Hello,

I have been a FeatureCam user since the beginning, under the Bridgeport umbrella. Would like to find other FeatureCam users to exchange tricks and or secrets pertaining to FeatureCam. I'm open to talk from 2 axis to 5 axis and everything in between.

Thanks for looking!

Skillet

Hi Skillet,

This seems to be a little used section in this forum, not many of us FeatureCam users here. I have been using it since V2 or 3, now we haven’t upgraded past V7. I use it for 3 axis mills and also some FeatureTurn for lathes. Welcome to the forum.

Gary :D

Gary,

I'm up to V10 (2004), and they have made some nice changes since 7 came out. I also see that not many folks in here are using it. I don't know if it is because of the expense or if some of these other systems are better. I use EZ CAM a good bit,too. What type of work are you doing?

Skillet

Skillet,

I do repair parts and tooling for a major airline. Many of the parts are similar but never identical, so everything is costume. I usually have blanks made up and I work with engineering to decide on the needed changes. They always want the parts before I start, so time is a big factor. Without FC and cnc it couldn’t be done. I do a little 3D, but mostly 2 ½ D. I also have an EZPath lathe and a PowerPath turning center. The PowerPath mostly sits idle, I use it for bushings. It’s a pretty impressive shop for 2 people, everything was new 7 years ago. I’m an old school tool maker that made the leap into the world of computers.

The thing I like about FeatureCam is that I very rarely make it crash and it seems to be able to do anything I ask it to. The simulation has save me from major mistakes many times. If I get it wrong the first time, on the machine, I’m late. I’ve been to classes with EGS and always amazed at the diversity of the people using it.

So what about you?

Gary :D

I work at the local university in high energy physics, so our work is also ones and twos. We pretty much work for universities around the country and all the big accelarator labs. It is cool work but sometimes very hectic. We have a couple of Fadals and a Bridgeport EZ-TRAK, and I have a new ROMI M27 lathe with the Fanuc 21 controller. Basically, the same thing as your path lathe.
I started programming with EZ-Cam and later switched to FeatureCam. I use both of them still, but I find that FeatureCam is better suited to the machines, especially with 4th and 5th axis stuff. When I get a chance, I'll send you a link to our web page. If you have a few minutes to look it might have some interesting stuff for you.

Later,

Skillet

Sorry it has taken so long to get back here. We have been covered up with stuff from everywhere. Anyway, I told you I would send you a link to my shop. I hope this will work.

http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/physics_and_astronomy/facilities/shop.html

We need to update our page, but it might be interesting. I talked with the folks at EGS this week and it looks like they will release a new version of FeatureCam this summer. I think they are moving more toward Swiss turn machines, which will be something new for them.

Skillet

Hi Skillet,

LOL!!! Your shop is so much similar to mine I think you could take my place without missing a beat. I might take a little longer to get up to speed at yours. I have been lobbying hard to get our software upgraded. Part of the problem is, though our 7 year old shop is like new, the PC with Win 98 OS needs to be replaced along with the software. We are still under a very strict budget. For 2 1/2D and 3D work I have yet to find anything that V7 couldn’t do.

Gary :D

You are right! V 7 is still capable to handle most 3D stuff. I do a good bit of surfacing, and went out to Salt Lake last year for training on 3D modeling. But if you aren't doing 4th and/or 5th, V7 is great. I really liked that version! Then they started to break into Feature Recognition and a more Modeled look, kind of like Pro_E and Catia. That is really cool stuff, but if you are not importing those type files, it won't matter. I have been very happy with the support EGS offers. I don't know if you ever need help, but they have a superb staff. I talk to them so much, they know me when they answer the line. I know they offer some kind of maintenance upgrade, that will bring you up to the current version and give you a year of unlimited phone support. Plus when you do that, they guarantee you they next version, free.
Check it out!

Skillet

Hi guys,
Did'nt want you two hogging this thread all to yourselves,
just figured i'd stop in and say "HI"


PEACE:D

Thanks for looking in! We don't seem to be burning up a lot of new ground here, but nice to meet you. What end of the business world are you from?

Skillet

Hardmilling, hence the name and avatar,
Pleasure to meet you guys.
I've heard some good things about your software from an
associate, myself i'm a Mastercam user and am always pleased
to hear of others who are happy with their choice of software.
Carry on with your discussion, and feel free to ask if you need
anything.

