flowline parameters (cut direction)

[jeff]

let's say I want to machine a group of 4 surfaces, all but one of them the cut direction is left to right, and the odd man out is up and down.

How can I change this lone surface to match the others?

[Mike S @ S4A]

can you make edge curves around the whole target area? If so, then make one new surface; then you can control the flow by the order of curve picking - (i.e. along vs. across...)

[jeff]

thanks, I will try that

[MotorCityMinion]

Whoa.... just went though this this morning. I ended up turning the surfaces into a single solid for each pocket, then it worked fine. 2 square pockets with rads and angles running down the sides, both the same, just different locations. Each pocket had its own op. Funny thing is, I started out with a solid, then made the surfaces and chose those first. Some times, just deleting the op and re-picking the surfaces in the same order is all it takes.

[Mick]

Colin,

 

That is a hot tip. I must admit, I have never used the Surface Finish Blend toolpath, and I've been thwarted by Flowline a few times.

 

I'm going to look at the blend option over the next few days

 

Thanks!

[MotorCityMinion]

Which end of the blend chain and the order that you select the chains will help determine the cutting and slope direction.

[crazy^millman]

I am finding the HST toolpaths are more forgiving to surfaces take a look at them.

 

 

HTH

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Blend kicks butt if you can't rebuild a surface. One thing I like flowline over blend though is that I have better surface finish control. That said, blend really IS a great surface toolpath.

[Chris Rizzo]

You can pick all sorts of crazy chains. Open, closed, partial, different z depths, etc. Don't forget you can pick a point as one of your two chains. Re-order chains to determine cut direction. Works great for cylindrical funnel shaped features (ports).

[jeff]

Thanks for the info,

I've never used blend, just always stuck with flowline, and I rarely have problems other than having to reverse the normals, but that's an easy fix.

I guess I need to broaden my horizons and start playing with blend

[Don Trust]

Yep, blend is a great toolpath. I use it 90% of the time, due to the fact that most of my toolpaths contain hundreds of surfaces.

 

One thing not mentioned yet is to try to keep the inside and outside chains starting at the same radial position. By that I mean I always try to start my chains at the 90° position (12 o'clock), even if it mean breaking a chain there. I think this gives a smoother surface, unless I miss my guess.

 

(at least, it looks better as it's being created.

[Don Trust]

Oh yeah, one other thing.

 

For the 'cutting method', pick SPIRAL. Really smooth toolpath.