I have a post that recalculates the feed rates as according to the max rpm. I don't use it very much since all of our parts, in most cases, are dedicated to the machine it was set up on. But, we do have similar machines that we do change the set up over on and the spindles are different (ie: a 10k spindle and a 15k spindle on the same cell line). In this case, I program for the 15k spindle. If the part ends ups moving to the 10k spindle, I repost the same tool operations, only changing the post. The post recalculates the feed rate of every tool running over 10k to 10k by scaling. I've even used the same post to go from 15k to a 3500rpm spindle and it worked fine with a few minor changes at the machine. This beats going through every cut and editing in MC or at the machine. For the most part, all of our machines in each cell are fairly similar to each other so I just have them pretty much memorized for max speed, feed, hp, machining cube, etc.

I've used 'center drill' to define this type of tool (as well as step drills and etc.). Then just rename the tool as counter sink w/ pilot... not perfect but serves the purpose. Doesn't work well though if you need good detail (tip length, tip dia etc.)

Believe it (or not). We have several indexing table HMC, none of them have a 4th (B-axis) offset on the work offset pages. All B moves are in the program. If you have to change it, you have to change the program. Really sucks when you do a set up, you're not sure what B you're at except from the position page in the active commands area. I used to use a macro to for the B so that if I needed to shift, I just put a number in variable(s). Also, setups can be a little freaky because on Mazak indexers, the 'feed hold' button won't stop the B-axis. Only reset or e-stop... otherwise...

Mazak HMC w/indexers don't have a 4th axis shift avail at the machine that I know of. I would just modify the nc with an editor. Or can you rotate the program or nci to post?

I've seen this problem a few times before with XP SP2... and only SP2. There's been a couple of other threads with some guys having problems with V9.1 and V9.2 on XP (I think they all had Win XP SP2). So here's my two cents... We have a dozen or so seats of MC. They run on Win 2000 to XP. Then we got a couple new stations with XP SP2. We had problems with both of them. Checked all of the updates from MS and MC with no luck. So I wiped the OS on one station and loaded it with the initial release XP (not SP 2). TADA!... MC works. So, I thought it must be something with SP2 . Now the weird part. I have SP2 at home... but MC works. WTF I'm not sure if MC's current release (@ MR 0304 to now) has these issues with SP2. The only thing I've learned to avoid problems is to not load MC over a Win XP SP2 machine. Not sure if this helps, just my experience with it. BTW... I haven't tried home with a solids key yet. Will have to try it. One of the machines at the shop had problems with regenerating solids. Thought it was graphics card... changed the OS and the machine works fine.

Still shouldn't be a problem unless you're going deep. Drill type, helix and size will greatly affect speeds and feeds without thru coolant though.

Use 'Save Some' instead of save... (saves only geometry.)

quote: also make sure you check the "Metric Values" box on the parameter page of your tool. (forgot about that) Now you can give it 'real' values...

Yes,... then for the threads just calculate for TPI (in this case 25.4). You can also name your tools as well. On the parameters page (Define Tools) look towards the bottom and you'll see "comment". Here you can type in "M6 X 1.0" or whatever you want to call it. Be sure to 'Save to Library' or you'll end up doing this everytime you use the tap. When you start programming, the icon will show up as a '236 rh tap', but when you go to 'get' the tool you'll see your tap name anyway so you know what is what.

You can create taps in your tool library as well as name it and have it post the correct values. I use both metric and standard taps and I have them in the same library. Just right click to "create new tool"

Or maybe this will work? Alcoa.com

Or you can change the start number and increment on the top page of your tool parameters. The 3rd column over below the "program #" is: "Seq. start", "Seq. inc"

quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I learned it from the Fanuc Operating Manuals -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ditto... and whole lotta trial and error

SGS is a nice drill... good hole size and decent finish... one shot (Hi-Percarb) Also check out Sandvik's Corodrill (Delta C)...

What Bill Craven said works. If you do it this way you'll need to draw the arc at the Z depth you want to drill to. Another way is to draw the arc at the top face (or plane) of the hole then use the "Depth" to control your actual hole depth in incremental. Then "Top of stock" would be set to zero (incremental). Again, this is assuming all of your holes are the same relative depth from the feature face (boss or island or something). To Charlie: I've used similar macros as well but these days I'm running into more and more people that little or no macro knowledge. So instead, I'll do something similar except like this: T1M6 ... ... ... G81G98X0Y0Z-.5R.1F10. M98P1111 (HOLE POSITIONS) G80 ... ... ... T2M6 ... ... G84G98X0Y0Z-.4R.2F.025 M98P1111 (HOLE POSITIONS) G80 ... ... ... etc This way most (hopefully all!!) will understand what happening with out having to explain how variables are set and work.

