Roughing toolpath that follows a surface / variable-Z

[Sigurd]

This is a part that I'm struggling with, particularly roughing it out. It's hard S-7 with .015" radii everywhere. Roughing with 1/16 ballnose and finishing with 1/32 ballnose. Is there a roughing toolpath that will follow the surfaces and NOT hold constant-Z? I have tried Area Rough, OptiRough, Surface Rough Pocket, and Surface Rough Contour. Perhaps I've missed a button somewhere. 

I'm still fairly new to the 3D world. Thanks for taking the time to look.

151-2 test.mcam

[JParis]

Having not looked at the part but just offering a strategy...

Create a Scallop style toolpath....the use Project to create depths of cut as necessary..

 

Just now, JParis said:

Having not looked at the part but just offering a strategy...

Create a Scallop style toolpath....the use Project, leaving different stock on settings to create depths of cut as necessary..

 

 

[Sigurd]

Thanks for responding. My finishing toolpath is Equal Scallop, and I've projected wireframe before, but how do I use it like you're suggesting? The Project toolpath?

[Jespertech]

Do you have access to the multi axis toolpaths? 

[Sigurd]

No, I do not. 

[crazy^millman]

Think out of the box. Why must you use a roughing toolpath to do what you are after?

You have dumbed down the solid on Level 2 which is perfect. Semi finish that top surface. Then take a finish toolpath and use it to rough that section the part. Use a more aggressive step over and decide on the step down amount you want. The other option is to take a pocket toolpath and project it to that area. The way you are doing the finish can be copied with a stock to leave and that will act like you step downs for a roughing toolpath.

The other thing is I would use a filter and decrease the tolerance down to .0001 to get a better looking part. Problem will be the different linking things Mastercam will try to do. I would then play with the step over adjusting .0001" to see which one up or down gives the best results. That will have to be a trail and error to work out.