helix bore toolpath

[rickcact1]

I'm using helix bore to do a series of holes, and noticed on the rough/finish parameter page, at the bottom it says output arc moves for helixes. when unchecked, it gives the option for a tolerance. What is the tolerance with the box checked? my machine does not suport arc moves in a helix. should that box not be checked?

[Mike Mattera - TFM]

If your machine and post do not support helix moves. There is no reason for Mastercam to calc helix moves. Do Not Check The Box.

 

Mike Mattera

[HevyMetl]

The tolerance is the length of the chord that mastercam calculates to give you linear motion resulting in what looks like an arc movement in the machine. If your machine does not support 3 dimensional arc movements then you need to set the tolerance here as tight as you want you hole to be. I usually set mine to about .00004, but this results in an exceptionally long program.

 

[rickcact1]

I Unselected this box, and put in .0001, which helped out with surface finish alot. Finish is important on this part considering this hole is product on an injection mold. I tried setting the tolerance to .00005, but Mastercam shut down with it thats tight, so I went with .0001. Thanks for the help.

[HevyMetl]

Watch what you have you system tolerances set-up for. MC will tend to crap out if you try to get tighter than the system tolerances. Also watch your toolpath allocations. Small chordial tolerances will increase a nci file exponentially.