Bobcad

Interested in knowing if anyone has used Bobcad. I have purchased version 22 and have not had any luck with it. Sales people guaranteed that they had a post for our Hurco VM1 Mill and it was no problem. Did a Demo online with a tech and also stated that they had a post for that machine and he was familiar with it. But it does not work. Customer Service has pretty much given me a run around and told me they did not have a post for version 22 for my machine. I gave them the files, G & M Codes from Manufacturer that they requested on 2 occasions about 3 weeks ago and was confirmed by the posting department that they received them and then I received an email yesterday stating that they would need files and info for making a post for my machine. Has anyone had any simililar experiences with them? Or any good experiences with this company.
Thanks Steve
onecam@comcast.net

I run V22 and have very good luck. I mostly use it on 3D work but still have ran most of the 2D functions.

I had very good support but I also modified my own post from an existing Fanuc post. Bobcad helped me with it since there were no instructions available at the time. Very fast and helpful tech support. I never had an issue with them. We also have our support maintenance paid up from our previous version as well.

It is not perfect but it is very good. The simulation does great as well. However I do have the full version from when it was 2007 with everything they offered then.

I have used Bobcad/Bobwire for several years. Never had to many problems. If I did I would call Bob and he always seemed to help me out.

Getting the post processor done can be a painful experience, to say the least. I've done it 4 times for 2 different controllers. Each for v19 and v22. You have to stay on top of them. They loose the info and repeatedly ask for it again, just like you have discovered. Maybe an internal communication problem or people just passing the buck? They say 4 to 6 weeks for the post. But that is only after you fax them the information several times. Just fax it to them once a week. :)

Don't expect them to magically come up with the perfect post the first time through either. I don't fault BobCad for this as making a post for a machine that you don't have access to is a tough gig. You have to work with them. Test, go back to them with the results, and go another round. Like I said, painful.

Eventually, your post will get to Scott Phillips (The master of all things post processor related) and you will have smooth sailing from there. Great guy.

But you can do yourself a favor and start learning the post processor. In the end, only you can tweak it just right for your machine. With v22, it's pretty easy. MillEditPost.exe is used for a graphical editor or you can edit the text files in notepad. There is not much documentation (something that I would like to see changed) on the post processor, but you can figure most of it out or post here with problems.

The post processor is the hardest thing to get through. After that, I have found that the support is great. If I don't get to talk to them when I dial them up, a return call usually comes in less than an hour.

For me, 3D works great! Much better than previous versions for 3D.

2D works well too with a couple of exceptions. 1) If you don't use cutter offsets (G41, G42), you have a hard time getting a climbing toolpath with a left hand offset for some reason. You need to edit the profile feature and choose offset left (none) BEFORE you pick the geometry! And sometime that doesn't work. You just have to work a bit deleting the feature and trying different combinations until something clicks and it does the right thing. 2) pockets with multiple internal islands won't work with anything other than ZigZag (lace). 3) no ramp, only plunge.

It's fine for hobbyist like myself, but those 2D bugs would drive me insane if I were trying to do some real production. The Basic simulation does fine for my purposes.

If you haven't gotten the training CDs, I would suggest that you do. It will save you a bunch of frustration in the end. Learning how to use BobCad solves most problems that you will run into with it. Making arcs tangential (utilities menu) before creating your tool paths is an example. Even better is the training classes that Sorin does. A couple of the guys where I work went to one of his classes and came back capable of working through most anything. I wish I could have gone myself.

Steve

Any update? just curious, I'm trying to get a post working for the VM-1 and VM-2 Hurco controls too!

Hi,

I also purchased BobCAD (V22) a couple of weeks ago, and it's pretty dissapointing - too be polite: it's trash. V22 has dozens of obvious bugs, including crashing under a number of reproducable conditions -it seems as though BobCAD did not even trial test this program before releasing it.

The CAM portion is somewhat usable, but the CAD portion is a million miles behind even some freeware CAD programs. This leads to the suggestion that BobCAD should bascially ditch the CAD part of the program and instead integrate a third party CAD program (as they did with Preditor for simulation). This would allow them to concentrate on the CAM portion of the software, fixing, testing and growing those functions - that iis BobCAD's strength (if any).


I purchased BobCAD over another similarly priced foreign package to support the North American economy, but I really regret it. In fact, when I look closely at this program I think I recognize the style of off-shore contract programmers - and even if not, this program is way to quirky by our standards and practices.

The support is great as everyone else has pointed out. But I wonder whether the support would need to be so good if the program and its documentation was not so poorly written and sparse.

I would not recommend BobCAD to anyone - but I'm stuck with it for the time being.

