Step over and Scllop height calculation

[Jimic]

Can someone point me to the right direction.

How to calcalte the step-over or sclllop height for proling using differrent Endmill cutter sizes, roughing and finishing? Where can I find a table with all the value for differnt finish?

[Hardmill]

Check here. Die/mold guide lines tab (left side), Bottom of page.

 

 

PEACE

[Colin Gilchrist]

Jimic,

 

You can certainly look up those values in a table or tool catalog somewhere. Personally, I prefer to use the Scallop Height calculator in the Surface - Finish - Parallel dialog box (because I'm lazy ). Go to: Toolpaths - Surface Finish - Finish Parallel. When you are promted to select surfaces, just hit End Selection or Enter. In the Surface Selection dialog box, just hit the green check mark to close the dialog box. This will bring you to the Surface finish parallel parameters. Get a tool or multiple tools from the library. With the tool you want to use selected, click on the Finish Parallel Parameters tab. Click on the button that says "Max. stepover". This will open the Maximum stepover dialog box which is a "poor man's" scallop height calculator. You can then enter the step over amount and you will get two calculations, the approximate scallop height on a flat floor, and the approximate height on a 45 degree wall. If you want to check a different tool, close the dialog box, go back to the Toolpath parameters page and pick a different tool.

 

I like this method because I'm trying to figure out this stuff on the fly most of the time. Stopping to go look something up in a book takes me out of the groove sometimes. Its the same reason that I love the right click menu in the data entry fields. I never right down values anymore, too much room for error. I would rather right click and select depths right off of my geometry (Thanks CNC).

 

-Colin

[Colin Gilchrist]

BTW, there is a reason I create a finish parallel toolpath that contains no geometry. When you are done using the scallop height calculator and you close the toolpath, Mastercam will prompt you and ask you if you would like to save the operation. I just press no and it goes away....