Helix onto a cone on rotary table.

[GREG]

How would I program a helix on the outside of a cone type shape and post for a rotary table. The helix is no problem to create but I cant figure out a method.

Mcam level 3 V9.1 sp1

 

Cheers

[gcode]

You might want to try Transform/Unroll

to unwind the helix from the cone.

Then use a contour toolpath with the roll option in rotary options to wrap it back around the cone.

I've used this method a lot on cyclinders. I don't know if it would work on a cone as the

unroll/roll diameter is not constant.

[GREG]

Its not a cone as such , but a cone shape with a curve.

I,d like somthing similar to contour 3d with rotary motion.

[Mick]

What Axis is it on? A, B or C?

[GREG]

The Machine is a Dekel 50E 5 axis.

C axis will rotate, Tool is to stay at X0 and only move in Y & Z.

 

Cheers

[cam-eleon]

For a horz type application I chained up my helix and set the rotary axis setting in the contour toolpath to 3axis, about z. I posted it out and obtained YZ and the rotary motion.

[Roger Peterson]

Try chaining your geometry and then in the rotary axis button choose three axis and rotate about Z.

 

This should work if not post it and I'm sure someone on the forum will help.

 

good luck

[GREG]

Thanks all

Rotary settings worked well.

But where is that in the instruction book. There must be a heap of things Mcam can do that are not documented.

 

Cheers

[Jim Whipple]

quote:

---

Rotary settings worked well.

But where is that in the instruction book. There must be a heap of things Mcam can do that are not documented.

 

Cheers

---

Didn't someone a few months ago mention a MasterCam bag of tricks book?????

What ever came of that???

Inquireing minds and all

Jim

[cadcam]

Have you guys looked at the 4 & 5 axis book from this forum.

 

It shows that in there and more.

[Roger Peterson]

quote:

---

Rotary settings worked well.

But where is that in the instruction book. There must be a heap of things Mcam can do that are not documented

---

There are many things that are documented, and many that are not. The tutorials are great and give a great base to start from but there is no replacement for training and experience. There is a reason the School of hard knocks hasn't closed yet. I know I have many knocks headed my way yet.

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

[McRae]

Curious to know what the part looked like. Were there some nice surfaces that you could have used flow5ax for and then follow the settings to get the desired toolpath. Using pivot axis or pivot points, you may be able to get the specfic code that you want. Is this helix at a constant Z or do you need to actually put it on the taper of the cone?

 

Here is another question - In Australia, (the Southern Hemisphere), do your rotary axes rotate opposite to the way ours does in the Northern Hemisphere???