The sphere (Solid on level 7) is just for the stock for the verify. Which by the way you have to use the 5 axis option in verify to see it correctly. I had to move all your geometry around and reset the WCS to origin to start and somehow "lost" your solid, so I re-created it on center. To use axis substitution and use a simple contour I have to create all my geometry on Z zero on TOP plane. Then the depths are normal and when you activate the axis sub it will wrap everything around whatever diameter you specify. Now in this example I needed to go an extra step to get it to follow the “curve of the ball”. So to get this straight in my brain I have think about whatever is going to be “wrapped” around my A axis has to be stretched out in a line. Side note here; that line should equal to the circumference of the OD of the part unless you want geometry to overlap. Now to emulate unwrapping a ball I created a curved surface on level 5. Notice that the top of the curve/arc is at Z zero, the surface is also created parallel to the Y axis (the axis being substituted). Then I took your geometry (with a copy shifted over in the Y) and used transform-Project to surface (and I used “use new attributes” and put the created geometry on another level). Now we have your geometry on a curved surface on Z zero, basically except for curvy bits which follow the curve. With new projected geometry we create a simple contour with no lead ins, cutter comp off and most importantly the Linking data Z depths incremental so the tool will follow the contour, I recommend turning off all the other levels and using the window (with 3d select active) selection tool to get you geometry, this will automatically switch your op to 3D. I would highly recommend you create the contour like you were machining flat first then check out the resulting path then go back in and activate the axis rotation. Another note when axis subbing, keep your work coordinate working from center as much as possible both in MC and at the machine. I do a lot of axis subbing but I have never had an opportunity to machine on a sphere, but it looks like fun.

Is this what you had in mind? EXAMPLE2.MCX-7

Aaron, you are correct. I was shaking my head no, but it turns out the key is to use the ctrl-mouse wheel ( per John McCord above) to zoom and it sticks (for me anyway). Before I read your post I was just using the slider at the bottom which apparently does not stick.

Thanks Guys, I had not seen the zoom slider or even thought about zoom as being a work around. Zoom will work I suppose, I was hoping for a font setting that would repeat each time you open it. Maybe there is a setting to keep the zoom where ever you leave it . . . . . . .

I'm trying to find the setting in the new Mastercam Code Expert editor to change the font size to something a bit larger. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

+1 to Brian on the op type. I would add that you should check the "Copy source operations" and the box under that for "Disable posting . . . ".

Try deleting all the G54's or whatever work coordinate is in the posted (G-code) program. Then sub it out of mazatrol and see if behaves they way you want. Otherwise make sure your G54 (or whatever your G-code is calling ) is set to the same coordinates as the WPC in mazatrol.

I would try creating just a geometry point appx. where you are going to start probing and create a toolpath point and describe your probe as a tool and rapid to that point, then add your manual entry.

If you are new to the mazak you may or may not know that Mazak has free phone support for service or application help. Check the website http://www.mazakusa.com/locator.asp and find the office near you to call. Have your machine serial number handy, they will ask for it. To be honest you will likely have to leave a message but they will call you back and most of the time they can get you going in the right direction.

Guys, Thanks for the input. As it turns out the screen resolution is the key. The larger the screen resolution the smaller the font appears on the print out.

Chris, I do use drafting note a lot but I like the fact that MC automaticlly prints the file name and path along the top of the sheet. If i put in a note then I have to type it in or paste it into the note. I have noticed that other computers around the shop print with different size font, I just need to find what is different in those setups than mine.

I feel like this should be simple but I cannot find the setting. Can I change the size of the font used to print the “Screen information” and “Name and date” when I print from MC?

I'm pretty sure you will need to install Inventor View from Autodesk first to get the kernel MC needs.

If you are not using inverse time then go the machine and set setting 34 to the diameter of the surface you are engraving and the machine will compensate.

If you have macro capablity you can add serial number or any variable engraving to the mazak. Take a look at this article about setting up serial # engraving using macro variables and pre-defined sub programs for each number. http://www.cncci.com/resources/tips/serial%20macro.htm There is also a article on that site about setting for letters as well. One more thing, the mazak can also scale and rotate the text if you have those options.