Surface Finish Blend

[TERRYH]

When using this type of program is there a way to keep it from bridging corners and follow the boundaries you created? I was trying to use this on a pinch die to finish the small top surface and the angled surface and there were 4 corners that were close to 90 deg.'s and it kept wanting to bridge over the corners. 

[Colin Gilchrist]

Hi Terry,

 

Can you post up a sample file, with just the surfaces in question and the blend chains?

 

Blend has an "advanced" button, where you can switch between "quick", and "thorough". (I'm going from memory here). The thorough method is better for steep walls.

 

Also, you should offset the blend chain by 51% of the tool diameter. Blend uses the chains as "centerline" of the cutter. So unless you want the tool to "wrap" up to the sharp edges on top, I'd offset the chain.

[Colin Gilchrist]

The other thing that helps is using a Sync mode with the chains you create. But then you have to make sure both chains have geometry that is set for syncing. For example, I'd break the 2nd chain, at the start and end points of where the "notch pockets" start. Then add points on the top and bottom chains, where I want the syncing to occur. It would be easier to show you with some sample geometry.

[TERRYH]

They have us limited here at work not sure I could post something to help, and not really sure how to if I could. 

[jlw™]

I love surf finish blend but if you want to finish the yellow line down to the floor with a bull mill I'd create a coons surface and flowline it.

 

Can you post up a file?

[Reko]

Waterline or Hybrid... I love the newer HS toolpaths... post up a file, I'll give it a go.

[TERRYH]

I was wanting to finish the top yellow flat and the 45deg surface to the right down to the holes and I was using a ball mill.

[jlw™]

hybrid might do decent but waterline makes too many little "snaggy" moves imo.

 

can you post up a sample file?

[TERRYH]

I would if I knew how to post one, and as tight as he has our network here I'm not sure I could if I knew how, were lucky he allows us access here.