5 Axis Curve Toolpath

[Todd Wertz]

Hi all,

I’m trying to use a 5 axis curve toolpath to cut 360 degrees around a part. However, Mastercam will not generate negative numbers for me. I need C to start at –180 and move to 180. This would provide a clean simple cut. However, it wants to start at 0 and move to 180 then unwind and do 0 to 180 again. My post is set up to run from –180 to 180 already. Any Ideas?

[gcode]

If your post is set up to use it, you can use the

bias settings in the Misc Setting to force the cut to start at -180°

[Slepydremr]

Change your tool plane 180 deg. I think that should work.

[Mike Mattera - TFM]

Rotate the spline 180 thru the axis plane. Mastercam sometimes starts at certian poinst on the spline move the spline (or break it if you can) and the start point might move.

 

Mike Mattera

[Todd Wertz]

G-Code: Could you get more specific? (eg “Default Miscellaneous Integer Values”) Where do I look?

[Todd Wertz]

Slepydremer: you can't use a specific tool plane to rotate coninuously through every plane.

[Todd Wertz]

Mike: I set the starting point specifically where it could run from –180 to 180.

[john316]

.

 

Todd, you need to find a way to force your code to start at either 180 or -180 depending on where your C-axis unwinds. This will wind-up your C-Axis before you start cutting.

 

One way to do this is by creating a point above your part and using Toolpath, Next menu, Point, Goto XYZ. Pick the point you created.

 

Rotate the tool and construction plane for that toolpath by quadrant until it gives you the wind-up you want.

 

.

[Todd Wertz]

How do you rotate a t-path. I have never been able to find the command?

[Nils N]

Todd, I’ve been able to move my start point when I’ve had a similar problem with Curve 5axis, like this- I go into op manager and left click on geometry, you should get the Curve 5 Axis dialog box, left click on 3D Curves (I figure you used curves instead of surface edge) then in the chain manager right click on your chain, select “Start Point” then Dynamic on the tool bar. You should be able to move your start location to the point that works. In X it’s the same except you when you get to the chain manager you click the red arrow.

[Nils N]

Todd I Forgot to mention, that I set my misc integers (Misc values) button, to the appropriate setting so the machine gives me the move I want at the start point I need. Like G-code suggested.

[Todd Wertz]

I just used the surfaces, but I can generate it via chains as well.

[Nils N]

Todd, In my use I've found curves to work best, I've just stayed with what works for me. Try it might work for ya.

[Todd Wertz]

I can't get curves to work for beans. Nils and gcode, thanks for mentioning misc values. I didn't look closely enough in there. I set my secondary axis to 1 which is positive and it forced my c axis to wind before it started. Now I get a single fluid cut without the head retracting from the material. Thanks for all your help.