Mirror Image Parts

[Bill Sutton@Accurate Machine]

We do alot of parts that always require mirror image. So of these are complicated. So ususally we get the orginal part right and then mirror image the program.

Using tranform, Mirror image on Y axis does well. But what we have to to is reverse the chain, make cutter comp right in order everything to cut the same being climb cutting.

Drill cycle are fine.

With this take a long time if there is alot of steps.

Just wondering what some people do or is there a better way of doing mirror image parts.

 

Thanks

Bill

[Andrew Abken]

Bill,

 

Good question, I am interested to hear some answers on this one as well.

 

I have been doing it as you describe in your post. Can be a pain on complex parts.

 

Andrew

[?Mark]

quote:

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is there a better way of doing mirror image parts

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In short no.

What might give you a little better result is mirror geometry together with toolpaths so you are able to see where lead ins/outs need to be adjusted also...

Pain in the butt but no easy way aroud it

hth

[Don S at Barefoot CNC South]

Some machines have a mirror image function.

[mowens]

The easiest way I know of is to mirror the parts and use left handed cutters.

[Matt Berube at Ferron Mold]

What about "reverse toolpath" checkbox in the toolpath transform mirror dialog ?

[john316]

.

 

quote:

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Just wondering what some people do or is there a better way of doing mirror image parts.

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If you want to climb cut with right hand cutters this is the better way.

 

By mirroring your geometry, reversing your chains, changing the the cutter back to the left side, and regenerating your toolpath, you have saved the time it takes to develop a machining approach and creating geometry.

 

You can mirror the program in the machine control but I hear it is getting harder to get a good selection of left hand cutters.

 

.

[Greg Williams]

I am with Matt,

 

Left hand cutters are the best way to go.

some tooling companies will do specials

[Andrew Abken]

quote:

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What about "reverse toolpath" checkbox in the toolpath transform mirror dialog ?

 

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I like it! I did not know that option was available.

 

Thanks Matt for the tip.

 

Andrew

[?Mark]

I'm using all those methods except left hand tooling and there just is NOT an easy way around it.

There is stock considerations, where reversing a toolpath will not do because of lead in/out (unless you like air cutting ), left hand tooling is not readly available (try getting varimill in left hand ) )...

Just finished a job of 40 matching sets (left and right) that used up to 25 tools per setup and each tool working on several different features of the part and it's time consuming with no magic button as an answer to the original question of this thread.

You need to go tool by tool and toolpath by toolpath, with the exception of drilling and probing.

A big chunk of our work is military and aerospace and mirroring sets a very common here

hth

Mark

[Greg Williams]

quote:

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try getting varimill in left hand

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If you cannot buy one get someone local to make it for you. Anyone with an ANCA or Walter CNC grinder will be able to do this for you.

 

I have plenty of contacts here if you cannot find anyone local to help you.

[Bill Sutton@Accurate Machine]

Wish they had the big red easy button!!!!!

[mowens]

They do, it's right next to the eff'n magic button on your keyboard.

[?Mark]

quote:

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get someone local to make it for you

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the tools we use are top of the line but off the shelf. Problem with specials is I'd have to slow way down and it's a no-no

90% of what i'm cutting is 17-4 ss and 4100-4300 steels and speeds and feeds i'm running it at are comparable to what I used to cut aluminium at not too long ago

 

quote:

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magic button

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automatic stock recognition could be pretty darn close to it

[within a thou]

and the "undo last program" button on your control