Opti-Core & Opti-rest

[rhino44]

So here's my question; I am programming a relatively simple part on a 5-axis Mikron Mill. I have machined 4 of 5 available sides of the stock to finished features. Now I want to flip the part over and finish the last of the features. I have created a Stock Model from all of the previous Operations, and also created an stl as a back-up to my stock model. I want to generate an Opti-core or possibly an Opti-rest toolpath for Side 2 set up that generates its toolpath from the Stock Model that I created. But Mastercam is not cooperating. It just won't recognize my Stock Model and generates only from the original stock definition. I have already set the Stock definition in Backplot/verify options to the new Stock Model but that seems to have no effect. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have attached an image here to show my Stock Model

[BenK]

You will have to use opti-rest and select the stock model for your trim to stock. I use this a lot and it works great as long as its setup correctly.

[rhino44]

Hi Ben, thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately, that is not working for me. I have done as you have suggested and yet, I am still getting a lot of unnecessary tool path where the tool is simply cutting air. I can only assume that my toolpath is generating from the original stock definition. that is the only explanation that makes sense.

[civiceg]

In Opti rest you have your most updated stock model being selected as your tool path to calculate stock? Also could you try using all of your previous ops to calculate the stock for your new tool path. The only issue I have had using stock models and Opti rest was using a hollow tube. I could not get it to recognize it. Maybe because your stock is somewhat undercut???? 

[rhino44]

I have tried using all previous operations, also tried selecting one operation and clicking on the stock model. I have also tried defining the stock from an stl file. Nothing works. About the undercut, keep in mind that the view I posted of my stock model is seen from the perspective of Top Plane. When I get to secondary operations, the model and the actual part will be inverted. I have created a Relative Plane for secondary operations and I am attempting to get good toolpath from that position. The undercut is no longer an issue. Thanks for the input.

[BenK]

Can you post a file for us to look at? Otherwise I am just guessing as to what your problem is.

[gcode]

have you tried turning the stock model display on so you can verify that it is in the proper location 

If you don't have the correct toolplane set in the stock model parameters, it may be off in left

field having no effect on your toolpath

[Guyinthedesert]

A screen shot would help, but I think I know what you're referring to. When you turn the part over, it will cut air where it thinks there is material, but there really isn't. The only way I've gotten it to work is to split the toolpath in 2. Generate the first path at a depth that will remove the outer boundry of the stock. Then create a new stock model from that, and do a new opti rest using that stock model.

 

Volumill does the same thing.  BTW, I recently did a side by side comparison of Opti rough and Volumill. Opti won by a factor of about 2:1. Volumill released a new version last month that sped things up by about 50%, but opti still wins by a huge margin.

[Guest]

I am guessing you are doing this is a secondary operation.....

 

 

Here's what I do......

 

Make your stl from your OP1 verify

xform stl into position if necessary

In the next machine group, set the stl as your stock

Then, create a Stock Model based on the stl only, no toolpaths. That will create a stock model that you can then reference for a restmill

 

I go from the stl to the Stock Model because I have had issues getting the stl to load into verify but the stock model would

 

It may be an extra step but I have found it works well

[crazy^millman]

I am guessing you are doing this is a secondary operation.....

 

 

Here's what I do......

 

Make your stl from your OP1 verify

xform stl into position if necessary

In the next machine group, set the stl as your stock

Then, create a Stock Model based on the stl only, no toolpaths. That will create a stock model that you can then reference for a restmill

 

I go from the stl to the Stock Model because I have had issues getting the stl to load into verify but the stock model would

 

It may be an extra step but I have found it works well

 

I do exactly the same way and have upwards of 200 to 300 operations in files with no issue following this process.

 

HTH

[rhino44]

Can you post a file for us to look at? Otherwise I am just guessing as to what your problem is.

Sorry Ben, I am unable to make the Mastercam file available.

[rhino44]

I am guessing you are doing this is a secondary operation.....

 

 

Here's what I do......

 

Make your stl from your OP1 verify

xform stl into position if necessary

In the next machine group, set the stl as your stock

Then, create a Stock Model based on the stl only, no toolpaths. That will create a stock model that you can then reference for a restmill

 

I go from the stl to the Stock Model because I have had issues getting the stl to load into verify but the stock model would

 

It may be an extra step but I have found it works well

Thanks, J. I will give that a try. Update; That didn't work either. I am giving up on this method. I am going to use the process that Guyinthedesert has suggested. 2 ops instead of 1. Thanks to everyone who stepped up to offer help.

[Müřlıń®]

while we are on the subject of these paths.......I have been pulling my hair out....

 

Maybe you guys can help me too....

[gcode]

what is your minimum radius set at

[Müřlıń®]

what is your minimum radius set at

.05

[Fred @ Slate Industries]

Hair being pulled out 1X

 

I'm all ears ....

 

It has to be something in the initial process / selection right out of the gate "Or it won't work" 

(For Me, Murlin, & Rhino) !?!

[Müřlıń®]

Sorry can't share file.....

[gcode]

mill vertical walls??

[BenK]

Is your STL file showing up as drive geometry?

[Müřlıń®]

Is your STL file showing up as drive geometry?

nope  but it is acting like it...

[gcode]

have you tried deleting the op and building a fresh one

[Müřlıń®]

mill vertical walls??

I did not try that....let me go try real quick.

[BenK]

nope  but it is acting like it...

 

That's what it looks like to me as well.

 

Try using the STL to create a stock model and select that as your trim stock.

[Müřlıń®]

have you tried deleting the op and building a fresh one

was going to try that but not yet....

 

 

Was trying to systematically figure out what it was so as not to go though all this again...

 

 

 

 

mill vertical did not work.

 

The reason the fist verify results dont look the same as this one is because I tried it with zero stock left on walls....this one has .02.

[Müřlıń®]

That's what it looks like to me as well.

 

Try using the STL to create a stock model and select that as your trim stock.

 

 

you cant....