yeah, it was an old one for sure. Binned it, and using the newer one we have. It works perfectly well for everything it seems.

just an update, I used our TNC530 5AX post, and it posted out the 2D stuff ok. Still annoying the old post is outputting garbage.

Hi Guys, I ran an the update-post chook, to enable an old heidenhein post to run in X7. It seems to be outputting junk. 0 BEGIN PGM SPREADERS TEST_HEIDENHEIN_2 MM 1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X-5 Y-5 Z-1 2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+5 Y+5 Z+0 3 ; PROGRAM NAME - SPREADERS TEST_HEIDENHEIN_2 4 ; PROGRAM FOR - HEIDENHAIN 5 ; DATE=DD-MM-YY - 30-05-13 TIME=HH:MM - 09:45 6 ; ------------------------------ 7 TOOL CALL 3 Z S763 8 ; ------------------------------ 9 ; TOOL 3 IS A 80. DIA - 80MM FACE MILL 10 ; FACE TOP OF BLOCK 11 ; ------------------------------ 12 L X-205.229 Y88.413 FMAX M3 13 L Z25. FMAX 14 ; RETRACT AND INDEX 15 L Z+0. FMAX 16 L FMAX 17 L Z5. FMAX 18 ; RETRACT AND INDEX 19 L Z+0. FMAX 20 L FMAX 21 L Z.1 F152.6 22 ; RETRACT AND INDEX 23 L Z+0. FMAX 24 L FMAX 25 L X165.196 F305.2 26 ; RETRACT AND INDEX 27 L Z+0. FMAX 28 L FMAX 29 CR X165.196 Y56.128 R16.143 DR- 30 ; RETRACT AND INDEX 31 L Z+0. FMAX ....... etc etc For a start, it is not recognising any Z depths, and is throwing out the "Retract and Index" comment ad-nauseum. I'm only asking because the TopSolid rep threw out some nice code, and I'm just stating that we have no problem with this....until now. The post used to work perfectly in an older version I am told. Any tips or help?

@JParis @Matthew Thanks for the reply, Yeah, I figured that way, does it not seem strange that a WCS cannot be edited? Maybe like a Dynamic XForm type of dialog.

On the topic of editing WCS.....How does one edit an existing WCS...say for example I wanted to rotate it slightly, seems I have to create a new one? Probably just my ignorance, but I would like to know if there is a better way.

So when are the X7 training books going to be available as digital editions? One would think a PDF would be ready before an environmentally friendly printed version!!!

ISCAR ECA B3 range for Aluminimum - MAX RPM - maintain feed per tooth for loading ... so just depends on RPM available, Full slot cutting. Finishred and Chatter Free for Stainless and High Temp Alloys. conservative example for a 40 taper machine: 17-4PH 80 m/min 1.5D ap, 1.0D ae (obviously) and fz: .065 per/tooth (excuse the metric system ) Day in and day out....gobble gobble.

Jabro HSM range. Top notch.

Like Vericut or Predator does?? Don't think it can read in posted G-Code, someone can correct me if I am mistaken.

its the MAXIMUM angle step .. so any step from 0 to 45 is possible. I think that's what it means.

Agreed Rotary. Jabro do a wicked integration with *cough* Delcam as far as I remember, been a while since I looked.

Thinking about it further...it would be great if one could interface with a manufacturers data, for example ISCAR's online catalog/cutting conditions and pull the recommended material data from there. Suppose it could be done in a spread sheet, but its a time thing. anyway for the OP .... have a look at this: http://www.iscar.com/ita/MainPage.aspx?sid=59

Another reason I use manufacturers data, and modify it slightly according to experience, is that it sets a baseline. Some operators will like to tweak it as they see fit, and if its a worthwhile tweak and they can stand over the decision, then its good. I always choose the middle of a range and adjust, and where possible will look at tool test reports to see what's going on in the real world. Seen plenty of amazing metal-cutting on ideal scenarios at major tool manufacturer seminars to know that expectations need to be tempered when running or recomending in the average shop.

I create the tools and save them as I use them, generally using manufacturers information, and when I import them back in, they remain the same. Also, generally, we use either high feed aluminium cutters or high volume steel cutters, so parameters never change really. Maybe a manual edit in an operation, if the application is a bit odd. And... I never use that feed/speed calculator.

Bump.

Hi In verify, when you open the verify, it also shows any active geometry/entities from visible levels. Can this be disabled, without having to manually hide levels?

How complicated are the programmed operations that you are verifying?

Well put.

Surface Rough > Contour Check: Order Cuts Bottom to Top That works.

This reminds me of a workplace psychology topic from University....made me laugh when I read into it a bit more. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect <---- We all know someone ...................................................................................................... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Principle <---- We all know a few of these Just a light hearted view at the picture

fair point...but another important factor..is how far up the food chain the supervisor needs to interact with. He(She ?? ) also needs to balance medium/long term business necessities with the daily requirements of the shop floor. But I guess, its like that topic comparing a good machine and a crap machine....its situation dependent. As for the scenario with the "allowing tooling standard to decline"...that's unacceptable, and probably a good reason why progressive companies rotate people through positions.

Well...it depends on what type of "Supervisor". Good people/team managers do not need to be technical experts, a broad understanding is all that is required. And then an ability to get the most out of individual peoples skills is key. And on the other side of the trench....a good person/team member in the eye of a supervisor is one who listens, does what is required, and is proactively trying to improve. Lots of machinists are xxxx managers...and lots of managers are chronically poor machinists....its a fine balance.

Hi Any way of turning off the axis lines during verify? Maybe I just cant see the option. TIA

ISCAR Finishred on that exact type of application, but using 17-4PH (hard variety... ) or ISCAR Chatterfree for alternative Works perfectly, and economically.

The future for CNC machining may possibly face the same dilemma that manual machining faced 20 odd years ago...it will become in some places a support role, with reduced earning potential. And it will play support to additive machining technologies. Complicated medical devices, turbine components, and rapid prototypes, which were bread and butter for CNC machining cells, are now being printed, and WIRE EDM and CNCing is used to process the part after printing. It is only a matter of time before the technology moves beyond the early adopter phase and into the mainstream shops, albeit just the shops that can afford it initially. One of the biggest players in this technology, USA based, using German technology, was recently bought out by a major multinational...who have a serious forward looking agenda regarding this technology. (Enough clues there I think ) There will always be a need for high end multi axis work, but one would have to seriously worry about the value of the 9 to 5 programmer, and his worth to a company in the future. Cue Feature Suggestion for Mastercam X24 - Additive Machining Strategies