I have a new computer Dell optiPlex 3010 with Intel Core i5-3470, 16GB of ram, SSD drive and Radeon HD 7570 1GB. When I select machine definition or do any task that requires opening or saving files in another directory, I have a noticable lag maybe 5 -10 seconds. I have all my files in this computer so this is not a network issue. It happens both X6 and X7. This only happens in Mastercam, everything else works fast. What could cause this lag?

I usually use 3d hst rest roughing to machine castings. I set my program Z- zero to the highest point of the part so there is usually about 15mm stock that I have to machine above z-0. 3d hst rest roughing does this without problems but when I tried 3d optirest, it starts at z- depth zero and doesnt recognize stock above it. I have to set depth limits to get it work. Is this how it is planned to work or Im I seeing a bug?

I agree. There was problems in X6 verify but at least it worked reliably to a certain level. Now In X7, i have had crashing problems also when trying to use quite simple verified stl files.

There is clearly some serious problems when every Stl file that you save from verify is 10x or more bigger that in X6. We just renewed maintenance but are left with unusable software. Will there be any improvements about this in X7 MU1?

I will try it out, thanks!

My guess is that they are not allowed to distribute previous versions anymore because licensing for old verify has ended. Just rumours..

No problem Crazy^mill/turn, you have good points there like always.

There are these new columns in tool manager for assembly and tool holder name. Where do I need to save the defaults so I only see tools? There is check box in tooling manager to only show tools, assemblies or both but I cant find where to change this default setting.

Thanks cncchipmaker! We have reference tool zeroed to tool height setter In G59 and other tools will measure + or - from it. I would also like it to capture tool number that is on the spindle and use that to set right tool offset. One tool would be setted at a time but no inputting of tool numbers would be needed. Would it go like this, read the current absolute position from system variables and set it to #500 variables, read current tool in spindle and set that also. Then I would have to make command where setted tool number is the same as tool offset being inputted and input would be the current absolute position in the other setted variable?

I´d like some good advices . We have tool height setters in some of our older Fanuc 18i vmc´s that we put on the machine table, touch of a tool to it and input that absolute position to tool height offset page manually. Id like to automate this process with a macro so we could just touch the tool, call the macro and press cycle start and the right offset would update. So I would need the macro to capture said work offset (G59 for example) absolute position, tool number that is on the spindle and then update that same number in the tool offset page with that absolute position. I can think so many uses of macros but have zero skills in programming or understanding them..

We machine 3d shapes to large casting so saving STL from verify is very important. I havent tested the stock model in X7 yet because of previous bad experieces but I think I have to try it atleats..

X7 sp2 is nearly unusable to me right now because of the verify. It opens painfully slow compared to old verify, the quality of verified part is a joke and trying to save an STL from the verify results is hopeless. I.ve had more crashes this week with X7 verify than what i´ve had last couple of years with previous versions. The only thing that keeps me using X7 right now is the much improved processing speed of toolpaths.

Mastercam is old "core" software that is just patched up with these new features like machine sim, verify, tool manager ect. The integration of these features is made so that it doest feel like you are using the same software anymore. Maybe there should be complete rewrite of the software but I dont think CNC wants to make that step when they are still making money with the old one.

This is a big problem near vertical walls when the tool retract all the way up after every cut. I havent tested it in X7 if it works better now.

Hst rest rough usually works better.

Thanks everyone. I will try it out when I have little more time.

I want to save my verify result as an stl and the part is in two peaces after verify. How do I select the one that I want to save and get rid of the other? There was a setting for this in previous versions.

You cant move it from the solid window, you have to use the "basic" move command that is in the edit drop down list.

You have to move the wireframe geometry that you used to used to make the hole. then Regenerate the solid

There is other macro program for it, If you only want to measure the height offset.

Change to side view, window select so that you only get the top arcs of your holes, press alt+ e to hide everything else that is not selected. now get back to your original view and use chain feature.

I have seen the same thing http://www.emastercam.com/board/index.php?showtopic=69720&hl=

You did not say what kind of machining are you going to do but just use enough coolant and the machine will propably set you limits to feeds and speeds.

To what are you using these curves? 3d surface machining boundary or just chains to drive 2d toolpaths? Id like to see an example, there might be other ways to do it.

If I remember right there is a setting in control definition to only allow arcs in X-Y plane, you need to select that also.