3D nest milling/routing

[Travis_L]

We have a 5 ax ***or Motion master 8055 controller. Currently using McamX3 Mill level 3(about to go to X4). I wanted know if anyone knew how to take a 3D cad file (.stp or .IGES) and basically machine a nest to hold the part for fixturing? Is it possible and whats the best way of going about it. We do not have the solids package.

[timhochs]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Without seeing your part I will suggest the following as general ideas.

 

I import some IGES files from other CAD systems, these usually consist of multiple surfaces. I use the "create curve on one edge" to make wireframe. Since the resulting geometry can be lines, arcs, or splines, you may need to do a little work to get suitable results. If the results do not lie on a uniform plane, you can use the project command to move everything to a plane. If you wish to convert the splines you can use "break many pieces"

 

As to making nests to hold parts, I usually put clearance filets on the sharp corners of the wireframe to compensate for the fact that the bit cant reach sharp corners. I run a pocketing cycle + finish and use wear cutter comp to ensure a tight fit.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Tim