we have an old mazak quickturn 10 lathe with mazatrol T1, and was storing the progs on wait for it-- "CASSETTE TAPES!".The tape reader has broken down, and I am wondering if I can transfer the progs to pc. The dnc software we use for our millers is surfcams SDNCII. Will this work and if so what format will they be in NC? Mazak wants mega bucks for they're software I expect.

T1 control... :eek: Been awhile. As long as you have a RS232 port, should be no problem. The SDNCII will work fine. You will need to work with the communication settings though to get this to happen. Don't be alarmed when it comes through and you look at the code. It gets translated into 3-digit G codes so editing them from a PC will be difficult unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're looking at.

If you have a number of Mazaks and you're using Mazatrol alot, have you looked into Griffo Brothers? Its Mazatrol programming at a PC. Mazak recently came out with there own PC software too, no idea on price range though.

SolutionWare has a really fun PC based bit called Mazacam...If you only have one machine with Mazatrol it is a bit pricey at 13grand a seat. for about a grand you can get a used memory storage kit for Mazaks...plug in and download. Keep watching the auctions...

You could use Predator DNC Software to save Mazatrol (CMT) programs in and out of the control. Predator also supports EIA programs as well. All models of Mazaks from T1 to the latest Fusion series are supported. Get this, the price is $700 bucks much less than the solution from Mazak or CAM solutions.

Do note, it is not a Mazatrol Editor - it just saves the part program off line or loads into the control. If you want an Editor and CAM, Griffo Brothers is the solution!