Hi I am using Mcam for SW 2018 within SW 2014. I have programed a part with multiple planes in the 4th axis. My initial stock is from set up parameters and I have a number of stock models thereafter. I am happy with what I have but now want to add my 4th axis chuck to my initial stock to simulate possible fouling. Also note I am in the part environment of solid works. The easiest thing I thought I could do was to create and stl and use that in simulation only so my machining stock was left alone and I am sure it would be good if I could locate my stl where I need it but Its like trying to pin the tail on the donkey at a kids birthday party. Does anyone get what I am doing and can anyone help?

Thanks for that.

Colin I have a tool I want sell online a video like this would explain it very nicely.

Thanks all for your input. I will try to find someone to do it for me. Also there are other more conventional ways to convey what I want its just a video like the Heule one just says it all so neatly.

Chris I have a tool that has an stowed and deployed position like in the video and I would like to convey what happens inside a bore which needs the stock to be translucent also I need to show the movement of the tool mechanism.The software that produced the Heule video would be ideal or someone who can use my solid models to put into a video.

I would like to have an animation prepared for me to demonstrate the function of a boring tool. A video of the machining op is no good I need to show what happens within the bore since the tool positions for boring once inside a chamber within the bore.

No. I am aware of mastercams capability this is another level. its not so much simulation as animation its a means to demonstrate a tools function as oppose to proving tool paths.

On numerous tooling sights videos demonstrate tools in cut within holes or bores, the stock is translucent and the cutting operation is clear to see with photo clarity. The Heule Tool website is a good example where back chamfer and back bore tools are shown in operation for a clear understanding of how the tool works. How is this done?

I will have not been on forum for a week or so

I have a model on which several tool paths on various planes are generated. I have twice so far had the path appear to become unattached to the model. I rotate the view and the model and the paths move independently appearing disconnected although no generation errors occur. I save the file close and reopen and all is fine. Any thoughts ?

Thanks guys for taking the time to reply. We are 10 plus years down the mastercam track, so unless a competing product appears with major efficiency gains across a wide area, the jumping ship option is not an option. Also I have found using mastercam for solidworks over the last 14 months quite beneficial and well worth the effort of learning it. thanks again Gary

A machinist that works for us is singing the praises of fusion 360, some free ware he has got from the net. He tells me all it can do, my reply is we have spent 10's of thousands on mastercam and solidworks they must have capabilities that his free stuff doesn't. Can someone help here as I am starting to get sick of listening to him. Thanks Gary

You can select long code, then have an initial peck of say 2" then subsequent pecks of 1/4".

Thanks guys I have classic on both now. cannot get display of home moves on the new backplot though. kind regards Gary

I have 2 computers one laptop and one tower, each has X8 loaded, the laptop runs the old style backplot the tower does not. Also in configuration on the laptop after anylyse in the list there is backplot on the tower it is not there? The old style backplot gives display of the rapid to home of the tool, the new one does not seem to. Can anyone help? kind regards Gary

Thanks CJep I think I have it. I just needed to know you could do it, trial and error did the rest.

Thanks for reply. I have following parameters with no 4th axis output. It is treating it like a part in a vice. Tool axis control = plane (top) Output format. = 4 axis Rotary axis. = x Tool path type. = flow Not sure of the significance of many of the other parameters

On a typical 3 axis m/c centre with a 4th axis attachment. Can you machine a semi circular groove helically around a cylinder by using a multiaxis tool path. The cylinder is aligned with x axis. We have got similar jobs done using axis substitution with curve geometry. But would really like to use imported solid models selecting directly from the solid.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I do agree with you but I like the verbose info as its a double check on cutting data. Although it does need to be right.

Backplot and verify now show spindle speed and feed rate in verbose details which is good. However if surface speed is selected it treats it as RPM and calculates feed accordingly, giving cycle outputs way off. Also feed is displayed in mm per min, would be better feed per rev for lathe. Can I change anything or is that the way it is?

We did similar on a machine with a nose to table issue. Problem was the sub plate plus packers added table weight and with the addition of our 4th axis, that we left constantly mounted, we found every couple of years we were replacing the angular contact bearings that anchor the ball screw. The machine is almost redundant now, but the benefits were outweighed by the negatives in our case.

the problem is in lathe, forgot to mention. Gary

Somewhere in my post or machine definitions my coolant is posting off no matter what I do. I have it turned on everywhere that I can find to turn it on. Gary

It worked thanks Gary