PEACE:D

I hope everyone is well, as I have been busy as H*** lately. I'm so happy that one of my old buddies has found me in this forum. We go back quite a ways, and from totally different backgrounds. That goes to show how small our world is getting. I've been hoping to run into some other FeatureCam users here but it doesn't seem that popular here. I need to pick some other people's brains, so I can leave the EGS folks alone for awhile. I know I bug the heck out of them, but they are tough and they can handle it!

Skillet

Hello,
Don't mean to but in on your conversation guys, it's just good to find some featurecam enthusiasts like myself. I have been using it since version 7 and am up to version 2005. I use it for 3&4 axis milling, along with turining. The software is so easy to use, just about anybody with common since can pick it up. My current employer is forcing me to learn Mastercam. It has a few things I like, but for the most part I dislike it. It does not present information in a logical way. Well, hope everyone has a nice day!!!!!

Dalen Mealer

What type of work are you doing? We use FeatureCam for most of our Mill and Lathe work. We also, use EZ-Cam and ESPRIT for our wire. I was hesitant about the Esprit because FeatureWire seemed so familiar. I don't know about MasterCam, but I'm sure it is good as well. Post a reply, later, and let me know how you like it.

Skillet

Hey how's it going? We do areospace work, production machining and high tolerance work. Or what I would call high tolerance...sometimes +/- .0001. I use Featurecam for milling and turning both. although I am be made to learn Mastercam. It's going pretty well with the changeover. i have to get used to the fact that Mastercam dosn't think like Featurecam. Mastercam seems better suited to 4TH & 5TH axis work. I'm just an ole dog having to learn new tricks.

Hi nice to meet you follow featurecam users.I just started to use ver 7 and find it so easy I'm now teaching my boss how to use it lol :). We did have some hassle using the multi-setup but that was the Heidenhiem post processor and the lablel it uses thats sorted. So beware, all of you because i got a whole lotta questions that need answering lol.

Welcome laamar....good to have you here

Feature Cam ROCKS! I use it for Milling, Turning, Turn/Mill and Soon Wire. I have a shop at UMaine making ANYTHING, I have stuff going all over the world and some that is only local. Some Big (Up to 8 ft) and some small (.008 milling) but Feature cam has done everything I need. The 4th axis programing is fast too! I have finished an Ice core Drill with the 4th axis and as a one off it came out GREAT. I also Like how I can work from many formats! I get Pro E, Solid works, igs, Solide Edge. STL's....

SO if there is anything I can do to help, or I may be asking for some

:confused: Hi everyone! I have used Featurecam at my last job but could never get it to do 4th axis wrapping. I found it produced angular and feed movements to 4 decimal places and the fanuc 6mb control it was used on would throw an error as it could only accept coordinates upto 3 decimal places? Maybe there is a way of bypassing this in the Fanuc control or altering the settings in featurecam. I never figured it out. :confused:

The post processor you use to post the code can be edited. There is a space to specify the how many places after the decimal. Read the M-build section in help.

gary :D

Thanks Gary, I must say I've only known Featurecam to throw a glitch once during a pattern set up. It would chamfer the first part then move to the next without retracting and gouge the waist stock! but on the rest of the parts it would retract for each rapid move?
Probably something I was doing wrong! Apart from that it works flawlessly in my experience! Easy to use with and the post processors are a doddle to customise :) .

Does anyone know how to take a post processed g-code file generated from a third party cam system and have the Romi Bridgeport lathe with the EZ Path controller understand it? Any help would be appreciated.

It is usually easier to start from scratch and post new code. FeatureCam has posted good code for the 5 different Romi’s I have run. (EasyPaths and PowerPaths) The last shop I was in they hired me for the Romi and the MasterCam guys in the shop smiled when I said I could post good Romi conversation code. It took me 2 hours to edit my post and write good code. If you have a small program I’ll try to help you out no charge. If it is a big job I would suggest getting FeatureCam or you could pay me to do it for you.
Gary ;-)

Had my head deep in the sand, lately! I happen to have a Romi M27 and at one time had the EZ-Path. I have a good post for the Fanuc 21 controller. I'm not sure which one you have.

I have plenty of little tricks that I use, but its funny I can't think of any right off the top of my head.

I always have parts with weird geometry, pockets, steps, I usually use Side and goove with some tricks. I often create new stock curves to save machine time.

I think a good way to get some tricks out is to post some part that has some tricky features and see what everyones' input is.

I think everyone has tricks of their own, but I don't think there is only one way to program. We all have our own way and as long as the end result is acceptable, what difference does it make. The FeatureCam site has a lot of tech tips, where one can pick up a few short cuts!

