Xform Offset contour losses toolpath

[razor]

OK I don't think there is much I can do here, but I'll ask anyways. I am programming for a Ebeam welding machine, so I do centerline toolpath. Once in a while I'll have to offset the path a little, so I use Xform offset contour. But everytime I do, I have to re-chain the path. Normally this isn't a big deal, but when programming for the ebeam, I have to do a stitch weld which involes sometimes 100 or more chains. I would like to offset the line and just regen the path. I know if I was driving on the left or right of the geo I could just use a stock condition, but like I said with my ebeam post I am stuck with centerline programming

 

Is there anyway to do this?

 

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

I am using MCX4. I do not have MU1 installed yet.

[Mark V.]

What about using xy stock to leave instead of offsetting the contour..Would that work for you?

[Guess_who]

Well I was trying to stick to programming on the center of the path, but let me try it and see what it does.

 

Thanks

[BrianP.]

Try translate toolpath. In the operations manager right click, toolpaths, scroll down to translate. Translate,tool plane. Translate tab at the top select your step over in X or Y and number of steps.

[mchin-pilot]

U are not using computer/wear/control. Use Centre as u are using already.

 

XY allowance should work for you. Mention Left or Right what ever side u want to offset.

 

Thats MarkV said so.

[mastermatt]

not sure but u might be able to window chain ur geometry then use xform translate to move it rather than offset???? them regenerate???

[mastermatt]

yes it works select then xform move and regenertae!!!

[3R!< W3NG3R]

mastermatt, x-form isn't the same as offset contour.

[mastermatt]

no it(x form) just move the geo and doesnt add new

[razor]

Mastermatt, I think if I just use X-form it would only allow me to move in X and Y, not really adjust to a particular side of a contour. But thanks for the comments. I think Mark V, and Mchin are onto something. I didn't realize I could offset a centerline path.

 

If only I had been Conscious of what direction I was chaining. Next time I will be.

 

Thanks to all for the help.

 

Maybe in future releases, MC can figure out how to keep the toolpath chaining in tacked.

[3R!< W3NG3R]

email it to QC.

[LaszloK]

I run into a similar problem generating solids. With most of the geometry xform functions, you can "move" geometry and simply regen the dirty solid. When xform --> offset contour is used and move selected, the solid will go dirty and the new chain will need to be selected in the solids history tree.

[Colin Gilchrist]

Razor,

 

Do you have access to the multiaxis toolpaths? Curve 5 axis is essentially a centerline toolpath, with the ability to adjust the radial offset left or right, but any number you desire. This would be a perfect solution for you, if you have multiaxis. The code will be posted in 3 axis of course.

[Cad-Camr]

razor, I think you should use offset contour and copy instead of move and it will maintain the chain. Then delete the one you dont want.