Dynamic mill open pocket issue.

[BenK]

I have two different Dynamic mill paths both using the same chain for the pocket. They use a different chain for the stock . The issue I’m having is with the first toolpath. It is set up with all the same start points, directions and settings as the second toolpath but it will not cut the open pocket. Has anyone else had this issue?

 

Toolpath 1 (incorrect toolpath)

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Does anyone know why the first toolpath would not turn out right?

[Goldorak]

you have to make 2 chain

 

1st is the stock

2nd is the stock to LEAVE , not the stock to remove

 

so your 2nd chain must get the "U" shape , not the "D" shape if i can explain like this ... master cam will remove any material that is not common to the 2 chain (core mill method)

 

the 2nd chain direction tell mastercam the way to ramp (CCW or CW)

 

hope thats help you a bit , Dynamic mill can be tricky to get it works well

 

search for dynamic island.MCX on the FTP X_4_files folder this will be a good example for your situation

[Glenn Bouman]

The 2d HST toolpaths unlike regular pocketing, looks at the size of the chained profile to determine which is the pocket and which is the island, not the profile is inside other chains.

 

That is why you can only do one pocket at a time.

[Tim Johnson]

Analyze your unused chain to make sure it's closed.

[BenK]

Goldorak, That is how I have both of them chained they just don't come out the same. The 1st one is what my part looks like and the 2nd one I created the chain for the stock. I just don't like creating geometry.

 

The chains are closed.

[3R!< W3NG3R]

you need a line closing the rectangle for your stock chain. Then chain the same one but with the U-shape cut out. This would be your island chain. The small u-shaped chain you have there is not needed for this path.

 

Remember that when you chain the stock, it needs to be the actual stock to machine from. Your above example has the pocket already cut out from it.

[Roger Peterson]

The largest (area) chain is what will be machined, any other chains (smaller) will be avoided.

[neurosis]

Wouldnt it be nice if you could actually specify which chain was stock and which was not.

 

I have battled with this path in the past. It takes a few times to understand what it is looking for and even then, some tricky open pockets can take a bit of head scratching prior to building your chain geometry. Mostly it is well worth the time spent.

[Roger Peterson]

The 2d HST toolpath chaining convention is a little tricky. And your not the only one who thinks we should be able to designate chains at "stock" or "outer profile" or "etc..." to make it easier/faster/more intuitive.

 

Send your request in to [email protected]

 

While once you understand the logic it is easy to get it to do what you want, but many times it REQUIRES that you creat NEW geometry. This effectively makes working directly off a solid impossible for toolpaths requiring these chaining methods. Which also means using change recognition is more difficult, etc...

 

And your comment about it "mostly being worth the time spent" is the worst part. Dynamic mill is a wonderful toolpath that has many benefits. But if it's difficult to use, it simply won't be used as much as it could/should be.

 

JM2C

[heavychevy2155]

It would be nice to use a solid face or surface for the geometry, but only having level 1 mill might be an issue for me. Just pick the face to machine and run with it.

[Glenn Bouman]

Here are some videos that explains the 2d HST toolpath

 

[MotorCityMinion]

A few more kick a$$ videos like that and you'll have a good chance of converting us old style tool path guys, maybe even sell a few more seats. The disclaimer about flying live and making mistakes is great as well. Keeping it real. This is how a lot of us work in the real world. Knowing what not to do is just as important as as knowing whats right. Great job, keep 'em coming.

 

Just saw part 2 and 3 links:

 

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/user/MastercamTech#...u/1/kr1Anw0e5VI

 

Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/user/MastercamTech#...u/2/He1uJL8xo0k

 

[ 05-12-2010, 07:03 PM: Message edited by: MotorCityMinion ]

[BenK]

Thanks for the video, that helps to explain it.

 

I just wish you could use an open chain for dynamic mill.

[robh]

Great examples and explanations thanks for them keep up the good work