Skillet

Hi all,
I'm new to FC, so I have a lot off question here, but first how to change post from program name to program number?
thanks

like which program it is relative to the setup order? You can adjust that within the settings for the setups. You can access it from the setups button on the toolbar. You can change the names and whatnot

You can either edit your Post, or when you fill out your set up information ( Where it says like setup 1 ) put the program number there. When you post you will get the program number and the program name in ( ).

Skillet

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum, as of today. I do Tech Support on FeatureCAM here in Virginia. If you have any questions, I would be glad to help in any way.

FeatureTeacher

:cheers: Welcome FeatureTeacher this part of the forum is small but seems to be growing, glad to have you here.

Gary :D

Thanks Gary. I have been on here just looking around in the past and have noticed your name many times. You must be a FCAM guru.

FT

I have been lucky enough to work with FC since V4, I went to class at SLC twice, and the shop where I’m at now has ’07. But I still learn new things every day.

Gary

I have been using FC for about a year and a half now. I taught my first class after only four months. It's very user friendly. I started programming with SmartCAM and then moved to Pro/E and Pro/Manf. That, however, was years ago. I moved away from programming for a while and used SolidWorks for a living. I love that stuff. Now I'm back into the manufacturing side of the buisiness and use FC seven out of eight hours a day. I'm still able to learn new things each time I use it.

FT

Hi Guys,
ive been using fc for a couple of years now,just downloaded the latest version 12.i mainly use fc for 3d machining,which i have a question for you guys.what is the best method to get a smooth finish?i have a part that will need to be polished after machining.for some reason im not having any luck,the finish is ok but not what i want it to be.at my last attempt i used z level finish with .005 stepover do you think i need to try .002 stepover?
thanks, shawn

Hi Shawn,

Welcome. I can’t help with your problem; I do very little surface milling. Have you tried using more than one finish pattern?

Gary

Hi Gary,
yes i've tried more than one finish pattern it seems to do better if you take a .005 cut rather than remachining to the same depth.so far isoline works best i guess i need to do a smaller stepover (less than .005)to get the results im looking for.we use hurco vmc's here at work,they have a great control package(conversational)so i only use fc for true 3d milling.as of late im using fc alot,i do have a problem with the post or the machine i haven't determined which one yet,the problem is once i send a program to the mill i cant change cutter comp on the machine control i have to go back to fc and change the cutter dia.any thaughts on this problem?
thanks,shawn

I've been using fc for many years know. just getting into 3d. It's awsome whole new aspect on the cnc market

Hello,
Using FC for about a year now..only having problems with feature recognition with tapered wall..anyone now of this???

Thanks Mark

Used it myself. Its an OK software but very buggy and unstable. I've used it in 4th axis mode as well. We got the latest version, but i sort of left it to another peer at work to take over programming.

I decided to go back onto the CNC mills. Sitting behind a keyboard for 40hours/week drove me nuts LOL.

'Hi Gary,
yes i've tried more than one finish pattern it seems to do better if you take a .005 cut rather than remachining to the same depth.so far isoline works best i guess i need to do a smaller stepover (less than .005)to get the results im looking for.we use hurco vmc's here at work,they have a great control package(conversational)so i only use fc for true 3d milling.as of late im using fc alot,i do have a problem with the post or the machine i haven't determined which one yet,the problem is once i send a program to the mill i cant change cutter comp on the machine control i have to go back to fc and change the cutter dia.any thaughts on this problem?
thanks,shawn'

Hi Shawn,
I've used the Hurco Ultimax control for some time now. To change the cutter comp on the control I just change the tool dia in the tool library. The control remembers the size just for that prog, when I save it, and it doesn't affect any other progs I have saved.
John.

Hey, Skillet,
Could you please PM me with some way contact you? I have a question for you.
Gary

Hay folks I got to tell you back in the early days I really felt Feature Cam was a joke. I was an avid EZ-Cam user and it seamed like Feature Cam was a novelty of some kind. I thought the only people that should buy it were the people that had no clue what they were doing! Then time went by I kinda forgot about the software. I built a really successful operation from nothing then found myself looking to move into the 21st century as far as our programming was concerned. We played with Master Cam, Virtual Gibbs, and New EZ Cam,,,, almost everything under the sun except for Feature Cam! Then I was blown away,,, around 2001\2002 window, I got a hold of a copy of I think vers. 10 and it knocked my socks off!! We spent a huge amount of time exploring back then and in the end I changed over to Feature Cam because simply the software matured into something I saw had become tremendously powerful! Today, by far today’s vers. with AFR, it smokes anything out there. I still run Master Cam X & X2 Surf Cam Velocity maybe because I’d like to see if anybody is coming close to what Feature Cam can do! I got to say it’s like night and day. I run full 3D Feature Cam with AFR and I’d love to move into a full seat someday. In closing I need to say I’ve invested the past 4 years intensely studying the software & its capabilities and I honestly feel there is nothing I can’t do with this software. Big Daddy, Feature Cam -user- or should I say –BELIEVER- sorry for jumpin in this way….