My hope is that there is some benefit to the "scripting" that is mentioned in the sales literature. Unfortunately, I can't find any details about it in either the help system or the manual :rolleyes: .Can anyone point me to information regarding the scripting function?
Cheers,
Frank

Hi Again,

Here's a little example of why you don't want to purchase BobCAD. This is from a small program it posted this morning. If you look carefully you will find that the program selects a tool (T28), turns on the coolant, turns off the spindle - then plunges into the material. Nice. :)


%
O100
(902JIG1.NC)
( MACH 3 - ENGLISH)
(TUE. 03/04/2008 12:42PM)
( T1 ENDMILL ROUGH , DIAMETER = .5 , LENGTH = 5.)
( T2 ENDMILL ROUGH , DIAMETER = .125 , LENGTH = 5.)
N01 G20 G49 G54 G80 G90
(JOB 1 POCKET)
N02 M06 T28
(TOOL #28 0.5000 ENDMILL ROUGH)
N03 M05 <------- Spindle off.
N04 G00 G54 X1.2472 Y-1.1274
N05 G43 H28 Z.1
N06 M08
N07 G01 Z-.0625 <----------------- Plunge with spindle off.
N08 M98 P10 ( SUBPROGRAM CALL )
N09 G00 Z.1
N10 M09
(JOB 2 CONTOUR)
N11 M06 T22
(TOOL #22 0.1250 ENDMILL ROUGH)
N12 M03 S5011 <--- With this tool it's OK though
N13 G54 X3.8125 Y-.8575
N14 G43 H22 Z.1
N15 M08
N16 G01 Z-.063 F20.0459
N17 M98 P11 ( SUBPROGRAM CALL )
N18 G00 Z.1
N19 M09
(JOB 2 CONTOUR)
N20 M06 T28
(TOOL #28 0.1250 ENDMILL FINISH)
N21 M03 S4500
N22 G54 X3.8125 Y-.8475
N23 G43 H28 Z.1
N24 M08
N25 G01 Z-.063
N26 M98 P12 ( SUBPROGRAM CALL )
N27 G00 Z.1
N28 M05
N29 M09
N30 G49 G91 Z0.
N31 M30
%
-- subroutines omitted - they do not contain tool control.

As an added bonus you may notice that the tool numbers called up at the top of the program have nothing to do with the actual tool numbers used in the program.

frankee,

1) The code that you are generating is wrong. But it is wrong because the post is either an old post that was included with the original installation or because the post has been modified. I have attached a sample program generated for pocketing a square. You will see in the file that the M03 and S callouts are in the correct order as to not crash the tool.

2) The tool numbers are currently an internal identifier. If you wish for the tool numbers the system posts to be different you can do it this way:

1. Right click on Milling Tools.
2. Left click on the Verify Tool Assignment option.
3. Uncheck the "Use Automatic Tool Numbering option".
4. Double click on the Tool Number you wish to change.
5. Input the desired tool number in the field to the lower right of the tool list.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all of the tools you wish to change.
7. Click OK.
8. Repost the program.


3) "including crashing under a number of reproducable conditions". If you would like to email those steps/conditions for reproducing this crash to the support@bobcad.com email address that would be great. I would like to see what these conditions are so that we can address them. Without those steps/conditions though, we would be unable to find a good solution.

4) Scripting was supported by the older systems Version 18 through 21. Scripting provided another avenue for those wanting a fully customizable operations and functions, but was discontinued in the new system.

I look forward to your response.

Regards

Thanks for your response TheOne.

I have found 3 or 4 crash conditions, this one has cost me the most time:

--> Open a drawing of file type dwg - works good - now press save - program crashes. The program does not check that the file has been (converted and) saved as a "save as" bbcd file before trying to save it. This must cause a memory error somewhere in the save routine.

Why is this important? When you bring in a dwg from another CAD package, then set it up for CAM (forgetting to save it as a BBCD) and press save - shibang - work lost. I guess I'm pretty simple because this has happened to me a number of times :).

I will add the other conditions as I detail them for you.

With regards to the tool problem - I have not tested it thoroughly, but I suspect the problem may be that I set tool T22 to "manual" setup instead of "system" (in the Tool dialog), and this may have been saved as a program default, and since nothing was set on the T28 tool for manual parameters it ended up ignoring it - (that's just a guess though).

Here's another quick one for you: press "Milling Tools", then select the "Tools" menu item. The "Milling Tool Menu" dialog opens up - now press the "Help" button - does your program do anything? This is the case for some of the other dialogs too.

Here's a real nuisance (in my opinion). Right click in the drawing to activate the pop-up context menu. The "OK" and "CANCEL" buttons are not grayed out (disabled). Why? If there is no command active these should be disabled because it is very confusing. I have found that a command has completed or aborted, and I'm busy clicking away at the OK button and nothing happens - it should be disabled when it does not do anything - that's pretty well standard on Windows based programs.

More to follow....

