surface selection

[foxsquirrel]

I am running MasterCrap X3 and the toolpath is on the opposite side of the surface. This part is a variant of another part, it's only difference from the main part is length in the X axis. Toolpaths were saved using export then imported for the variant part. The first 5 toolpaths had the geometry updated and are perfect, the last toolpath has a problem. It cuts on the other side of the surface, when the check surfaces are selected to prevent this it will not generate a toolpath, delete the check surfaces and it will create the path but on the wrong side, much like a 2d path that needs the "change side" selection.

[beekeeper]

I have had this happen a couple of times using v9 but havent had the problem in x. What I usually end up doing is deleting the tool path and start over making sure the check surface is facing the right direction. Sometimes when you bring in tool paths things get jumbled up. Im not sure about x but in v9 when importing tool paths I always turn the auto number off import the tool list first then the paths. This helps keep mastercam from jumbling them up.

[foxsquirrel]

Originally Posted by beekeeper I have had this happen a couple of times using v9 but havent had the problem in x. What I usually end up doing is deleting the tool path and start over making sure the check surface is facing the right direction. Sometimes when you bring in tool paths things get jumbled up. Im not sure about x but in v9 when importing tool paths I always turn the auto number off import the tool list first then the paths. This helps keep mastercam from jumbling them up.

The path was deleted and restarted from scratch and it did not change. I did not start having alot of these stupid problems until we switched to Solidworks 2010 for the CAD side, I was using MasterCrap solids for our parts but could not take its 1990's personality any longer. I have to export solidworks as an X_B file format because X3 will not import Solidworks native files!!!!!!!!! Even before we went to Solidworks some customers sent us Solidworks files would not open even when X3 was the current version. They must not have that worked out yet...........

[Superman]

When your paths are on the wrong side of a surface, it is usually when you are machining the opposite to a model, ie making a mold of the model.

1st step would be to check your surface "normals", or create the surfaces from the solid mold ( they'd be correct if created from the mold ), or to use solid faces

go "Edit" pull-down, "Check surface normals" and select a surface, ( the arrow incicates the machining side) ( they should all point outwards )

Mastercam has just gone from Mastercrap to " MasterINK" ( I'm Not Knowledgable )
Why basketcase any software until you gain experience, this is some powerful gear, capable of achieving the desired result by many different methods.

Have you had any proper training from a mastercam trainer or user ?
my guess is that you are self-taught, or you've seen other people use this software.

This forum is an aid for those that have not had proper instruction, that they can learn better methods, and acheive a productive result from those that are willing to share. Even experienced users may pop up a query, to find a solution to an odd problem.

I don't profess to know it all, but I'm willing to pass on hints of what to do or not to do from previous experience.

But having a negative outlook, being a critic, and not being open-minded to hear useful suggestions sort of leaves me feeling I should delete the first couple of sentences, and leave it at that.

This is a site for sharing, knockers need not apply-I got no time for you if you're not willing to play with the group.

[foxsquirrel]

Lack of training is pretty well worn out. What is a good excuse for the MasterCrap rep that never did get our posts to work properly. I bought new Haas machines last year and fortunately the posts worked so I cannot complain about posting problems anymore. Just switched over this year to Solidworks 2010 for the CAD and IT WORKS PERFECT AND WITH OUT ANY TRAINING! Its called quality control and developing a good product. Have you ever heard me complain about SW, of course not. It does not do stupid quirky things, the documention supplied by SW is first class. I have just spent the last 5 hours trying to duplicate a toolpath on a variant part that only required less than 15 minutes of programming on the original piece.

If you enjoy searching for check boxes and hidden pop up boxes, tweaking this and that then MasterCrap is for that type of person. Myself, I don't make any money waisting 5 hours to do a 15 minute job.