DOS Milling Software - "Invalid Billet Size" error.

bradders · Post by **bradders** » Wed 17 Feb , 2010 9:53 am

Customer Writes .................

We have a MICROMILL IST which runs off DOS software. This is my first time using this machine and have been teaching myself how to use it through the manual. I have a project in which I would like to make a notch in a sample and have written a CNC file to do so. When attempting to simulate the file, I am getting an "Invalid Billet Size" error. I have the machine settings set to Metric and I also call G21 for metric in my program. I am wondering if there is actually an issue with how small my sample is... my test stock is 2.5 x 2.5 x mm and 38 mm in length. My actual samples for when I run the real programs will be smaller (1.78 x 1.78 x 19 mm). What is the resolution of this system? Is it unrealistic for me to think that I will be able to write a program asking the machine to cut a notch half the width of my sample?

Mr Magoo · Post by **Mr Magoo** » Fri 19 Feb , 2010 23:34 pm

There is a minimum billet size that can be defined with the [BILLET command (can't remember what it is off hand though).
But this command is only used for the graphical simulation and does not affect the machining process.

So I suggest you change the BILLET command to something larger (increase your 2.5mm dimensions to 25mm) The graphics may look odd but the machining will be correct.

Post by **Denford Admin** » Mon 22 Feb , 2010 10:20 am

What is the resolution of this system?

The software will probably work down to 0.001mm (1 micron)
The current Micromills (which haven't changed much over the years) have 319.96 steps per mm movement so the best machine resolution would be 0.003 (3 microns)

bradders · Post by **bradders** » Mon 22 Feb , 2010 11:43 am

Cheers Mr Magoo

Mr Magoo · Post by **Mr Magoo** » Mon 22 Feb , 2010 11:45 am

Ah Ha! Turns out the minimum billet size you can define for simulation is 10mm.

mathteach47 · Post by **mathteach47** » Wed 19 May , 2010 19:46 pm

Mr. Magoo,
I recently found an Old Micromill in a closet at my school. I know it needs to run DOS but have not been able to find the manual for it, I found the software but haven't been able to understand how to use it. How did you teach yourself to use the machine? Where could I find the manual?

Thanks
Mathteach47

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Thu 20 May , 2010 8:35 am

A search for DOS Milling Manual turns up with this.

viewtopic.php?t=1636

Post by **Denford Admin** » Thu 20 May , 2010 9:11 am

This download will also be useful (as it was originally sent with micromill machines to the USA)
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2284&hilit=micromill+manual

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