Ok so, I haven't used the trochoidal toolpath features yet. I've seen a demo and am dying to try it. I would like some opinions from people that use/understand it. would this part be a good candidate for this type of path? It's 304 SS and about .040 thk. I know it would be a better part for stamping but.....I have to machine 30 of them I'm hoping with using the trochoidal toolpath features to get better tool life. I figured on using a 3/16 endmill for pocketing and then finishing the corners with a 1/8 endmill. the cutouts are approx .250"-.450" thanks for your input in advance.

when you use WCS you NEVER rotate your part or STL. You assign a new WCS for each operation therefore when you open your previously saved stl file in the verify session, it's always oriented exactly the same as the first operation. If you never move the part or stl they have to be oriented the same right? it's a little weird at first but once you understand how it works......you'll never want to do it any other way. just always make sure in you stock setup your set to top as said before. good luck!

WCS Video: http://www.emastercam.com/cgi-bin/ultimate...ic;f=1;t=028372 Dynamic WCS in X4 Rocks! I use it exclusively now.

WCS without a doubt!

I just tried a few different files here locked and unlocked and they all work.

That could be the problem... To save a copy of the file locally, In Vault Explorer you right click the file and choose get latest version right?

I use Inventor and Vault also. We keep our Mastercam files in the Vault as well as our Inventor parts and assemblies. I did not have any issues like that with X3MU1. What Inventor file type are you trying to open? .ipt? .iam? .ipn? .idw? If you can share a file I can try to open it on my setup.

WCS! The only way to fly!

May I have Scooby also please?

Awesome! Thank you very much

oops! [ 12-09-2008, 09:10 AM: Message edited by: Michael Sullivan @ Blackhawk Mgmt ]

May I have an .ipt of Spongebob too please? My e-mail is in my profile Thanks,

How large is your stl file? Big STL files can be rough for Mastercam no matter what computer you have.

yup, that was it. Not sure how it got checked though. I certainly didn't do it. I guess it's a default but I'm not sure why it would be. Thanks gentlemen

Using X3, I'm using WCS and whenever I try to backplot my operations the view flips sideways. It is VERY annoying to have to rotate the part all the time and then rotate back after backplot. The tool plane still shows right and in verify the orientation is correct just like in the main view. I've opened old files that are setup the same way but do not act like this. Is it a setting I'm missing? X3 does this and also the Beta MU1 I don't have any other versions installed to check at this point.

quote: IN the Operations Mangler I can't believe no one else commented on this! I love it! I can mangle operations without any help

ROCKS!

quote: that looks like fun. shhhhh! My wife thinks I come here to work. lol

Great! See pics: http://www.emastercam.com/cgi-bin/ultimate...c;f=11;t=006729 Now I need to make an Aluminum one

Welcome to the forum Here are some old threads: http://www.emastercam.com/cgi-bin/ultimate...t=028443#000010 http://www.emastercam.com/cgi-bin/ultimate...t=026916#000003 http://www.emastercam.com/cgi-bin/ultimate...t=018233#000001 Sorry, no personal experience on this. HTH

I have single point threadmilled many times before and it works great but it takes a bit longer than these multi-tooth/flute type threadmills. You can really rip these things through material. It works fine for internal/external threads as long as you have the right cutter You have to buy the spiral flute not the straight flute.

I tried it on a part here for the same reason. It worked but it created like 30 operations that I would have done in less than 10 and it used 18 tools or something and I only have 10 pockets. I'm not sure I know how to use it. ........................and my daughter is technically only 5 1/2 I'm going to play some more and try a time study when I get a chance.

Works ok here, but I have to get my 6 yr old to do it