Problem with Cutting "Air" on Cast Piece

[LNDCAD]

I have uploaded a file named CAST TEST.MC9 to the MC9 directory on the FTP site( Cast Test MC9 File ). I am trying to rough machine the interior pocket surface where the stock is a casting with the top of stock at an angle rather than horizontal. Is there a way that I can reduce the amount of "air cuts" (look at the front view to see how the toolpaths spend a lot of time in the air)? I quickly made this file as a test piece (I know that I could cut this with a standard pocket cut, and not use surface, however I would have the same problem with the pocket cuts). I already searched the forum and downloaded Iskander's Lazy Tricks for Remachining, checked using STL files for stock in verify, and looked at trimming toolpaths. I can trim the toolpaths to a boundary, but I would like to trim these to an angled top of stock. So far the only method I found was to manually edit the toolpath once it was created. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Thad]

You can trim the toolpath from a view other than top, but that'll only work if the angled part goes across the entire part. Just change your c-plane before selecting the trimming chain.

 

Thad

[crazy^millman]

A toolpath I have used and not sure if he covered it is Surface Rough Pocket but using no roughing only finishing and leave stock to a desired amount.

 

HTH

[LNDCAD]

Thanks for the quick response. I will try this as soon as I get back in the office and let you know how it worked out.

[Storkman]

We do what Thad suggested quite often. Do the toolpath from a top plane then switch to a right side plane to trim it. Works pretty well.

[billystein]

if you use the inside contour for the boundary and click inside for the tool containment. It does reduce the amount of air cut.

 

you can do it better with pocket.

[beej]

Lndcad

I just put a file on the ftp site called "cast test beej.mc9" take a look at that and see if that's what your after.

[LNDCAD]

Thanks for all the help. I did what Thad suggested and reposted the file with the TRIM to the FTP site as MC9 FlesCAST TEST.MC9. I tried your file Beej, but got an error on the restmill operation when I tried to regenerate - "problem with solid face"??? Thanks anyway.

[heavychevy2155]

ive also created a boundary around the pocket, then projected the boundary up so i can do a regular 2d pocket in the boundary i just made. then surface project that 2d pocket onto the surface of the casting and leave some amount on the drive surface for a finish path. it work ok and pretty quick if your in a fix.

[LNDCAD]

Thanks for all the help. The result of what Thad suggested worked exactly as I needed.