Slot Cutter for 3D Toolpath

[Tinyfxds]

I have to step a .020" radius on the top and bottom of the groove that is around the attached part.  I only have 3d tool paths, no 5 axis.  Can I use a slot cutter to step the radius onto this part?  If so, what tool path would I use?  Thanks in advance.

HANDLE.mcx-9

[Teh Bear without Brains kinda idiot]

I used  this  feature extensivly in my previous job.

Have not seen your file ( I run still ver7) I would say most simple can be surface flowline or contour

I would prefer contour for a reason that you have more control of the tool  lead in - lead out i

prefered enter exit by arc but other ways are avaILABLE TOO .

BR

[crazy^millman]

I used  this  feature extensivly in my previous job.

Have not seen your file ( I run still ver7) I would say most simple can be surface flowline or contour

I would prefer contour for a reason that you have more control of the tool  lead in - lead out i

prefered enter exit by arc but other ways are avaILABLE TOO .

BR

Old school it then. Make the toolpath using flowline like Alex recommends and then save the toolpath. Then come back and use 3D contour to drive the toolpath on centerline with no comp. Now you can lead in/out like you want, but drive it like a flowline toolpath. Kind of how I developed the edge break process to use a lollipop or ball end mill to break edges.

[Tinyfxds]

I've got a pretty good looking tool path right now but it takes a long time to process it.  I can see how saving the tool path as geometry would help with lead in and out moves.  Thanks for the information guys.

[Jayson Kramer]

if you are using a surface path you can use direction option to get the tool in and out. what path are you using and are you using a slot tool with a radii. your file has no path in it.

[Tinyfxds]

if you are using a surface path you can use direction option to get the tool in and out. what path are you using and are you using a slot tool with a radii. your file has no path in it.

I am using Contour for my path and I'm using a .500 diameter slot tool with a .015" corner radius.  I posted the file without any tool path because I wasn't sure if there was a tool path capable of doing the undercut in question. 

[civiceg]

+10000000000 Surface contour

 

This way you can control your lead in and out as mentioned. It will get funky if you start playing with arc filter settings, my only gripe. 

[Jayson Kramer]

So you know Mastercam does support undercuts with this type tool using surface paths only a few tho. We handle the tool entry and exit by using the direction option.

[Teh Bear without Brains kinda idiot]

We handle the tool entry and exit by using the direction option.

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Just beware when you doing transform mirror it tends to scrap parts from time to time when you use direction option.

At least in X7   but I suppose it is still there

[Tinyfxds]

Just an FYI - The part turned out great.  Like I stated in an earlier post, I was surprised by how long it took to process the tool path, but it looks very nice!