Robot Multiaxis

[MGF]

Hello!

A while back I posted a case where I got into a problem. Below I attach a picture of how the MasterCAM tool generates paths.

 

 

Our wish is that the tool path would look as shown below ( without those jumps - the yellow lines in the picture above).

 

 

One of the conditions is that the tool is always positioned perpendicular to the surface.

Does anyone know how to do this in MasterCAM? I am also attaching a MasterCAM model.

 

Best Regards.

MGF.

 

 

surface_test.mcam

[David Colin]

You should give more info on toolpath type you need to apply (3axis?which toolplane? 5axis? what tooling?)

One thing that jumped out at me is that a few surfaces normals are reversed and that probably causes issues to your toolpath.

[MGF]

Hello!

Thanks for your reply.

I am currently using: Toolpaths -> Multiaxis -> Multisurface -> 5 Axis

                                      Across stepover: 2.0 mm

                                      Along stepover: 2.0 mm

                                      Cutting method: ZigZag

                                      Tool axis control: Pattern surfaces

                                      Output format: 5 axis

Tool Info: Ball-Nose -> Diameter 2.0

Maybe one more question: Can I merge these partial surfaces into one in the MasterCam?

 

Best Regards.

MGF.

 

[David Colin]

With that toolpath i think you will need to create a cleaner and simpler 'pattern surfaces' for your tool axis control then compensate your tool tip on your model surfaces.

However your condition 'that the tool is always positioned perpendicular to the surface' will be approximate...

[MGF]

Hello!

Thanks for your reply.

We do not have much experience with this which strategy would produce better results.  Which strategy do you think would be then more appropriate?

In our opinion, it is definitely necessary to choose Multiaxis option for such part geometry - are we thinking right?

Thanks for help.

Best Regards.

MGF.

 

[David Colin]

If you have a multiaxis machine you should go with it. ModuleWorks toolpaths have more control on toolpaths (lead-in/out, collision) and you should give them a try.

Here is your file modified with a legacy multi-surface toolpath showing what i tried to explain about pattern surface.

Surface_test.mcam

[MGF]

Hello!

Thanks for your response and help.

This is exactly what we needed. I only wonder if you can briefly describe how you created a cleaner and simpler 'pattern surfaces'. I tried it myself, but it does not work.

Best Regards.

MGF.

[David Colin]

Hi,

I offset a few original model surfaces, create edge curves then make splines which will be pattern surfaces edges. Then surface creation from wireframe. This can be a lot of work...

[MGF]

Hello!

Ok, thanks for the info. I'll try.

Best regards.

MGF.

[MGF]

Hello!

Could you please tell me exactly which command you used to create the offset surface.

Thanks and best regards.

MGF.

[cncappsjames]

Surface Offset.

[Guest]

Im thinking he doesn't see it, its next to revolve

[MGF]

Hello!

All right, now I've done it. I only want to know this: in your case, the offset surface was made up of three pieces - how you put them together into one.

Best regards.

MGF.

[David Colin]

I used "net" surface creation

 

 

 

[mkd]

On 1/6/2020 at 3:09 AM, MGF said:

One of the conditions is that the tool is always positioned perpendicular to the surface.

One thing experienced people aren't aware of is the functioning behind having three sections in the tool plane GUI.

you can have different coordinate systems between 'tool plane' and 'comp'. and it will effect the direction that the toolpaths run along the surfaces. Or said another way ; the orientation that the calculations are looking at the part.

 I'm not putting lots of time into this explanation, and others could describe it better. Just pointing out it exists.

[cncappsjames]

13 hours ago, MGF said:

Hello!

All right, now I've done it. I only want to know this: in your case, the offset surface was made up of three pieces - how you put them together into one.

Best regards.

MGF.

I'd create a Coons Surface because I'm all about UV control. 

[MGF]

Hello!
 

Maybe someone knows why if I do a surface projection (left picture) and then based on that projection I would like to generate a new surface (right picture) I don't get the same surface as the original. See the pictures below .

       

 

Thanks for help and best regards.

MGF.

 

 

[MGF]

Hello!

Does anyone know what could be the problem. Would be very happy with any help.

Best regards.

MGF

[JoshC]

9 hours ago, MGF said:

Hello!

Does anyone know what could be the problem. Would be very happy with any help.

Best regards.

MGF

I am not sure why power surface is looking like that but loft worked well, i just broke the shape at the midpoints and lofted a surface from the Red Chain to the Green chain (see image below)

note, i deleted a bunch of stuff out of this file to make it small enough to upload.

surface_test-lofted.zip