Thad, I run do_full_arc = 1 helix_arc = 1 helix_tol = .0006 arccheck = 1 Had problems with the new mp executable fails with arckcheck = 1 and do_full_arc on some toolpaths (logged bug) try going back to mp9.17

I use alot of form tools for undercuts, is it possible for those to be supported in X during turbo mode.(show the actual undercut) Also, during turbo mode if multiple wcs will be allowed. Right now big programs are very time consuming for verify if you want to use form tools for surfacing undercuts and using multiple wcs.

Inour company we are currently running Mcafee virusscan Enterprise 7.1 off of our network. The one problem I have is our head office controls the login script and how the virusscan is set up. Since our last update(virusscan), everything has gotten slower. I do know that when generating a tool path the virusscann is scanning the toolpath and files to create it as the toolpath is being created. Which is making things slower. Does anyone know what I should request for changing the configuration of the virusscan software to get the computer back up to speed? The head office wants proof that this is the cause. Thanks to all who have any suggestions.

Is there anyone out there who would know how to see if a rocket port is working properly? We run Extreme dnc for communications and since this morning we are getting rs232 errors.I do not know if it is the computer or the rocket port. Nothing has been changed in the communication settings, or any cabling. All machines are doing this. Right now I think it may be the rocket port but want to be certain. Thanks for any help.

Dave, You could try the atol = .01, but do not know if that would help. (can not remember if the mp9.18 executable uses both itol & atol). It should not matter if arccheck = 1. but the new executable may still look at this. I could e-mail you my post for some comparisons maybe there is something we are all overlooking. Although the post I have is totally written for what we manufacture. If you want let me know your e-mail address to send it tou you.Then you could see if that makes a difference. (3 axis only)

Dave, you also may want to check the filter settings on the toolpaths. ours are set at min. arc radius = .005 max. arc radius = 100. using a 2 to 1 ratio on the filter settings. also in the post I have the ltol = .0005 Our oldest machine is 13 years old the newest is 6 they run helical arcs in all planes just great with the helix_tol = .0006 and helix_arc = 1 How old is this Fadal that this is happening on? Could be if it is real new that helical arcs may not work like the older machines. You may want to consult an application engineer at Fadal for some answers.

Dave, forgot to add, been using those settings for last 6 months and no more problems with the "helical move to small" error

same here, to get this to work you will need to edit the post under general output settings. do_full_arc : 1 #Allow full circle output? 0=no, 1=yes helix_arc : 1 #Support helix arc output, 0=no, 1=all planes, 2=XY plane only helix_tol : .0006 #tolerance in perpindicular plane for helix output this should resolve the problem. the Fadal without glass scales needs a .0003" - .0005" helical arc in order to work. that is why you need to have a helix_tol of .0006 but this will only work in ver9.1 sp1 and up in Mastercam.

I am working all day, wife went to New york with eldest daughter to party at time square ! while the wifes away, time to play

Try switching back to the older version of the executable mp file (version 9.17) I am using mp ver.9.17 and the reverse post is working fine.

Was the original nc file posted in Mastercam? If it was not posted in Mastercam, you may have to do some manual editing to the program.

Dan, could you be more specific, like the kind of tool path. is it a contour, or a circle mill. the information would help alot in resolving your problems. Also the type of entry into the circle.

I believe this is a self reversing tap head. Atleast that is what the tapmatic catalog lists a 50tc/dc head as. there technical manuals do not list this tapping head for feedrates, so it should be like there ncrt heads max rpm = 1500 feed: rpm/pitch you may have to adjust feed if taps do not work correctly or break. test first!!

MayDay, Used to have a mx440 card, had some of the same issues. The only way I got it to work right was to turn the hardware acceleration down completely. The refresh rate did not seem to have any effect

Thanks christian, sounds like it should be looking pretty good really soon!

may^day, I also am having arc filter problems with this. sent a file to my reseller and they will get back to me. I sent a file to them with mastercams filtered toolpaths. mastercam nci file was about 740kb, hsm nci 12.5 meg. There tool paths had some arcs, but not like mastercam. I know 12 meg is not all transition moves!!!. Both had basically the same stepovers , etc...

I did kike how fast it calculates, and does the transition moves. The arc filtering does not seem to work as well as mastecams arc filtering.

Ynto, I do not know what ver you are running. I know in ver 9.1 sp1,if you are pocketing out a circle, that if you use a helical or ramp entry in a contant overlap spiral pocket and the ramp or helix does not fit CRASH! this was reported to qc prior to 9.1 sp2. It has now been fixed.

could you put a file on the ftp site to look at.

Thanks Roger, I think I will give this a try, sounds like it should work o.k.

this is a new pre-defined variable in ver 9.1sp1. the question I have is has anyone used this variable yet. We have all fadal machining centers here and they sometimes die on helical arcs. This may be the solution, if I understand the variable correctly. I understand it as a tolerance in the plane perpendicalar to the arc requiring a specified amount of movement to output the helical arc. Any input would be greatfully appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks for all the help. I will start working on this today.

I never have cut this material before, the boss wants to try this on the cnc mill. Any help would be gratefully appreciated. the material is .078" thick, cutting thru, some slots 5/16" wide, and pockets. I come up with about 90sfm for cutting speed for a carbide endmill

Jay, you are correct,it was not a question. It is just a reminder that if anyone wants to check this out that it is on the ftp site. Could be useful when doing drafted walls with surface finish contour.

A while back ther was a thread on figuring the cusp height on a drafted wall. Also to figure out surface finish based on the cusp height. I uploaded a excel sheet to the ftp site in the Unspecified_uploads folder that I think will help calculate this out on drafted walls. the file is called contour_calc1.xls enter in the ballend diameter and the draft angle (red #,s) then you can find out the desired "z" step based on cusp height, micron (micrometer)rms or microinch rms.