4th axis toolpath

[?Mark]

Imagine simple hex part rotating on vmc about x axis. As a sample I want to chamfer all 6 sides without retracting a tool and without setting t/c planes for each side.

Can this be done without multi-axis license?

If yes then how?

Under toolpaths mc shows multiaxis-rotary 4 axis but apparently I need a multiaxis license for that.

 

Many thanks.

[Alvaro Gil - Cimquest-inc.com]

you can use axis substitution to do this if its simple... Let us see the part.

[?Mark]

It's a simple hexagon, but the principle will be the same for a rectangle as well so lets use a rectangle as a sample (if it simplifies things in any way).

Here is a sample (I'd like to continuously mill from side 1 all the way to side 6):

Thanks

 

[ 10-07-2008, 02:05 PM: Message edited by: Mark.B. ]

[Alvaro Gil - Cimquest-inc.com]

Yes, it works I just tried it. Although back plot and Verify does not work well on X2MR2.

 

Assuming the part is oriented with the Y axis going trough the center of the part chain the top of the part with a contour toolpath. Now make sure you pick 3D chamfer! Select rotary axis button. Now select axis substitution and sub the x axis. Now make sure you click on UNROLL. This will tell Mstercam the shape is already rolled up... Enter a diameter, although you only need something in there larger than zero.

 

Works great...

[crazy^millman]

Might look at curve 5 axis in a 4 axis output. Then you can control the vectors which will keep the tool normal as you are machining it. Might have to create a lot of Vectors to control it the way you want, but think it will do it as well. Though the Axis sub sounds easier.

 

HTH

[?Mark]

Thanks Alvaro,

 

I'm still playing with it and I'm almost there, but for some reason the cut is rotated 30deg like so:

hmmm

 

quote:

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Might look at curve 5 axis in a 4 axis output

---

multiaxis license needed.

[heavychevy2155]

I think I got it, use axis substitution, unroll, then choose 3D Chamfer as the contour type.

[heavychevy2155]

Set your chamfer step down to whatever size you need. I dont think you could use a radius cutter as it would gouge as the rotary turns but a 45 degree chamfer should be ok.

[?Mark]

heavy,

that's what Alvaro said.

I'm at the point where backplot and I think code looks good, but verify is still off

[heavychevy2155]

I posted it out and you can see the z axis move up and down as the part turns so it may be close. Do you have a test piece or a setup part that you can run to check it out on.

[heavychevy2155]

Sorry Alvaro, I said the same thing you did . The sad part is I just read your post, lol.

[?Mark]

Unchecking "Use TrueSolid" in verify makes it look consistent with the backplot and the code.

Anyone aware of a bug with a truesolid verify?