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cadist, I have a Mikron VCP600 with Heidenhain TNC430 control. We had the exact same problem using the MPHEID.PST supplied by Mastercam. I made the following changes to the post to correct the problem. Perhaps not an elegant solution, but it works: pxyarc #circular interpolation XY plane if plane = 0, pxypxc = xc if plane = 0, pxypyc = yc if plane = 1, pzypyc = xc if plane = 1, pzypzc = yc if plane = 2, pzxpxc = xc if plane = 2, pzxpzc = yc n, strcc, *pxypxc, *pxypyc, e n, strc, *x, *y, *sgcode, pcc, pfr, pspdl, e pzyarc #circular interpolation ZY plane if plane = 0, pxypxc = xc if plane = 0, pxypyc = yc if plane = 1, pzypyc = xc if plane = 1, pzypzc = yc if plane = 2, pzxpxc = xc if plane = 2, pzxpzc = yc n, strcc, *pzypyc, *pzypzc, e n, strc, *y, *z, *sgcode, pcc, pfr, pspdl, e pzxarc #circular interpolation ZX plane if plane = 0, pxypxc = xc if plane = 0, pxypyc = yc if plane = 1, pzypyc = xc if plane = 1, pzypzc = yc if plane = 2, pzxpxc = xc if plane = 2, pzxpzc = yc n, strcc, *pzxpxc, *pzxpzc, e n, strc, *x, *z, *sgcode, pcc, pfr, pspdl, e pcir # Circular interpolation 2 #n, strcc, xc, yc, e #n, strc, x, y, *sgcode, pcc, pfr, pspdl, e if plane = 0, pxyarc if plane = 1, pzyarc if plane = 2, pzxarc Good Luck

option 1: xform the chains then extrude cut selecting all chains. option 2: create cylinder solid then xform cylinders then boolean remove selecting each cylinder. usually about the same amount of work either way. Option 1 is often better due to chaining options like "window". To my knowledge there is no way to pick the "hole" and xform it.

Jimmy, I knew you'd understand

I wish Mastercam would do what I want instead of what I tell it to do. Maybe Jimmy could write a C-Hook for this.

300 series stainless provides the best corrosion resistance but cannot be hardened and is not magnetic which is a bitch if you need to put it on a magnetic chuck for grinding, milling, etc. We use 440C stainless for any custom tooling we need on our wire EDMs. If you harden and grind the surfaces to a good finish, it will not rust. We use System 3R tooling extensively. It is expensive but you cannot build it yourself to the same accuracy/quality for less. Their tooling is made from a stainess called "Stavak". The chemical composition is nearly identical to 440C.

Zeiss has introduced a number of new machines in the last couple of years that are affordable. Their software (Calypso) is very good. Import the solid of surface model from Mastercam, click on the feature/surface you want to measure, input a few parameters, done! IMO, most reputable CMMs are mechanically equal. It is the software functionality and ease of use that will determine which machine is "best". James, Check the thread "vertibird". He may be willing to buy your beanie.

Porsche!

You are not considering Zeiss? Why?

I have a Heidenhain TNC430. I'm using the MPHEID.PST with some minor mods. Is this the post you tried?

Hey Toolfab, I looked over your file. We can EDM this job for you. No problem. Are you only interested in the insert pockets or do you need the entire flute machined out? I am e-mailing you directly. Let me know what you need. GO TONY #20

I'll be there.

Trevor, You've got mail. Keith

I recently updated my mill, lathe, and wire MP executables to version 9.18. I have not noted any problems with mill or lathe but there is an issue with wire. I am using the MPAGEVO post. The format statements are setup for 6 place decimal output. After updating to MPWIRE v9.18, all X,Y,I,J values in circular moves were rounded to 4 decimal places. Linear moves continued to output 6 places. Weird huh? I reinstalled the MPWIRE v9.16 and all NC output returned to 6 places. Is this a problem with MPWIRE v9.18? Does my MPAGEVO.PST need to be modified is some way to work with v9.18? Should I simply run MPWIRE v9.16 and not worry about it? I am running 9.1 SP2. The MPAGEVO.PST is unmodified.

lots of good recomendations. Also consider: Mikron Roeders OKK

Specifying negative stock results in an electrode that is three dimensionally undersized. Yes the Z depths are affected, but they are all increased by the same amount. The relative Z depth from one feature to another is unchanged. Negative stock to leave means all surfaces are undersized normal to the surface. To achieve correct cavity shape and size at your sinker EDM, you MUST use a spherical orbit. The radius of the shpere is equal to the electrode undersize per side. Various manufacturers use different names for this. Agie calls it "Equimode", Charmilles calls it "3DORB", etc. Bear in mind that the smallest internal radius possible in the sinkered cavity is equal to the electrode undersize or orbit. Except for very simple shapes, it will be necessary to remodel the part if you intend to use a different type of orbit such as "circular", "2D Vector", 3D Vector, "Cylindrical", etc. This is too much work and often results is size/shape errors. Using negative "stock to leave" combined with spherical orbiting at the EDM is the only rational/profitable way to make electrodes and burn cavities. I've been doing it this way since Mastercam ver. 3.21. It works every time.

I received an evaluation version but waited to long to install it. The demo license has expired. I will get another. I would be interested in knowing how users are liking it.

Simply specify negative "stock to leave".

Hey Rekd, Careful with that "fifty". You really shouldn't be shootin' that thing in the house.

2003 Porsche Boxster S Speed Yellow w/ black full leather B&M Short Shifter 18" Carrera wheels 162 mph top speed no pics of these toys: Colt pre-ban AR-15 w/ Bushmaster 16" flat top upper receiver, Trijicon ACOG SCope, M4 Handgrips Browning A-Bolt w/ BOSS .270 caliber PSE Bow w/ all the bells and whistles Meade 8" LX-200 Telescope w/ SBIG ST7E CCD Camera Case International 20HP diesel compact tractor w/ 60" front mount mower, hydrostatic trans, beer cooler and cup holder.

This is my 100th post.

Is everyone being quoted the same price for maintenance? Has Mastercam stated the cost? Does the dealer have a role in setting the price? Is it negotiable? Can we discuss this on the forum???? I also wonder abount the benefit or penalty of paying the maintenance now vs. waiting until a significant update or upgrade is available.

20 years married girl 14 girl 12 dog 6 bird 1 big fat mortgage 15 more years to go

A TiAln coated cutter with a corner radius (0.015 to 0.03) will give the best results. A sharp cornered uncoated end mill will not work well. With a proper cutter try 10k rpm, 100 ipm, 0.01 DOC as a starting point.

O.K., You have my attention. ?????