Hello, I was wondering what other people do for thier stock definition in Mastercam. For example i create the stock definition and the first op machining on level one. On level 2 is the second op but i have to use the stock i defined for level 1? Is there a way to define stocks by levels?

I would like some opinions on this subject. My boss want me to program from the home position of the machine, I think we need to program the regular way by having the operator edge find the home position i specify, what do you guys think/do? We are running Fadals and i am using a qty of 2 double lock vices in the machine so most times i will be machining 8 parts at one time same operation.

I will try to upload a picture later today

There is a check box for linear moves. This one always gets me. You program a contour and unless you uncheck this box it will turn it into line segments, doesnt matter if it is a arc. I really hate this check box. maybe that was it?

there will be 4 parts in each vice so i was going to give each parts a E fixture offset for a Fadal VMC. The parts will be the same as i am going to machine one operation at a time so all 4 parts will have the same operation. the second vice will be setup the same way but E fixtures 5 thru 8. I am looking for the best way to give all 4 parts on the first vice a E # or fixture offset.

Hello, I need to program 4 parts on one vise. The vise is a double lock KURT. So i have the center portion which does not move and the outer jaws that do move. I nee to program the parts 1-8 names E1-E8. what is the best way to locate the home position on E3,E4,E7 and E8? I would like to keep them the same place if possible.

All are great replies but i have seen alot of times they want to machine parts on machines that don't have the resolution to machine them. Kevin said it above. Or fixturing, while trying to hold .0005 straightness on 2 holes, lift up the fixture put it down and make the second hole straight to the other one within .0005 Ha Ha I see it all the time.

Larry, I was programming/running a Mazak 300S twin spindle lathe for my previous company. I used Mastercam to program the machine and Mazatrol too. The only thing i didnt learn to do in Mastercam is the part transfer. other than that it was like programming a regular machine. The tool offsets needed les information when using Mastercam. the Mazatrol needed alot more information as it pulls tool up on description only, Mastercam uses pocket numbers. So to use mastercam i put in the tool length in the tool page and was ready to go. When you get time do learn Mazatrol its different but a challenge and once you figure it out it is real simple.

Thank you for the reply Dave.

I am using X4. I am programming a plastic box and putting various holes in 3 sides. I am using one mastercam program and creating a new tool path group for each side. I do this so i can get one program for a complete box. I am machining this on a Fadal 3016 VMC. Can i please get info on how other people would program a box, machining 3 sides?

Thank you Jay

We have 10 Fadal machines here in California. I hear the Fadal facility in Chatsworth is shutting down. Is it shutting down? If it is where do we get support for our maintenance for our machines? Can somebody recommend somebody or know what the story with Fadal maintenance is?

I am using McamX4 and it has crashed on me about 10 times. Good thing i have learned to use the save button!!!

I thought i would ask as i saw a post about Mastercam crashing and it has happened to me too, maybe on a mac it wouldnt crash?

Are there any plans to make Mastercam for the MAC?

Hello, Our old Fadal 4020 has a rotary table in that points verticle. I need to program this using Mastercam. The current programmer uses V basic and alot of math. The problem is i need to cut the part by using the tool on z axis only and have the table turn to machine x,y. Anyone know how to do this? Joel Mcam X4

Hello I am using Mastercam X4. I have just started my new job so i am in the middle of setting up Mastercam. The question is we have a old Amada 04p-c punch press that uses a old dos program that came with the machine to program it. I figure Mastercam should be able to do this. We are just punching out sheet metal so it is like a CNC program. Does anybody know if mastercam does this? i would think all i would need is a post right? any info would help. Amada wants alot of money for their software and i would rather use mastercam. thanks

Thank you for the response. I need to change the z value and not change the x and y values. Will this work for that?

I need to load the Z offset in the fadal i am working on from the cnc program. When i use parallels i have to change the z offset value in the machine control, i would like to do this in the cnc program. i think it is a G10 code but has anybody done this and how do i get mastercam to put out the code in the cnc program? I am using X3

See if i have this right. no more top plane us the lathe z plane. Do not call out a plane unless they are parallel the front, back, etc. correct?

i guess i don't understand why i would make a world z for a lathe when i am doing mill work?

cnc guy. thank you for the reply. I looked at the file and i don't fully understand what is going on but i will try it. I guess i am getting confused with the mill/turn issue. Thank again

Anybody have any ideas? I am OTC.

it worked the file is in the x3 file folder. can someone take a look and see what i am doing wrong? the planes in question are the pressue guage plane anf the face plane. the pressure gauge plane is about .5 too high and the face plane is about .3 too low when i measure the part on the Mazak.

i will try to put the file in the FTP site. I will name it joel