No we are using the Adobe Editor, Adobe Acrobat DC. I didn't mean to focus on that one program, was just using it as an example. I was thinking that having too many programs running in the background, and some of those being tied to a cloud server somewhere would cause lag issues with my computer. It is one sorry xxxx box.

Does anyone here use the "cloud" for their computers at work? I am having all kinds of issues with lag, and I am guessing it has to do with programs our IT guy has set up to stay running in the background, whether or not I am using them. The latest is an Adobe editor that I use sometimes when making op sheets, and the lag is really annoying. Thanks, Chap

Thanks for all the input. Tried a dynamic path with a 12% stepover using a 1/2" endmill with a variable helix. So far it is working very well.

Well that is kind of how we ended up where I am now. The part used to be wired right to size, however that was without the customers knowledge. It worked well, but EDM was not allowed. They did it anyway ( this is before my time here) When the order came in again, the new Op Manager said we had to leave .010 because of the recast layer. All of this happened without any input from me. When the parts came back from EDM with .010 stock all over, it became my problem. Any process and fixtures we had basically went out the window.

Thanks for the input. Ron, the shape is EDM'd out leaving .010 stock all over. I'll get a hold of Iscar, and try some smaller tools as well. Thanks.

I have been given the task of trying to make this inconel bracket. It's current state is that it has been EDM'd to shape leaving .010" per side to remove the recast layer. The part is roughly 6" x 3", heat treated inco to about 45 rc. The part is .170" thick, with a bend about 2 " in on the long end at approx. 48 deg. I'm trying to cut about .010" off the bigger surface, and everything I try is just warping the part. I attached a file so you can see it. It was not my idea to leave the .01 stock all over, but it is proving to be a nightmare. The change to the process was made by an office manager with no consideration to what would follow. It's a long story but apparently I drew the short straw............. So far I've been trying to hold it in a vise, using different face mills, 1.25", 2.0", and 3.0". Any ideas would be appreciated. 51 m for forum.mcx-9

Not really sure what a mesh file is, but I just opened the stl in x9, and was able to rotate it and save it, then use it as stock for verify in the next op. Not sure if that's what you meant, but it worked fine. Thanks!

Hi all, I used to use the stl files and go from operation to operation and use the stl file from the previous op as the stock model for the next op. To do that I need the xform stl function. I did a search on the forum, and I guess you can use a stock model instead? How does that work? I'd like to do that but when I try to save the file after verify the only option I have is an stl file, or all files. Thanks, Dave

"Variations To The Equation If this value exceeds the F-Register format, the common reaction of a postprocessor is to output the maximum value of the F-register (F999.99 if the F-register format is 3.2), a signal to the part programmer that a problem exists. When this happens the CNC machine does not achieve the programmed velocity, and unless the F-register can be re-assigned, the machine simply cannot process the move(s) faster. Since the typical CNC's F-register has a 3.2 or at most a 3.3 format, the need obviously exists for some way of controlling the results of the equation to avoid "over-stuffing" the F-register. If the machine normally operates at a high (over 500-1000 uPM) velocity, the machine tool builder sometimes changes the interpretation of the numerator in the inverse time equation to 1(second), or in extreme cases 1(millisecond). When the numerator is 1 second the above F1400.168 would then be coded as 1 / (time = 5 / (700/60)), or F23.333." This is going to take a while to digest. I understand the the F rate takes on a whole new meaning, but I need to wrap my head around what is actually happening between my computer and the machine. All my programming experience to this point has 3 axis. When I change the feed rate inside mastercam, on the page you set tools feed & speed- regardless of what number I put in there, I max out at F1000. when posted out. Am I correct in assuming that I have some other problem based on the 2 paragraphs quoted above? In running the program on the machine, we have to use "dry run" mode just to get it to run at what looks like would be correct.

