Rotary 4 Axis Toolpath in V9

[shook2009]

I'm having some trouble with a toolpath. This is a sample test path, I have plans for a much more complicated project using a spiral cut later.

 

Basically, The result I want is to generate G-code for a horizontal mill with a rotary table that sends a ball endmill to a Z depth and rotates the Y axis 360 degrees and retracts.

 

I created a 6" circle on the ZX plane, center is the orgin. I created a .5" radius surface and 2 check surfaces. (It looks like a bicycle rim).

 

I'm having trouble with tool control and posted code. The tool goes around the part in backplot, however, it does not approach in the Z axis and the G code generated in the post is not what I described earlier.

 

My tool parameters: Home position (X0, Y0, Z+10.) Reference point Approach and Retract (X0, Y0, Z+6.) Work, Construction, and Tool planes are all set for Top.

(I've done some 4 axis positional programming and with the work plane set as Top and the tool and construction planes set for front, side, etc.)

 

My Multi axis parameters: Clearance 5.0 Incremental, Retract 2.0 Inc, Feed plane .5 Inc, 4th Axis is the Y axis, compensation type is Off.

 

Rotary Ax Parameters: (Rotary cut on) (Cut tolerance .001)Direction of closed contours is "Climb", direction of open contours "One Way", Axis dampening Length .1, Lead/Lag angle 0, Max step .1, Tool vector Length 1.0, (Cut depths, gap setting and Advanced settings are at default)

 

Am I using the correct toolpath? Are my planes set correct? Are my settings correct? Did I create the Surfaces and arcs on the correct plane?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

thanks,

Bill

[CJep]

You have McamX4, why are you trying to do it in V9?

[shook2009]

At the NTMA Mastercam classes, we used X generation software, however, most shops still use V9.

[Jammer™]

Bill, I have worked with a lot of 4 axis in V9. If you would like to shoot me the file and a description of what you want to achieve I will be more than happy to look at it.