When I'm drilling in 5 ax, I draw the axis control lines at the angle I want, using the drill points (or arc centers, which ever your drawing has) as my first line endpoint. I then select points/lines and pick the drill points. My parts often tend to be at odd angles, so instead of setting up a WCS for those odd angles I let the axis control lines set my tool angle. Depending upon what I need the tool to do, or how I want it to move, I'll use reference points, or point toolpaths, or sometimes I'll create a transitional 5 ax curve path to move the tool around the part. I study the backplot carefully to make sure my retracts/clearances are staying clear of the part. Some of the others here who have a lot more experience than me will probably have some better suggestions. HTH

+1 to the point toolpath. I have used these to position the tool safely on several occasions. I trim parts that sometimes have unusual shapes/curves and on a few parts I've created geometry and used the 5 axis curve with axis control lines as a transitional toolpath to move the tool exactly the way I want it. That's probably not the most efficient way, but it works for me.

I think Ployd is referring to the Clearance button at the bottom left on the link tab page.

Thanks Ernie!

On a side note, I don't get any retracts with the parameters set as absolute as you have them. The tool just stays at 9". Also, your lead out on the second op is tangent but the lead in is perpendicular, but maybe that's the way you want it.

It posts fine for me, 200 feed rate in the second op. It looks like your post is picking up the 2100 retract rate as a feed rate in the 2nd op, but I don't know enough about post processors to know if that's even possible. Maybe try checking the "rapid retract" box in the second op. That'll gray out the retract rate.

Probably still not what you want, but I gave it a shot...

Generic 2 button w/wheel on the right, 3D space pilot on the left.

Try setting your screen resolution to 1920 x 1200.

I'm interested in hearing the ideas as well. I've only seen this a couple of times on our router, but have made it work the way I want by going into Ops>Parameters>Misc values button on the toolpath tab, unchecking the "automatically set to post values" box, and changing initial values or nutating bias there, but I don't know if that's the best way.

If I understand your question correctly: I use "save as" and save the file under a new name or part number. Then make the changes to the drawing. If the changes cause a dirty toolpath, but I still want to use that toolpath, I just select the geometry in the operations manager, add or replace the chains as necessary, and regenerate. edit: man, I'm slow on the keyboard!

I've got a dell 24" set at 1920 x 1200. Works great for Mcam and any other program I run. We hot swapped monitors from a 21" while Mcam was running with a circle drawn on the screen. When we turned on the new monitor with the old settings, the circle was distorted, but when we set it to 1920 x 1200 the circle was correct, and everything fit the screen. Some wallpaper images are stretched though.

Config>Dimensions and notes>Dimension text and Note text should take care of your text height.

We run a 5 x 10 (61" x 121") Onsrud moving gantry. It's a solid machine, doing a good job for us. Feel free to e-mail if you have any questions about it. johnw at miplastics dot net

quote: Awsome site how many of you other guys are using some form of vacuume holding ???We have done some on plastics with limited success ..... It's all we do here as well. .090 to .220 gage ABS, foil decorated ABS, and some acrylics. Some flat sheet applications, but most are formed parts held using dedicated fixtures.

Give John Murphy at All Star Adhesive a call, 800-878-7827. All Star If he doesn't stock it, he may can get it for you. Edit: Tommy, you're quicker. I'm at home and had to search for the contact info.

If I simply choose my points, without selecting any of the options when the drill point selection window opens, they are drilled in the order I choose. If I select "entities" then it sorts the points in the order they were created, like Thad said. If I "window" the points it also seems to select in the order they were created. edit: I'm using X2 MR2. I just realized I haven't updated my profile

Drag the toolbar into the main screen and resize it to fit the space on your toolbar, then save it in your toolbar states. Here's a link to the original thread from a few days ago: Link

Welcome back

Done!

When your boss renewed the maintenance it should have been sent by your reseller, usually by e-mail. If the boss doesn't still have it, contact your reseller.

When maintenance is renewed an updated sim code is issued. Has that new sim code been installed?

I use 5 ax curve on many of our part trimming toolpaths and haven't seen a problem so far. Maybe put the file on the FTP and let us look at it??

Did a replace install, so far so good.