Vericut 9.4

[gcode]

VC9.4 was released last week.
I've installed it on my home machine this weekend and spent some time with it.
The graphics get better with every release.
If you have VC and are on maintenance it's well worth the trouble to install.
I can't say I'm looking forward to the new improved Sandvik grade maintenance bill
coming up in October though 

[Here's Johnny!]

Got the email late last week and the license file updates for this....will install this week!

Still have to Install MC2024 as well.

[JakeL]

Speaking of Vericut...

Our shop recently bought the software. In the next few weeks I would like to get it setup for the machine I most frequently program for (Matsuura H.Plus-630 HMC).

My question is, what is the best path forward?

Our guy who has been working on getting other machines setup has been going through CG-Tech to get machine models and controls.

I was planning on going thru our machine distributor (Yamazen) for the models and building out the controls myself. Is this too ambitious? I have a vague understanding of how the software works and was planning on self-teaching the ins and outs with google, youtube, and forums. I'm hoping building out the control definitions will give me a solid base understanding of the software.

I'm guessing there's pros and cons to each path, looking for some advice from someone with a bit more experience. Thanks in advance.

[TSmcam]

If you have a vague understanding of the software, it would be better to get at least the first few machines and controls built by Vericut. If you are just starting out with the software, then I would say yes, it is a little ambitious. Totally understand the enthusiasm, I was the same when I first got the software.

If possible, I would attend one of their Machine and Control building courses. They are well worth it, and I learnt a lot from that course (it was a few years ago now)

Their training (and support) is very good.

[CNCAppsJames]

@JakeL

Shoot me a DM with your e-mail and I'll get you the model and electronic manuals. Matsuura and FANUC.

Also send me model month and year from the production tag.

[Zoffen]

Might be wise to get the more complicated machines set up by them and you can build a few simple 3 axis VMC's to get an understanding of how everything works. Once you get a good understanding you can tweak the machines that they have built for you as this is an iterative process anyway.

Time is money.

[CNCAppsJames]

James - Should Jake not have camplete, if he has the Mats (bundled package with purchase?)

CAMplete only bundles with 5-Axis Matsuuras. 

[JakeL]

James - Should Jake not have camplete, if he has the Mats (bundled package with purchase?)

We do actually have camplete. I believe it came with a Yasda PX30i that we bought. I haven't done much with that machine, but from what I understand we don't have a post for that machine so they post programs through camplete.

I have never got my hands on camplete so I only know what I've been told, but last I knew they were trying to get rid of it because it was "not user friendly" and "not used often enough to justify keeping".

[JakeL]

If possible, I would attend one of their Machine and Control building courses. They are well worth it, and I learnt a lot from that course (it was a few years ago now)

Their training (and support) is very good.

Is setting up a machine and control like setting up a post for Mastercam? Meaning, once it's setup it needs little to no adjustments?

The reason I ask is because while I like to learn everything I can, if I only need one machine setup, would it be a waste of my time to learn that stuff?

It's good to know they have good training and support tho, thanks!

[gcode]

I have never got my hands on camplete so I only know what I've been told, but last I knew they were trying to get rid of it because it was "not user friendly" and "not used often enough to justify keeping".

Camplete was bought out by AutoDesk a few years ago and I believe it has become more expensive to own and maintain. That may be why your managers want to dump it.

I have zero experience with Camplete, but their website says they support numerous machines
and almost all the common CAM packages

I believe Camplete uses a subscription based licensing scheme so it's unlikely I will ever get any experience with it.
Subscription based licensing is the devil's work as far as I'm concerned.

[TSmcam]

Is setting up a machine and control like setting up a post for Mastercam? Meaning, once it's setup it needs little to no adjustments?

The reason I ask is because while I like to learn everything I can, if I only need one machine setup, would it be a waste of my time to learn that stuff?

It's good to know they have good training and support tho, thanks!

Well, yes, it is *kind of* like setting up a post processor, but there are a bunch of areas to sort. Work Coordinates, Variables, Drill Cycles, Turning Cycles, Threading Cycles. Even axis priority, and motion etc. I normally find a control file that is close, and then modify it to work. However, depending on complexity, it can take a while as the functions are tested.

If you are only ever going to need one machine/control (probably unlikely as it is probably more common to end up with more machines) then it would be best just to get CGTech to do the machine and control.

Dont get me wrong, you can learn how to build the machines and controls, as I did, and it can be very satisfying. The Machine and Control course is certainly a good start for that.

[CNCAppsJames]

I have never got my hands on camplete so I only know what I've been told, but last I knew they were trying to get rid of it because it was "not user friendly" and "not used often enough to justify keeping".

It's VERY user friendly when trained to use it or when given the proper tools to use it right out of the gate (Machine and Control Def, Ops, etc...).

It's a staggeringly powerful tool.