pocketing a circular slot

[rgollar]

Hello,

I got a 3/4" slot that is a 1/2" deep on a 3 inch circular pattern. Im using a 1/2" endmill. I use the pocket option in mastercam 9 to mill the slot out. How would I tell mastercam to ramp down in the z axis as its cutting around in the slot, so i dont have to drill a starter hole? I tried messing with the helix bore but I must be missing something. As the cutter goes around the circular path I would like it to reach final depth in Z after first pass around the 3" circular path. Thank you in advance for your help.

[Guest]

Try using contour ramp, the tool is large enough to cover the width of the slot, this should work well.

[rgollar]

Thank you for the reply. Are you saying to use the ramp feature under the pocket mill options? Under entry ramp, then you can choose helix or ramp? And if thats what your talking about, where in there do I control the z depth and angle it feeds down in. Thank you again for your patients and help.

[Guest]

Check your mail.

 

It's a simple contour Ramp on a radial slot

 

Hang on I see you using V9, I'll resend in the correct version

[rgollar]

Thank you John for your help. I appreciate it and thank this forum as I have learned so much from every one here just by reading the post.

[Guest]

gth

 

Let me know if you can open that one, it's MR0304

 

It's the earliest and only V9 version I have installed

[rgollar]

worked great.

[Justin Beebe at Folsom Tool]

For your toolpath type don't select pocket. Select contour instead. On your contour parameters page under "contour type" select the drop down arrow and then select ramp. Under ramp select ramp motion "depth", and also check make pass at final depth. With a half inch endmill you will need two contour toolpaths. For one contour you will chain the outside of your slot for the other contour you will chain the inside of your slot. Make sure you are climb cutting for both chains. Also watch your lead in lead out settings to make sure you don't gouge your part. You can experiment with different settings under contour ramp until you get exactly what you are looking for. This is one way to do what you are looking for

[Justin Beebe at Folsom Tool]

John,

 

Your too fast!

[Guest]

quote:

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John,

 

Your too fast!

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Been typing for the last half hour?

 

[Justin Beebe at Folsom Tool]

Yeah, Maybe I'm too slow. Have a great Sunday.

[Guest]

quote:

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Have a great Sunday.

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You too