You can't. Just put a value on xy stock to leave then make a finish 2d contour toolpath.

To do that, I would need to know how to read .MCX file. [ 03-19-2009, 07:55 AM: Message edited by: David Colin ]

This is Mastercam related... Mastercam lacks holders management. Until now, it only uses an inch file (Holder.mcx) and scales it if you are a metric user. This factor (*25.4) can't be altered to suit your needs. The other problem is that holder file must be in .MCX format, it's binaries and I don't know how to read/write that format. If I would, I would have temporarily converted it in my software. I'm afraid the only way to achieve is to have holders copies saved as inch in another directory...

I am metric too. Once you drew your holder in metric, you just need to scale it to inch.(*1/25.4)

Of course it works with X2 MR2 SP1 because this is the release I'm using. It will work with MC9/X and X3 too...

-> Jrygus To update, normally just need to run it, close it then re-run...

I only tested it on XP PRO SP3 (32 bits). It should install .net framework 3.5. If you encounter some bugs, please report. I will update. ->Jrygus: Did you set both directories: Mill custom and Mill mastercam? To be sure software is up to date, run it twice. You should read 1.0.0.7 on tooltip for now if you move your mouse on status bar right corner.

I just made a little interface to work around a missing feature in Mastercam: To quickly manage several custom tool holders for backplot/verify with common toolpathes. You first need to indicate Mastercam tool directories, your custom holders directories and Mastercam filetype (MCX-5/MCX/MC9). Framework4 is needed. Select Mill/Lathe application radiobutton, then in the listbox just click on the file holder you want to backplot/verify. Program will automatically copy the file into your Mastercam tool directory, replacing original HOLDER.MCX file (back it up before). That's all. Download here

In our shop we dislike Crownlocks. Insert clamping is fragile and as Chopsley said, beware of chips as they easily can damage shank/clamping.

I formatted and reinstalled, prob is solved now.

My reseller told me to uncheck USB power save option but that wasn't the problem. I don't think it is a USB problem as parallel sim doesn't work neither... Probably a glitch in windows XP registry but I can't find it. I tried to remove all Hasp and aladdin keys but didn't saved me. I think I will have to format HD.

Hi, I just got a new USB hasp-HL to replace my hasp-4 on parallel port. Both HASP dongles partially don't work anymore on my seat (but seems OK on another one). Mcam V9 is OK but McamX2MR2SP2 randomly fail to start and/or disconnect session as I am working with it. It says that dongle is a bad one in the first case or has been removed on the second case. In HaspX software all is ok. I tried several Hasp drivers, I called my reseller and it doesn't understand neither. I probably made a mistake with hasp drivers and some windows registry could be corrupted... I'm in despair, I lost one workday and see no other option that format PC and to reinstall on tomorrow If anyone can help... Yours

NC2DXF is translated (see capture in previous post), except setup (which is really basic) and some error messages which shouldn't occur in usual operating. Anyway, if anyone encounters problems or have requests, just E-mail me. I usually answers fastly and can tweak a little my prog to suit your needs (last update was a request from a user).

V1.2.1 NEW: Rapid moves swith on/off Download here

Bug fixes should be top priority (MasterCam isn't a video game) but a new feature I'd love to get: to be able to set tool reference point anywhere I want along tool... should be very simple (just like sum/substraction). Why only tip/radius center option? I'm stuck with V9 since 2003 but should finally upgrade X2 full options+maintenance next month... I hope i won't be disappointed.

A new update. V1.2 - NEW: Added linear interpolation with 4th-axis (only with G1 code at the moment). I joined a sample NCprogram (NC2DXF pic below). - FIX: ABS/REL programming with 4th-axis I'd like to read some feedbacks: Does it work with your postprocessors ? NB: Simultaneous is only enabled with G1 code. Direction of rotary axis is indicated by sign of its value. Simultaneous machining is only enabled with a real adress call (not M-code). If you need this feature, mail me. Download here [ 08-03-2007, 09:18 AM: Message edited by: David Colin ]

I have the same prob here in France... French resellers are OK to take your money and that's all. We tried 2 of them here and had EXACTLY same results. They gave up post-processors tweaking and don't even answer mails anymore... I had to learn MP language by myself.

That's correct, .zip archive was corrupted. Should be OK now. Sorry... Download here

I just made a little update. Still no preview (don't really need to make another NCplot) Rev. History ------------ V1.0 - Initial release V1.1 - Added M98 Pxxxx Lxxxx syntax (repeat subs X times) - Now helical moves are drawn with splines. Sweeping step is 10degs for full circle and 5degs for arcs - 4th-axis can now be called with any adress - Added points cloud feature. It creates points on a new level for toolpathes G1/G2/G3. It's not only create points at start/end of entities but divide lines, arcs and helix. There is a tolerance parameter to play with (number of points to create/unit). - Minor bugs fixed Hope to read some feedbacks. Download here

Me too and I'm 31... [ 07-03-2007, 02:30 AM: Message edited by: David Colin ]

Hi! What do you mean by preview? To show toolpaths without import the file in another app?

Hi! I just wrote this program for personal use and perhaps it could be useful to someone else. To sum up, this program creates a .DXF file from a CNC G-codes file (Fanuc style). Main features: - Support imbricated subprograms calls (M98 P___) on several levels - Support drill cycles and draw drill points - Colour codes (G0/G1-G2-G3/ G1 with control compensation(CC) / G2 with CC / G3 with CC / helix indicator / ...) - DXF entities are drawn on separate layers to isolate each tool. Each tool has 2 layers (1 for fast moves and 1 for machining moves). Moreover, to be useable and to be able to hide some layers quickly, these layers are organised with 2 groups. - Support absolute/incremental programming (G90-G91) - Support origin shifting (G54->G59) and G92 syntax - Support positionned 4th-axis Limits: 4th-axis must be called with a M-code (M45/M71 or M85) followed by a commentary indicating angular position (0-360deg). 4th axis must be around X. Origin shifting shouldn't work correctly. There are 3 NC-files included into archive to test and learn from. * One aims to show 4th-axis syntax, one is mainly to show G92 shifting and subprograms calls and the other... well, it's only another one! Warning: To process correctly your NC program must be init a standard way.See samples. :0001 'Any NC number . . . M30 'End of program If you have any questions, don't hesitate to mail me: [email protected] Hope to read some feedbacks! NB: Setup program is in french but NC2DXF itself is english translated. Even if setup is in french, it's really a child game to install. Just click OK, then on the Computer icon, then OK again and that's all. PS:I developped .DXF format to import with Mastercam V9.1. Colour codes and/or importation may be inappropriate with other versions. Download here URL updated if someone needs this tool!

MR0304 is an update to SP2... but not the very last one.

Don't forget to check X/Y/Z not-modal checkbox if you have tool changes in the program. If you don't, and if X/Y/Z values are the same before and after toolchange, they won't be outputed. It can be a problem as tool should be at toolchange point at this moment...

For now I still don't really have limits. It will depends of my boss opinion and machines availability. Simple parts i drew are requiring: turning+milling 3-axis+wire Machining can be 4 or 5-axis if needed. Stock size should be less than 80mm diameter or flat. Here is one I drew (Can be a clipboard.lol)