Is the indexer controlled by the control, or an MFIN code? We do tons of 3+1 and 3+2 using rotary indexers. I ended up modifying my post so when there is a tool plane change, the post outputs the index value in parentheses (to inform the operator about the move) and an MFIN code. We don't have any directly controlled indexers (via a, b, c code). We have a few that can be controlled by RS232, and I modded the post to output the macro that is needed to make that work. Aside from the output code, programming inside of Mastercam is no different that any other work involving multiple tool planes.

+1 on this. If I'm drawing a solid from scratch, I draw it to completion. I then copy it to different levels, and in each copy I'll go back and delete any solid operations that might affect my toolpathing, such as fillets, or holes. After I am satisfied, I remove the solid history operation from each modified solid. I save my "live" original solid as a different file in a different folder, and only use it for reference in the future. If I use a customer supplied model, they don't have a history attached, so I just copy them to different levels and use the fancy new model prep tools to remove fillets and holes and such. Then I remove the history from those solids. Having a "dumb" solid makes a load of difference, in my opinion.

We use Iscar Multi-Master endmills when we have to do pockets like that. Milling a 1/2" slot 4" deep in 316ss, I use a .472" feedmill-style tip to rough and a .472" bull-nose to finish the walls and fillets. Works like a champ, especially since EDM is out of the question. These would be my first stop when looking into tools for your type of work. Just make sure you look into getting a quality tool holder as well.

Did you try the exact same file on both computers? If I understand you correctly, you're trying to use an endpoint of a line to make an origin. Sometimes, if that line is a defined as a spline inside Mastercam, you cannot select middle or endpoints. I've only run into that maybe once or twice on X8. But I see you're on X4, so I don't know if that makes a difference.

The macros that we use constantly and are always stored on our machines are: Hole macro (helix bore) Threadmill macro Angle macro (like a helix bore, but cuts an angled hole and compensates for ballnose, bullnose, or flat endmills) Slot macro (trochoidal milling a slot in any direction) Spiral macro (to mill a large bore spiraling out from center) and a macro to control our Haas rotary units through RS232 They're all used so frequently that I modified my Mastercam post to automatically output the macro call information instead of doing anything longhand.

If you figure out how to output, make sure you're using the right type of barcode font. There are two major types of barcode: code 39, and code 128. Code 39 is what's used on product UPC codes; by the amount of numbers you have in your picture it's easy to tell you'll need code 128. If anyone is interested, I have a simple Excel spreadsheet that can convert any text you want into Code 39 or 128. 128 is tricky because you have to have a check number in order to make it work; the spreadsheet will figure it out for you.

If you have your Quick Mask toolbar visible, all you have to do is click the "QM Points" button, then hit the delete button.

Man, "rotate dynamically" has been a lifesaver more than a few times for me.

Depending on the manufacturer, most of them provide a .dxf that you can download and use (with some modifications) That's how I draw up all our Iscar, Harvey Tool, etc. tools and holders. It's not point-and-click but it's better than doing it from scratch.

Went to page expecting to see a real bunny using the mouse; left unsatisfied and slightly frightened.

Thanks, Craig. That answered a few questions I had about the product.

I know that it does real simulation, synching, pinch turning, etc; as for if it's limited to multi-tasking machines only, I don't know. I don't have the add-on, so hopefully someone can chime in and enlighten us both.

I use X8 Mill + Lathe to program our Okuma LT twin-spindle C/Y machines. When you have the post dialed in you can make a program with no editing. Doing complex parts isn't that hard; however you can't do true pinch turning unless you have the Mill/Turn add on. You can make the Mill + Lathe do pinch turning but you do not get a true simulation, and syncing the timing/wait codes is a matter of experience and not just a button click. I don't know about good posts for the Doosan as all we use are Okuma lathes, but your first place to ask to get one is from the reseller who sold you Mastercam.

That's how you program for a horizontal machine.

+1 Chain your center point before each contour chain, then in the Lead In/ Lead Out check the box next to "Use Entry Point" It will start at the point, then move to the start of the lead in, so that way you can lead in and out of your part like normal.

Just by looking at the pictures I can tell the picture on the left has an error in your geometry. Maybe an overlap or a gap; either way it's not a closed/ complete arc. Either that or you selected another entity that you can't see. Double check your geometry and selection.

That's a typo--either they meant X7, or version 17, which is X8 (you can check your version by going to the "help" dropdown and selecting "about" and the version is in the upper left) It's likely they meant X7

Soo... basically, exactly what I said?

There's a vendor that comes in every once in a while that we order through. I can't remember the name of the distributor, though. If you're in northwest Ohio I could dig up the name, but I don't think it will do you any good if you're somewhere else.

We use them. Right now we only use one type of endmill from them-- a 5/8" 5-flute with a .06" chamfer. This is our default roughing tool for steels and we use a lot of them. Originally we used Helical but they stopped being readily available (and aren't cheap) so we had Mastercut send us a test tool. The results were pretty much the same as the Helical tool, and after several tests we decided to switch to Mastercut as our supplier for that tool. So, performance is as good as Helical but with a much better price point. We're currently testing out their aluminum style mills but don't have enough data to make a solid decision just yet.

I don't think there is, but that would be a useful function. I just end up selecting all and then ctrl clicking the ones I don't want.

Yep, that's what had me confused. I thought you were talking about creating custom geo inside Mastercam. As for me, I'm glad for this bit of confusion because I learned something I didn't know before that will help me immensely going forward!

That's news to me! Is there a tutorial on what's acceptable now, because my "help" section says the same things it always has.

Is that for mill? If so, almost everything about it is wrong Tool has to be in top view; drawn vertical (Mastercam Y axis is the center of the tool); origin has to be 0,0; part has to be one chain, no overlaps and must be an open chain. If it's for lathe, the center/cutting point should be 0,0; should have two, closed and overlapping chains (one for insert, one for holder); and Mastercam is very picky about the colors.

I did the same thing for our Fanuc, and OSP is even more straight forward.