Best file type for good surfacing

[badcam]

I have been requesting .IGS files from my customers (who typically use Pro-E or Solidworks) to use for my surface machining. Sometimes, without what seems to be any reason, I get shallow gouges (same places every time, it is not the machine(s)). I have tolerances set to .0003 to .0002, no filtering. Are the files the source of my problem, and if so, what format may work better.

I am tired of sanding,

 

Badcam

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Generally if you have gaps in your surfaces this phenomenon can occur if you are going paralell to the gap. If you are perpendicular to the gap you'll have less tendency to see this behaviour. You can try adjusting your gap settings. Look at the help to determine how much you need to adjust.

Also, If you're using Version 7.2 or above, Parasolid Export in Solidworks (*.x_t) is your best bet. As for Pro/E, they will need to adjust their IGES settings. If you're using Version 8.0 or later, they can just send you the straight SolidWorks native file.

Hope this helps.

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James M.

[badcam]

Thank you for your quick response!! Much appreciated.

I am trying and angle change on parallel as I type.

My gap setting at present are:

% max stepdown: 300%

Checked on: transisition motion for gouge

Checked on: retract motion for gouge

To be honest, I don't know what these settings do. If you can, help me out!!

Also, do you know what .IGS settings I should tell PRO-E users to use? That would help much.

Badcam

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

The gap settings, truth be told, are better explained by the help files. They have visual examples.

As far as settings on Pro/E's side, I've heard on a few occasions from programmers/engineers that some seeting needed to be changed but I don't know what they are. I don't have access to a Pro/E Workstation otherwise I'd try. Sorry about that.

45 Deg. works really good usually but it will generally increase you NC file by about 33%.

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James M.

[This message has been edited by James Meyette (edited 05-26-2001).]

[pronc]

hi badcam,

here is how u can change part tol. in proe. go into setup, accuracy, absolute then enter the value u want. the lowest no. u can enter in is .0002". hope this help.

[ronengineer]

1) We have never had a problem importing and using parasolid files .x_t

2) .IGS files often have gaps and other problems. Our worst looked like a 100000 piece jigsaw assembled by a 3 year old.