Thanks CycleTimeCharles, worked a treat (my search didn't find the previous thread ). Do you know if there is a full list of tool definition variables anywhere ? Mainly I need to know where the inch-values flag (we are working in metric) is stored as we use both metric and inch tap forms. To the use n_tap_thds variable effectivly I have to destinguish between threads/inch and pitch this could be done most simply with this flag. Cheers. [This message has been edited by ronengineer (edited 05-21-2001).]

Hello, Does anyone know of a way to pass the pitch of a tap through to the post directly from the tool library. When you define (or use an existing) tap in the library it has a pitch parameter stored with the tool. I have my posts configured to use the dwell parameter box (which I have re-named Pitch) as a place to enter this value when tapping. This works OK but it has to be input manually each time and can lead to errors. It would be much safer and easier to use the values directly from the tool definition file. Are the paramaters which are used in the tool library, to create a tool, available to the post when that tool is used ? If so then what are the variable names ? If not then why not (why create a library full of data which cannot be used) ? Thanks to all that reply.

Thanks Keith & Rekd, the recent files function will help.

Hi, Can anyone tell me if it is possible to get the File-Get dialogue box to open in file/thumbnail view and sorted in date order by default. Ideally I want the file I last saved to appear in the file name box also. Every time I want to get back to my current job, when loading MC, I have to click the detail button and sort by date (then back to thumbnail view I go to display the preview). The file name box always defaults to t.mc8 as this is the default name I use for autosave. I know I could set autosave to use the current part filename but I don't want to overwrite my main file as it is useful to get back to the original when toolpaths go horribly wrong. (this is, of course, a VERY rare occurance as we all well know...) A bonus for me would be to get the files-of-type box to also default to "all mastercam files" as I have lots of mc7's and ge3's archived away. Mc v4 had a c-hook (I think it was aload/asave) which used to auto-save the current file on exit and auto load it on startup. I really miss this time saving shortcut ! Thanks if you can help.

Well we have stirred up a hornets nest haven't we. If there are any other users out there that are following this one and haven't posted yet lets hear your opinions. Lets have a users poll, just answer the following ; Q1) Do you think that Mastercam should have supplied several 5 axis posts with their systems as Multax's suggestion? Q2) Do you think that Mastercam should market 5 axis as an additional entity with a package price for a post generator, extra toolpaths and full solid verification? Q3) If so, what would be a fair price? my answers are yes, yes, £3000 (negotiable!) Dealers are welcome to comment but please state that you are a dealer.

I have encountered the same trouble as Kathy when transform-mirroring 3d toolpaths. The tool gouges the part away to nothing. This seems to occur when using surface rough pocket only, profile and constant scallop seem to be OK ! (however I cannot be sure and have lost confidence with this function). I now regen my transformed toolpaths using v8.0 as I know this works fine. (I learnt long ago - aways keep yer old versions!) This is not fixed with v8.1.1 ! Oh well, two steps forward, one step back...

It's an OD tool I need, I know I can define a boring-bar with a Q style but I cannot orientate it to the vertical (as if it was an OD tool). Regards.

Hi, Is there any way to add to the lathe tool, general turning, holder style dialogue? At present the choice is only A J L U and V , what I really need is style H (17.5) and/or Q (27.5). This is a standard type of turning holder for use with a 35 deg insert and is frequently used for undercutting. I know I could create a custom tool shape but it gets to be too time consuming to do this for different sizes of insert and tool. I have tried using a standard boring bar shape (which includes style Q) but I cannot get the tool orientated as a tuning tool in tool setup. With Regards.

Hi to all, Well it would seem that we are not the only users who feel that CNC have an issue to address here. Multax has summed it up perfectly (respect is due Multax). Thanks go to Darren (ex LaBour Pumps boyz gotta stick together).

A post for XYZ and any two from ABC in ISO would be nice. At least we could see for ourselves. Thanks for the comments guys.

Sure you will get phone calls but then isn't that how you get post buisness anyway for 3 and 4 axes? And quite rightly so. All we want is the chance to fail at configuring it for ourselves ! It is so much nicer to have total 'control' over your code. As regards the different machine configurations then the rather excellant looking piece of configurable POST software from CIMCO is based around a machine parameter (.prm file) and a .pst file. Also the CAMAIX multiXpost gives you standard machine types. But are these going to be sold to us ordinary mortals or only to dealers? (CAMAIX web site). Oh well, looks like I had better start saving up then.

Points taken folks. Yes our 5-axis m/c was expensive but at least it works as a 5-axis machine unlike MasterCam which has 5-axis toolpaths which are of no use without an extra investment. (Where does it say this in the sales literature ?) My point was that without a single included 5-axis capable post, we cannot use these toolpaths. We therefore have no choice, if we are to generate 5-axis code using MasterCam, we have to make this investment. Whilst I am on my soapbox I would argue that the price charged for 5-axis posts seems to reflect the cost of starting from scratch with a blank post. I fully realise that 5-axis is complex and machine configurations are many and varied, but surely this is only a matter of enabling/disabling axes and altering the parameters of a standard 5-axis post to suit our machine.

Hello, Thanks go to Dave & Cadcam for your replies. We have already been quoted £3995 (convert that to $'s !) by our dealer for a custom built post which is why we wanted to mod one ourselves. If you consider the cost of the post, not to mention the £1800 price tag for the Catia converter (oh, I just have !) which we also need, you are well on your way to the cost of another vendors complete CAM system. Maybe we shouldn't be so cheap but is it really value for money ?

Hello, I am a v8.1 l3 user here in Northampton in the UK and am new to the forum. I have programmed with MasterCam for 7+ years (since v4.0 !) and I work in a precision sub-contract engineers producing parts, in the main, for the F1 industry.

Hello, I am a v8.1 l3 user here in Northampton in the UK and am new to the forum. I have programmed with MasterCam for 7+ years (since v4.0 !) and I work in a precision sub-contract engineers producing parts, in the main, for the F1 industry. I would like to know if anyone could forward me a generic fanuc 5-axis post-processor as we are taking delivery of a new 5-axis machine in a few weeks time and we would like to try to customise a post for it ourselves. The actual spec of the control is a Matsuura G-Tech 840DI (Yaskawa Siemens) with Fanuc style ISO coding, but anything close will do ! I ususally modify the posts supplied on the CD, but unfortunatly MasterCam do not bundle any 5-axis posts with v8. Thanks very much if you can help.