Just updated to Mastercam 2020 and am now experiencing a toolpath error resulting in a system crash when using the Quick Mask function "Select all Surfaces" in the Rough Pocket toolpath. I have ways to get around this problem, but wanted to see if anyone was having any problems like this after updating to 2020 version.

When creating a new plane you are giving several choices as the orientation of that plane.  Is there a way to edit this after the plane is created?  This is using mastercam 17.

Multi surface with drive and comp surfaces... keeps the ball nose normal to the drive surface and I usually keep tool axis at 45 degrees.  Also curve 5 axis frequently for cutting draft angles on straight vertical surfaces.  

I had used X7 with no problems. Jumped X9, it works ok, a couple of things are quirky... It does crash occasionally. Surface high speed scallop works better in X7. X9 does not do vertical surfaces with that toolpath.

Ha,  IT department problems could be a completely new thread...

Our PC's use a redirected drive for my documents folder... they changed the server and all my programs crapped out.  I got X7 back like I like it but X8 is still not right.  Vericut runs on only one of my machines.  IT request after IT request...

That's how it works... Upper management loves to force lean processes on manufacturing but they hate applying it to other departments. 

Just my ignorant opinion...

I've been to you seminars. We've sorted, set in order, shined and those other S's. Ive spent thousands on kaizen events. Nice dog and pony show! But when it takes hours to change a machine set up for one part because the "software said so"... Makes no sense asset all!!

Batching makes more sense than just in time.... The guys that come up with this crap are clueless. It worked for toyota 40 years ago and every one thinks they can duplicate it.

White, i can't see anything else very well

Engineering makes models of our finished parts. The pattern to make an impeller casting may require up to 10 different components. I have to model each one of those. The drafters don't even make modes that are easy to draft or add machine stock. You would think engineering and manufacturing would be more integrated but it's just not a perfect world. They use NX, I use Solid works.

Our engineering dept says 3d modes are not for manufacturing... The drawing is the "legal" document. I usually end up making my own models anyway.

I bought one of those machines about 2 1/2 years ago when they went by Vortec Router for my home shop.  We got a 4 x 4 x 12.  For the money, it's a good machine.  Just keep in mind it's not an Onsrud.  With the 12" Z we get a little mechanical whip.  We have done a good bit of pattern work on it.  For a hobby shop it would be great.  They've been good as far as technical support also.  If you're familiar with cnc routers you should not have a problem.

I'm getting the same error now.  How did you resolve your issue?

I get this error trying to create a new tool in X7.  Any help? 

Has anyone seen this error?

I just installed x7 and sp1...it crashed while trying to close it... I'll tinker with it but sticking with X6 for now.

Well, I use 5-axis toolpath frequently, curve 5-axis and multi-surface seem to the easiest ones for what I'm doing. The incremental retracts and feed planes got me today as well. Re-cutting a locator at the bottom of the pockets that I screwed up with the tool offset fiasco. I unchecked the depth of cuts but forgot about the incremental retracts...

I had to change the tool I originally programed, a .5" diameter flat end mill, I broke the last one I had. The next tool I have that was long enough is a 1" diameter flat end mill. I opened the parameters, chose the new tool and regenerated the tool path. I was cutting a pocket and yeap, the thing was .25" per side too big. Re-opened the parameters looked at the "Cut Pattern" parameter, in the Radial Offset box is said .25 and the Compensation type is set to computer.. Why would mastercam let me change the tool and not automatically change the tool offset?

The thing has a 5 degree draft angle. I did a work around, offset the part geometry and a pocket toolpath, then a surface finish contour with .13 stock on drive and a second on the surface. The controller is Osai and the thing says I can't upload that kind of file?? whats up with that?

I've got these crop circles going on with a surface rough pocket tool path. arc setting?

0269N COREPRINT.pdf

Interesting topic, I all up in the middle of it myself. I have made many impeller patterns over the years as a traditional wood patternmaker. We are moving into the real world now with a 5 axis router. Just completed a 5 axis training course and the instructor had some difficulty programing an impeller vane. He ended up creating a drive surface behind the actual vane surface amd comped to the model surface and it worked fairly well, just combersome. He did suggest blade expert but had no experience with it and is looking for a demonstration. But sounds that the cost is very high.