surface/arc question

[Columbo™]

Hello peeps,

 

I have a simple surface that is cylindrical....When I machine I get a bunch Y/Z's output.

 

Is there a way to have Mastercam output as arc moves to make the program SHORTER?

 

Thanks

[Odell]

Use you Arc Filter / Tolerance tab..

[Columbo™]

quote:

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Use you Arc Filter / Tolerance tab..

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Arc Filter....?????? where is that located????

 

I changed the "total tolerance" and it made the linear steps smaller......making the program LONGER.....

 

 

BTW......I'm using...."Surface Finish Blend"

 

 

Thanks

[rdshear]

I'm not sure it this will do it or not, but you could check your control definition to see if it's set up to output arcs.

 

Here's a clip of how mine is set for one of our machines.

 

 

Rick

[Columbo™]

Rick, I have them all checked.....I just keep getting linear moves instead of arcs......

[jeff]

I think Odell was referring to the filter settings where you check to have it output arcs in XY, XZ, and YZ

[Columbo™]

Jeff.....I don't see that option in surfacing.....I have seen on other screens but not in surfacing......unless its hidden somewhere....

[Nick Eaton]

Hi Columbo,

Go to the Finish Blend Parameters tab .

 

Hit the Tolerances button and you will find the make arcs in planes option - plus other options which combine to give the "up-front" total tolerance on the main tab page.

Is the surface derived from an arc or a spline?

Converting to an arc derived surface may help.

 

Finally on the same tab hit the Blend button.

This will display the frequency that mastercam is looking at the blend chains for positional information. It usually defaults to the stepover.

For a simple shape such as a cylinder you should be able to open it up considerably and thus reduce your code. This will not convert to arcs tho'.

Cheers

Nick

[jeff]

quote:

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Jeff.....I don't see that option in surfacing.....I have seen on other screens but not in surfacing......unless its hidden somewhere....

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Not sure about the Blend toolpath, but for paths like Flowline, it's under the "Total Tolerance" tab.

[Columbo™]

Thanks Nick....

 

It got me closer.......first move is what I want and most moves after that are linear with a stray G3......

[Columbo™]

Thanks Nick and Jeff........I guess I'll have to try a different surfacing toolpath......just doesn't want to work the way I want.....