machining groove on a cone

[Candyman]

Hi all whats the best way to machine a groove for plastic flow thats on a cone?

we have a 4th axit head with an angle plate so i can tilt it up to suit the cone angle then its basically a fany flow groove around it..but i need to come up with a basic toolpath that i can modify to do the job.. So in other words i need to substitiute y axis for A..

i have done similar with y substitution on a roll dia but this is a cone or taper if you like so im stuck with what toolpath to use.. i have the file for reference too...

[Josh T™]

5 Axis Curve with 4 Axis output should do the trick.

[htm01]

i do flow channels on cones alot with just 3d contour with rotary axis about X.

look anyhing like this?

 

[Candyman]

yep absolutly it looks loke this

but it looks like you can cut your slots using the center line of your cutter..

my part is very similar but the slots are a little wider than the cutter so i would have to use a pocketing toolpath if this makes sense..

i would alto have to tilt my 4th axit up to suit the taper because my slots are perpendicular to the taper...

[Candyman]

could i send you the file?

[John Summers]

A lollypop cutter might save you from having to tilt the table. The perpendicular groove would have a little undercut, which would be OK with the cutter if you were careful with entry and exit. Of course, tilting the table would work also -- whatever's easier.

[htm01]

yes the slots are the same size as the cutter and only as deep as the rad. so there are no straight walls.you could send a file, i would look when i have a chance but don't know if i could help.might be better to put on ftp and more people could look at it.