Varying Depth of Cuts

[cincy k]

Could the folks at Mastercam consider adding an option to vary depth of cuts on the milling operations?

 

Basically, I'd like to be able to vary my depth of cuts for just about every milling and facing operation. Maybe perhaps in the depth of cut menu having a zone that you'd like to keep your roughing depth of cuts between. Say for instance between .050 to .1 on the same toolpath.

 

Logic behind it is trying to eliminate a depth of cut notch that wears on many of my inserts and endmills. This is especially true for difficult to machine materials.

 

Would be even cooler if the path started out at the max depth and slowly backed off the depth of cut trying to get the most wear from an insert by gradually making the notch larger.

 

Or are there other alternatives out there?

 

Thanks

[Lee.]

I would talk to your insert supplier and let him tell you why you are having issues.

 

Maybe they are just the wrong inserts?

[chris m]

Cincy, this is something that was on the 'wish list' for the Lathe product a couple of years ago [that was never implemented] to combat the same problem, particularly on ceramic inserts. I never thought about it for milling, since we don't do much of it, but it seems like a good idea.

[Josh T™]

Could Change At A Point do this?

[Mike S @ S4A]

No, but an oscillating contour might be interesting....

 

I think Lee's right; get the insert applications guy involved, make sure it's the right tool/insert/feed..

[chris m]

Even with the perfect feed / speed / DOC and insert combination the tool can develop a notch; optimization of cutting parameters helps, but can only go so far

[dolphin1]

you can use taper walls to help with that.

[cincy k]

Tapered walls is a good idea. Even if it is a slight taper it should help a little.

 

Like said earlier. No matter how dead on your parameters are you still develop a notch especially in some of the difficult materials.

[Troy Gossett Indepak Inc.]

There is an Oscillate option found in contour type 2D, 3D, etc. It works very well for what you are trying to do... Or am I missing the Question here.

[cincy k]

Oscillate does not woork with depthe of cuts as well. Good in principle but doesn't shake out so well. Seperate operations seems to be the only real way around it.