I dont want to sound stupid, but i need to write program where the tool rapids through a part then starts machining,

is there some way for this to happen, to try and make myself more clear, i dont want the spindle turning while its rapiding, just following a contour, then when its a couple of mil fromt the part it needs to start.

i dont know how else to explain myself

does anyone understand what im trying to get at,

thanks

sherv,

I guess I don't understand the question.

You want to follow a contour without the spindle on, to trace a part and use maybe for etching? This can be done by doing a contour path and leaving the spindle at Zero.

Or you do not want the spindle to turn on and rapid to a position then turn the spindle on then begin machining. I don't really understand the application, but there is a feature to do a Point position in Mastercam. Normally you can right click on the operation manager where a new toolpath would be and under milling select Point. Once the dialogue opens you can then select a point to move to. Once in the toolpath, you can then option to turn the spindle speed to Zero. You can then follow by a normal toolpath contour with the spindle turned to whatever RPM you desire. Your code should be a rapid position to the point you designated with the spindle off then when it outputs the next contour toolpath it will turn it on to what ever RPM you designated for that path.

I hope this might have answered your question.

cncmike

Some machines can/will do a "dogleg" move in rapid (G00).
You want to beware this.
The specific dogleg may depend on starting position & machine parameters too.
At some date parameters might be altered as well.

Probably best & safest to do with a high feedrate instead of rapid (to force
interpolation by the control).

jbtech

thanks guys, ill try that out, you answered my random question!