The best way to achieve this I have found is use the Modify>> Break>> Draft/Line then export the file. This usually will fix the problem you are having.

Regards

Caledonian_Karl

Here is a way to use different config files.

Backup up your mill8.cfg although if you delete it mastercam will create a new one for you.

Use an editor to create a text file with the following in it:

copy yourname.cfg mill8.cfg

mill8

save the file as yourname.bat in your mcam8 directory. Then create a shortcut of yourname.BAT file and place it on your desktop.

Use this file to launch Mastercam

Hope this Helps

Regards Caledonian_Karl

I think I have a good solution for your problem. try the most excellent Chook from TriTech - Levels - It has a Z Sort

First place all your arcs on one level. Turn off any other levels storing other geometry that you dont want affected by the Z sort

then you can do a Z sort were by it will automatically place all the arcs that are on different z depths on different levels.

Eh Voila turn off any levels not required for Drilling ops. I used to use this for organizing point data back in V5.

Regards Caledonian_Karl

I found Mastercam Step translator worked better with Pro E Files especially those with solids as the solids also come into Mastercam nice and clean.

Caledonian_Karl

I Installed one recently and because running cable was not an option I hooked up an Iomega Zip drive to to the parallel port in the back. You need to have the drivers from the the MX3 supplers and then the DNC runs right from the Zip Drive.

Just another Option

Caledonian_Karl

A question was posed to me the other day about repairing worn threads. So I asked a few in my area what methods they use.

The parts are Very Large and Very Unusual and Very Tapered threads for the oil industry. They are to expensive to remake so many are sent back for repair. Thus they are shortened and the thread picked up and recut.

While some claim to do it just by eye some screw on the thread gage on a good part and when it bottoms out they would score the gauge and the Jaws. Then place in the damage part, screw on the gauge and align it back up with the Jaw. Thus ensuring that the thread is sitting true with the Spindle and the program. I am interested in anyone else ideas.

This Forum needs a Smiley scratching his head

and one wearing safety glasses

--(o)^(o)--

Y

Regards Caledonian_Karl

Hi Hugh,

Well first of all if the customer is using Solid works your best choice would be to ask him for the solid works files in its native format. Then to read it in us File>Convert>Parasolid>.......Then change the extension type to Solidworks Prt format and proceed to read in the file.

OK if you have the curves you only need one set. and I believe the double curve is because in Solid works its outputting a start edge and end edge of a solid at 360 then cutting it back to 180 so you end up with a double curve on one side only . Just delete one of them. You will however need to draw a Center line through the datum axis.

The Toolpath Revolution will not accept splines so as correctly guessed the break command will fit arcs through the splines and either delete or hide the original spline.

Once you have done the tool path you will find some cool features offered with this method of machining also - G18 or G19 output in your code because all the revolved moves will be arcs. If you are not seeing these codes Mpmaster.pst offered on Emastercam

will do an excellent job for you.

Some of the Old Toolpaths are Still The Best.

2D Swept is a prime example.

And the split personality - Caledonian opperates in Stirling Scotland and also out of Calgary Alberta.

Regards Caledonian_Karl

Try This Hugh,

But Dont blink you might miss it generating the toolpath :

Toolpath >> next menu >> wireframe >> revolution.

Select your "S" shape (no splines - use break arcs to splines if you do)

Select your Axis endpoint and also a tool,

at this point Hold your eylids open and say OK

Make sure your post has G18 an G19 activated to out put your arcs.

Hope this adds to your future repertoire

Regards Caledonian_Karl

Hey PDG

Can I do that as a macro and tie to a icon with a prompt to insert any name ?

Here is the util you really need if you can't wait till V9. It offers line thickness and is so easy to set up. Also Custom Paper sizes that can be stored or set as default.

Regards Karl

I stopped using the Macro utility once they added another pretty cool feature whereas a "?" takes you to the table to choose a method of extracting a dimension from geometry on the screen e.g.: R for a Radius. Before this feature came into the system the "?" was used as a variable size for the Macros whereas a "?" would prompt you to put in a dimension. E.g. Macro might say create rectangle 10 by ? and you could fill in the last dimension.

Hi Paul

Screen > Config > Allocations

with 256 meg try

points per spline - 5000

patches per surf - 5000

entities to undelete - 500

Database Allocations - 50000

Toolpath Allocations - 50000

Makes easy to remember too.

Apologies Frank

The STL was a wrong Steer ,I was thinking of my other CAM package DREAM CAM -

What you do is merge the CAD file of the Forged Piston Data.

