catia NC output with mach 2 cnc?

[hpghost]

hi,

is catia able to generate a G code which can be read by Mach 2 cnc for milling?

I tried to generate some nc code but it seems that something is wrong and it doesn t work...

any explanation on what is possible and if so, how to do it?

[cncJerry]

I use a modified bendix formatter. I think the only thing I had to change was the circles to ijk absolute centers. I am using mach3 and I go directly to machine without modification. The only thing I have to watch is it usually does an xy rapid at the start before setting z above the part. I think I would just have to set a safety plane.

Post your code and I will take a quick look.

[hpghost]

I just have a problem to understnad how to use the code and why the code is in apt file not nc one...
and also there is not the right synthax such as 'goto'. can you give more details how to proceed as I have no clue how to use the generataed code...I do found the blendix pp but after....

[cncJerry]

the first problem is that you need an NC post processor for your machine. This is selected in the NC tab under generate NC code interactively. You should have a list of machines in a drop-down box that you are licensed to use.

Once you select the machine, you go to the in/out tab and select NC instead of APT output under NC data type.

You can preselect the NC machine (again assuming a license) in the part operation where you setup the type of machine. Select ISO for the code type. You can also setup the default output file extension under config options.

[cncJerry]

I just looked at your .nc file in your zip and it looks fine except there is no code except for the start and end which is specified in the formatter. It looks like you didn't generate any code in your process, not even a tool change.

Did you visualize your tool path before generating your code?

What type of program are you generating? Sweep? profile contouring? facing? Once you setup the options, replay the tool path. If you get a toolpath, you should get NC code.

If you want to send me a test file, package the part and send it to clist@hanler.com so I know what you are trying to cut.

By the way, what version of Catia are you using?


ps: it took me a long time with a steap learning curve to figure all this out and get it working with mach3

[hpghost]

hey thanks for support, I just tried a file and it works great!