Please re-read your previous post... Otherwise I think we all just got slammed!

I have configured as KLG has indicated. Use force tool change to give a restart block and your operator will be able to do each patch independantly.

Glenn has it right. So the functionallity is there in some limited type of fashion. But a "Click" on the cyan NCI location is the preferred solution and then a wireframe tool will just pop into view. Maybe I'm a little picky.

The DRW file is only a flat print version of the true solid model (notes and stuff). I've never tried to open one but think that a DXF of the file would be better. Email me the file and I will try to convert it in Pro/E and if successful - Mastercam. [ 06-03-2002, 03:59 PM: Message edited by: MfgEng ]

Is there a way to just pick on an arbitrary point on a tool path so that the tool graphic will be placed there to check for interference? I can do this in other cam software and need to know if this same functionallity exists in MC9-L3. And the answer is No - I do not want to create aditional geometry (that's the design guy's job!)

Advanced Analysis and Design features are way beyond the scope of what Mastercam is intended for. I suggest Pro/E or Visi for something like this. Haven't any experience with UG or Catia though I'm sure they have something.

Oh yes IGES - Is this a shortform for "I Generally Export Sh!t??"

James - Don't need one but wish you had it?? Sounds like the answer to the thread on solids! Thanks to all for replies.

To return to the initial question - 99.9% 2D Xform,Translate,Z-.25,Join,Done There, I just saved you the cost of the solids add on. If it were my money, I would keep it and buy my wife something.

Here is a great appication question. I have an Integrex YB70 with 4 programmable Steady Rests (Two Movable Bases) and Mastercam only allows for 1 definition in the Job Setup. Any suggestions for getting them into the operations manager? Thanks

I work with files in the range of 30-50MB and when surfacing with a tight step over, the 512MB ram bogs a little. Suggest to go 1GB or as much as could fit. Windsor is full of mold guys so I assume that is your niche, and this is why I suggest it.

Jack, As I don't know the specifics of the machine you are looking at I can only suggest how it should be from a "Fanuc" perspective. Each part on your tombstone will have its own unique work offset ie Pallet 1 (M61) Side A G54.1 P1 - Station 1 G54.1 P2 - Station 2 G54.1 P3 - Station 3 G54.1 P4 - Station 4 Side B G54.1 P5 - Station 1 G54.1 P6 - Station 2 G54.1 P7 - Station 3 G54.1 P8 - Station 4 Side C G54.1 P9 - Station 1 G54.1 P10 - Station 2 G54.1 P11 - Station 3 G54.1 P12 - Station 4 Side D G54.1 P13 - Station 1 G54.1 P14 - Station 2 G54.1 P15 - Station 3 G54.1 P16 - Station 4 Pallet 2 (M62) Side A G54.1 P17 - Station 1 G54.1 P18 - Station 2 G54.1 P19 - Station 3 G54.1 P20 - Station 4 Side B G54.1 P21 - Station 1 G54.1 P22 - Station 2 G54.1 P23 - Station 3 G54.1 P24 - Station 4 Side C G54.1 P25 - Station 1 G54.1 P26 - Station 2 G54.1 P27 - Station 3 G54.1 P28 - Station 4 Side D G54.1 P29 - Station 1 G54.1 P30 - Station 2 G54.1 P31 - Station 3 G54.1 P32 - Station 4 This is assuming a Cube Tombstone (use any number of sides you need). Also remember that you can now access any facet of the part you need to define and just increment the work offset number and off you go. The post on this website from Dave Tompson is great for sub-programs and coordinate transformations (Which is what you need and are asking for). With all these work offsets - buy a probe so the setup guy doesn't waste too much time setting work coordinates. Get as may offsets as you need. This is usually an option that is already available and just needs to be "Turned" on. Coordinate with the boss and he may be able to get the "Upgrade" for free. [ 05-23-2002, 12:40 PM: Message edited by: MfgEng ]

Oh yes, the simple but all powerfull Al Brown inverted monitor transformation with an added mirror to keep the spindle on the proper side of the desk trick. See page 35 of the Worst Case Senario Survival (Machinists) Handbook! Effective and "It just Works..."

For material selection in stainless check the following resources. 1) Machinery's Handbook for a descriptive list on material properties, application areas and also some machinability information. 2) For some hard numbers, check the Metals Black Book or AISI specifications. If yor need weldability, look for an L designation ie - 316L (low carbon weldable). Call a stainless supplier for suggestions and application guides. Avesta, EMJ, Sandvik etc...

Gold - Au form the Latin "aurum" Also see Goldfinger - Ian Flemming. The villian was named Auric Goldfinger (meaning of or pertaining to Gold...)

Iscar and Ingersoll have an excellent programme of plunge mills (Center cutting avalable - Iscar: see pages C91-C93 of the July 2001 Inch Version of Iscar Unlimited) The Sandvik programme mentioned is a dirivative of the R215 program and is non-center cutting (see page 224-225 of LIT-SUP T/R02.1) Word of Caution... Do not use a plunge roughing surface pocket routine with a rotary axis substitution as it will not work. It took me 45 minutes one day to train a sales goof that a "Radial" effect exists for this and the stepover amount would never be correct.

Actually see the following link. I came across a similar request today. http://www.gaussbusters.com/ppm93.html

Using MC9 with a rotary axis tool path in Lathe. Milling tool (with holder shown) in backplot is way out to lunch with the scale. Where is the holder stored and can I change the scale of it?? [ 05-01-2002, 10:16 AM: Message edited by: MfgEng ]

Suggest maybe a quick shot of penecillin to get rid of that burning sensation. Doctor once asked me "Does it burn when you pee?" "Don't know, I never tried to light it..." I replied.

Check that the switch on the Power Bar is in the "ON" position....

James - What kind of bait do you use to catch ice...

Are probe routines possible??

What are my options other than using the comment field in a toolpath dialogue box to get text into my GCode. I am looking for a function similar to APT PPRINT statement. I looked in MISC OPS but to no luck. Any suggestions welcome. Thanks

Another mechanism of doing this is while in the operations manager right click on the sequence, select options from the dialogue box, toolpath display, on or off. This will show up as a greyed out NCI icon. By being selective on which toolpaths are visible, you can determine if depth cuts between sequences are correct etc. "Alt T" is a shortcut for accomplishing this (but will hide all toolpaths in the ops mgr.)

Word of Caution... If you expect a PC to be able to concurrently send Data to a Machine and to have that PC do a simulation (BackPlot) you better get some serious power. The transmission rates and buffers in the CNC control will not allow a true Real Time Offline Backplot. My experience (Job Shop/Band aid Budget) with a DNC was on a Fanuc15M and a DOS based P150 PC and found that I was Data Starving the Machine (19200 baud). Noah used the same configuration on the Ark and I think the time may have come to revisit the possibility. Any thoughs Cimco? [ 04-25-2002, 08:13 AM: Message edited by: MfgEng ]