blending or overlapping toolpaths

[Cuda340]

i want to over lap two different toolpath. i have a radius surface that meets a flat plane surface and i want contour path to over lap or blend into the flat plane surface by .01 to .02 so there is no witness marks between the two paths. how or can i do this.

Thanks

[cadcam]

Create a tool boundry and check the box that say use tool boundry and it will ask you to can this chain the boundry to contain the tool path only in this are when doing multisurf.

Hope this helps.

[Cuda340]

well i think it would be multisurface? the model has 147 surfaces and i need to blend in alot of areas.

[Trevor Bailey]

It is hard to understand what you need. If you need to machine all the surfaces, make sure you have that capability, ie level 3, and then selct all the applied surfaces and the desired toolpath. If you need to segregate the surfaces, use the "boundaries" as Jay mentioned.

[Cuda340]

i have level 3. the part has 6 boss 2 of which are round and 3 shallow pockets with no sharp corners all radius, and it all lies in the top tool plane. so for this should i scallop the part? being that contour dosen't do flat horizontal surfaces. or what info do you need?

[cadcam]

Cuda340,

that is a good idea scallop.

[Trevor Bailey]

Taking a stab in the dark here because I do not know what your geometry looks like, use "surface-rough-pocket" to rough your part. From here, you can do many things.

1) Once roughed, 2d contour all vertical walls(bosses).

or

2) Surface contour all vertical or near vertical surfaces and use shallow or scallop to machine the floor and/or fillets needed. you will need boundaries for this approcah so that you will not cut into the bosses previously machined.

or

3) Surface contour all vertices' as mentioned before and 2d "pocket" finish floor while using ball end mills to machine required fillets.

There are many more methods to achieve the end result for a job as you describe. Even though you have level 3, you still need to think about SPEED in getting the job done. Surface machine when needed, but also utilize the software in conjunction with basic and very reliable 2d toolpath's as well.

If you post your file to Jay's FTP site, the members in the forum will give you more strategies than you can handle!!!!! Life is good.

Hope this helps.

[ 12-19-2001: Message edited by: Trevor ]

[Cuda340]

Thanks, cadcam and trevor. i will try both ways and see which will finish better. i'm very new to this cam stuff. i'm use to writing it by hand. so thanks again

[Trevor Bailey]

For any new "CAM" guy, remember to relax. You will not become a wizard over night. I would still post your file for other members to help you with. Do not get frustrated and stuck on any particular problem or part with your file while working. Come here, post your question and get the answer that will work for you.

The bottom line is seat time. Do a search for the words "seat time" and read what one of the members, James M., wrote. It is a good reading.

 

Good Luck.

[cadcam]

Hey james you have a fan.

Now are we haveing a good time starting to slow down a little for the holidays?