Hi,

Why is it, that when I do a pocket with some islands, for example this harley logo, the tool path isn't very efficient, as in the tool goes all over the place, and often over the same spot a few times and jumps around a lot. I chose the default pocketing method (zigzag). I tend to leave other check marks etc. at the default as well, as usually I don't know what they mean...:)

Forgive me as I am a poor Mastercam user, because I am trying to teach myself. The factory I work at has mastercam (one seat), which the tool and die makers use, and I try to get on it when I can. I am just an electricain. Try to be patient.

Eric

Post your file if you'd like

PEACE:D

The MC8 file is 3 megs. I will upload it to my web page later so you can download it.

Eric

www.e-zflight.com/files/HD.MC8

Shoulda zipped it I guess. Sorry.

Eric

It took me about 10secs to download.
I could'nt bear the wait:p :p

PEACE:D

balsaman, were should I put the file on the ftp..
I will Zip it and it's you file with jay added to it and a single op.

Look on the FTP under Mastercam_Files

I will Zip it and it's you file with jay added to it and a single op.
I don't know what the above means...

I can't access the FTP site. Send it to my email. cnchomeman@yahoo.com

Thanks

Eric

I can't access the FTP site either, keep getting error 425 couldn't get data.

Are you behind a firewall?

Yes, is this a bad thing?

My router has a hardware firewall.

Eric

So I can't use protection when I go to the ftp sight? What if I get the bug? Do I shut the firewall off?

Try FTP Explorer or something external, other than IExplorer. It may help. I have problems with ftp also.

I'm using netscape 7.1

Netscap is vary picky when coming to FTP.
Try using like Cute FTP.

You can get the trial version of my links page on my web site.

I have tried wsftp with no luck.

Eric

Jay,

Thanks for the file, but thats not how I had the original. All the lettering was raised in the original, I used a 1/16" EM, plus I had a tool change to a 1/8" EM for cutting the profile. Have another look at the original.

My origianal question was is there a way to make the tool path more efficient? Simply letting Mcam figure it out doesnt seem to make for a super efficient tool path, (specifically for pockets). Simple contouring of chains is efficient because I can choose the order that the chains are cut).

On the original, I selected the outside of the pocket, then all the letters, one at a time. The toolpath jumps all over, and often goes over the same spot several times.

Eric

Eric, I haven't looked at your file, since it is not in a format I can import. But, I doubt that software generated toolpaths would ever be as efficient as manually drawn ones, just like hand written software created in Assembler is far more succinct than that created from higher languages.

It boils down to a compromise between your programming time versus the machine's time spent in rapid motions. Which is less?

If you wanted, can you backplot the toolpath, and clean it up and reconnect it yourself?

BTW, I like your lesson 3 formula :)

I understande it was not the same pockets.
But I can change that. now as for the chains and the order that was done with a pocket window the whole geo. and go.

I thought that the order was good and not all over the place.

You don't need to redo it, It's working pretty good as is I guess. next time it runs I will have a better look at it. Thanks.

Eric

How about I make cooler if that what you are looking for. I can do all kinds of things so over this weekend look for more mail sir.

That would be great, but not what I was looking for. I guess I was asking if there was a "optimize toolpath" option button or something :)

BTW I really like the software, once you get past the funny user interface. It really grows on you.

Eric

balsaman,

Didn't you post the Harley Davidson logo somewhere here or somewhere else?

I am interested in the image. Is it possible to send me the image in DXF format?

Thanks :D

www.e-zflight.com/files/hd.dxf

Balsaman I too the DXF and put under Cade_Files on the CNCzone FTP. Hope that is ok..

one of my students at my school has been busy drawing a profile of a nice HD.
I will get it this week and share it..
I asked him if this was ok of course..

"optimize toolpath" There really is anot per-say that button but has to do with the Chaining options.

when you go to chain say using a window around all click on the button after chaining that says "Options" if it has a astris next to this means some thing in the chaining options is active.

I alwas have by default the options for "Plane Mask" & "Color Mask" checked these are vary helpful.

Use the Help buttun under the Chaining options to get more of chist of the setting control you have.

Hey Balsaman;
Can I get a copy of the HD logo for my play time and enjoyment? If possible, email to bsouthnow@aol.com. I can't seem to find it in this thread. I take it your an rc builder. Did that once myself (from kits) but never could stand to fly the things. After hundreds of hours working on a quarter scale J3 cub, built to perfection, it only took a few seconds and re-kitting (crashing) to make my flyiny time miserable. I was a nervous wreck when all that love was in the air.
Sooooooooooo, long story short, I built a cnc machine. Breaking things made from metal takes more effort!!!!!!
Thx in advance!
billyjack
cheers
:cheers:

does anyone have any harley davidson logo g-codes I can get, thanks

Play around with dif patterns "zig-zag" as a default may not be best

Mastercam is looking at each piece of geometry and trying not to back into other pieces of geometry while cutting them. If you have a lot of small lines/arcs, it might do some small moves on each piece and look like its backing over the same area each time. Especialy if they are not tangent.

Try not to worry about the efficency of a small part like this. It's much less efficent to program it manually (because of the tiome it would take). If you had to make 100's of these it might effect your cycle time, but for a 1 off I wouldn't worrk about it.

But I understand your question. "Making it more efficent". I would certianly try selecting some of the other pocket types and then run a backplot to view the cycle time. That will give you some idea of efficency. Selecting the right pocket type depends on the shape of the geometry. In you part there's not much room to move.

If your want to learn Mastercam V8 on you oun, you might want to look at my training videos at the web site below. http://www.tipsformanufacturing.com

Mike Mattera

You also might try it without "minimize tool burial".