MasterCam, Solidworks & CNC Help

[R.C.]

Hello CD,

I am currently using MasterCam for our CNC. I am having some problems with MasterCam, Solidworks, and the Techno Isel CNC software. Our team and I prefer to draw in Solidworks and then go to MasterCam to put the toolpaths on the object needed to be machined.

-MasterCam will not open a part directly
-The only way is to import the file is by using the feature Manager from solidworks import to Mastercam feature

So it imports, I put the paths on it. The model is 3d. I used the contour feature and and the wireframe view and the chain. I put in all the right info and it shows me what it is suppose to do. Then I send the G code to the Techno software and it gives me an error. Can anyone help me or tell me what I am doing wrong.

Thanks,

-RC

[Cory]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

Hello CD,

I am currently using MasterCam for our CNC. I am having some problems with MasterCam, Solidworks, and the Techno Isel CNC software. Our team and I prefer to draw in Solidworks and then go to MasterCam to put the toolpaths on the object needed to be machined.

-MasterCam will not open a part directly
-The only way is to import the file is by using the feature Manager from solidworks import to Mastercam feature

So it imports, I put the paths on it. The model is 3d. I used the contour feature and and the wireframe view and the chain. I put in all the right info and it shows me what it is suppose to do. Then I send the G code to the Techno software and it gives me an error. Can anyone help me or tell me what I am doing wrong.

Thanks,

-RC

Way too little information here for us to help you. What error are you getting? This is while transferring the program, or while attempting to run it?

MasterCAM opens native SW files, depending on which versions you have. MasterCAM X will open SW2005 and previous files. X2 will open 2007 and I think 2008. X3 would presumably open 2009 as well, but I've never used it to check.

[R.C.]

When opening a solidworks file is says cannot find parasolid. During the CNC process it won't start the nc file but it will load it up.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

When opening a solidworks file is says cannot find parasolid. During the CNC process it won't start the nc file but it will load it up.

If it won't load the Solidworks file, it means your version of MasterCAM is not new enough.

You need to find someone with experience using your particular machine to resolve the second problem. Better yet, call the manufacturer.

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by Cory

If it won't load the Solidworks file, it means your version of MasterCAM is not new enough.

You need to find someone with experience using your particular machine to resolve the second problem. Better yet, call the manufacturer.

Thanks Cory but we MasterCAM X3 and Solidworks 2009. Also when we start to zero the machine in the z (it is suppose to go down and touch a pad to find depth), it goes up instead of down

[Cory]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

Thanks Cory but we MasterCAM X3 and Solidworks 2009. Also when we start to zero the machine in the z (it is suppose to go down and touch a pad to find depth), it goes up instead of down

Call your MasterCAM retailer and call the CNC manufacturer. MasterCAM should have a plugin available to give compatibility for 2009 files. Whoever makes the machine should be able to help you troubleshoot your problem. You're probably wasting your time on here, as it sounds like something very specific that someone would have to see to figure out.

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by Cory

Call your MasterCAM retailer and call the CNC manufacturer. MasterCAM should have a plugin available to give compatibility for 2009 files. Whoever makes the machine should be able to help you troubleshoot your problem. You're probably wasting your time on here, as it sounds like something very specific that someone would have to see to figure out.

Thanks Cory, I called them up and they said that they don't currently support solidworks 2009 yet, it will be supported in a service pack update for Mastercam X3.

[R.C.]

Another question, does having the right post processor matter? I think that is the problem, on the laptop we have the file but when we use the desktop or my laptop (which doesn't have it) it messes up.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

Another question, does having the right post processor matter? I think that is the problem, on the laptop we have the file but when we use the desktop or my laptop (which doesn't have it) it messes up.

It's definitely important. You don't necessarily need one specifically for your machine. I use the generic fanuc 3 axis post and it works fine on a Haas, but it may not work as well on your machine. You can copy the post processor definition from one computer to the other though.

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by Cory

It's definitely important. You don't necessarily need one specifically for your machine. I use the generic fanuc 3 axis post and it works fine on a Haas, but it may not work as well on your machine. You can copy the post processor definition from one computer to the other though.

Are any of the defaults with MasterCAM workable? We are going to try the real post processor one tomorrow, thanks Cory for the confirmation.