--> Open a drawing of file type dwg - works good - now press save - program crashes. The program does not check that the file has been (converted and) saved as a "save as" bbcd file before trying to save it. This must cause a memory error somewhere in the save routine.

I have tried this with every 3 of supported format and have not been able to generate the same error you indicate. What system are you using to create the dwg files? Also, do you have another program accessing the file at the time you are trying to save it? There are many different things that could be the catalyst to the problem.


Here's another quick one for you: press "Milling Tools", then select the "Tools" menu item. The "Milling Tool Menu" dialog opens up - now press the "Help" button - does your program do anything? This is the case for some of the other dialogs too.

This is known. There were several dialog ID's that were unknown at the time that the Help files were getting built. These are being fixed as time permits. There are actually 25,000+ individual help IDs in the system.

Here's a real nuisance (in my opinion). Right click in the drawing to activate the pop-up context menu. The "OK" and "CANCEL" buttons are not grayed out (disabled). Why? If there is no command active these should be disabled because it is very confusing. I have found that a command has completed or aborted, and I'm busy clicking away at the OK button and nothing happens - it should be disabled when it does not do anything - that's pretty well standard on Windows based programs.

I understand what you are saying here. The Cancel and OK options are used for most of the functions in the system and as such they were not intended to be used as indicators of active functions. Instead the Data Entry dialog and the prompt lines(bottom left hand corner) were intended to be used to determine a function is active. I can make a suggestion, but that is how it was intended to be used.

Regards

I'm glad to see someone chiming in to help, but I think the Bobcam 2007 and then v22 products were released way too early and too loose. We bought it at Eastech last may and still can't get it working properly with our Hurco VM1 and VM2 machines.

68sixspeed,

Have you called support? If they have not been able to help, what type of problems are you having?

Regards

68sixspeed,

Have you called support? If they have not been able to help, what type of problems are you having?

Regards


The phone support has been good with the operation issues (we bought the support so you got more $ from us too!), and with the last few updates the CAM portion seems functional (it makes a g-code at least!); our problem has been getting a working post for the VM series Hurcos.

Dumb things happen that I'm sure you know about, like 1 or 2 updates ago the 'millpostedit' for configuring the post wouldn't work, makes it kind of hard, so another month passes before an update and we can get time to try it yet again.

Any help or a confirmed VM series hurco post would be especially appreciated.

Also, is there any way to have it set up for multiple vises- i.e. our vm2 has 4 vises and if we are making a lot of a part we may have 4-8 parts repeating; ideally you have it do all the operations to all the parts with the first tool, then all the operations on all parts with the second tool, etc. Mastercam does this, I haven't found it in Bob though. thanks. Dan

The phone support has been good with the operation issues (we bought the support so you got more $ from us too!), and with the last few updates the CAM portion seems functional (it makes a g-code at least!); our problem has been getting a working post for the VM series Hurcos.

Dumb things happen that I'm sure you know about, like 1 or 2 updates ago the 'millpostedit' for configuring the post wouldn't work, makes it kind of hard, so another month passes before an update and we can get time to try it yet again.

Any help or a confirmed VM series hurco post would be especially appreciated.

Also, is there any way to have it set up for multiple vises- i.e. our vm2 has 4 vises and if we are making a lot of a part we may have 4-8 parts repeating; ideally you have it do all the operations to all the parts with the first tool, then all the operations on all parts with the second tool, etc. Mastercam does this, I haven't found it in Bob though. thanks. Dan

There is an update that fixes the MillEditPost.exe on the support site. Go to the v22 post processor page and look in the "M" section. Download it and replace your current MillEditPost.exe file.

For the machining with tool order preference, right click on "Milling Tools" in the CAM tree and choose Part->Machining Order on the popup menu that appears. You can choose feature or tool optimization.

I bought the training CDs and they were very good at showing you what is possible. Turning the lights on, so to speak. I feel like the training CDs were well worth their price just saving me time and frustration.

That being said, maybe a bunch of us ought to get together and come up with a v22 FAQ of sorts that more directly explains some of the common issues that seem to crop up. BobCAD has a nice group of FAQs on their support page for v22, but it doesn't cover all of the subjects. It's a good start though.

Steve

Dan,

Let me look into this. I will try and get everything gathered up so I can give you an update tomorrow.

Regards

Would it help to have a forum dedicated to it...and would you like to mange it.

Sorin would probably help a bit on his sight.

Here is my personal (and ongoing) experience:

I, like some of you have stated, am having to stay on top of the post processor dept for the 6 posts that they are supposed to be generating for me. We have a wide variety of controllers and V22 doesn't have posts for them. I have faxed in my request 3 times already and am still waiting... 5 weeks later. I am patient with that though.

