lead in/out using helix?

[CRFJim]

This one may be tougher to explain than to fix. I'm doing a fairly simple run of parts soon, but my limited knowledge of 4th axis machining is kind of hampering my progress. First off, my part is a simple cylinder with a helical slot cut into it that's timed with an alignment slot in the middle. The helix needs to go one revolution around the outside of the cylinder, it needs to enter and exit (front to back) completely. I can draw and toolpath the part easily enough, but when using verify (I'm using 9.1 BTW) I notice it's plunging into the part and I can't seem to get it to do a lead in/lead out correctly. Anyone have a simple fix for me? Thanks! Jim

[crazy^millman]

Look at rolldie chook. It has function that I understand are suppose to allow that. I would also look at axis sub or even curve 5 axis outputting 4th axis moves. The trick with 5axis curve is to draw the toolpath along the clyinder and all should be good from there.

 

HTH

[CRFJim]

I've already got the part drawn with the helix in place and I've toolpathed it using 5 axis with a 4th axis output, but really don't see any place to keep it from plunging into the part rather than starting off the part. I tried your tip on using the c-hook,and it looks like it might work, but how do you keep the tool pointing towards the center? I'm kind of in over my head with multi-axis toolpathing, and don't know too many of the commands in the menu. I could likely just redraw the helix, making it longer on the ends, but like I said it has to be timed with a slot in the middle and I'd have to go through all kinds of work just to get the helix to start and end where I need it to. Thanks for taking the time to help, I need all I can get.

Jim

[cadcam]

Alott of time I am better at helping if I can see the file.

Can you by chance share your file with me a and Crazy Millman?

 

it sounds preaty simple but some thing has to be causeing you and issue so I would like to see how you are going after it.

 

Thanks Jay

[CRFJim]

I don't have the exact file at home, but I could whip up a sample drawing here since I have a student version of 9 on my home computer. How do I post it so you guys can see what I'm up against?

[cadcam]

Student version, from the school? Please do.

[CRFJim]

It's pretty much the same as the one as I use at work, but without a post, but close enough for sorting out problems without having to charge the customer. How do I post it?

[Matt Berube at Ferron Mold]

See the link "FTP upload instructions" near the top of this page.

[CRFJim]

Ok, it's in the FTP under "Ice Cream Disc". If I uploaded it wrong, please let me know since it's the first time I've done that and as usual I had to kind of bumble my way through it. But that's basically the part, and hopefully you guys can see the problem. I need the slot to start and end off the part. Thanks in advance!

Jim

[cadcam]

I am going to ask were did you get the Student version did you pay for it thru the school?

And I will look for your file.

[cadcam]

Please go to FTP MC9 files and look for your file with my name added. my screen name that is.

 

Is this what you want?