN continue on to MAchine Zero. However, a G91G28X0Y0, puts the control in incremental mode, G00X0Y0 would not move an axis. Incremental by definition only sees distance and direction of a command, therefore has no consideration of absolute zero point. G91G28X0Y0 = Incremental return to Reference Zero Machine Home, on the axis specified. The only reference zero IS Machine Zero. Axis goes straight home. G90 moves references to a user set program(part) zero, and positions to that "Absolute Reference Zero" then finishes the requirement of G28 to MAchine home. I hope this clears things up a bit, I am sure I repeated myself somehow, but even if my explanation isn't exactly correct from a systems standpoint, the concept presented is a valid explanation of what occurrs at the machine, in my experience. ********************************************** Lathe Stuff A G50XxxxZxxxSxxx, = Absolute Preset for the tool tip on a lathe, and sets max. spindle speed. Say you start all you tools on your lathe with X and Z at Machine Home, or Zero Return position. You index a tool into position, then before machining with it, a G50 command line sets the absolute zero at centerline of the spindle for X, and usualy the part face for Z. This is Part Zero. If when at machine home, your G50 might be X8.0Z5.0. If you had stock in the chuck large enough, and moved X facing the part, you would find the cut face to be 5 inches away from the programed Z0 on the part. If you did not move X, and instead turned by moving Z axis, you would turn a 8.0 diameter. So a G50 presets the distance from where the tool tip is, distance and direction, from the centerline and end of your workpiece. Gonna go to sleep now, everything is blurry, mu two typing fingers are raw. Spelling may be a victim to the blurr .... and finger spasms ....hope it is not too bad.