I tried all combinations for direction, stepover and start point. With no stat point the beginning of cut is in an arbitrary position. Apparently, to work correctly, the start point must be placed in the same quadrant relative to origin and relative to surface. ( in case the surface does not cover the origin). Still this does not work every time. Thanks for your reply Teodor

It is Mastercam Mill version 8.1.1

I am using Masrecam 8 (5.1.2001) level 3 and I have a problem seting the direction of stepover in surface finish paralel milling. If I use a negative value it will not change direction or sometimes if it will - the stepover amount is not the one indicated. (seting the machining angle has no effect. -ex: 90,-90,270 ) I am using also a start point. Thanks in advance!

What could have caused this error message: GetComponentsFromDb(): Boundary endpoints not connected! Temporary file created:C:MCAM8COMMONTEMPxx.MC8 it appears after each regen or backplot How can I repair the file. I tried to save the file and reopen - no change.

Thanks cadcam, I will try to use Edit NCI-> transform -rotate (I did this before also) I was actualy interested if there are specific setings available at the operation definition stage: like diferent tool and construction plane or some Misc values to indicate to the postprocessor to rotate the output.

Hi all, I would like to know what would be the best method to program a milling operation using a 90 deg angle head. For ex.: angle head mounted on a horizontal milling machine with tool pointing to y- ( z move accomplished by table) Program must have drilling cycles and contouring using radius tool comp. Thanks, Teodor Boiesan

Possible it is intentional change... but it is annoying to have to drag and resize operation manager every time I open it. ( I can not say I change screen resolution so often ) Version 7 worked great and no one complained of losing dialog boxes - they are positioned by the system inside visible area anyway.

Now that you pointed out I verified all setings and they are OK and indeed Operation manager dialog position is saved BUT only as long as entire dialog is on top of main mastercam window. I am using dual head Matrox video card with 2 monitors, and mastercam window to fit only 1 monitor. When Operation manager dialog is positoned outside mastercam window or intersecting, then setings are not saved. This was not hapening with mastercam 7

In Mastercam 8.11, Is there a possibility to make dialog boxes to remember last used size and position? Operation manager dialog keeps going to center of screen and small size

By using a tapered insert does not eliminate the need for helical spiral out on taper of NPT thread. It only allow s to mill in stages or to ensure recutting of profile in case the first insert tooth is damaged. To solve the problem I developed a simple macro routine for Fanuc type control. This routine can be used like any other canned cycle by using a macro call: (G65 for single holes or G66 + G67 for multiple holes) The routine allows for setting all necasary parameters of the thread on calling line: (MILL FROM Z LEVEL) (Z=#26 FINAL LEVEL) (R=#18 RAPID DEPTH = REFERENCE) (Q=#17 THREADS/INCH) (U=#21 SIZE OF THREAD AT R LEVEL) (D MUST BE SET IN MAIN PROG) (F MUST BE SET IN MAIN PROG) The macro Routine uses radius compensation in the control. If interested please send me a message

When using HardCopy to print a image of sreen, some entities witch are positioned outside of screen are printed due to printer driver buffer size. I believe this is a bug in Mastercam "HardCopy" command - it should clip output to printer and not to send all entities to print if they are not visible on screen.

Sometimes I need lead in/out with line at an angle and no arc sweep in between contour and entry-exit line. Presently if I set arc radius to 0, sweep angle is ignored and considered 0 also. (or 90 deg if line is set to perpendicular) To achieve needed results I have to add geometry for entry/exit mooves. I would like to be able to use sweep angle with 0 arc radius to set entry line slope.

Thanks for sugestions, I was using print screen method and invert colors in paint. the only problem was that the resolution is limited by the screen resolution. as for the "Graphical setup sheet" it will only print the entire geometry fitted to page width - witch in some cases is too small. Idealy woud be to have an option to show present displayed toolpath at "hardcopy" command.

What would be an easy way to print(plot) the toolpath currently displayed on screen ? ( something similar to hardcopy from file menu)