Projecting toolpath onto surfaces

[CRFJim]

I'm having trouble projecting a toolpath onto a surface. The part is a fish lure mold (go figure) and I've already created the basic 3D shape of 1/2 of the fish. To add the scales, gills and eyes I need to project the toolpath for that onto my shape, but try as I might, I can't get it work. I'm using V9.1 and have tried using surface>finish>project as well as project onto sphere/cone/cylinder/x-section with absolutely no success. I keep getting various warnings saying that I have conflicting toolpaths, or that the toolpath does not lie in the plane, etc. Any advice at all would be a huge help and greatly appreciated.

[medaq]

Trying projecting the geometry, then use contour 3d with incremental depth also with cuttercomps on off/off

 

JIm

[CRFJim]

I didn't know I could project geometry, where is it in the menu? Also, since there's so many intricate lines and arcs (fish scales) I've been toolpathing it by using contour>window and just turning off the cutter comp since I'm using an engraving/chamfering tool.

[medaq]

Create-curve-project

 

This will get you to pick a surface or surfaces to project to. Then you pick the geomtry to project onto the surfaces.

 

When you contour in 3d a slight engraving use incremental for depth with -.005, then it will follow the created geo -.005 into your surface.

 

Jim

[CRFJim]

Thank You! I'll give it a try first thing Monday. I appreciate the info!

[cadcam]

Jim What part of Clai are you in?

[CRFJim]

CADCAM, I'm about 30 minutes south of Eureka, Ca. This end of the state isn't exactly a hotbed of CNC shops, and I'm the only programmer/operator at our shop, so I have to rely on this forum, my textbooks and creativity to get me out of tight spots. BTW, Medaq, your solution worked like a charm! I do most of my programming while the machine is running and I'll bet I spent 10 hrs trying to get that toolpath projected. I walked in this morning and while the machine was running it's 20 minute warm-up, I used your method to finish my program! I really want to thank you for the help! Thanks to this forum, my boss still doesn't know what a hack I am!