When I have long program and need to change inserts, I just put the machine on single block mode on some retract move, stop the spinde and zero the relative coordinates to that point, then I can jog the tool to better position, remove the tool and chance inserts, put the tool back, start spindle and jog back to relative zero, change to program mode and continue machining.

Does Fanuc 18 i-mb store the line number somewhere when the program is stopped in the middle of the run?

We have Johnford SL-50 lathe and it is actually quite rigid and accurate machine for the price. Only problem that I can think of is the way oil dripping to the coolant tank so it needs to be cleaned more often.

They were not capable of holding finishing tollerances (.0002 repeatedly) like our V-33 Makino's.

Thats not very fair comparison, Makino cost atleast twice as much as Johnford so of course you it will perform better.

Or just make contour toolpath, set the parameters the way you like and right click on the white area where the tools are listed, save default parameters.

The only trouble I have is when I need to square a part that is 6 x 6 x 6. A six inch long endmill doesn't work out too hot.

Thats when you change to insert cutter.

CNC has requested that this unauthorzied link not be posted on the fourm..

and yes.. I know its a link to an offshore Mastercam dealer

edit by gcode

The links says that X6 should have bull nose support for 2d milling. Actually I didnt even know it doesnt support them now.

Same thing in our fanuc 18i with HPCC, no ramping arc moves or we get alarm. Fanuc guy said it is an option that the MTB did not get.

Just lost a days work in something that should only take few hours because of this. Not to mention how embarasing it looks!

The best work around I have found is to use "minimum vertical retract" and set your part clearance to .050"-.100" and check the "Output feed move" box.

Thanks Peon I try this next time.

Im doing a 3d hst rest rough operation on a vertical wall and when the tool moves to the next cut at the other end of the vertical wall the z- axis retract is at the feed speed which is veery slow. I have the retracts set to minimum distance and in a feed mode, at the speed of my rapids, but somehow it doesnt work in z- axis retract when it is exiting the cut?

Could someone of you post a picture of finished surface made with hybrid finish? I curious to see what the surface finish looks like in a complex part. Also how much different is the machining time compared to scallop with same step over?

I have a habit of taking pictures and writing setup notes in notepad about the parts i´m making. My question is, would it be possible to insert a link to those pics and notes in mastercam file. For example in the text that I write to the graphic screen?

Separate the operations in different toolpath groups and use WCS. I also use manual input to write notes at the beginning of the toolpath group if there is something specific to remember.

In a file where there is operations in many WCS, separated in different toolpath groups, is there a way to automatically update the WCS to the current toolpath group where the red arrow is?

There is a lock feedrate check box in Mastercam configuration that is on by default, change that off.

No I cant because when the machine is running Im programming the next operation or part at the same time. Using the background edit sounds like something I need to test. Thanks.

What are your steps?

I have the following,

1. Edit in the file name, Example (Load 5678).

2. Press Punch O5000 Execute.

3. Press Read Execute

4. Wait for the file to input, and I’m Done

%

O5000(REQ PROG.)

(LOAD 1234)

M30

%

I normally do this in background edit, that way I never have to stop the machine.

For me it would go: O5000 -> arrow softkey (X2) -> punch -> execute -> stop -> read -> execute. We are doing this constantly thru out the day (short runs). Fanuc has actually gone backwards in usability because in our fourteen years old Fanuc 0-m the steps are: 05000 -> output -> input

Nice find Rickster!

IT WORKED.......WTF! You still get the initial error message but then it verifies like

normal not all screwed up.

But can you rotate the part after that verify?

Its not a timing problem for us, it is just that in Fanuc 18i-mb the process of sending the remote request program and then putting it to receiving mode requires so many keystrokes that I would like to simplify it. I was thinking that maybe I can write a .nc program that when I execute it, outputs the remote request program to pc and then puts the cnc to input mode, but maybe its just not possible to do.

We have Cimco DNC-max to communicate our cnc- machines wirelessly and we are using remote request to get the program from the computer to cnc. This requires the operator to output the remote request program to the computer and then put the cnc to input mode, the question is can I automate this thru program in memory? Example what I need to achieve: Output remote request program (O0010) -> set the machine to input mode.

If you used a dummy (ghosted) toolpath to get the stock of the part and then use stock recognition for you roughing toolpath, you would get the lead in/out right. Then change the machining angle of that toolpath if you want it to look like in your example. This is just an suggestion, I dont know if I understood your problem right.

We should start a known bug thread where everyone could check what features are broken. I bet that would speed up the bug fixes;)

This is not just Win7 problem, its the same with XP and Vista. You have to manually go and change every file type to open in newest version of Mastercam.

What's wrong with File open anyway?

You could try to move the MCWhatsNew.exe to some other folder.

And also in the gap settings page there is a tangent line field where you can choose the distance you want the cutter to go over the edge.