Expanded memory, tool centerpoint control, macro B, tool offsets. I ran a fanuc that was a Fanuc/windows type (21i on a Takisawa multi-axis mill/turn) the expanded memory storage sucked. the Fanuc side had limited memory the PC side had GB's of memory. BUT the gotcha came when I wanted to load a blade profile! I was able to load the ENTIRE program into the CNC but could only run a small portion of that through the Fanuc side. I ended up using Mastercam to packet into like 50 small programs. So be careful of the 1GB of "storage" as opposed to 1GB of CNC memory.

also watch the drive keys during a toolchange to be sure they aren't being pushed. You may have to fine tune the #257 value to get it perfect.

You could adjust parameter #257 (spin orient offset) & through trial & error keep adjusting till you get it right. - that is if its close. The correct way is to change the parameter based off the data given you from the "debug" setting. 1.) turn off par lock - setting #7 (i think) 2.) goto alarm screen & type in "DEBUG" & hit enter 3.) goto the pos page & go down to "raw data" 4.) move the spindle & watch what numbers change on the screen. rotate the spindle to zero, then rotate the spindle POSITIVE so the keys are in position. Record that value & enter it into par#257 5.) I think you need to go back to alarm page & type in "DEBUG" then enter. 6.) goto par & turn parameter lock back "ON" That should do it.

goto your Hi-cut page & check the settings. I compared my screen shots with those already posted & they are pretty much the same. Exactly like the one Chris posted(makes sense they are both GX1000) & similar to Greg's pselect screen - but Gregs looks like a lathe & we have a mill. You're running a normal program with no branch so A-Mtd should be your option(pselect screen). Try looking at Hi-cut settings min feed, min rad, min/max error etc.

Ran the program with no issues.

Whats the entire program look like? Dont forget look ahead, you may have a issue with block n555 but freeze on block 200. Look ahead doesn't work the same when in single block. Actually I think single block, high cut on, high cut off all make it perform differently. and you have mail.

Also just ctrl c to copy screen then open wordpad & ctlr v to paste it(using the Okuma control keyboard).

Chris, Sounds like you have some parameter settings out of adjustment. Can you e-mail me the program? I have the same machine here(GX1000 w/OSP200M) and it's sitting idle. I'll load it & run it then we can compare parameters.

We currently run the TS27 probe on a Okuma P200 control with no issues. I have not seen the .002 tol band a few are mentioning. Is your probe tip touch face parallel to the table? Actually I've consistantly seen less than .0005 and repeatability 1/2 that. Had to fab up a guard to protect the probe from operators & their out of control chip brushes & brooms! Other than that no issues after install. Renishaw for what ever reason shipped the unit without a steel jacket over the wiring. I ended up just ordering a 12' length from Grainger to cover the cable, also added a loop & spring hanger in the celing of the machine to help with the wire tension.

Doug, The weird data from the CMM is probably from the porous material and/or the density not being uniform throughout the entire plate. Judge that by the CMM not giving consistant data from part to part. Also if it shows the pitch is off between multiple grooves on the same cutter - refer to the Zoller report from CGS to justify that. They are buying the Zoller report correct!!?

Greg, "output the data you want with READ/WRITE GET/PUT commands?" I dont know, maybe I dont undersatnd what you are getting at/or dont know how to fully use the "write get" options. As for remote access, that exactly what I have & it works great, I have full access to the machine from my laptop. I can see the harddrive of the Okuma, modify/delete/add programs as easy as drag & drop. Can also do anything a operator can do with the Okuma touch screen. And also have access to a few of the hard buttons. It works really awesome when there is a issue here on a back shift & I remote in from home to have a look see & fix the issue. What I want to do is have MacMan create a log file of the operations history at least every 24 hrs. Where ever it saves that file is ok with me, as long as I can remote in & retrieve it. The problem I can't figure out is "how to get the P200 to automatically create the file". I can generate the file by physically pressing the MacMan keys & create it myself. Now that works for now, but there has to be a easier way. My CNC's are throughout the building in production cells, not a CNC dept. Also about 1/4 mile from my desk. Yes 1/4 MILE, no typo. Realized that when I found the peodometer in my cell phone, avg 3-4miles a day.

"issues are their problem" I ment the issues that come up are a result of their matl. & not the Okuma. I went around & around about that. I finally got everyone here to understand the CNC is the most solid part of the whole process & very rarely changes. The fluctuations were the material. As for the Mac-Man, I'd like to get a report generated every 24 hrs. It can save them to the D:MD1 or any area on the machine drive, doesn't have to be on the network. Also if it just automatically generates a log file thats great. I have all the machines setup with remote access so I can retreive the files from my laptop when needed. Thanks.