Place into position relative to the finished part.

Place it on a Different level than the rest of the geometry.

Turn off all other levels except the Forged Piston Data.

Do Toolpath > Multi surface finish (Zigzag)and leave +.020 all over.

Now turn off that level and turn on the finished data.

Do a Multi Surf Finish Contour to Leave +.010 to +.025

So now we have 2 Toolpaths.

The first will be used to establish the Stock for the High Feed Calculation for the Second toolpath.

Highlight the 2nd Op in the Op Manager and select High Feed From the right hand side.

For Stock use the Scan NCI option to Look at toolpath #1

The other Values you set according to your machine if its the first time you have run this Feature set the Min and Max Feeds to your comfort Zones And Read the Help File.

It will calculate and modify Feed rate depending on the amount of material removal so where you have +.200 it would be slower than where you have +.010.

For more help you should read this Doc file (Hfapp_v8.doc) found here http://www.mastercam.com >>>> in the support > free download section.

Regards Karl

Caledonian CADCAM

Scotland

Hi Frank

Because MasterCam is so versatile this problem can have so many answers all of them will probably work.

First you have to decide how much extra time it is taking when cutting air and how many of them you have to cut against how long would it take you achieve a more visually acceptable toolpath.

Many people chase their tale taking days to achieve the absolute perfect "Visual Program" when they have one piece to run and its done in three hours ?????

Anyway here is another option:

You have a model of the Correct Piston.

Model up or get the data for the Forged Piston.

Create an STL file of the Forged Data

Run a constant Z toolpath (Contour) leaving .015 to .035 (whatever is best for your set up)

Use High Feed To optimize the Feed Rate.

Use Forged Model STL file as the Stock.

This method will not only eliminate unnecessary air moves but will optimize the feed rates as they vary in amount between you .010 and .200.

Regards

Karl Oram

Caledonian CADCAM

Scotland.

Clutter ????

CadCAM Guru's never have clutter complicated prints - organised mess - yesterdays coffee never clutter.

Not quite drag and drop but almost.

Heres how I do it:

File New.....

NC utils > Def Tools > Library > Current

Right Click and change library to Big.tl8 or Big_MM.tl8 for some of us.

Now using Cntrl or Shift to select all the Tools you want

"Ahh go on pick some more that you don't need as well you know you want too".

Now do another change library but this time type in a new name eg: New.tl8

Do a Cntrl-A to select all your new tools and right click to save to library.

Library updated succesfully.

Have Fun

Karl Oram.

Caledonian CADCAM Ltd.

SCOTLAND

Take a look at Cimmagraphy - (Think thats th name)

It does exactly what you want used alot by Diplicating / Engraving Shops and Rubber Stamping mfg's.

Good Luck

Sounds like your getting a title instead of a raise. So hey go for broke Vice Prez sounds good to me.

Dave - Im using a 3D Ge FORCE II GTS - 32m absolutely wicked, best card Ive had in Mastercam. - and it by Creative

Parlez s'il vous plaît en anglais ainsi le tha que nous pouvons tous aider

Following on From Gregs Response I have found that situation a few times the latest as of yesterday which has been the worst to date. I'm using windows 2000 V8beta2 and I went to get a file and there were no files none AT all, ok so I jump to explorer and there is my MC8 directory and I go in there and theres another MC8 directory so on and so on. I opened all of them ie 16 or so then it said cant open any more. The only way I could get my files was to do a Search then grab them from the Find dir and move them. Then delete all the other directories.

Regards Karl

Your Local dealer will have the pricing for the Pro-E translator another option is to use the STEP translator. If you have Mastercam Solids this works excellent as it will also bring in the solid from the Pro E and you can continue to use solids for any changes.

Regards Karl

The Functionality that is used in the toolpath chaining has not yet been migrated to the Solids. This improvement has been brought up in discussions with CNC Software and is on their lists of Improvements.

Regards Karl.

Caledonian CADCAM

Scotland

Hi Kathy - ever played Duelling Banjo's

Heres a way a liitle easier I think?

V8 of course -

Ops manager - right click for toolpath

Cirlcle paths

Cirlcle Mill

Select Arc

Select to start center and perp entry

FORGET : Depths - Multi - Roughing

"Trick A LA Trade"

OEVERLAP = Length of arc

(Insert L in the overlap value box - enter - and select the arc to retrieve the length of the arc.)

How is the set up sheet working ?

Regards

Karl Oram

Caledonian CADCAM

Scotland

Just wandering if there is anyone using the Camaix Chook - Project Manager :cool