Thanks guys. We're getting Mill Level 3 and we're kicking around getting solids also. At this point, we're importing IGES files of the surfaces. We do 2 and 3 axis machining on dies. Does anyone have any comments on whether this would be a worthwhile "upgrade" (solids) for that type of work? The files will be designed in UG or Ideas, if that makes any difference. Thad

You can mill the solid, can't you? Or do you have to extract surfaces from the solid and machine the surfaces? Thad

Can solids be created/manipulated/machined with Mill Level 3 or is the "solids package" an add-on (i.e. cost more) to Mill Level 3? Thad

You're absolutely right, Rich. This board is fantastic! The wealth of knowledge here is definately one of Mastercam's strengths. I know they've helped me alot. Thanks to all who participate in this board! Happy New Year! Thad

What is the difference between UG and UG-NX? Thad

In "Job Setup," make sure you have checked "From Tool." Thad

I don't have any advice for you Paul, but I just wanted to say that it sounds like interesting work. Thad

quote: They are demanding "Fresh air Breaks" I third that! Thad

James, Who are the "Big 5?" Thad

quote: We've been working on this little project for about 5 or 6 years now. Look at it like this. If you're going to be a failure at something.... Chantz is absolutely adorable! Congratulations to you and your family. Happy Holidays! Thad

Good one Tony. You made me laugh. Thad

quote: Have you tried dragging and dropping your ops? It's less clicks. Jim, Actually, on that part of my post, I was referring to changing the order by going into the ops library. When you drag an op and release, you get the option to copy/move before/after. That's where I had the problem. I'm always looking to save a few mouse clicks. Thad

quote: To pull directly from a file go to job setup and hit the Import tab. Sweet! I'll give it a try. Thanks Jim. Thad

I didn't know you could import ops from an existing MC9 file. I've always saved them to the library and then brought them in from there. Although, I have experienced the problem of them changing order and having to reorder them. I've also had problems changing the order of my ops. I select "move after" and instead it will move it before the op that is before the one that I have highlighted. This really ticks me off! How do you import directly from another MC9 file? Thad

Thanks Jay. So far, so good. Thad

Thanks Jay. I'll try that tommorow. I looked around in Screen/Config and didn't find anything. I also looked in default.df9 (I think) in the job setup area and found nothing. I seem to recall a place to check it off as my default, but perhaps I have it confused with something else. If your method works, I'll be a happy camper! Thanks again. Thad

I've been away from MC for a few months and now we're getting it at my new job. I'm having a brain fart here. In the verify config settings, how do I make "use last size" the default in the "initial stock size source" box? The current default is "Job setup," but we typically don't go through the trouble of using job setup. Thad

One shop that I worked at simply stated that CAD was master. The last shop that I worked for didn't have a "blanket rule" like that. The callout on the print would say "2.06 dia drill thru," but if you analyzed the hole, it was really a 2" hole. (For drilling it doesn't matter.) It was a clearance hole for a 2.0 pin, but for the designer's ease, he created a 2.0 hole. So, my rule of thumb was that any hole that I was going to mill, I would analyze it first. I didn't go through the trouble of analyzing pockets/keys/etc though. At this point, I had to accept that the designer is responsible for doing his job also. In about 6 months, it only "bit me" once. But it was caught on the floor by the operator and corrected. My opinion is that the customer should give you a dimensionally correct file. Otherwise, they'll have to deal with the problems. I don't think you can be responsible for checking every single dimension before cutting the job. That just adds to your cost. When a job gets quoted, your estimator does not allow for time to "double check" the print dimensions to the CAD file. If they can't provide you with the correct information in the first place, it's on them. There are shops that operate in a paperless (well, almost) environment. There isn't always a print to refer to. Let's use your slot example. The CAD file has a .875 wide slot and the print calls out for a .750 wide slot. After the ruffing op, while comping the slot in, the operator makes a check and sees that the slot is too wide. He calls you down to look at it. When you realize the problem and call the customer to tell them that the slot is too wide (and you ask them if they can still work with it), they won't have much of a choice when they see it's their fault. I think it's the customer's fault, and good for you if you catch it before you cut it. Thad [ 11-27-2002, 11:51 PM: Message edited by: thad ]

The Lions are a great team to watch on Thanksgiving. After watching them for about 15 minutes, you throw up.....then you can to eat again!!!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thad

Speaking of Krispy Kremes, while on the road today I saw a funny message on a store's advertising sign. It said..."Your wife called. Bring home some Krispy Kremes." Thad

Chris, And your question is... Thad

There are a few things that the Fadal manual says that don't really have to be done. That is one of them. Just add it in manually (or modify your post) and you're all set. Thad

Vietnam vets have my utmost respect. What a hell hole that must have been. Thad

It would be nice to get Veterans day off as a paid holiday. Thad [ 11-11-2002, 06:57 PM: Message edited by: thad ]

Happy Veterans Day, Larry! Thanks for serving our great country. I was in Desert Storm with the 3rd Armored Division out of Hanau, Germany. Skilled and Steadfast! Thad