The thread OD value in my post is thdx1dia. However, in the threading postblock, if I add thdxclr to it, ie:

thdxstart = thdx1dia + thdxclr

n, psg00, *thdxstart, thdzclr, e

the value output for thdxstart is the OD of the thread. It appears that it isn't getting the thdxclr value from the parameter page.

Please excuse my lack of knowledge on posts, as I'm self taught :/

I appreciate your help

I have an Okuma Post for a 7000 series control lathe, that I've been using since V6. I've modified it to run in all versions from 6 through to V8.1.1. It works really well, and provides the program in exactly the format I want. However, in V9, it doesn't output the correct start position for a G71 threading cycle, as it doesn't read the stock clearance from the "Thread Cut Parameters" tab on the the parameters page. It only outputs the Thread OD instead. I need to get the stock clearance variable from the parameter page, and add it to the thread od value to give me the correct start position. I've tried to find it, but I've had no luck. Can anyone tell me what value I should be using? I thought it was thdxclr, but that doesn't work. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hugh,

Check you email

Mick

IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

or

IMHO = In My Humble Opinion

Or in some really screwed up cases....

IMHO = I Must Hug Otters

hehe....

What do you bring it in as? I used to work for a company where we brought in CT scans, converted them into STL, and then produced RP models of the bone structures in an FDM machine.

Sir camalot...Thanks for the info. I know Mastercam rather well. I've used it at the last three places I've worked at, plus I used to teach it at the local college

I also help the local dealer when and where I can

I've just got to convince my (probably) new boss that he should run with Mastercam.

My only worry is the compatibility with the router they are getting, and the setting up of the 5 axis post...I'll know more this week

Thanks again

Thanks. Yes, my local dealer said there was a demo disk coming out soon. I really want to help convince my possibly new employer, that Mastercam is the way to go.

I really want to talk to someone who uses this product. I'm a long time Mastercam Lathe and Mill user, and I have the opportunity to implement Router Pro in a new position I may be taking up. I'd really like some feedback

I've been offered a position programming, and supervising a 5 axis router. The owner was looking at Lycom Router software, but is impressed with Mastercam Router Pro, though he's only read the literature. If they end up getting Mastercam, it would be an even better reason to go to that job. Does anyone here use or have experience with Router Pro? Especially with 5 axis?

I'd really like some feedback on the product

How deep is this bore? If its through, whats the thickness of the plate? I'd say the best way would be to rough it, using a ramp contour with a round insert milling cutter, then finish it with a stright edged milling cutter.

We mill a lot of steel and stainless steel, and have to bore a lot of holes to the same tolerance, and thats the method we use.

I've done quite a bit of post customisation for various people over the years. If anybody needs assistance, I'd be happy to look at it.

I've done posts for Fanuc, Okuma, Mitsubishi, and Hitachi Seiki.

My boss quite happily lets me use our software to do any post work for people, as it keeps me experienced

Guess that makes me more of an asset to him

MD: I'm in the same position. I need to implement this in our post for our Okuma MX55VB with 4th axis. Without the M15/M16 output, you get some messy rotary toolpaths. I can't work out how to implement it.

Our post is almost perfect for what we want, except for the 4th axis. The M15/M16 thing has me beat

What kind of pocketing pattern are you using? I have struck this before, and if using parallel lines, I've sometimes changed the roughing angle to eliminate it.

Also, switching to "Roll Cutter Around Sharp Corners" to "Roll Cutter Around No Corners" or "All Corners" can sometimes help.

hehe...Two arcs, .1mm apart, with a another slightly larger arc bridging it. Then you translate that set the number of times required, at the distance required. All the arcs need to cross, and not share any endpoints. Otherwise you will go crazy chaining them

I'll see what I can find out. I used to be a tooling rep for Sandvik Coromant, and I have a couple of contacts who are up with the play overseas. I think we should keep trading notes on this one

It works a treat. I've machined undercuts like that plenty of times. Mastercam is smart enough to know wether a cutter (if defined correctly) will be able to cut the geometry

I've put an example of trochoidal machining on the FTP site. Its under MC8 Files, named Trochoidal.mc8.

This type of cutting is great to see in action, especially when cutting hard material. It produces nice even chip load. The only real drawback is having to produce the geometry to be able to toolpath it. This could be a good little c-hook add on And I'd be willing to beta test it

Anyway, let me know what you think

And its price sucks.....And one thing about Mastercam: The Mastercam translators work great

I agree. I check this forum as much as I check my email. And I've learnt a lot from it.

Haha...A huge amount of UG users have blinkers on, and think that their system is the be all and end all...

I used Unigraphics for about 5 years, and found myself switching back to Mastercam to do any 2.5D and basic 3D. Mastercams post processors are way better (way more customisable).

Having spent considerable time now with Mastercam 8.1.1 and now 9, I believe its rapidly catching up to UG in 3D toolpath capabilities.

UG's strong point compared to Mastercam in that regard is its processing power. Its certainly quicker at generating toolpaths.

And for modelling, well, there isn't really any comparison.

Still, when all said and done, I'm a diehard Mastercam user

I'm all for it to be able to "trochoidally" slot a slot. Its a toolpath that I've programmed before by drawing the shaped of the centreline of the cutter, though its a real pain to do

I've cut a slot in 60HRC steel before, with a 6mm endmill, producing a 9mm wide slot, 12mm deep. It sure was impressive, and quick

Uh Greg, I think he means Post Processor....

md: I'd be keen to look at the post. Does it output the M15/M16 to define the direction of rotation for the 4th axis? I've been looking at implementing that into my current post, but I cant seem to get it to work.

I'll email you from home, so you have my home email addy

hehe....indeed. I've been very Okuma biased for years. I learnt how to operate and program on them, and I've used plenty of others.....And still always feel more comfortable with Okuma

To all of those who answered my post a while back, about wanting to do a toolpath which finish contours a tapered bore. To whoever it was that suggested Project, thanks. The toolpath worked a treat. Finish was fantastic, and the customer was REALLY happy.

Thanks again.