Lathe on Solid Model

[Thoob]

Hi guys. I have an IPT model of a pin I need to cut on the lathe. Keep in mind I just got the lathe add on about a week ago and I have not went for the training yet. How do you guys program off the model? I do it in milling all the time but on the lathe, it doesn't follow the right paths I want it to cut. Do I have to make it a 2D file?

[Greg_J]

Take your model and orient it the way you need it, create a new level and then create a turn profile. Machine off that 2D profile. Make sure your part is centered on 0 or you'll get a wrong profile.

[Sbarner]

My personal preference is to orient the model how you want, do a solid trim, and then create curves from the trimmed solid. Alot of people on here also recommend create -> curve -> create curve slice. My problem with doing this method, and doing the create turn profile is that there are times when you don't get exact curves. I may not be doing it right, but rather than a true radius that is an arc, I end up with a spline or with 978 line segments that make an arc that's fairly close, but not exact. Trimming the solid will give you the exact geometry. My 2 cents, anyways.

[chris m]

Yeah, what they said. If it is a simple geometric shape I often find it faster to just create the geometry in MC than to futz with the solid

[Dan@home]

If and when you have it positioned where you what. Then you have the option of selecting the solid in the chainning options also.

[horsepowered]

If there is no milling on the part then I use solid layout and save the geometry that I need as a file, translate it to where I need it, then program from there. If there is milling work on the part then I will position the solid to X0 Z0 for center. Then I still use solid layout and save the geometry that I need as a temp file and import it back in on a seperate level from my solid. The turning portion I use the imported geometry and the milling is done from the solid.

 

This may not be the elite way of doing lathe but for me it is much quicker and less pissing around trying to chain a solid that has milling features.

[Thoob]

Awesome. thanks a lot guys. I will try those options out.