Welcome to my world. Oh yea we sold that to MMD. Just remember the issues they have are their problem. If the cutter is sharp & offsets are correct, & pallet is flat the issue is their material. It could be ANYTHING from moisture to temp of the room, AND almost anything in between. Its like cutting the easiest & most difficult thing all wrapped into one. And the tolerance that UTC wants is crazy. Holding flatness & parralelism on a 20"x20"x .123 plate in any material is tough. Aslo they have to go with the vendor (CGS) I suggested they use to reblade/sharpen those big cutters. I personally developed that cutter into what it is with their help, we spent at least 18months trying everything from carbide grades, relief & hook angle etc. That guy has it together! We went through a number of grinders & settled with CGS. Have fun. Do you know how to get that data(mac-man) out of the OSP?

How's your graphite machining going?

Well I'm not good with th VB stuff. And I only get the basics of how to get data/manipulate through the api.

Does any one understand how to use Mac-Man? I'm attempting to output the "operation history" at a specific interval(s). I'd like to output at least daily. Does anyone know how to do it? I configured it to output to a specific folder on the machine & also can output to a folder on the network but only if I manually go to the machine & physically press the button. Is this possible with the standard OSP200? Do I need to purchase the Mac-Man net? T.I.A.

Chris check your mail. Been a little busy...sorry for the delay.

Chris, PCD PCD PCD. if you must pvd & cvd diamond. If you send me a e-mail with some info I can help further. I'm cutting composits like this every day now. And our R&D lab is thinking up even more.

If you try the ceramic route - try the Kennemetal ceramics. tried greenleaf, sandvik, keyocera & kennametal. The Kennametal worked best. I recorded a video where I had it cutting hardened Inco at 18k rpm & 200ipm feed. Also I pushed it to 30k rpm & 350ipm just to see what would happen. Tool was a 1.0 dia button style with 3 8mm dia ceramic inserts. Doc was .02 & radial width was .5 And a cold air gun. Rigid setup!! I dont have access to the FTP, is there another way to post a video for all to view?

Greg - thats what I was thinking, but coulda sworn I did it before. Mr.M - I want to be able to program select the same way you call a .MIN program. A .SDF program is called differently. What I have is aprox. 20 programs(that are only ones that run) in a dedicated robot cell, 10 programs are 1st op & 10 are 2nd op. I want to have a program that calls the op10 & op20 robot program so a operator can run it when needed(disable the robot 1st). That way they run the same program as the robot, not having a "robot" prog set & a "manual" prog is the goal. The robot programs cannot be modified I need to do the changes & program calls with my "new" program.

You have a p/n for the threadmill? If it is what it sounds like, a threadmill with every other tooth ground off, then program as normal - maybe a few added passes. So a 20 pitch thread would look something like: G0G90X1.Y0 Z-.5 G1G41X.5 G3X.5Y0Z-.55I-.5J0 G3Z-.6 G3Z-.65 G3Z-.7 G1G40X1. or G0G90X1.Y0 Z-.5 G1G41X.5 G3X.5Y0Z-.55I-.5J0 G3Z-.6 G1G40X1. Z-.5 G1G41X.5 G3X.5Y0Z-.55I-.5J0 G3Z-.6 G1G40X1.

Hi Guys, I'm wanting to call a main program inside a main program, I'm drawing a blank at the moment. I know I've done it before but cant remember how. I don't want to "schedule" the prog with pselect. Want to be able to see this program in the program select list. So something like this Main Programs: EM1234.MIN % (SAMPLE) G0G90X0Y0 G1 G2 ETC... M30 % EM4321.MIN % (SAMPLE -2) G0G90X0Y0 G1 G2 ETC... M30 % then the program to call the main programs BOTH.MIN % (RUN BOTH PROG) CALL EM1234.MIN or (PSELECT EM1234.MIN?) CALL EM4321.MIN or (PSELECT EM4321.MIN?) M30 % Its simple to call the program & have it end as a sub with RTS, and simple to PSELECT with a .SDF but how do you call a functional program inside a program? TIA

Doug, I sent you a message.

Definately agree with that. I've done the same thing(speed it up) after trying the lower stm's with hit or miss results. It seems with the CBN & a few coated carbides you get better & more consistant results at 500+ sfm, depending on rigidity. Matt, try the suggestions above - per your boss "do it with what is in house" Then next run make sure you have some CBN in stock. Oh and use air pressure to push the chips where you need to NOT coolant. With CBN & the correct "dry " cutting carbide the idea is to keep the chip hot & move the cutting tip fast enough to keep the heat in the chip not into the part. HTH

Have you tried a finish pass only with a 1/32 TNR or try a 1/64 TNR. With a 1/16TNR you are probably "bouncing" during the cut. If you figure the radial DOC & your feedrate your chip is only a few tenths. Sugg. largest carbide bar that'll fit,1/64 TNR & adjust the feed to get the finish you need. 120 sfm sounds good to start. maybe cut .005 to rgh. then .01 for finish only if .015 is too much.