"That will never happen.. There's about 20 UX reasons that's a bad idea, but the biggest is different languages " I think the language being referred to is what the GUI is programmed in. There is a much bigger programming world then CNC machines. Eric

Sometimes fixing software/computer issues is like an old car. It's just cheaper and less time consuming to add a quart of oil every couple of weeks.

Over on the dark side, ehem "NX" we have had good success using a de burr operation on modeled text. Pick the face with recessed text, set the depth, set the entry to plunges and generate. You might have to exclude other face edges or build a check body as a trim boundary but it is pretty quick. Maybe a similar process would work with mastercam. Eric

Here is a c# version of a split up program. To compile open a command prompt and enter "c:\windows\microsoft.net\framework\v4.0.30319\csc.exe SplitNC.cs". You may have to change the command based on the location of the c# compiler but "csc.exe" is on every windows system. To use the program just drag and drop the dumped NC file onto the SplitNC.exe file. It will output O#.NC files using O# or :#. HTH using System; using System.IO; using System.Text.RegularExpressions; class program { static string ProgName; static string strLineIn; static StreamWriter fileOut; static StreamReader fileIn; static void Main(string[] args) { ProgName = Regex.Replace(args[0], @"\\","\\\\"); fileIn = new StreamReader(ProgName); fileOut = new StreamWriter("PRE.NC"); // Open for any Lines not in a program while ((strLineIn = fileIn.ReadLine()) != null) { if (strLineIn.Length > 0) if ( (strLineIn[0] == 'O') || (strLineIn[0] == ':') ) // If Line starts with O or : { fileOut.WriteLine("%"); // Close old Output File fileOut.Close(); Match match = Regex.Match(strLineIn,@"^[O:]\d+"); // Get New File Name ProgName = match.Value+".NC"; ProgName = Regex.Replace(ProgName, @":","O"); // Change Program Name to start with an O fileOut = new StreamWriter(ProgName); // Open New Output File fileOut.WriteLine("%"); } fileOut.WriteLine(strLineIn); // Always Write to an Output File } fileIn.Close(); fileOut.Close(); Console.WriteLine("Done"); Console.ReadKey(); } }

The real corporate power play now would be that Siemens acquired Moduleworks. The core tool path algorithms and the solids kernel "parasolids" that most cam software's license.

Not to hijack the discussion but it seems that camplete is now another software that has been hoovered up by autodesk. Any changes yet?

I am wondering if the phrase "right of the hop" was a freudian slip or an intentional pun to describe the toolpath jumping around?

Sheet metal forming is an art all to itself. I would suggest off loading to a stamping shop or if the quantities are small milling from a block. E

That was supposed to have been a joke but as is often said "If you have to explain it, Its not that funny". Anyways Merry Christmas All.

Whats with the gloves

Verifying is still faster then scraping a part and having to re-run it. Not to mention the time to explain why the part is bad. Eric

I am guessing we get fries with that explanation. jk

Reading the link to HSKWORLD I noticed this paragragh "When a tool collision occurs using a conventional, steep-taper shank, the potential damage can be considerably greater than is true when using an HSK shank. Because a CAT (SK, BT) shank is solid steel, most of the collision load (and damage) transfers to the spindle. With its hollow design, however, the HSK shank acts as a fuse during collisions. When a cutting tool crashes, the toolholder breaks off and protects the spindle, thus reducing repair costs and machine downtime." Has anyone experienced or heard of a crash were the holder broke off and saved the spindle ? Thanks, Eric

Nice link. Helps to clarify the amount of cross pollination that happens in the background between CAM systems. Hopefully the post will be updated to reflect how things have progressed since 2011. Eric

Wow, Poor guy didn't even mention NX. I can only imagine what the replies would have been. One of the strong points of MC is the large and knowledgeable user base willing to help out. If the new interface doesn't drive people away it will be you guys.