The current problem I am having is with my Fagor 8055M post processor that I downloaded directly from the BobCad website. I have been on the phone with tech support and they are very slow in returning my calls, sometimes I don't get a return call until the next day. And one time I got no return call at all, I had to call them back. The post processor for my Fagor is supposed to be specifically for the 8055M control, yet there are MAJOR issues with it. It seems that they used a generic and slapped an 8055M name on the file.

Off the top of my head, some of the major issues I have run into:
1. Post will not generate complete tool paths, in the middle of a series of rough cut passes it just decides to go to the next feature without completing the previous feature. At first I thought it was the tool path that might have been generated wrong, but I changed nothing about the tool path and used a different post processor and the code was fine.
2. G54 offset command being on the same line as a movement command (Fagor control requires G54 to be isolated on its own line)
3. G Codes in the post being completely wrong from the control, i.e: the post listed G87 as a boring canned cycle. G87 is a rectangular pocket milling cycle. There are a bunch of discrepancies in the G codes of the post.
4. M98 being a subprogram call with O### being the subprogram. M98 isn't even recognized by the control. Control uses (PCALL) and (RET) commands in relation to subprograms.

There are quite a few more issues with the post that is suposed to be 'specifically' for the 8055M control. I am currently working on editing the post myself and I am having to change so much stuff that I might as well be creating a post from scratch.

PinMan,

Please send me an email with the following information:

1. The .bbcd drawing file
2. The corresponding .NC file as generated by BobCAD
3. An edited .NC file with ALL the desired changes/modifications
4. The .MillPst post processor file

I will gladly make the modifcations and contact you via email upon completion.

Thank you for your patience.

Regards,

Try using a generic post and altering it yourself. Like the one you tested and the path generated correct.

That is what I did and am very happy with my own post.

Tech sees to be in the middle of a hundred things at once and getting bogged down. No real excuse when it comes to a company needing to get their equipment running but just an observation.

PinMan,

My email is sphillips@bobcad.com

Thank you,

Dan,

Let me look into this. I will try and get everything gathered up so I can give you an update tomorrow.

Regards

any update?

Dan,

I brought your issues to the attention of Scott Phillips who is the primary contact for post processors. He is working on the post issues for you.

As for the multiple vise question, currently there is no way to do this automatically right now. You will need to create the geometry in the locations that you want to machine them. Then you can use individual Features for the processes you want to run. Without your part I can not provide exact steps, also they may vary depending on the types of parts you cut.

Regards

The One,
I too was experiencing program crashes related to drill tool paths on a 3D part. The crash would cause the need to start all over. In the process I started making file "saves" between part features and occasionally closed the part file and "saved as" before completing all the tool proceedures and posting the code.
Upon reopening the file to complete and or edit the features prior to posting the part I am frustraited to find that the spindle speeds and feed are all terribly slow (75%) less than they should be for aluminum even though the speed % is listed at 100%.
If I go through all the drill/mill features, verify, post without a save then the post speeds are correct.
Should'nt I be able to create a file for say an aluminum part, change the material selection to 303 series stainless, recompute all tool paths and post and save the new 303 related file.
What would cause the spindle / feed speeds to corrupt as they are.
I use a Tormach mill and Mach 3 controller and my post processor seems fine.
Have you ever encountered this?
Thanks in advance.

brooklynmetal,

No, I haven't experienced this. I will look into it further and see if we can't find a cause and solution. I will let you know what I come up with.

Regards

Do you have v22 or v22 pro?

I have V22 with milling level 3, bob art pro (which does not seem to be too useful) do you know of this speed feed corruption issue? I origionally thought that this occurred with file saves before posting however this corruption happens with or without the post process. Any input would be helpful.
Thanks

I am very happy with the BOBCAD tech support so. I am new to CNC milling and every time I call they politely tells me what I am doing wrong.

#BUT#

I am having post processor issues as well.
I am using V22 and an Anilam3300 MK controller. If I send a simple 2D rectangle with sharp corners, it runs just fine. If I round the corners I get a syntax error in the first ARC command.

Can someone tell me where the error is in this line?

Arc Cw X3.068 Y2.1382Z-0.25 I0. J-0.3

I though I was getting good with G code programing, but my new mill is conversational....back to square one.

I also get 2 end of program commands. I have to delete one to get it to run.

Thanks
Matt

The One,

Have you had any idea what might be the cause of the data corruption concerning the V22 file after its saved.
Is there a V22 and a V22 Pro and if so how would I look to see which one I've got with out calling tech support.

Best, brooklynmetal

I am very happy with the BOBCAD tech support so. I am new to CNC milling and every time I call they politely tells me what I am doing wrong.

#BUT#

I am having post processor issues as well.
I am using V22 and an Anilam3300 MK controller. If I send a simple 2D rectangle with sharp corners, it runs just fine. If I round the corners I get a syntax error in the first ARC command.

Can someone tell me where the error is in this line?

Arc Cw X3.068 Y2.1382Z-0.25 I0. J-0.3

I though I was getting good with G code programing, but my new mill is conversational....back to square one.