Big Daddy,

I think you've got it now. I started the same way. Ez-Cam, then the first version of FeatureCam. I played with both for a number of years. It seemed like FeatureCam just pulled away from the others. I have had some issues with it, but they all seem to have quirks. I do physics research, so awhile back, everyone decided they need a 3D model of everything that is made. SolidWorks came next. It is very user friendly, but just for drawing. Then they came out with CamWorks. It runs inside SolidWorks, but will generate code. We tried that, and it is cool. But, after all that, I have to say FeatureCam has them beat. I don't say that, lightly. I wanted to believe CamWorks was better. It has AFR as well, but not as advanced. If you get a chance, FeatureCam 2008 is out now. Take a look!

Skillet

I’m currently running 07 3D w\AFR I'll get to 08! Trust me.
But back in the 2000 era I was beginning to see a need for Cam-ware to work seamlessly with design-ware from a manufactures stand point. Engineers & customers were voicing their demands more & more that they didn’t want “the machinist re-interpretations” clouding up their product. On the other hand, I saw very clearly that this type of technology allowed the machinist a certain amount of autonomy! If a hole was off for instance it was because the image was wrong and you’re still going to buy that product!!
The customer becomes accountable!
But shifting gears a little bit, it only made perfect since that “the software” takes on a bigger and bigger role in the process & begins to remove the redundancy that has always been associated with Cam programming. And still is with Master-Cam, Surf-Cam, Virtual Gibbs and alike. I find a vast difference when I have to move back and forth for these other platforms. Not only are they quirky but all of them have their own sets of problems with I find down right unacceptable also can be quite irritating. Well I’ve said enough. I love the product, it's done well for me & You guys take care.

Hey guys, I too started with my Bridgeport sales guy with a stack of floppys with no name on them. He said "try this" and I'm waiting for V14 to come in now. Work for a tool and die shop and use FC for everything that comes in 2-4 axis, plain to rotary, flat to mold. You're right about not too many people an I can't figure out why with the ease and power of the system. Oh well, thier loss. I'll be looking in from time to time---

Hey guys, I too started with my Bridgeport sales guy with a stack of floppys with no name on them. He said "try this" and I'm waiting for V14 to come in now. Work for a tool and die shop and use FC for everything that comes in 2-4 axis, plain to rotary, flat to mold. You're right about not too many people an I can't figure out why with the ease and power of the system. Oh well, thier loss. I'll be looking in from time to time---
Dcalp,
just a quick question and to bump this thread.
are you actually drawing in featurecam or importing dfx files.

archie =) =) =)

AS A MATTER OF FACT I AM DRAWING IN fc RIGHT NOW. I TRY TO USE SOLID CONSTRUCTING WHEN I CAN BUT SOMETIMES THE TIME ISN'T WORTH IT SO IT'S PLAIN OLE GEOMETRY FOR SIMPLE STUFF.

OH YEAH, I'LL IMPORT OVER DRAWING ANY DAY!!!!!

nice helix 30^?

delcam has a reasonable forum @ their site for FC

you will meet a lot of the same names there as you do here--

I've been thinking about writing a CAM design program of my own, and I'm curious, how good is the AI in FeatureCAM, how much boring work does it eliminate from the designer? Are there still some areas where it's less than perfect?

I am working at a Featurecam Milling shop. I take Mastercam in college , but My job has Featurecam. I really think that whatever a person is more experienced with , they will like that software. In programing Geometry, or working with Solidworks imported files, I would say mastercamx3 is a bit more intricate, very detailed. But, on "Tooling, speeds feeds,and depth, I am much more quicker to re-post a program after 1st run and re-adjusting speeds, feeds, adding or deleting tools etc. The featurecam really "Snaps to" making toolpath sequencing self fed. Essential toolcutting iota's seem to "pop up" or are all displayed in one mouse "click". Instead of having to open several tabs, and tooling parameter pages. It is very tightly displayed and I can just "click-click-click" and the changes are done,( i.e., tool selection, depth, pecking, speed, feed, )without opening a bunch of pages etc. I like each for different reasons, probably because that's what I am just more used to doing?

I like to use both


http://forum.featurecam.com/index.php