Also, if the tool geometry (such as an 80 degree insert) doesn't allow clearance mastercam won't allow the tool to go into the under cuts. You will also need to use a groove tool to cut the trailing (back) edge of the grooves even if you partially rough the grooves. I would use a 55 degree (DNMG) turning tool to rough as mush as I can and then use a groove tool to finish roughing the undercuts.

I'll have to try that code and see if it works on our machines. Every day is a learning day.

My guess is there are a couple of changes that need to be made in the post. I'm not much help in that department but I will say BACK UP YOUR POST before making any changes. Hopefully someone else can take you into the post to make the needed changes.

quote: I think my workaround is going to be: create two separate threading toolpaths, then merge the two paths by hand in the text editor of choice. You will also have to syncronize the two paths by adjusting the "Z" approach so that the thread paths are continuous. Or use a different offset number to adjust diameter and starting "Z". Once done it should work every time. Good luck with it.

I don't know of a way to create a single cycle to achieve what you want. That doesn't mean it doesn't exist, just that I don't know how to do it.

On our Mori G112 (polar notching) is for cutting on the face and G107 is for cutting on the diameter (cylindrical interpolation).

Speaking from X2. These are the things that should be made easy in Mastercam. Simple things like a bar pull,feed to a stop, stock flip, part transfer. How hard can these really be to get corrected? With any luck I'll be pleasantly surprised when X4 finally gets loaded up for me.

Jlimus, Do you have a "Y" axis machine? Are the flats running all the way down the part as in starting at "Z" zero and going beyond the end of the part? If so simply program a "C" angle call out and feed along the "Z" axis. More info is needed to be of much help. Welcome. Dave and Ron....Loosen up it's Friday.....

Any changes coming? Or did I miss something?

quote: due to operator changing speeds during the run That will wreck it for sure. So will changing your approach move location too.

Changes are a comin'.

I guess we'll just have to call and see what the symbol means. I hope it's something obscure or we'll look a bit stunned.

I have a drawing with a symbol on it that I don't recognize. It is similar to the "do not machine" symbol that is a 90 deg "V" with one leg of the "V" longer than the other and a circle nested in the "V" but instead of a circle my symbol has another but smaller "V" inverted and nested. It looks a lot like an aerial view of a baseball infield with a longer 1st base line. Does anyone know what the heck this means? Thanks.

I agree with the replies above. It's a handy feature.

Keith, I didn't know MCAMU was free to maintenance customers. I looked on this page and it said only the enhancement class was free. MU I'll have to look a little further into it. Thanks.

Welcome Uknu.. As Randlexx said, on the thd. shape parameter set the taper angle (1.78333?) and the orientation (OD or ID). On the thread cut parameter page you can play with "nc code format" for "canned" "long hand" and "alternating" to your choice. Mastercam will do this automatically for NPT. I'd have to look up the difference with BSPT to see if it us usable as it is or not. Go to the thd. shape parameter page, select from table, use the down arrow beside thread form and go to NPT. Also there is a "draw thread" tab on the thread shape page that will draw a box that simulates the thread max and Minor dia's. This can be helpful with drawing geometry to use for turning your blank. Good luck.

It's been a while since Chris B. left In-house and emastercam. Hope you're doing well Chris.

Rick, I believe you would need to make up a thread tool with the proper thread/rope form for the finishing pass but you might start with something else to rough it out to reduce surface contact area while roughing. The other way would be to mill it with a ball mill if you have "C" axis capabilities.

quote: If you are you mplmaster, set misc value 4 to 1. That will give you good G112 code and not a million little Xc moves that give you that faceted finish you don't want. I would be looking here to smooth it out. Post it like this and give it a try. I would be surprised if it converts anything to metric.

We run a warm up program that moves the X and Z axis while cycling through some rpm changes. We still need to adjust the offset for tight sizes when running the first parts of the day. You get to know each machine and how much to adjust it. It is only about .0002 in dia. so most jobs it's not much of an issue for. Then just make offset changes when needed. We also just spin the spindle on tight jobs at breaks.

quote: push the space bar and type your Z & D cut off position. eg if my part is 1.00 dia X 2.00 long i D1.05Z-2.025 Nice tip that I will use from now on. quote: I never tried that; good tip. I will check it out the next time I have a cutoff op. I program my lathe in the D+Z construction plane. I had the plane change on me when I tried using this tip but was able to get it back to D+Z and then put in the values needed. That said, what a simple little annoying thing it is to have to do this in the first place. "Stock to leave" would rule here.

Make sure to check and see that there are appropriate approach and retract values set in their fields. I can't remember what the heck mastercam calls them at this time 'cause I'm at home with some rum. Might be reference points or something like that. These can give you problems if the diameters are set smaller than the material diameter.

There are a number of ways to get mastercam to leave an amount for facing on the next opp but wouldn't it be nice to simply have a field where you put in the amount to leave? I know I'd prefer that. It would be so simple, make it like facing. Pick the corners and set the amount and done. Why not give cut off the same feature?

If feeding the tap at F.05 you are going to want the G95 in there to give you feed per revolution. If you take it out you will need to put a feedrate calculated to the RPM you are running the tap at and recalculate the feed again of you change the RPM.