I also get 2 end of program commands. I have to delete one to get it to run.

Thanks
Matt

Try removing the Z value from the arc command and see if it will run.

Also, remove the % sign after the M30 (or M2) in your posted program's last lines box or else remove it from the last line box in your comm settings. If you've got a % in both places, that would explain the duplicate.

Huflungdung
That seemed to fix it. Instead of deleting the z- in the line I changed the editor to cut the part in a single pass. Do I have a post problem or did I edit the parameters wrong?

I feel like I am walking through a dark tunnel, each step gets me closer, but how many steps are there, and is that light at the end a train?

I'm not familiar with how the current Bobcad post works, as I haven't run Bobcad since version 18 :D However, back then there used to be a nc setup, where you would have to 'convert' your settings to make it post correctly, and one of those settings involved 'converting' the Z and K values out of the arc commands. I'll have to leave it up to you to see if that makes any sense in today's version :)

I'm not familiar with how the current Bobcad post works, as I haven't run Bobcad since version 18 :D However, back then there used to be a nc setup, where you would have to 'convert' your settings to make it post correctly, and one of those settings involved 'converting' the Z and K values out of the arc commands. I'll have to leave it up to you to see if that makes any sense in today's version :)

Hu,

There is a MillPostEditor and an actual Post Processor now. I have not had too much time with learning Alibre and working on personal projects at home to play with it too much. However I have made a few custom PST files for V22/V2007 using the DeBug tool in the PST file. It can be frustrating because of all the updates we are getting.. fix this break that, now what do we do..wait... Now we wait to see if things get fixed and keep looking for the Post that says "It's All Good Now" Till then we wait and try to help one another if we can.

Thank you for all your help.
I was able to get the mill to run a simple program, The spindle on and off, coolent on and off worked as expected. I'll play with the mill post and see what I can do.
Thanks again
Matt

Bobcad is quite possibly the worst program ever sold for over $50. It will frustrate the living daylight out of you. Try drawing (for example) a simple slot made from circles and tangents; with any other CAD program it takes what, 10 seconds - maybe 10 mouse clicks and a few key strokes? In Bobcad it's a major undertaking taking dozens of clicks, and menus, and typing, going back and forth, reselecting, deselecting, panning, unpanning, clicking .. and God knows what else. Absolute rubbish .. (in my frustrated opinion :) )

It seems like some people get good service out of bobcad, sadly I'm not one of them. I spent over $1000 for V22pro, bobart and "training" CDs. I had plenty of problems (including crashes and unpredictable tool paths) out of the gate, never got any response to a request for a post for my machine, etc. I find it cumbersome to use.

I will say the "The One" was great when I got on the phone with him. He is knowledgeable about the product and works hard to get issues resolved.

The experience motivated me to look more closely at some of the more expensive packages like SurfCAM, Mastercam and SolidCAM. I also looked briefly at CAMworks and a few other packages. One of my criteria was that the package had to be relatively straightforward to use, it also had to generate efficient tool paths and generate toolpaths that I trusted.

I programmed several parts in these packages using similar strategies and the same tooling/speeds/feeds. I compared the results by running the generated g-code on a simulator (metacut utilities) so that I had a way to compare surface finish and runtime. (note: the simulator in most if not all CAM packages uses an intermediate form for the toolpaths, not the generated gcode, so it isn't necessarily a safe/accurate representation of reality)

It was a great way to get familiar with the different packages and decide which one was right for me, I'd highly recommend that anyone looking to buy a package do the same thing. Don't go by what the sales guy or literature says, and don't evaluate using a "crippled" demo version. The demo version of bobcad, for example, only processes the first few tool moves. Not nearly enough to know if the package actually works.

I ended up buying another, more expensive package that I'm very happy with.

If you are dead-set on buying bobcad I'll make you a deal...

Bobcad is quite possibly the worst program ever sold for over $50. It will frustrate the living daylight out of you. Try drawing (for example) a simple slot made from circles and tangents; with any other CAD program it takes what, 10 seconds - maybe 10 mouse clicks and a few key strokes? In Bobcad it's a major undertaking taking dozens of clicks, and menus, and typing, going back and forth, reselecting, deselecting, panning, unpanning, clicking .. and God knows what else. Absolute rubbish .. (in my frustrated opinion :) )

I programmed several parts in these packages using similar strategies and the same tooling/speeds/feeds. I compared the results by running the generated g-code on a simulator (metacut utilities) so that I had a way to compare surface finish and runtime. (note: the simulator in most if not all CAM packages uses an intermediate form for the toolpaths, not the generated gcode, so it isn't necessarily a safe/accurate representation of reality)



I ended up buying another, more expensive package that I'm very happy with.

If you are dead-set on buying bobcad I'll make you a deal...

