Randy, I am working on a Fanuc Mill/Turn post and I used the "GENERIC FANUC 4X MT_LATHE.PST" and the related Machine and Control files. I use uninterrupted chained geometry from C0 to stay in feed mode all the time. You can also use the tool path editor to force feed on rapid moves between unchained geometry. A spindle "C" axis has to be defined to make it work. I have a bit of tweaking left to do and might have a few questions for you guys. One thing I can say is that the Mill/Turn is a lot easyer to handle in MasterCam! Bob, using MX MR1 and happy about it!

Anybody out there!

Hi guys, I am trying to locate parameter information (included angle) for a lathe thread cycle G76. The NCI LTHREAD parameter for Included Angle says #10440 in the book I am trying to retreive from: pparameter$ #Information from parameters if prmcode$ = 10440, anginc = rpar(sparameter$,1) and place "anginc" in the G76 section: pg76new #G76 threading new style pparameter$ pbld, n$, *anginc, *thdlast$, *thdfinish$, e$ But I cant get it to work! Am I doing the right thing or should I read from a Parameter information lookup table? Thanks in advance, Bob

Thanks guys, will have a look! Have a nice week end. Bob the snowman.

Hi guys, I need directions on this one! Can I assign a vbscript to a hotkey or the right mouse button? Can I add icons and assign a vbscript to it on a toolbar? Thanks in advance! Bob.

Nice panel Ray, says it all!! Cant wait to test that one!! Bob.

That's exactly what I would like to see also Matthew, the NC file name should match the toolpath group name automatically when renamed. You could also keep the option of renaming at post time. Thank's for the replies! Would like to see Mastercam X developpers answer on this one! Bob.

Thanks for your replies, I still have the feeling that some panels are not setup right. I use them to, but the Machine group properties panel should not include the tool path name as it is already used for each Toolpath group you create. Especially confusing when there are only 3 strings that relate to all these names in the post. Cheers! Bob

Hi guys, I am using version X MR1 and would like to understand the intent behind so many options for names of all sorts used in mastercam! 1st* In Machine group properties panel: Group name: I use the same name as the file name eg: N8000 Toolpath name: useless for multiple tool path groups Group comment: ok 2nd* In each tool path groups (operations) Toolpath name: I use the same name as file name + setup # eg: N8000-1 Then if I right click I get "Edit Selected Operations": Change NC file name: I use the same name as file name + setup # eg N8000-1 Change Program #: useless I would like to suggest to drop the machine group toolpath name, the operations toolpath name is enough already. Also pick "NC file name" and drop "Program #" as it is hard coded in the post most of the time. I know it's been talked about a bit but I feel this area realy needs a good clean up! Your comments please!! Bob

FYI, there is a variable called "ixtol" in the post that is used in the index angle tolerance calculation. Original setting: ixtol : 0.01 #Tolerance in deg. for index error If I set the value to 1. the error message disapears? Is that ok? Bob

Hi guys, I have a question regarding setting the rotary axis (VMC with full 4th axis in "A"). I want to have full forth axis support but also would like to lock in indexing mode on demand using the Toolpath Parameter setting "Rotary Axis Type" set to "positioning". I set the VMC A AXIS component to "axis supports continuous positioning". At the same time, I set the post switch - force_index : yes$ #Force rotary output to index mode when tool plane positioning with a full rotary. rot_lock : 1 #Use rotary axis lock/unlock codes (0 = no, 1 = yes) When I post, the code comes out ok but I keep getting an error message: "index angle does not match post setting ('ctable'). I checked the post setting for "ctable": ctable : 5 #SET_BY_MD Degrees for each index step with indexing spindle No matter what number I put in there, I still get that error message? The post spits out 3 digits before and after the point by default for angles. What is the correct way of setting this tolerance problem, Control, Machine, Post or Config setting? Thanks in advance. Bob

Thanks for all the replies, We are switching to X from V9 in the near future by the way. My problem is by posting for a lower rpm machine I am also changing tool kits (tool #1 is the same tool type but with a different configuration) and I would like to provide new tool information as well as new feeds and speeds in the new NC program. So the big question is how can I replace the old Tool #1 information with the new Tool #1 information without recreating new operations. Part of the solution is by bringing in a new tool librairy, but how can I switch tools quickly? Thanks, Bob.

Hi guys, I have a job with 25 tools that runs on a 8,000 rpm machine. I have to transfer that job to a 4,000 rpm machine with slight modifications to the tool list but the tool numbers (pot) stay exactly the same. My question is: how can I quickly interchange the tool librairies, switching from tool #1 for a 8,000 rpm machine to tool #1 for a 4,000 rpm machine. Do I have to load both tool librairies and switch tools 1 by 1 in the operation list? Is there a C-hook to take care of that? Thanks for your replys.

Thad, I am using V9.1 SP2 Mill Level 3 and MCX upcomming soon. The EA manager looks nice but I want automation with prompts (wich level, wich group, what color, etc.) Seems like the only way is thru VB scripts? Easy to create in SmartCam. Bob.

Hi guys, I would like to combine levels and groups into a color changing function (vb). It would ask for the color to change to and wich level to use or I could pick up a group to change color to. The intent is to set predefined colors for specific levels or groups the quick way. I would assign a hot key to this function. Your thoughts appreciated. Thanks,