Newbie- Z offset wrong

[fjbart70]

Using mastercam for solidworks x4. Trying to cut a .250" depth grove in a 2x2x1" block.

Having issue with z height. I set up part referencing mc examples that always picks the bottom corner of part as origin.

Under simulation everything looks good, but when I run on machine it comes down to the top of part and does not go below to cut.

I believe that in the machine I have defined the TOP of the block as z=0, by setting tool TLO to the top.

Looking at G code the z only comes down to 0, where I woudl think it should come down to -0.25!!

I can't figure out how to set the origin in mastercam to TOP of part, yet still create a toolpath at -0.25 to cut grove?

[WallyL7]

For the sake of posting -Z- depth, it ONLY matters what depth you tell it to go in the toolpath parameters.

So, under you toolpath parameters, go to Linking Parameters, then the "Feed plane" tab - I normally set that to absolute .1", then set "Top of Stock" to 0.0", then set "Depth" to -.25"


This will post out a -z- depth cut of -.25" with a starting feed plane of .1"

[fjbart70]

Originally Posted by WallyL7 For the sake of posting -Z- depth, it ONLY matters what depth you tell it to go in the toolpath parameters. So, under you toolpath parameters, go to Linking Parameters, then the "Feed plane" tab - I normally set that to absolute .1", then set "Top of Stock" to 0.0", then set "Depth" to -.25" This will post out a -z- depth cut of -.25" with a starting feed plane of .1"

I see I can correct this issue by the means you describe, but shoudl mastercam do this for me so that I do not have to manually go into each toolpath and set these figures?

Can't I somehow configure MC so that when I select FBM MILL it sets the linking parameters correctly?

[WallyL7]

Yeah - sure you can. But you have to have your WCS set correctly, and the contour of the cut you want to make at the correct depth. If your WCS has -z- zero at the top of the part, and your contour is at -.250", and you select that contour, it will automatically set the toolpath depth at -.250".

[fjbart70]

Originally Posted by WallyL7 Yeah - sure you can. But you have to have your WCS set correctly, and the contour of the cut you want to make at the correct depth. If your WCS has -z- zero at the top of the part, and your contour is at -.250", and you select that contour, it will automatically set the toolpath depth at -.250".

THen I have my WCS set incorrectly. Because in the linking I show TOP OF STOCK at .25 and then cut depth 0, instead of TOS 0 and cutr depth -.25!

[WallyL7]

Originally Posted by fjbart70 THen I have my WCS set incorrectly. Because in the linking I show TOP OF STOCK at .25 and then cut depth 0, instead of TOS 0 and cutr depth -.25!

There ya go! Sounds like you can see what your problem is now. From now on, just set your WCS to EXACTLY where you are going to set it on the machine before you apply toolpath to them.

[fjbart70]

Originally Posted by WallyL7 There ya go! Sounds like you can see what your problem is now. From now on, just set your WCS to EXACTLY where you are going to set it on the machine before you apply toolpath to them.

I think the issue stems from when I drew the part in solidworks. THe front plane is at z=0, and the part builds up +z from that instead of down, if this makes sense? I thnk if I would have drawn part in other direction I would not be having this issue.

So if I am correct, is there must be away to change parts orientation in solidworks or maybe in master cam?

[WallyL7]

Originally Posted by fjbart70 I think the issue stems from when I drew the part in solidworks. THe front plane is at z=0, and the part builds up +z from that instead of down, if this makes sense? I thnk if I would have drawn part in other direction I would not be having this issue. So if I am correct, is there must be away to change parts orientation in solidworks or maybe in master cam?

Sounds like you need to get some basic training books. That is where the WCS comes from that I've been talking about. It drives each Working Coordinate System that you are working with. (there is a WCS tab on lower right part of window)

It doesn't matter if they drew the part from the top down, from the left to the right side, at 3 degrees offset, etc...the WCS (which you set in mastercam) will control where your toolpath is derived from and should match how you set the part in the machine exactly.

You can add them dynamically to the part, you can add them by specific geometry, you can add them by rotating the part, and countless other ways. True, that how they are drawn in Solidworks dictates how they are oriented when you bring them into Mastercam, but you need to set the wcs in regards to toolplane and construction plane when adding toolpath. If you don't have this down, you may run the risk of disaster when running a program on your machine tool.

[fjbart70]

I am obviously missing something, but I have gone through tutroials, examples, and configuring WCS and the toolpath countless ways with no solution.

It woudl seem that if I set teh WCS to the TOP view of the part and then create a new view from a Toolpath plane below that should work? But it still Links top of part at .25 instead of 0!

I have attached the part taht I am trying to just mill a cut around the outside perimeter of a 2" block. I woudl greatly appreciate any help in telling me what I am doing wrong

[WallyL7]

Give me a minute to check it out.

[WallyL7]

OK. Go into your WCS and make sure that your NEW VIEW #1 is set like this...

[fjbart70]

Originally Posted by WallyL7 OK. Go into your WCS and make sure that your NEW VIEW #1 is set like this...

Did that, now my toolpath is at the top of the part.