Good idea! So my last few operations would all be programmed as tool 20 with different length offsets loaded via G10. I need to check if it is possible to release and load tools in the spindle while M00 is in effect......

I need to run a program on our VF3 that uses more tools than the machine can hold. The behavior I'd like to get is: The machine runs and changes tools automatically until near the end then begins stopping and allowing the operator to manually change tools for the last couple of operations. We do this from time to time on our Mikrons w/ Heidenhain controls and it is simple but I've never attempted it on the Haas and I'm not sure it is possible. In the Haas control, the number of Tool Offsets available on screen exceeds the number of physical positions in the carousel, but if I try to call a tool number greater than 20 I get an alarm.

Jim - not a silly question at all but I did check and mr7 is set to 1 in the .nci file. Tim - I did have problems with output at each depth so I added a condition: if t$<>abs(nexttool), ptlbreak, e$ I'll try (if nextop$ = 1002) if it gives me any more trouble. John - I'll likely take you up on your offer if I don't resolve things soon. I'll try out these suggestions to get the mr7 conditional output working. I appreciate everyone's help. I just found out I can't use the laser to measure or perform breakage detection with 3D Rotation (Heidenhain Cycle 19) in effect. I think this means I'll need to read system variable to store the current B & C axis tilt values, then cancel 3D Rotation, then perform the breakage detection, then restore the 3D Rotation.........this is not going to be quick.....ideas are welcome.

Chris - thanks John - I added the declaration statement but still does not behave. From within the pre-defined postblock "ptoolend", I want to execute the postblock "ptlbreak" if mr7=1 this does not work: sav_mr7 = mr7$ if sav_mr7 = 1, ptlbreak, e$ this also does not work: if mr7$ = 1, ptlbreak, e$ this outputs the postblock every time (of course) ptlbreak, e$

OK, I'm getting there. I moved the "pltbreak" postblock call out of the tool change and into the postblock "ptoolend". This causes it to run at the end of the op which is much more appropriate. This means I can run the cycle on the current tool so there is no need to get the prev_t variable to work. I still can't get the output to respond to the condition of mr7.....??? Am I doing something wrong? sav_mr7 = mr7$ if sav_mr7 = 1, ptlbreak, e$

Thanks. The variable prv_t is returning a value of 0. Should it be prv_t$ ????

My post editing skills have become rusty. I'm putting some logic into my post to handle tool breakage detection but the log file has errors and the output is not right. The behavior I'm looking for is: If misc. real 7 = 1, then during a tool change run the breakage detection cycle on the previous tool. If the check fails then stop (M00). If misc. real 7 = 0 do not perform the check. The post error log: 15 Aug 2007 07:40:50 AM - <2> - Initialization of pre-defined post variables, strings, postblocks was successful. 15 Aug 2007 07:40:50 AM - <2> - Search for defined post variables, strings, postblocks was successful. 15 Aug 2007 07:40:50 AM - <2> - PST LINE (957) - Label has not been defined[26] 15 Aug 2007 07:40:50 AM - <2> - PST LINE (967) - Label has not been defined[5] 15 Aug 2007 07:40:50 AM - <2> - RUN TIME - PST(967), NCI(70) - The math calculation/formula has an error 15 Aug 2007 07:40:50 AM - <2> - RUN TIME - PST(967), NCI(144) - The math calculation/formula has an error 15 Aug 2007 07:40:50 AM - <2> - RUN TIME - PST(967), NCI(218) - The math calculation/formula has an error 15 Aug 2007 07:40:50 AM - <2> - Successful completion of posting process! The post processor - lines 957 & 967 are in BOLD: ptlbreak pbld, pn, "TOOL CALL ", prv_t, *sgplane, *speed, peob, e$ pbld, pn, "TCH PROBE 586 TOOL BREAKAGE DETECTION ", e$ " Q356=+1", "; MEASURING DIRECTION", e$ " Q357=0", "; ROFFS OF MEASURING", e$ pbld, pn, "FN10: IF Q199 NE 2 GOTO LBL 1", e$ pbld, pn, "M00", "; TOOL BROKEN", e$ pbld, pn, "LBL 1", e$ ptlchg_com #Tool change common blocks if mr7 = 1, ptlbreak, e$ if oldcool <> coolant$, pcooloff cooloff = coolant$ pcom_moveb c_mmlt$ #Multiple tool subprogram call pn, ";", peob, e$ pwcs ptoolcomm pcan pbld, pn, "TOOL CALL ", *t$, *sgplane, *speed, peob, e$ pn, ";", peob, e$ comment$ pn, ";", peob, e$ pstock pindex absinc$ = zero if zretr > 0, pbld, pn, *sgcode, *zretr, *sccomp, pfmax, peob, e$ else, pbld, pn, *sgcode, "Z+21.0", *sccomp, pfmax, *sm92, peob, e$ pcan1, pbld, pn, *sgcode, pfxout, pfyout, pfcout, pgear, strcantext, *sccomp, pfmax, *spindle, peob, e$ pbld, pn, *sgcode, pfzout, next_tool$, pfmax, scoolant, peob, e$ if oldcool <> coolant$, pcoolon if coolant$ = 3, pbld, pn, "M28", ";", "THRU-SPINDLE ON", e$ #edit KAF sav_z = zabs absinc$ = sav_absinc pcom_movea toolchng = zero c_msng$ #Single tool subprogram call last_op_id = op_id$ if cycl32, pbld, pn, "CYCL DEF 32.0 TOLERANCE", e$ pbld, pn, "CYCL DEF 32.1 T", *mr1$, e$ pbld, pn, ";", popnote, e$ oldcool = coolant$ The NC output I'm currently getting is the tool break detection cycle is output at every tool change even if mic. real 7 is set to zero. The machine is a Mikron 5-axis with Heidenhain TNC530 control. Thanks

