Hello everyone I have a customer looking to purchase a VMC for 2D and 3D work. One of the machines he is looking at is a Haas. According to the Haas rep, the look-ahead with the High Speed Machining option is 80 blocks. I checked on their website, and this seems to be correct. Can any Haas users confirm?

Phil There is no bottom turret on that lathe. In fact there are no turrets, only a tool post. Instead of modifying a post (which is correctly outputting X opposite codes for turrets), modify your tool data to show the orientation that you want. In other words, the post is identical for a Haas Toolroom lathe as would be for an SL30, with the exception of manual tool changes vs. indexing. The graphics that the teacher wants to see on the screen come from the tool data and orientation, rather than upper vs. lower turrets. I hope this helps "The opinions expressed here are those of a know-nothing sales monkey"

They are one of the better, more durable Taiwanese machines. It is no Makino, but a great machine for the price.

It is a combination of the two. You can create an icon for basically any of the functions. You can also fully customize the right click mouse to multiple flyouts. There is a pulldown menu on the top of the screen which uses very similar wording to the current version, which will make transition easier. (i.e. you can go the pulldown menu and choose create/line/parallel It is definitely easier to use than Done, done, do it, done, done, do it, done done, next menu, do it, done Just do it (p.s. don't tell anyone who revealed this information...it will be our little secret) Done

All you need is the engraving option for a raised panel look. You can get an evaluation copy from your dealer.

I would look into Vericut if you can afford it. Predator might work as well if you can find a properly set-up reverse post.

I haven't had problems with regen. The problems I've had were trying to window nested parts for geo selection instead of individully chaining them. That seems to freeze up the software. Trying to stop processing during regen tends to kick you out of Mastercam as well. Other than that, the package seems to work well, I have yet to hear any complaints from customers that have bought it.

Try project blend with the outside boundary and a point as your drive curves. I believe this is the closest thing to what you are trying to achieve. Turn steep wall support on.

See, you should have bought DNC Software and hubs from your friendly neighbourhood Inhouse Sales guy... Shawn, I know of another company with the same problem on a VDF. Have you tried UBJ? You can always try Ying at our office, since he is our DNC Guru and may know what is going on.

The new PC based Fadals come with 2 USB ports. You would need a PC based control to add USB. I think the older Fadal CNC88 won't work, and the only other PC base Fadals I have seen run on Win95. I don't believe Win95 supports USB ports.

Scallop is not the right toolpath for a constant Z level finish. Try Project blend as stated above, or finish contour with the shallow option turned on. If you put a file on the FTP, it would be a lot easier to make suggestions. Is your arc filter turned on, and is it set to 2:1?

Your tool data is probably set to ipr rather than ipm. Have you checked that page? I think you are actually safer running it in ipr mode. It looks like your post correctly outputs G95 (ipr) mode prior to tapping, and I presume it calls up G94 to cancel it before the next tool starts cutting.

Have you tried slotmill for this type of operation? Toolpaths/next menu/circle toolpaths/slotmill

I have not run one myself, since there is only one in Ontario. Looking at the specs, it looks like a top notch machine for patternmaking. The peak HP, torque, and servos all seem well above what you get with regular CNC routers. The vacuum table is an extra option, but overall the machine looks like a winner. "The Opinions Expressed here are solely those of a know-nothing sales monkey"

Mastercam Art doesn't require surfaces or solids. It creates a 3D mesh from the 2D image that is imported. A photograph will work fine. Your local MC dealer should have a beta version I would think. If not, I would be happy to give it a shot. I have 3 screaming toddlers at home and have little or no time for anything other than work and housework, but this is a case where I would gladly stay up late one night with a pot of coffee and do some MasterCamming to help out. I cannot imagine the loss of a child.

Hi Marc I am also trying to collect info on how well this link works. There is very little documentation available. If I can get it working, I will let you know

They are also using coolant, Windows XP, carbide endmills, and toilet paper I guess everyone is doing their share to improve the world we live in!

Give me a break....why would anyone be tight lipped about system requirements?? People are taking this Mastercam X "Classified" info way too seriously. It is just software. It won't cure cancer or eliminate the internal combustion engine. System requirements are the more RAM the better, and XP or Win2000 platform only.

Try a CCMT instead of a CNMG insert. Also, the .5 clearance is still longer than necessary, unless you have no other way of getting coolant in the hole. Are you sure the tip is on center? Do you know how to check?

"Tangitcal" line length....... (Jay skipped spelling class and went straight from breastmilk to Mastercam..

Hi DK Have you tried tech support (of your local Mastercam reseller?). If so, who is your reseller?

Most Fanuc lathes do NOT have the G83 (full retract) option. You are stuck with the G74 cycle, which gives you a partial retract peck. If your machine does not support G83, then simply use the long-hand output. It gives you a long program, but the machine doesn't care.

The STL files created by MC don't seem to be perfect. Try creating an STL with another CAD package (i.e. Solidworks) and bring it into Mastercam for verification. If it gives you the same error, then the problem is in the verification module. If it comes in fine, then there could be a problem with the STL/Out in Mastercam.

I doubt it was Dave. For an engineer, he is a downright Rebel! He has even jaywalked once, and I think I saw him throw a can in the garbage instead of recycling. BBBBAD to the Bone.

It is a little bit laughable to worry about a screenshot being posted here for a product that thousands of people are able to see at IMTS....