It is common for many manufacturers to acquire multiple similar machine tools from the same CNC machine vendor. Essentially, if multiple machines have the same kinematics and are equipped with the same control model, NC programs become 100% interchangeable, which increases considerably the shop floor’s programming flexibility. There is, however, one detail which significantly differentiates [...]
In order to set up CAM-POST to run within Mastercam, you must run the following application: Start > Programs > ICAM Productivity Tools V20 > Setup > Kit > Mastercam X+ The ICAM Integration to Mastercam dialogue appears. This dialogue has four tabs: The “General” tab contains two sections: “ICAM Software” and “Database”. The first [...]
In order to set up CAM-POST to run within NX, you must run the following application: Start > Programs > ICAM Productivity Tools V20 > Setup > Kit > UGS-NX The “General” tab contains two sections: “ICAM Software” and “Database”. The first is used to specify which version of CAM-POST should be used. The [...]
CAM-POST’s unique “Diffs” feature allows users to quickly view and analyze the differences between two selected post-processors. You can either compare two different versions of the same post-processor or two completely different post-processors altogether. To compare two posts, load the first post-processor in memory (i.e. open the post) and select the option Tools -> [...]
Each tool change necessitates an undesirable break in the automatic cycle of operation. In some machines, this break can be long. With machines equipped with a high quality automatic tool changer, the preselection of the current tool can be useful to reduce the time of these periodic interruptions. When the current tool is loaded into [...]
It is a common practice in many shop floors to use variables instead of hard-coded numbers for CNC program data such as feed rates, drilling cycle parameters or even tool numbers. This method allows operators to make quick changes to the program by simply altering the values of a few parameters. The example below illustrates [...]
Some controllers require an initialization of the graphics area by setting up the overall dimensions of the “blank” or the total travel envelope. For example, on a Heidenhain iTNC 530 control programmed in ISO format, the two lines below will define a 100 x 80 x 30 mm blank, with the origin located in the [...]
Mastercam programmers have various options (clearance, retract, feed plane) for defining approach and exit moves, however all these options can only generate motions along the tool axis. On a machine with a C rotary table, 5-axes contouring operations such as the one illustrated below pose a significant problem when the machine is programmed in RTCP [...]
During continuous 5-axes operations, whenever a rotary axis approaches an orientation where the tool becomes parallel or nearly parallel to the axis of rotation, the machine may unexpectedly start to describe large rotations with that rotary axis. These rotations, although large, have very little effect on the tool-to-part relative orientation. This situation is commonly referred [...]
The Floating License Manager can be used for the following purposes: 1. Verify whether the license key has been updated 2. Find out how many licenses are currently loaded 3. Find out how many licenses are available on the license server This information can be accessed from the client workstation, without the need [...]