I agree with you Mark. A copy is a copy. It should be EXACTLY like the original. An option to make an exact copy or revert to library settings would be a huge improvement. This copy problem causes me to do some work in v9 when I know I will be doing a lot of operation copying.

Gavetta, I did get your e-mail. Thanks. I'll be in touch further after the dust settles here. We're getting in some new equipment this week (Wire EDM and 5-axis mill w/ pallet changer) so it is chaotic at present. We are rearranging the entire shop layout. EVERY machine but 2 is getting moved! It's hell, but we'll be happy with the improved layout afterward.

I should mention that the ideal candidate would have a golf handicap of at least +20 so you don't make the boss look too bad.

bump

Advanced Machining Corporation has an immediate opening for an experienced, highly skilled Wire EDM programmer / operator. Advanced Machining Corp is a small, high tech job shop specializing in high precision, complex tooling components and prototype parts serving many types of industry. For additional information on our company please visit our website at www.admacor.com. Responsibilities will include generating toolpaths, set-up and operation of Agie Wire EDMs. Experience with Agie equipment and the AgieVision control is a big plus but not absolutely necessary. Our Wire EDM equipment consists of an Agie Classic 3S (less than 2 years old) and an Agie Classic 3-V (being delivered and installed next week). For more info refer to: http://www.agie.com/english/Vtec_e.pdf http://www.agie.com/english/DTclassic_e.pdf http://www.agieus.com/exclusives.asp You will be trained in the programming and operation of our Zeiss CMM using Calypso and Holos software to support our reverse engineering and design efforts as well as to assure dimensional conformance of the tools, parts, and electrodes you will be machining. Refer to: http://www.zeiss.com/4125682000247242/Cont...1256af7003d8e9a http://www.zeiss.com/4125682000247242/Cont...1256af7003d8e9a We have extensive capability in the areas of Sinker EDM and High Speed Milling. Although these will not be your primary responsibility, experience in these areas will be considered a plus. Candidates will be given the opportunity to program, set-up and operate our Agie Sinker EDMs as well as our Mikron machining centers. We have a Mikron VCP600 w/ 42k rpm spindle, a Mikron VCP1000 w/ 20k spindle and a Mikron UCP600 Vario 5-axis w/ 20k spindle and pallet changer. Please see: http://www.mikron-ac.com/go.cfm/p/101/l/e.cfm http://www.mikron-ac.com/go.cfm/p/60/l/e.cfm http://www.mikron-ac.com/go.cfm/p/57/l/e.cfm We have an excellent reputation and are highly regarded in our industry. We expect to complete ISO 9000 certification within the next 4 months. We seek only the most highly qualified individual to fill this position and help us achieve our ambitious goals of growth and advancement within our industry. Salary and benefits are negotiable and will be commensurate with the skill level and experience of the candidate. We provide health insurance for employee and dependants, a 401k w/ matching, substantial cash bonuses and relocation assistance. Send resumes to [email protected].

Sounds like operator error to me. or Maybe you need a new dealer.

