2 replies to this topic

[Winter576]

Hello everyone,

Name's Ed, just started 4th axis stuff here, and have run into trouble. I can get mastercam to create drilling or helix bore toolpaths by creating a new WCS, and setting the tool plane to it, leaving the construction plane as-is. The problem is, when I use the same procedure to do a contour or pocket toolpath, it doesn't work. Mastercam seems to want the planes equal or parallel. Am I just doing it wrong? Is the procedure different for these types of toolpaths?

Thanks,

-Ed

[K2csq7]

You don't need a new WCS for that, just new planes. Keep the WCS as top top and make/use your new T/C planes.
The planes tab/branch inside your contour operations parameters should read from right to left as Top-Right-Right. (if you want the machine to make the rotation for work on the right side).

A rule of thumb.
If you want the machine to make the rotations use new T/C planes.
If you are going to physically move the part on the machine that is when you will need a new WCS.

Welcome to the forum!

[Winter576]

Thanks Keith! I thought I understood the rule of thumb after reading it in the help, but I didn't. I was not setting the c-plane, just the t-plane to the new view. Thanks for the help!