Just tried this in MC and it does work (the holes only have to be at different Z's). It works great if all of your holes are the same depth relative to the surface its drilled from ( even in G99 it will back up in Z before next position so you can stay down in the part).

It's been a long, long time since I've used an OM board. For the most part I hand edit the program. Delete all of your G80s in between the positions keep the "R" and "Z" that you need. So all you'll need is: X..Y..Z..R.. for each position. Just don't double up on the XY or just have a line with a Z by itself or you'll end up drilling the same hole twice (unless you want to do that). You should be able to freely change all commands (X,Y,Z,R,Q,F,L, etc) until you hit the G80. Programming this right on MC I'm not sure about. You'll probably have to do it in 3D (or at least have the holes drawn at different Z planes) then pick all the holes. Never tried it. Anybody know about this?

Looks good.... On any machine I've been on the G98 will bring it back to Z.1 at the G80. Now if it we're G99..... By the way, what controller are you using? This could be a lot shorter if you eliminated having to set the can cycle at each position. Such as: Z.1 G81G98X0Y0Z-.5R-.4F5. X1.Y-2.Z-.7R-.6 X1.5R-.3 Y-5.Z-1.R-.772 ETC. ETC. ETC. G80 I've done this on some pretty old controllers and they we're all capable for all cans. Check it out above the part... you'll know right away!

Let me re-phrase... It's not that Inventor 9 can't open 8 files, (It can). MC is threaded to the last version used (actually it would Design Assistant 8 or 9). For the most part, I don't have problems opening any either for V8 or 9. I just know that if a V8 file won't convert, this is how you fix it so that MC will convert it.

Been awhile since I had this problem so I had to check... Here's how inventor 9 for some reason can't open version 8 files. MC gets threaded automatically to the last version used (unless its the only version installed). I have both inventor8 and inventor9 on my PC. So first close MC out then open up inventor 8 (this will thread to MC. If MC is open it will give you an alarm saying that it can't string itself to MasterCam). Open the file in question to view it, then close inventor. Now open back up MC and convert the file. Should work

I've run into this problem too. I'm not sure what the deal is. What I've seen work is to actually open the file in Design Assistant first to see if it can even see a part. If it can't then I'll go back to version 8 and open it. If I see it there, I'll switch MC to use Assistant 8 to convert it and it works. Anybody got any ideas on this?

My two cents: These machines share some similarities but are also just as different. As I recall, both are 40 tapers (with HSK options). But then the A51 is a 400mm pallet, FH5800 is a 500mm pallet. Just an example. On top of the questions Budgie asked, there's about 200 more to ask. Need more info.

Tim, I haven't used Techniks coolant stuff but I do use coolant thru set ups from others. Lyndex doesn't make a 3mm coolant set up but I've gotten around that by buying coolant nuts and sealing from Rego-Fix. Their HiQ series fits the Lyndex tooling and will run at 1000 psi. With this set up I can use a standard 3mm (and smaller) collet and run the coolant thru.

The "ER" series was started by Rego-Fix and they do make some real nice stuff. I've been using their stuff from -8 to -32 without a hitch. We're getting some Techniks in soon for testing so we'll see how that goes. You should check out the "Bullseye" stuff from Lyndex/Nikken as Gary mentioned... incredible accuracy. Its a spin off from the Lyndex "FDC" stuff. The Nikken mill chucks are super nice as well. If you're looking into some more rigidity, check out Sandviks hydraulic extensions... accurate to boot.

The easiest way to test the machine is to shut off the G61.1 and run the program in G64. Now switch back to G61.1. Do you see a considerable difference in the jumps? If so then some parameter adjustment is in order. The problem probably lies in the "gains" and the acceleration/deceleration rates for different angles/corners. David is right about the code. Is it point to point? Usually this machine (as well as other ones from Mazak) ends up with accuracy problems when running high feed rates in PTP, not "jumping" around. The jumping around problem at high feeds is usually associated with Fanuc controlled machines. G61.1 is a must have option on these machines. I have it on 100% of the time and running extremely high feed rates with awesome results including alot of 3D. The "K" value is discussed in the programming manual (although very briefly). It's in the section for 2D Shape option. I'll have to check the page number. Basically it controls the percentage rate of decelleration when approaching and cutting over intersects, angles, tight arcs, etc. (all of these are parameter controlled). The "K" is basically a "user" adjustable setting. Say your program feed is 300ipm. If you set "K" to "50", then the machine will slow to 150ipm when hitting the corners. In the program you type in as follows: "G61.1, K50". Yes, you need the comma. The machine default should be at 70 (Also controlled by parameter). Setting a "K" in the program remains until you change it, hit the 'reset', or M30. In my experience, the jumping around has been a machine software related problem. You'll want to contact "Programming support" at one of the factory centers to double check software version and baseline parameter settings. Sorry this is so long. First time posting. I'll try to keep these much shorter in the future.