Need Help!- How can I convert .nc files into .nci files

[AlphaD]

Hi everybody. I need your help. I want to check some old programs, by importing them into mastercam. I saw the options : create toolpath by importing .nci . I have only the .nc files and I want to know how can I generate from these files .nci files .
Thank you.

[psychomill]

From your other post...

Can't do it that way. What you'd have to do here is to run a Reverse Post of the NC file to create a nci file you can import into the toolpath manager to view/create geometry. I'd have to look into how its done on MCX but on older versions you could do it in NC Utilities. If I get a chance, I'll look into it but your reseller should be able to help you through it (if you can still do this in X).

Also, you could google for Verify or Backplot. There are many softwares out there that can very from G gode and perhaps give you geometry from toolpaths.

[cadcam]

mastercam does not have the option to reveres the code as you remember in V9 pyschomill.

[boro_boy]

Originally Posted by cadcam mastercam does not have the option to reveres the code as you remember in V9 pyschomill.

I know its not a big issue for many, but in my opinion is a major weakness. Ultimately we are all dealing with Gcode and for companies that are dealing with legacy programs generated from multiple sources Gcode is the common denominator. Rev posting is essential for continuous improvement and upgrading older programs. I like Mastercam but this is an area that has always been weak and now all but ignored.
I used to use surfcam which is very strong and user friendly for rev-posting and therefore find the rev-posting issue all the more frustrating in Mastercam.
Pedro
San Diego

[cadcam]

Boro_boy, I understand dealing with past code but being able to bring code in and backplot it. there are many tools for this. bringing back into the cam system does not create 3d Geo so you reprogram the part.
I use Predator Editor and Cimco full Editor and also have Medacut to take code and review it and make modes.

Surfcam these days has not grown in years and I am not sure how long they will exist.
That is to bad as I feel it was a really good cam system years ago.not that it is bad now it is just falling behind the times.
I have been getting more and more people coming and taking Mastercam classes and wanting to move to MC because of what it can do compared to surfcam.

Just my .002 cents

[boro_boy]

cadcam
I am not intersted in a surfcam vs mastercam argument - whatever works as the best tool for your particular needs is the only thing that is relevant. I am just referring to Mastercam's weakness as a reverse engineering tool, and comparing my previous experience with surfcam.
I don't want to but add-on software for tools that I believe should be standard - especially when they were available in earlier versions. I agree there is a limit to the usefullness of these tools to patch existing programs and at some point it might be more economical to reprogram the part.

[Boots]

I used to use Mastercam and it did take NC files and give you tool paths. All one had to do was type the word (START) at the beginning of the NC code on it's own line before the % sign. Then either go to open and select the NC file you just edited or Import. I can't remember the command but it used to do it. I now use AlphaCam and it does it. It takes the NC code and generates tool paths so you can see the part in 2D. It does not however make allowences for tooling off sets. So the part you get might be big by the dia. of your tool used to cut the original part.

[cadcam]

I am not intersted in a surfcam vs mastercam argument

I agree was not trying to start any issues just point things out.

[CountBraden]

Hello Boro ,

This link might help you..Download the "Code2NCI". You might need to run chook filternci after you convert. http://www.cncware.com/mastercam.html