If you look at Predator Virtual CNC as a stand alone Software you will see why I love it so. Look closely and you will find what I found.

Also, I have run Mastercam V8, V9, and X. I found that it did not show me exactly what I was looking for. The reason for this is because Mastercam Simulates the NCI file where Predator Virtual CNC Simulates actual G-Code.

Now if you run PVCNC through BCC you will get the NCI file like Mastercam. I have been proving out all my G-Code Programs with Predator Virtual CNC as a Stand Alone Program.

If you need proof post a G-Code File and a list of the Tools you used and I will post an exact Simulation of your part.

Predator Virtual CNC Level 3 is the best thing in my purchase of V2007/V22, go figure.:) How else do you think I was able to Simulate Full 4 Axis Machining with Predator?

You have valuable tools in Predator Virtual CNC. Use it at the potential that it was made for.

Predator Virtual CNC Level 3 is the best thing in my purchase of V2007/V22, go figure.:) How else do you think I was able to Simulate Full 4 Axis Machining with Predator?

You have valuable tools in Predator Virtual CNC. Use it at the potential that it was made for.



The full VCNC (the standalone tool that runs g-code) wasn't included with my purchase, it's like another $500 as I recall -- still a bargin compared to buying it from predator direct at about $1000 per axis.

The full VCNC (the standalone tool that runs g-code) wasn't included with my purchase, it's like another $500 as I recall -- still a bargin compared to buying it from predator direct at about $1000 per axis.


Actually it is a $1000.00 upgrade beyond the Base Simulator. It allows you to check Fixtures, Clamps, Rotary Axis Head Clearance, Vise Jaw Clearance, and much, much more. You can also create Custom Tooling like Form Tools, Check Tool Holder Clearance. The abilities are almost endless compared to destroying expensive Tools and Machines. Has anyone priced a 4th Axis lately????

For an additional grand, you can't beat it, even if you spend $2000 total just to get Predator Virtual CNC L3. BTW you will actually see a G83 peck drill cycle perform every peck as if you were standing in front of the machine. It also gives base Cycle Times. Only $1000, that sold me when I figured out how it worked and what needed to be setup.:rainfro:

I hate to hear all the problems you guys are haveing with bobcad I do have v22 pro + bobart pro x and have been useing bobcad for years. But I do use solidworks to make my parts first then just import it and cut it out. Sorry to hear all the problems here. It's not the best program in the world however it is cheap it does work and is very easy to use. Put your bobcad program on ebay you will sell it. Did you got to mastercam?

But I do use solidworks to make my parts first then just import it and cut it out.


Which version of SW are you using and what type of work do you do??

Ive had sw for a few years I have 2006, work varies on what is needed. I do work for others. Fixtures,parts,setups,drawings just about everything. Most has been pretty simple. I have not upgraded sw because I have not had the need for it yet. Bobcad I'm useing v22 and v22 pro both are new to me but have been working fine. Mastercam well I've gotten rid of it, it is too expensive to upgrade. My last job was an adapter plate for an carbon fiber airboat propeller(simple) I designed it,made the blueprintes, first piece and has been tested on a running boat works nice. I'm making the fixtures for it in a few weeks.

I have found that what is listed on the predator page, is not exactly what shows up on the mills monitor if I use the RS232. I loose a digit or two every 1000 lines or so. I can deal with this by using a floppy disc. (First problem kinda solved)
(2nd)
I wasn't sure what the next problem was until I took a close look at the code. The X and Y are in absolute, and the Z is in incremental. It takes off in the X+ until it gets to the soft stop.
This is the first cut of a cone in slice radial cut in a single pass

Dim Incr
Tool# 0
Rapid Z0.1
Rapid X0.5006 Y0.
Tool# 1
Mcode 3
RPM835
Mcode 8
Rapid X0.5006 Y0. Z0.1
Line X0.5006 Y0. Z0. Feed5.
Line X0.5134 Y0. Z-0.0002 Feed20.
Line X0.5256 Y0. Z-0.0009
Line X0.5378 Y0. Z-0.0019
Line X0.55 Y0. Z-0.0033
Line X0.5621 Y0. Z-0.0052
Line X0.5742 Y0. Z-0.0074
Line X0.5861 Y0. Z-0.01
Line X0.598 Y0. Z-0.013
Line X0.6098 Y0. Z-0.0164
Line X0.6214 Y0. Z-0.0202
Line X0.6329 Y0. Z-0.0244
Line X0.6443 Y0. Z-0.0289
Line X0.6555 Y0. Z-0.0338
Line X0.6666 Y0. Z-0.039
Line X0.6775 Y0. Z-0.0447 It should be Z-.25 here If you add them up it is very close,

Can I assume I still have a post processor problem?
I am using V22 , Anilam 3300MK with Bobcads post.

