Rotary 4th axis

[Jeremy Grigsby]

Does Cnc Software offer only 4th axis rotary toolpath as an option to add on to mill level 3. We are interested in getting into a mill package but it seems like we would waste alot of extra money to get 5 axis toolpaths when our shop doesn't have that capability. It would be nice if these were seperate. Any comments, or am I confused about the add-on?

[Chipmakr]

Jeremy,

 

Most if not all toolpaths at level 3 already contain the rotary capability. On the first page of your toolpath parmeters page look down where the misc. integers and planes buttons are located. There is a rotary button there as well. You also have the rolldie C-hook and probably some other stuff I am forgetting to mention that will support 4th axis work.

 

Do a search for rotary here on the forum. I know there are some cool files on the FTP with great exapmles of pocketing and wall finishing with rolldie.

 

HTH

[Jeremy Grigsby]

Well, right now we have the x2 demo so i can try out all of these toolpaths. I first used the rotary 4th axis toolpath on the part (think of a mixer blade) and it was exactly what I needed to do. The parts are a max of 5/8 in diameter and the best way to machine them is to start at the far end and work my way through the blade so i keep the thinest part away from the cut. I'm saying once I cut part of the blade, I don't have to touch that part again xxxx it will flex there. The part will maybe be an 1/8 inch at its thickest point. I experimented with using rotary positioning on some of the surfacing toolpaths, but they tend to machine the whole thing on one side and then rotate to another tool plane to do the other side. I will check out that chook you spoke of and see if it helps. I just wish I could get that toolpath seperately because the many 5 axis toolpaths that come with the multiaxis add on are useless to us.

[Chipmakr]

I see what your saying. The rotary options I am talking about will not help you for that application. Unfortunately I don't think there is anyway around that problem besides buying mutiaxis package. Ask your reseller and see if he knows of a soluton?

[iowajim62]

Just remember some of the 5 axis toolpaths can be output as 4 axis moves. You need to read up on those as well as that might be what your looking for. hth

[Todd Tracey from Fastech]

Jeremy,

You would need the Multi-Axis added to Mill Level 3 to do the full 4th axis rotary. As mentioned above, several of the 5-axis toolpaths have an option to output as 4th only.

Call me or Kevin with any questions.