Quality - The materials and build quality of an Agie are second to none and are not compromised to hit some arbitrary price target. Technology - The power generator performs consistently over the long haul. Extensive test cuts by the factory result in reliable technology libraries. I can hold 0.0002" using factory default settings. I can cut the same job 1 year later and get the same 0.0002" result without trial cutting. I used to own Fanuc machines and loved them but holding 0.0002" meant performing test cuts to tweak the process and if I had to repeat the part a few months later the test cuts would have to be repeated. AgieVision Control - The concept here is totally different from any other manufacturer. Without writing a book I'll try to explain. MasterCam creates an .ISO file that describes the shape using conventional G-code. MasterCam also creates an .SBL file that contains information regarding workpiece mat'l, wire size and type, accuracy and finish desired, start point location, clearance needed, etc. By making the shape file (.ISO) independent from technology and sequencing, the process becomes more flexible. If a start hole is out of location, simply type new x,y start location without editing the G-Code. If the accuracy or finish requirement is changed, the number of trim cuts may change. This is done automatically without going back to Mastercam to generate new G-Code. Imagine a die plate with several shapes to be cut. If I'm setting up in the morning I would select "early" mode. The machine would automatically sequence the cuts to drop all slugs as quickly as possible while an operator is present. If I'm setting the job up late in the day I would select "late" mode. The machine would sequence the cuts in a way to avoid the need for operator intervention for as long as possible. Slugs would remain attached with a small tab and trim cuts would be performed in the slot. Upon my return in the morning, the tabs would be cut to release the slugs and the tab areas would be trim cut to complete the job. If the job is being setup at midday I would select "early" mode initally then switch to "late" mode as I'm heading out the door. If I have multiple part set up at one time I can establish a priority for each piece. The priority can be changed as often as the phone rings. If you work 3 shifts cutting widgets all the time this feature has no value. In a job shop environment the increase in productivity and customer satisfaction is astounding. Bear in mind that this re-sequencing of events is done automatically by the AgieVision control and does not require going back to Mastercam to generate new files. Try that on a Fanuc, Mits, etc. Oops! Looks like I wrote a book....sorry.

Beej, I know Fanuc, Mits, Charmilles, etc. are very good machines but rest assured that Agie is the best and you have made a good choice. Also be assured that Mastercam V9 SP2 and Mastercam X MR2 will create error free files that require no editing.

The AgieVision post generates a set of files. In the same directory as your SBL file you will find ISO files. That is the "G-code" you are looking for.

The mpwagie.pst for v9.1 is rock solid. No editing is needed.

30,000 rpm 20 ipm No peck (peck 0.050" to 0.100" if you're scared) Pecking costs a lot of time. Practice in a scrap chuck of mat'l.

X - 85% 9.1 - 13% Pencil, sketch pad, and counting on fingers and toes - 2%

He is probably referring to an airblast cycle to blow out the lines preventing the embarassment of dribbling all over the place.

In ver. X if "use tool's step, peck, coolant" is checked on: double-click the tool in the list and change speeds and feeds in the tool definition. The parameters in the tool definition are king and will overrule any changes you make in the speed and feed parameters. If this is the way the software is supposed to work, then the fields for speed and feed should be grayed out. If "use tool's step, peck, coolant" is not checked then: The changes made to speeds and feeds should stick. That is a good thing but your values for coolant and peck will be operation defaults not the values associated with the tool. This is not a good thing. In version 9 the setting "use tool's step, peck, coolant" worked very well. Values associated with the tool were initially loaded when picking the tool but any manual changes would stick. I would like to see a return to this behavior.

G52 may be what you are looking for. Be careful because it will remain in affect and apply to all programs until it is zeroed out again! It may be possible to use G10 to load a value into the G52 register then use G10 again at the end of the program to "zero" it back out. More involved editing but safer. I've been bit using G52 shifts before.......

I too was only getting dimensions at the printer. Made the following change and fixed that problem for me: Settings, Configuration, Printing, Color (checked ON). Printing in X is still unsatisfactory since I don't always want color output, and random line widths (sometimes so light they can barely be seen). I'm using an HP Deskjet 6540. I hope printed output improves with MR1.

Copper electrodes will produce a finer finish but the difficulty in electrode machining is much greater and electrode accuracy is likely to suffer. Make sure you have exhausted the possibilities of graphite before considering copper. I have obtained impressive finishes using premium grades such as Poco EDM-3, Poco EDM-C3, and Poco AF-5. These graphites have much finer grain structures and can approach the finishing capabilities of copper. Similar grades may be available from other manufacturers. We use Agie sinkers here so I can't help you with specific erosion parameters. The guys at Mits should be able to give you something that will produce a good result with super-premium graphite.

IMO hitting Esc with a live entity should exit the function without saving the entity. I'm wearing out the Undo button.