Are you using WCS for programming?

[Steve Arteman]

Who using WCS in Mastercam Part programming and design?

Steve Arteman
steve@cad2cam.net
www.cad2cam.net

[Toonz]

Yes, we use WCS origins pretty much all the time with very few exceptions.

[weirdharold]

Yes. Would like to get my hand's on some good tutorial's on correct way to use WCS & construction planes with 5 axis programming. Also Steve , just about half way finished viewing your video's on Solid's & Surface's & will post my opinion's. Pleased so far with what I've seen.

Harold C.

[Superman]

Yep, have to for multi-op setups, positioning 4th axis.

Not so much for full 5-axis stuff only on the initial setup

[camtd]

We are trying to position WCS to the workpiece geometry. The main reason for this is the Solidworks direct to Mastercam.

The problem I have with this is when saving a .stl file of the machined part it is not located correctly.

Saving the .stl file and using it for verify seems to work best when using the Mastercam default WCS.

Does anyone else experience this?

[ak762]

Originally Posted by camtd The problem I have with this is when saving a .stl file of the machined part it is not located correctly.

put checked "Do not translate STL output data to positive space"
and model will save correctly with origin as you wish

[cadcam]

So you know do not use the WCS to set a datum position for 5axis translate the part then you can make planes from there for 3+2 programming.

[weirdharold]

Would you be so kind, if you have time , to put a short video together to do what you just described . Thank's in advance.

Harold C.

[inkydo69]

I use it as much as I can. I am not very good at it could use some info on using it more. now that I am running a consulting business I find that using it gives the customer a batter overview of a part completed. Rather then the old way of flipping and turning the part in multiple levels of the same part.

[cadcam]

Harlod I will try some time soon. just been real busy sorry.

[Gmaan]

Originally Posted by camtd We are trying to position WCS to the workpiece geometry. The main reason for this is the Solidworks direct to Mastercam. The problem I have with this is when saving a .stl file of the machined part it is not located correctly. Saving the .stl file and using it for verify seems to work best when using the Mastercam default WCS. Does anyone else experience this?

Are you creating programs using the Machine group and tool path grouping?
Or do you create a new machine group for each operation of the part?
If you set your WCS system properly your verify should work perfect.
Use machine groups for each machine used to make a part. If you are only using one machine then use one machine group. Use the tool path groups for each operation of the part manufacture.
Set your machine group WCS in the stock menue to the first op WCS.

[Goldorak]

i cant live without WCS

in one file you ca program 2 lathes setup and 5 or 6 milling setup