Any help would be great.
Thanks in advance
Matt

I put it in ABS and it worked much better, although The Z values are way off.

I put it in ABS and it worked much better, although The Z values are way off.

Check your accuracy settings in the Preferences drop down box in the Main Menu.

Thanks for the help this site has been just what I needed to get both of these mills running.
Matt

Thanks for the help this site has been just what I needed to get both of these mills running.
Matt

That is the goal of these Forums. Glad to hear your cutting chips.

Cheers!!!:rainfro:

Chips are flying :) But the problem with Arc's is still present. I get a syntax error on each one. Tomorrows wall......

Chips are flying :) But the problem with Arc's is still present. I get a syntax error on each one. Tomorrows wall......

Are you using "R" or "I" and "J"?

This could also have something to do with the Preference Settings, or the Post Processor Settings.

I and J But I really dont know what this means. I was using G-codes on a Bandit 1 a few weeks ago.

Ok,

"I" controls the Arc in the X-Axis
"J" controls the Arc in the Y-Axis
"K" if needed controls the Arc in the Z-Axis

Is there a Programming Manual for this Bandit Control your using?? If so read up on how that control uses I,J,and K for programming Arcs.

Personally I like using "R" to control Arcs. It saves Memory space and doesn't require a + or - designation unless making arcs above 180 degrees.

I generated a profile cut for the new mill and (I didn't change anything I swear) The arc's had "radius" and not "I's" and "J's". Then I Did a 3D tool path and the I's and J's, along with the syntax error is back. How can I get rid of the I's and J's and use the radius instead?
Matt

I generated a profile cut for the new mill and (I didn't change anything I swear) The arc's had "radius" and not "I's" and "J's". Then I Did a 3D tool path and the I's and J's, along with the syntax error is back. How can I get rid of the I's and J's and use the radius instead?
Matt

That is in the Post Processor I think line #222 change to "e" then save it with a new name *.MILLPST for Fanuc Controls

Not sure what the line is for Anilam 3300MK

This is the Line your looking for:

221. Break arcs into quadrants? y
222. Arc center a=absolute, b=incremental, d=unsigned inc., e=radius? e
223. Break arcs into two pieces if greater than 180 degrees? y

You mat also be having trouble with the maximum degree of arcs as well.

If your control wants to see 90 Degree Quadrants, Half Arcs 108 Degrees or Full 360 Degrees. It all depends on what the control will do.

Toby,

I did not know that BCCv22 was capable of generating tool paths in the 4th axis.

Toby,

I did not know that BCCv22 was capable of generating tool paths in the 4th axis.


It isn't, but I am;) Simple ones that is:)

If you were to look at their post processor (*.MILLPST) you would see a parameter setting for a 4th Axis. You can also use V21 to substitute a rotary axis along with a script.

BTW: V21 also does 5 Axis Finish tool paths. This is weird because most users do not even know this. Have a look see:) Also in case you were wondering BCC has had this since V19:)

It is funny how others will poke fun at me on other boards including BobCAD's but at least I know what I am doing and willing to lend others a hand. Not to mention a little hard work.

Cheers!!!!!!!

This is the most frustrating thing I have ever done. (and I was married)
The I's and J's are back. I have the post set on Radius, and I have it set on 1 place after the decimal for feed rate. But when I post it I get 4 places after the decimal, and I's and J's. When I was on the phone with tech- of course it worked like it was supposed to. He said sometimes it gets stuck on other post's??? So I deleted all the other posts. I went so far as to download the post from Bobcad again and replace the one I have.
This and loosing the occational digit when sent over the RS232 is all that stands in the way.

I went to C:\Program Files\ Bobcad-cam\Bobcad-cam V22\Mill Edit Post.exe Under format I selected "radius" , but it was already selected. changed the 4 to a 1 in the places after the decimal for feed rate. I hit save.
No change in the code. So I did it again. This time it produced G code!

Any more ideas?

Change the actual Post Processor in "C" Program files>BobCAD>Posts>Mill and open the Post Processor with NotePad. There you will find the Parameters to change the way BobCAD Processes G-Code. It can get quite tricky so make sure you save the original before changing it. Rename your file when finished and save as a *.MILLPST.

Then try it out to see what else needs to be changed. As a note, change one thing at a time to avoid confusion later.

Toby
Thanks for the info about the I's and J's. I had to change "e" to "E" before the radius and at the end of the line, but now it works like it is supposed to.

One last thing, and I will leave you alone.....until next time.
If I send a short program over the rs232, it works fine, if I send a larger file, 5000 or more lines it will drop a digit occationally.
I played with the baud rate, but no luck.
Any ideas

See if there is any way to enable flow control. The sending (DNC) program has to match the receiving (control) program's flow control method. Meaning that if the control uses Xon and Xoff (software flow control), then the DNC program also needs to be set up for software flow control. If the control uses RTS/CTS hardware flow control, then the DNC program also needs to use hardware flow control.

