drawing lines for 5 axis drilling

[JHUAPL]

what is the best way to draw lines for you 5 axis drilling.

[HEED]

I am a NOOB as well here but I dont think you have to draw lines for the vectoring, it comes off your control surface doesn't it?

[MIL-TFP-41]

Do a search for the holeaxis c-hook. Very slick & easy...creates a centerline from any circular geometry (arcs, surfs & I think the newest version will do a solid also)

[Thee Starry™]

Both Heed and JMC are correct. holeaxis is great, but not always needed. I will often use the lines created when a hole is made through a surface or solid for my 5 axis drilling. It depends on the model, how it was created and what I need. You can select axis control by surface, lines and so on as is your preference when you pick 5 axis drilling.

If those don't work out for you, you can draw lines yourself. I generally, if needed, will just draw a line from center point of bottom of hole to the center point of the top of the hole. If the hole is created properly it will fall directly in line with the surface, so you can them use that as your axis control line.

If given the choice I would highly suggest the holeaxis c hook that JMC mentioned though. Very nice and simple to use, and very effective.

[HEED]

Thanks for that program link, James, I didn't know about it, and I can see how it would be VERY helpful. I was going to ask if/how/why you would use this over surface vectoring, however Michael beat me to it, also good information, I didn't even ask the question and I feel like I got a lot out of this thread.

[Thad]

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Thanks for that program link, James, I didn't know about it, and I can see how it would be VERY helpful.

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And you get the new "Notepad" feature, which RAWKS!

 

Thad

[HEED]

what do you use the notepad feature for, thad ? I can think of a few things (custon tool notes, offsets, etc. ) just wondering what you are using it for

[Thad]

quote:

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what do you use the notepad feature for, thad ?

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HEED,

 

Nothing too fancy here. It's just a feature that I've wanted for a long time. I used to use drafting notes and then put them on another level. I just think that's kind of cheesy. The notepad feature seems cooler. I don't have to worry about font size (like with drafting notes) to be able to read it easily depending on file size.

 

I can add notes of things I discussed with the machinist so 2 weeks later when he runs it, it's not a mystery. Any info like that can be stored *in* the file.

 

Thad