Re: [mfg-smartcam] thread milling

[Jeff Guse]

I use a macro to do tapered pipe threads.  I wrote a pcb file which requires the programmer to input the XYZ position and then some radio buttons which allow the user to select which size thread is desired.  I wrote it for use with cutter compensation so the machine operator can "fine tune" the threads as needed.  I never had to move it to a different plane because all of the work is done on 3 axis machines.  I would think that with a little bit more work, you could incorporate the transform command into the same macro.  If you want a copy of what I have, let me know and I will go get it from work.   Jeff Guse   BTW,   Been away because management has decided to go all out with Unigraphics.  The post processor is very buggy to the point where I had to get a technician out to write "patches" in order to get around the major bugs.  I found out UG has a rough time doing holes and you can pretty much forget about any type of a helix motion using G2/G3 like the Fanuc uses.  So thread milling on that system is strictly point to point and tapered pipe threads are out of the question because of the change in the radius.   ----- Original Message ----- From: Jeff Pieper To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2000 10:30 PM Subject: [mfg-smartcam] thread milling I was wondering how most SmartCAM users program thread milling. I use a seperate macro that I made up 6 years ago that works pretty well. The only problem I have is when my work plane is on something besides the standard work plane the macro is only created on the XY Plane, then I have to group it and transform it it to the work plane that I'm on. Any or all help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Jeff                (7 year SmartCAM user)