surface rough parallel

[PaulR]

I have a surface that I want to machine using surface rough parallel. I brought in my own stl stock file which is just rectangular in shape. The tool just wants to plunge right up to my surface ignoring my stock file. Why does this happen? I even tried not using a stl file, just a requalr stock and I get the same results. I'm using X4 if that matters.

 

Thanks,

[Colin Gilchrist]

What is your maximum depth of cut? You can use the Cut Depths button to assign the depth level of the first cut.

 

Surface Rough Parallel is a really old toolpath technology. I have much better luck with Surface Rough Pocket. To use SRP you will need a wireframe chain at the depth of your top of stock. It doesn't have to be a rectangle, but it must be planar.

[PaulR]

My max cut depth is 2mm. Do you know why it does not work?

[3R!< W3NG3R]

you can set a plunge point. Parallel doesn't recognize stock as far as I know. +1 to pocket for roughing. You could even use zig zag to make it work like parallel rough.

[Colin Gilchrist]

SRP has to have a surface to use for it to calculate the top of stock. It just doesn't work very well for surface roughing. I only use it in pretty rare circumstances.

 

You could potentially create vertical surface that is tangent to the surface you want to cut. This would cause the toolpath to "see" some height and add to your depth cuts. I promise you that this will be more work than you want to do, and it will probably have some unintended consequences. You will fight and fight with this toolpath to get it to your liking.

 

Trust us, just try Surface Rough Pocket, and create a wireframe chain at your top of stock. It will work like magic. You can also set the tool containment boundary options to "inside", "center", or "outside" depending on if you want to cut a true pocket, or you want to rough out a block of material from the outside in. It is a very versital toolpath.

[PaulR]

What would the difference be between surface rough and surface finish if surface rough does not recognize my stock?

[PaulR]

Is there anyway of finding out where the top of my stock is in mastercam (z value), or do I have to go back to my cad software to figure it out?

I cant select the top of my stock.

[3R!< W3NG3R]

quote:

---

I cant select the top of my stock.

---

Use 'create bounding box'. Then you can select one of the lines at the top. I create a bounding box for almost every surfacing file. Just don't forget to make sure it is set to 3D.