rotary fourth axis geometry

[METAL4GOD]

I am not sure how to create the geometry for using a rotary fourth axis. Do I create my part in the top plane as you would a conventional xy part? and how do you create a tool path, is it also in the top plane? Any help would be much appreciated. I am using a haas vf-3 with haas control.

[John Summers]

Usually, rotary 4-axis parts are on the X axis. Depending on the type of part, it is sometimes useful to UNROLL the geometry, or even start out with geometry 'in the flat' (unrolled), and use axis substitution.

[Steve Biehl - Cimquest Inc]

to 'Unroll', use Xform-Roll and set dialog to 'unroll'

[Mike Mattera - TFM]

You need to create the un-wrapped cylinder in the top plane, do your toolpath and then use the Rotary function to Wrap it back up for A or B axis output.

 

Mike Mattera

[Brendan P]

Are you talking about simultaneous machining or indexing then drilling/milling?

 

BTW,welcome to the forum.

[METAL4GOD]

The part I need to make will be indexing. Flat spots with drilled holes at the center of the flat spots. Kind of a stop sign shape (in the side view) I just can't figure out how to even get started

[steve f]

METAL4GOD,

[steve f]

METAL4GOD,

 

try this as a experiment. Create whatever 2D toolpaths you like (drilling a hole would do the trick) in the top plane. Go to Toolpaths, Next Menu, Transform. On the left side of the window select Rotate and Tool plane (for the Method). Click the Rotate tab at top of window and fill in appropriate data. Make sure Rotation view is set to one of the Side T-planes.

 

HTH

 

steve

[Storkman]

You can also use the WCS to create different views for the different indexes.

[Brendan P]

For simple 2d work,you can draw each pc. of geometry and then translate and rotate to your desired linear or angular positions.

To give it toolpaths,you will need to play with the T/C plane parameters.

 

Also,the mpmaster post is a must.

[cadcam]

METAL4GOD ,if you buy the 4 & 5 axis book off this site it will give you some of the basics for waht you want to do.

 

Just a thought.

[HEAVY METAL]

like buckethead said transform/rotate/toolplane toolpaths works for me most of the time for rotary indexing

[METAL4GOD]

thanks for the help I will give these suggestions a try.

[METAL4GOD]

Steve I used the method you described and it worked perfectly. The only problem I had was I did not realize you had to set a work offset for each rotation, And on my dry run on the machine I kept getting an over travel alarm. It took me a few minutes to figure out what was happening. I just repeated the same offsets 8 times and it worked just like I wanted it to.

[Brendan P]

quote:

---

only problem I had was I did not realize you had to set a work offset for each rotation,

---

Not true,you do not have to set a new 'work offset' for each rotation.

On your tool parameters page under misc. values there should be a spot to check 'on' Lock on first WCS.

 

I actually have one of my 'rotary indexing' posts hard coded to do this.

[cadcam]

I suggest go to TCplan on the 1st paramter page and say if you want g54 set Work offset to "0" on all and it will use just that.

 

Brenden, most posts to not have that option you spoke of in the Text file.

The MPmaster is the only one that i know of unless your dealer added it to your post.

[Brendan P]

Jay,

Why wouldn't he be using the mpmaster post for rotary toolpaths???

This is what I use.

 

My earlier post in this thread suggested to use the mpmaster post.

 

BTW,this is all useful information I obtained only here!

[Allan Brown]

BUCKET - Flattery will get your everywhere.