quote: Why not just use the native Pro E files? PRT but then you would have to buy a ProE Translator for MC and that's kinda like cheating!

quote: I have the most problems with models coming out of ProE I've given up on anything but IGES files with the Wireframe checked from ProE. Even then you have to pay close attention to the system tolerance. Parasolids are ok but good luck getting a good wireframe from them.

Hey guys, We are slammed right now and I know a few of you are short on work so I wanted to make an offering. We have some prototype Crankshafts for a 2.0L 4 Cylinder Engine that we are wanting to outsource. If anyone wants to quote give me a shout. I've got prints and a MCX file. Those of you with an Integrex or a Multus would probably do well on this one. Overall length is under 20". This is for rough machining only... no grinding or finish processes. Thanks and good luck guys! Josh

I personally use inverse feeds for all of my rotary machines. I find that the feed rates and tool transitions are much smoother and consistant. What machine are you trying this on?

Change at point? Just thinking out loud. I'll look at it and get back to you.

It's for Dynamic Fixture Offsets for 5X machining (G52.1 PXXX). It's a way of programming a part from any coordinate system and the machine kinematically tracking zero back to the center of rotation. It's like spatial rotations in robotics. Very cool function and I use it all the time with our Heidenhain controls. If you have your Fanuc manual it gives a really good description. HTH Josh

Thanks John We'll be in touch

it is it is..... Chill out! I wouldn't do that to the Grind Guys... I used to be one!

Change of plans... Our Jig Grind guys have nothing to do so we're passing the buck. Thanks for the advice anyways fellas!

Hey guys, We've got some slots to mill - .377 to .379 wide / .125 deep / A2 @ 60-62Rc / Approximately 6" long. I tried a 6 flute .3125 Endmill but no luck. I have some TiAlN coated 1/4 3 fluters with a .020 radius that I'd like to try but I don't have a clue where to start on the Feeds & Speeds. Any ideas? Thanks in advance! Josh

Can you post pics or upload a file to the FTP site? That would give us a better understanding of your needs. Thanks, Josh

+1 to CCleaner I have it setup to run at startup so I don't have to manually run it. It will wipe anything you want except pagefile.

Welcome to the Forum A couple of things.... Easy on the caps. That's taken as a way of SHOUTING here. Asking for things such as post processors and Vericut machines is frowned upon also. If you need a machine it would be best to talk with your Vericut dealer as if you need a MC post processor you would need to see your MC reseller. Again, welcome to the forum. This place is great for getting info and getting most of your questions asked.

I have a seat of CAMplete for our Hermle 5X Mills (C400U and a C40i) and is was worth the $$$. I can't speak for Vericut but CAMplete is very powerful from the dynamic posting options to the verification. As James said the downside is the machine list. Most folks use sim for 5x machines anyway. The MC verify has been good enough for my 3/4 axis stuff.

Haven't heard back yet Thad. Stay tuned....

It may include the "L" cycles like L9401/L9402 circle milling to G12/G13 and "L" Sub Programs to M97 Local Sub Programs. If you use the "E" fixture offsets it may change them over to G54/G55/etc. I have a friend who has both machine tools in his shop. I'll talk to him and see how it works.

WOW! I can't believe I've missed out on that! Thanks James & Tony!

I personally miss how easy it was to change attributes in V9 (Color, Levels, etc.) Unless I'm missing something it's a pain to change entities individually instead of select all lines and move to a different level. If someone knows a good method in X Versions please let me know. Miss the hot keys too! We really should start a thread on what we like about X versions or we're gonna give CNC a complex!

I would try parallel with the filter ratio set to 1:1, filter tolerance set to .0001 and create arcs in the x/z - y/z axis checked. You'll have to adjust the machining angle to backplot the correct arc structure. This should post arcs instead of linear moves. If there is still a flat in the bottom you may have backlash/look ahead issues. Email me the file and I'll try to help you... it's a slow day here anyways. Josh

I do need it to represent the geometry. There are secondary operations after these tools run... Drilling/Tapping stuff. Not to mention there are 5 of these tools per part Can I draw it as a solid tool and it would work?

Hey all, I have a customer that machines Bronze Castings in a production machining environment. The parts are not very complex but the tooling kinda is. They try not to interpolate features as much as possible so they have ordered custom boring bars from a cutting tool mfg (name omitted for various reasons). Basically the tools are multiple cutting edge boring bars. Most of them have 3 inserts - ID Bore / Chamfer / Face - non of which are adjustable. My question is, can I create custom tools with more than 1 cutting edge? If I draw my tools with 3 yellow inserts and the holder blue will MC recognize the 3 (or more) inserts? Thanks in advance for the help! Josh

Could Change At A Point do this?

No problem man! Glad I could help

+1 to comparing to PEEK We machine PEEK all the time here. It's free machining and holds tolerances well. PPS should be very comparable. Most of the time we are machining injection molded bearing cages and have had no issues. We typically use uncoated endmills/drills with this stuff. Believe it or not PEEK tends to stick to TIN coated tools. HTH Josh

Matt, Send me the file. It's a slow day around here so I'll play around with it. Josh