Hi all, I'm working on trying to learn 5th axis programming. We have come up with some programs we are trying out using the G93 function. What is the relation between the feed rate I choose in mastercam and all the feed rates posted out in the g code, if any. The first time I picked a feed rate of 5 ipm to post, and it was ridiculously slow. So I re-posted with a feed rate of 100 ipm, and it is still to slow. Is there any rule of thumb to go by when choosing a feed rate in mastercam? Thanks, DC

I am choosing the point. Now it is working as expected. Go figure. I'm not doing anything different in choosing options. Maybe the sequence of my work to this point caused that effect? Not sure, but thanks for the input

I saved the file, closed it, then re opened it and now I can enter the value that I want.. Bug??

I've done some threadmilling in the past, and have run into this issue before. I choose toolpaths, circle toolpaths,threadmill. I define the tool as an endmill. When I get into the cut parameters page, the major diameter box is greyed out and is set at 1.0" and I can't change it. I don't threadmill that often, and I can't seem to find how to make that window open so I can enter the size of my major dia. Thanks. PS- I went and opened up a new file, did the same thing I did above, and now it is open to input what I want.???

I certainly don't like the control style. It appears initially to be very limiting. For now I will have to get used to it I suppose, I'm the new guy

Hi all, I am in a new company, and I am wondering about how most people use cutter comp. Here they program using the "control" feature, as opposed to "wear" in the cutter comp window. Every where else I have worke we've used wear, so this seems odd to me. When the head programmer programs a circle toolpath, you have to use a very limited selection of values in the lead in, lead out section in order to get a useable toolpath. It results in cutting a lot of air from what I can see. With wear I can dial in my lead in, lead out to almost any path I could want. There are 3 of us here using mastercam, and only the head guy whose been here over 20 years has used this way of cutter comp. The other fellow and myself have only programmed using wear. The head prog. does use wear when programming thread mills, I guess because control won't work. Is it me, or are they in the dark ages here?

Yep, that's what it looks like. Damn! At least XP is going away, and it looks like (fingers crossed) they are going to spring for maintenance so I can upgrade as time goes by.

Ok- once mastercam is in there, then what? Turn everyting off? I sent my boss the specs listed in this thread, thinking that would get things going. So the talk was I would be getting a new computer. Yeah! I was out yesterday, and I come back in today, and I was told that a new computer is being built for me. huh? I wasn't asked for any input, so who knows what I'll end up with. It seems that they entrust this company to provide the computer solutions for the engineering dept. what is scary is that none of them are working that well, and most are using older parts.

Thanks again for the suggestions. I changed the chord height to .1 from .002, boy it is ugly, and performacnce is still slow. It may be a tad faster, but not much. Video settings are set to max performance as well now. I emailed my boss the suggested system configuration & price. That should start a conversation about how they aquire and how much they pay for the computers we have. Thanks again.

Just did now. Doesn't seem to matter either.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I tried the latest drivers, playing with the settings. All of it seemed to make little to no difference. My budget is tied into what my company decides, and I have no idea what that is. yet , anyway. Say it's $1500-2,000. Can I get a reasonable machine for that amount? Our company uses a business computer vendor, and unfortunately I think what we end up getting is used parts that are dated. The computer I am using was put together 3 months ago. (I'm a new employee here). So you can see by the specs that I think they are taking my company for a ride. I'd love to know what they paid for it. Maybe they are leasing. If you had to work within the 2,000 limit, what would you buy? I'm perfectly capable of building a machine, and may be able to present to my boss a plan to do just that. After I showed them how the computer is, they ar econtemplating new computers for me and my co worker who is a solid works guy.

Hi- I've been experiencing a degree of difficulty working with a customer's solid model. My computer here is an Intel dual core E8400 CPU, 4.0 gb of ram, and a Nvidia Quadro 1700. Also running windows XP., and Mastercam X4. The problem comes when I try to get in to look at detail the computer just starts stuttering and it becomes very difficult to work with. Xform translate or rotate are just as bad, with it taking up to a couple minutes to complete the task. Can I get some advice on what would be the best computer hardware for working with large solid models, approx. 20 mb file size. Thanks, Chap54