X3 Scallop toolpath errors.

[Dracbus]

I have been using mastercam since V9 and havnt had this issue until installing the new x3 version. When using a scallop toolpath and runing over a small vertical only a couple hundred tall every once in a while i get gauges out of the aluminum.

 

Typically i try not to run scallops over verticals but in the past as long as its not a very large vertical its been fine. It dosnt always do it and it dosnt show up when you backplot but when you run the programs theres a very visable notch taken out of the part your working on. You can kinda get rid of it if you drop your tolerance down to .0001 but if you ever have a large scallop program that would not be the best idea since your program would take a very long time to process. I usually run .0002 to .0003 with a 2:1 RATIO on scallops and it was always fine in the past. Sometimes i adjust up or down to make a smoother path but never before X3 has it cut in like this. Is anyone else noticing that scallop programs are not as reliable as they were int he past? Or does anyone have any suggestions that might help the situation?

 

Thank you,

[Redfire427]

No, the scallop toolpath is just as bad as it always was. Very poor toolpath, especially at surface edges. It creates very jerky motion even with a .0001 tolerance and 1:1 filter. I rarely use this toolpath due to its poor tool control.

[DavidB]

If the surfcae is dead vertical to the tool plane don't include it in the geom there is no need to, and MC seems to take its time trying to calculate it.

 

HTH

[Mike Whitten CAD/CAM Contractors]

I have not played with X3 yet but in X2MR2 SP1, I have found that HST Scallop works much better. It does not support checks though. I hope they will enhance this at some point.

 

Thanks,

Mike

[huba86]

Same problems here, even with HST Waterline it shows the same thing. In the past I was using scallop with no problems...

[Ray H.]

Using the arc filter is known to cause these problems. There is also the relationship between the code and machine control it may run fine on other machines, possibly.

[Dracbus]

Ive tried everything that has been suggested. i have also looked at several other threads and did alot of experimenting. Usually i am very addept at fixing toolpaths and have in the past used scallop with very nice results. In x2 i had it down to a pretty consistent science but with the release of x3 i have ran into a whole new bee hive of problems. Scallop used to be a very versitile toolpath now its almost worthless since i am getting guages in parts that are undetectable in verify and backplotters. The only way i have been able to fix it is to switch to another toolpath. Which means alot more work for our complicated parts. I believe it is a mastercam issue. Ive been able to get rid of the ripple effect of the toolpath but not the guage problem. If anyone has anymore suggestions i would appreciate it. Thank you.

[pip]

Have you tried turning the filter off.

[John Jr.]

When you say ripple effect of the toolpath do you mean faceting? and if so, how did you do it...thanks