We have an old (18yr?) Hyundai (HiT5S) lathe with a Siemens HiTrol 840C control. We do not know how to transfer files from the 'buffer' area to the main program area. We can send/receive files via RS-232. The uploaded files (MPF) are always stored in the buffer area, as it is a catch-all area for any incoming file. We received an MPF file (main program file) and sent it back as -is. Once in the buffer, how do you move it around? We read the documentation, but it is a bit dense and hard to understand. so not much luck there. Even the screen shots are not the same as what we have on the screen. Or maybe there's a way to receive MPF files directly in the proper area? The previous owner told us he had to do a lot of typing to get the program transferred form 'buffer' to main memory- and does not remember what had to be done. So this means that sending to the buffer is 1 way that works. But seems a pain. Paul

Hello Bill, I have a customer with the same machine as you (HiTrol 840C). We can send NC files to the controller, they are stored in the 'buffer' area. Cannot store anywhere else. How do you get them from the 'buffer' area (I think this buffer is a catch-all) to make them executable? We're sending 'MPF' files- using a post that worked for the previous owner of the machine. We only have a problem with how to use the machine. Thanks. Paul

Ron, Thanks for the answer. I thought about that but that would be an awful lot of slices to pocket. And with 3D printers, there must not be an overlap otherwise there is twice the material in that spot and that makes a bubble. I found www.camufacturing.com and they have a 3D printer add-on for MC that seems to do what I need.

Hello, 1- Is there a C-hook/Net-hook that works with 3D printers like this: slices a solid model puts a 2D pocket toolpath on each slice, starting with the bottom slice (printers go from bottom to top) If nothing already exists, I guess I'll have to write it. 2- Would Visual Studio Express free be able to do that? 3- Would it be preferable to write a special toolpath that does that, like a suface-finish contour that is reversed (upwards) and pockets instead of contouring? The printer in question is a 5 axis (table/table) and is 'home-made', and accepts mpfan code using 2D pocket. So there is a lot of existing foundation in MC to do this. Thanks, Paul

YoDoug, Thanks for the feedback, do you have an example of such a tool? Mfr/ #? Like Sandvik high feed CoroMill 210? (It's not ctre cutting) I also think the lead/lag would be beneficial too. Although it takes a bit more software (for the customer) since it is no longer axis sub but either rolldie or curve5X. Paul

1 of my customers machines level winding screws for winches (a.k.a. diamond screws). It is a helical groove, 1/2" wide, on a 3" shaft, about 0.4" deep. He does 4 passes, 0.11" deep each, and uses axis substitution to make the helix. Works OK, but pretty hard on the tool (3 flute). Has anybody tried peel mill + axis sub? Peel does wonders on grooves so would using a 3/16" EM to rough out the groove, on the rotary axis be faster/better? I'm not sure if the rotary axis (on a Haas TM3) would agree. File would be long but 'tape mode' solves that.

I buy laptops from www.mtechlaptops.com Their hardware quality is really good. My M-Tech model D9 is 6 yrs old, I just changed the hard drive (only after 6 yrs, not bad). I am very happy with it. Their laptops are more like portable desktops than true laptops in the sense of lightweight and long battery life. You can get the high end I7 CPUs, the Nvidia Quadro cards, on the D9 models. I use mine for MC, Verisurf (with laser scanner) and even though it is a 3.6 Ghz single core, it still has decent power. I'm looking to replace it very soon, and I'm getting another D9 from them. Hope this helps.

Hi, I could be writing a post for a Flow waterjet that uses ORD language. Any idea of where I could find explanations on how ORD works? Reference manual? Thanks, Paul

Ron, I got the answer, using G68 origin shift. D offset variables are #61000 Thanks Paul

Ron, The reason for the extra work is that there is only 1 right angle head and about 4 tools that need to go on it. So the operator will have to measure the 1st tool (drill), use it, remove the tool, put in the 2nd tool, measure it and so on ad nauseam. I know, more than 1 right angle head would be neat and doing it your way would be neat too but unfortunately there is only 1 right angle head. I will pass along the info about the online help. Thanks, Paul

Hi What are the variables that hold the tool diameter (or radius) offset on a Variaxis Matrix control? This is to use a right angle head: we would like to use the laser to measure the 'radius' of the tool (the horizontal distance from tooltip to spindle axis), 1st challenge, then in order to drill holes with that right angle head, we need to know that distance. Is this a possible scenario: - the built-in tool measuring device finds the 'radius' - this radius is stored in D5 for example - to drill, G01 X + [D5] (very simplified) [D5] would be something like #1005 if #1000 is the tool radius. Not much help in the manuals, no manual found for macros. Having one would be great to figure out these variables. Paul

It is for a Fusion 640M on a Nexus H510C vmc Paul

Does anybody have alist of what parameters are used in a G83 peck drill cycle on a Fusion control? So far, i know that the cycle accepts: Q depth of peck D distance above last peck to start feed P # of revolutions for dwell K incremental what? I incremental what? J feed change? Paul

Thank you John. I will look further into that C-hook. Paul

hello, Is there a C-hook or VB that generates involute and staight sided splines? Tried gear.dll but not what is needed. Paul