5-axis helix question

[Code_Breaker]

I am making an o-ring groove .250 wide x .250 deep with a 2.0" diameter on a 5-aix type of surface keeping it normal to the surface with a 2 deg lead ...

 

I want to ramp or helix with a full final pass a depth (like the one in 2D contour)

 

Which multi-axis tool is best ... Curve 5 axis, swarf 5 axis, etc.

 

Thanks

[gcode]

Without seeing it, its hard to say

I think my first try would be to program it

with a 3+2 helix mill then used the

Advance 5X toolpath "Convert to 5 axis"

to change it to a true 5X toolpath

[Metalmuncher]

I have used Curve 5axis with great results.

[Code_Breaker]

quote:

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I have used Curve 5axis with great results.

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How do you helix the curve?

[John Summers]

I don't know what you mean by "helix the curve". Helix in the ramp, or does the helix help define the curve?

[Code_Breaker]

For example:

 

Draw a 2" circle ... using 2D toolpath 'contour' under 'cut parameters' select 'contour type' choose 'ramp' ... under 'ramp motion" select 'depth' using 'ramp depth' .050 and check 'make pass at final depth" (which is .200 deep)

 

Now ... do this with 5 axis ...

 

tried gcode way but could not get it to work ...

[John Summers]

I don't think CURVE5AX ramps, but it's a good idea. I think you're going to make successive depth cuts.

[HEED]

Curve or Multisurf is probably going to be your best bet. Swarf is more for walls that you are finishing paralell to the tool. I don't think that curve does ramp, and I am positive that multisurf doesn't. What about 2 seperate operations? A rough and a finish pass to depth with multisurf or even a 5ax flow?

[HEED]

I did it in Msurf. File on FTP. In x3 files, 5AXMSURFRAMP.MCX

[Code_Breaker]

Thanks Jesse,

 

I took your file, changed the drive surface to a flat boundary surface ... rotate both the surface and geometry -10 degrees (just to give it more 'eye-definition') , changed drive surface offset on "surface Paths" tab to zero (it would take -.200 for some reason), changed theh depth of cut under "roughing" tab to

 

number 2

spacing .1

left everything the same

 

changed Tool axis will under tool axis control to "be tilted relative to cutting direction" lead 2 degrees

 

changed to 1/4 bull nose .031 rad ..

 

and now I have exactly what I was looking for ...

 

save back to FTP as 5AXMSURFRAMP-2.MCX under X4 files

 

Thanks again

[Code_Breaker]

PS ... works great for one, but not muliple projecter curves ... won't retract ... how do you fix this? OR do you make one operation per curve?

[gcode]

Have you tried the settings on the Link

page.. there's a lot of power there..

[Code_Breaker]

quote:

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Have you tried the settings on the Link

page.. there's a lot of power there..

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I play around with it, but not found what I need to do multiple curves ... I separate them for now and will experiment later ...

[Pat-TGM]

Code_Breaker

 

In Link parameter > Link between passes:

 

Small moves = Retract to clearance erea

Large moves = Retract to clearance erea

 

HTH

[Code_Breaker]

thanks

 

[Pat-TGM]

Glad to help