Thanks for the reply. I already have MC set to use multiple cores. However, i'm interested in the default priority function in that window in MC 2020. We are still running 2019 here. What are the options on the drop down?

It's definitely axis subs bogging it down. 

Mike

Hi Guys,

     We have some programs here that take over an hour to post out. They have extensive surfacing and multi axis tool paths and axis subs (I think the axis subs are the killer). When posting, it seems as though MC is only using one core. Is there a way to improve on this?

TIA

Mike 

Just program it like you were milling in XY. Then double all your x values and change them to C.  I think.... Been 10 years or so.....

MIke  

We have the Sigspro software. Not sure on the cost. May even come with the machine. From what I gather it is pretty intuitive. We have yet to run into a tool we could not make.

Mike 

No Incas, but we have multiple Schutte machines. Those run about $650k well equipped. We have also quoted Walter which is in the same ballpark. Then tack on another 50k in wheel packs. Not a cheap endeavor.

https://schutteusa.com/grinding-machines/

In my experience, HSK63 has been better at heavy machining as well. The only way I would go cat 40 is if I had hundreds of holders already available. Speed, run-out, rigidity all seem to be better w/ HSK. Not to mention, the ability to use in mill turn applications. Just my opinion though. 

MIke 

G,

      We looked extensively at Wintool, TDM, and TMS and implemented TMS about two years ago. We drive Mastercam and Vericut with the tools created in the software. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line.

Mike 

We have a Zeiss O-Inspect here and have been very happy with it. Not sure on the $$$. But I bet it wasn't cheap.

Mike 

What kind of machine? We have Zoller pre-setters here that would have no issue measuring length and runout that small. That is, if you're even using a changeable shank and not direct in a collet. 

There's also this if you want to really get fancy!  

https://www.marposs.com/eng/product/non-contact-visual-tool-setter

Mike

Big Kaiser makes HSK32 shanks for their boring heads.

Mike 

Would definitely go Haimer for 1/8 tools. Especially if you'll be doing a lot of them. We actually have a Techniks machine as well, but it struggles with the small tools. Not to mention, quenching them with coolant really shortens there life.

Mike 

Colin is right there with the $30K being a STARTING point. IMO it is the only way to go once an organization gets to be a certain size. And, the earlier the better because it becomes a monumental task once you have thousands of assemblies and components. BUt, once it is all in there and RIGHT, you will never want to go back.

Mike 

That's right I forgot. Try and get a hold of Daniel Santos from this forum. He's pretty knowledgeable on WIntool. Guesswho from this forum also uses it I believe.

Mike 

No experience with Wintool but we use Zoller TMS here pretty successfully.

Mike

https://www.carrlane.com/en-us/product/clamps-accessories/swing-clamps/one-touch-quick-acting-swing-clamps

Although there are a couple different people that make very similar clamps.

Mike 

Same experience here. I even had an operator put synthetic coolant in the spindle oil unit once . Luckily we use spindle load monitoring on everything and caught it before any permanent damage. Took the whole thing apart, cleaned, ran it in and no problems. Grease on the other hand, easily contaminated to the point of failure. Especially on HMC's/mill turn applications.

Mike 

Yeah. I have not had good luck with grease spindles at all. 

Mike

IMO Grade 5 is easier to machine. A lot less gummy.

Mike 

Quote

I've been wanting to setup a home pc but was told I needed to switch my dongle to a nethasp  and my re-seller warned that it wasn't a supported.  Is there a way of doing this with a dongle?

https://www.seh-technology.com/products/usb-dongleserver/myutn-80.html

Been running one since '08. Start slow and disable your scroll wheel and dynamic positioning of your mouse. Force yourself to use it and after a while you'll wonder how you lived without it. I have two that I purchased myself at about $350ea. When I go to one of my co-workers desk's to help with something I about pull my hair out. Also, I have no idea where most of the functions are in MC and SW are since I've had everything hot keyed to 3d mouse buttons for the last 10 years. 

Mike 

I know it's possible because we're doing it here (with windows 10) but I don't know how. We have an IT dept that handles all that stuff. I used to do it with a dongle server years ago with traditional hasps and it worked really well.

Mike

+1 for MST. They have some ridiculous length stuff and great quality. Try getting through Single Source Technologies. They have the best price by far in my experience.

Mike 

I would rather gouge out my eyes than get a virtual Y millturn. 

That being said,  Nakamura NTRX, Okuma Multus U3000 would be the first two on my list. Mazak has a tone of experience in this area but I have never ran one of their machines.

Mike 

B axis or live tooling y-axis turret lathe?

Mike

Dual contact Cat50 is not bt50. BT has significantly different gripper flange geometry. What you have is a dual contact Cat50 which will work fine in a standard spindle. What they do is "close the gap" on both the spindle and holder side of the space between spindle face and flange face so that tools from both standards are interchangeable.

Quote

I had them put two tiny dots of bluing on the spindle taper and the spindle face, then put the tool in the spindle and clamped it. It is most definitely "dual contact". Those tiny little dots, the size of the head of a pin, turned large portions of the entire taper and back flange of the holder all blue.

You must have a Big Plus dual contact spindle. Which is a good thing,

Mike