5-axis pocketing?

[Jacob Featherstone]

I commonly have to machine some pretty deep pockets with a 5-axis router. Often, I don’t have enough tool hang-out and have to create clearance around the tool holder by adding some tilt.

 

I’ve tried using the Advanced Multiaxis Converstion to 5 axis path, referencing a Surface Rough Pocket path, but I end up with some pretty crazy paths… This may have a lot to do with not having a continuous C.

 

I’d like to do a pocket pointing through a point – does anyone else have any techniques that they use to do this? Or is 5-axis machining mostly reserved to contours and surfacing?

 

-Jake

[Ron Branch @ Verisurf]

I mainly use 3+2 for all 5 axis pocketing. I may divide a pocket in 3 or 4 sections to allow for tilt of the head you will find your machine does not work as hard and you will also see gains in machining time as well and less wear and tear on your worm drive assembly for the 5 axis head. You can go through a point with several older 5 axis toolpaths but then run back into the C axis problem. Where as with 3+2 you keep the C and B axis locked allowing for direct placement of where you want the tool and keeping clearance for the holder.

 

HTH

[Nils N]

+1000 for Ron, I use that scheme before a full 5 axis program, everything like Ron said

[MATT Q]

That is the way to do it I do it everyday here. Glad to hear your back Ron.

[John Summers]

You can cut around the walls of a tapered pocket provided the tool axis does not become parallel with either rotary axis. Sometimes near-parallel can be a problem too. If this happens, change the setup or change the directions of the rulings on ruled surface walls.

[Colin Gilchrist]

Hey Guys,

 

Try taking one of those 3+2 pockets, and use the "advanced multi-axis" toolpath to convert it to 5 axis. Set your tool axis control to "through point", and it works awesome.

[Jacob Featherstone]

I've been trying out the "Convert to 5 axis" paths with some success on the screen... I was having problems with my terrible Onsrud post though.

 

I think that I have it sorted now and am eager to try some new programs on the machine.

 

-Thanks for all the help

[crazy^millman]

That is what this place is all about. I would like to hear what you come up with and how things work out if you don't mind keeping us up to date.