Newbie- Hey, I'm new to the CNCZONE community and I need answers..(MasterCam post processors)

[larrym574]

The company that I work for purchased a new Samsung CNC lathe (SL 65 fanuc controlled), and we also have MasterCam X4 which contains fanuc post processors, I guess that's stardand. Do we need to purchase a post processor in order for MasterCam to properly communicate with this particular machine?

[Superman]

You have a Fanuc controller, then the posts to start looking at are the
-MPLFAN.PST
-Generic Fanuc 2X Lathe.PST
-Generic Fanuc 4X MT_Lathe.PST
and should be on the install disks

These should give close to what you would need, these can be tweaked to give code in the order that the operators are used to, and what codes the machine can use. The NC code should be checked at the beginning to ensure correct code is being produced.

Your reseller would be your 1st port of call for the tweaks

Mastercam does not communicate with the machine, ( it only creates the code ), this is done with seperate comms software. The Mastercam and Cimco editors ( supplied with Mastercam ) can be used for this function

[TheBigJW]

Originally Posted by Superman You have a Fanuc controller, then the posts to start looking at are the -MPLFAN.PST -Generic Fanuc 2X Lathe.PST -Generic Fanuc 4X MT_Lathe.PST and should be on the install disks These should give close to what you would need, these can be tweaked to give code in the order that the operators are used to, and what codes the machine can use. The NC code should be checked at the beginning to ensure correct code is being produced. Your reseller would be your 1st port of call for the tweaks Mastercam does not communicate with the machine, ( it only creates the code ), this is done with seperate comms software. The Mastercam and Cimco editors ( supplied with Mastercam ) can be used for this function

And if your real lucky Mastercam will post what you asked of it. Unless your maintenance ran out before they finished producing the version you may or may not be stuck with. And of you feel rich and haven't been abused by a supplier lately call your dealer and ask for some help with your post.

John

[Superman]

Originally Posted by TheBigJW And if your real lucky Mastercam will post what you asked of it. Unless your maintenance ran out before they finished producing the version you may or may not be stuck with. And of you feel rich and haven't been abused by a supplier lately call your dealer and ask for some help with your post. John

John,
How are your comments to be interpreted to help this member's question ?

If you have an issue with Mastercam software, a dealer, or Mastercam policy, then take it up with them ( you probably burnt that bridge long ago, if your comments are anything to go by ).

This forum ( I believe ) has NO AFFILIATION with how Mastercam runs it's business. Yes, we can comment ( highlight, or whatever ), on how it fails in certain aspects. But move on, try something different. Why waste your ( and our ) time writing comments about something none of us can change. If your issue is with a dealer's advice, or lack of, take higher up the tree----CNC Software Inc, and let them decide where fault lays.

I know I'm starting to get a little peeved with the constantly crappy comments on your use of the software, or inability to use ( I don't know which, but, you seem knowledgeable in the use of CAD and CAM ).

I would guess that others are not overly impressed with yours and Foxy's sniping at other members who are just trying to to get the job done. Most guys ( & girls) here are just users, the final decision ( to purchase Mastercam ) may not have been their's to make. Most just need another method, idea, hint to further their knowedge in programming ( can be used in any software, not just Mastecam )

[TheBigJW]

I should take that post back. Was completely useless I will agree. Had a couple beers at wing night and was discussing the shortcomings of Mastercam and other Cam software most of the night with a group of local business owners.

I see you only trying to help here. And most times going to great lengths to help people on this forum. And as you point out these may be people who don't have a choice what system they are forced to use.

I have tried many times to contact CNC software about my concerns but if you have ever had any experience with trying to get any sympathy from them you would know it's like dealing with the phone company or the banks.

I will in the future try and refrain from taking away from any post offering advise on other than the decisions to upgrade or purchase Mastercam. In that regard I think I am being very helpful letting people know the pitfalls and the horror of trying to deal with this company. Especially in Canada where there is a one dealer monopoly. This forum is about making our jobs easier.

John

[jjacoby]

Customers of Mastercam aren't important to CNC Software. What is important to CNC Software is protecting their dealer network at any cost.

[John_B]

Wow, so another helpful response to the OP's question...

Well I for one have had very high quality service and support from my local Mastercam retailer (MLC Cadd Systems Austin) and the entire support net, so I don't share what seems to be the predominant slant against CNC software... let the shots begin...

Larry, as Superman mentions you can use the pre-loaded posts to get pretty close to what you need, or maybe get lucky and one of them does exactly what you need. If not, as in my case, you can contact your support at the local retailer that sold your company the software and they can help get you some custom tuning to a post file that will be more what you need.

If your speaking of just stricly communicating, Cimco that is provided is my favorite. It's quick, easy and already there.

This has worked for me more than once (lets see, 7 different controls, upgraded four times = almost 30 times at fixing my issues WITHOUT CHARGE).

Rgds,
John

[brewzz]

I too am a newbie.I am using Mastercam9, and programming a 1998 HAAS VF-0E.I am using the basic mpfan post processor,I get G53 and A0.,which I don't want.I need G54 and no A word.I just edit the post right now,but was wondering if there is another post processor that would do what I want?
TIA,Brewzz

[ObrienDave]

After making a backup copy of your post FIRST,
To fix the A0 output, look for:

164. Enable Rotary Axis button? y
Change the y to n

The G53 is probably coming from your MISC INT setup
It is ouput by the folowing section:

 
pwcs            #G54+ coordinate setting at toolchange
      if mi1 > one,
        [
        sav_frc_wcs = force_wcs
        if sub_level, force_wcs = zero
        if workofs <> prv_workofs | (force_wcs & toolchng),
          [
          if workofs < 6,
            [
            g_wcs = workofs + 54
            *g_wcs
            ]
          else,
            [
            p_wcs = workofs - five
            "G54.1", *p_wcs
            ]  
          ]
        force_wcs = sav_frc_wcs
        !workofs
        ]

MISC INT #1 needs to be a value of 2 to output the G54 or higher work offset.
You might also look for:

force_wcs : yes #Force WCS output at every toolchange?

The above code comes from an unmodified MPFAN post.

[brewzz]

Thanks Dave,
I will try messing with that this weekend,on a copy of MPFAN,for some fun.
John

[jolafson]

I have to agree that I have had excellent service, by far WAY BETTER than anything i've ever had with my masterCAM dealer. I have tried converting more people to it. There are problems with every software out there, so no one brand can say they don't have issues, but I still would rather codebash a program than use CAMworks!

And, funny, the one difference I am seeing seems to be Canada vs. US, So whos fault is the one dealer monopoly? Is it a government deal or CNC Software? Just curiious?