If using hardware flow control, you need to make sure that you have the proper serial cable as well as more pins are used. Check the machine control documentation and see if they give a cable pinout.

Steve

Working perfectly. Thanks again.

I have another minor glitch, that is not preventing the mill from working and is not Bobcad related.

In the morning when I Home the meachine, the Z and Y home normally. When the X home starts, it does a rapid move in the correct direction until it hits a hard stop. I have learned to Estop it before it hits the stop, reboot and home again. After three (or more) reboots, it homes normally and runs well all day. It an is an Anilam 3300MK on a 1998 HH Roberts bed mill.
Any Ideas?
Matt

Sounds like you've got the arc issue worked out. For what it's worth, on my Anilam 1100 (using the 3300MK conversational post), I had to change the I's and J's to X-center and Y-center before my controller would accept it. For some reason, which I haven't debugged yet, using the Radius command often, but not always, returned an error.

I was able to run a simple profile using arcs and it worked nicely. Then I ran 30,000 lines of code last night on a small 3D object and it finished with out incident. I found it interesting that the object was a hemisphere but there were no arcs in the program.
So much to learn, so little time.

Thank you again to all the guys that helped me get off the ground.

Matt Sachs

I have been using BobCAD for many years going back several versions. I have never had ANY problems with the program. I just upgraded to V22 with the promise of their sales manager that I would save me time. With V22, the way I hear the training video, there are many many more steps to pocket my geometry. Three weeks now, no response from tech. Two weeks now, no response from sales. One week now, no response from the refund person. This is not like the company I have been used to dealing with. They have my phone number(the one they used to call me almost daily when they were selling)....my email. I want my money back!

I'm not ready to ask for a refund, but after months of work and at least 30 conversations with tech support, I'm not building parts (again)
I understand that I am a newby. But I am a quick study. Yesterday I milled a simple 3D part . From the first key stroke to the finished part was less than an hour. Today (all this worked yesterday) I cannot generate a trool path in 3D. Bobcad either shuts down, or creates a nonsense tool path.? When I cut and paste a complex 3D part it will freeze up most of the time. I did manage to get one equidistant off set to generate a toolpath, but it would not post. Tech support couldn't get it to post either. They want me to send a copy of the file to see why.
Sometime the Rs232 transfer works, other times it drops off an occational digit here or there causing a syntax error.
I know the program can work, so whats going on? Is it something in my computer?
Tech support logged onto my computer this morning checked out the computer hardware, reinstalled the predator and changed my default post processor.
I have found that once a part program locks up I can never use that part program again, it will lock up every time I get to the same place. I have to draw it from scratch.
This is like my old chevy truck, sometimes it will run, just not when I need it to. I have even Brought in my own geek squad to check the shop for something locally that could be mussing up my computer

Me again(nuts)

The heat pump in my shop has an elecrtic heater in the tank that holds the freon and keeps it at a certain temp when not in use. This is a very old heat pump. The heat pump was turned off at the thermostat yesterday when I had another melt down. I cut the power to the unit at the circuit box and most, but not all, of the stuff I've been dealing with for the past week has resolved.
I think the coil in the heater might be the cause.
Is this likley the cause?

I'm not ready to ask for a refund, but after months of work and at least 30 conversations with tech support, I'm not building parts (again)
I understand that I am a newby. But I am a quick study. Yesterday I milled a simple 3D part . From the first key stroke to the finished part was less than an hour. Today (all this worked yesterday) I cannot generate a trool path in 3D. Bobcad either shuts down, or creates a nonsense tool path.? When I cut and paste a complex 3D part it will freeze up most of the time. I did manage to get one equidistant off set to generate a toolpath, but it would not post. Tech support couldn't get it to post either. They want me to send a copy of the file to see why.
Sometime the Rs232 transfer works, other times it drops off an occational digit here or there causing a syntax error.
I know the program can work, so whats going on? Is it something in my computer?
Tech support logged onto my computer this morning checked out the computer hardware, reinstalled the predator and changed my default post processor.
I have found that once a part program locks up I can never use that part program again, it will lock up every time I get to the same place. I have to draw it from scratch.
This is like my old chevy truck, sometimes it will run, just not when I need it to. I have even Brought in my own geek squad to check the shop for something locally that could be mussing up my computer

Me again(nuts)

I don't think it's just you... I just gave up after trying off and on for 11 months with this. I ordered a 'real' cam package today. Bobcad is up for sale in the classifieds if anyone wants to give it a try. For simple stuff, mill, drill, it does work, just not as clean as it should be. It's like trying to run production on a beta copy of software. I can't wait for Eastec to go visit their booth in person. Maybe I should bring my lawn chair and camp out.

No more waiting at the update window.

I gave up in December of 07.

John