4th Axis Countour Help Needed

[micr0]

I have a part (see attached) that has 3 features that are angled at 17.5deg relative to normal. I have a 4th axis VMC with a trunnion table (rotates along X)that I could do this on but I don't know how to start. Up until now all I've used the 4th for has been indexing and haven't done rotary contouring since MC V9. I started by trying one of the multiaxis tool paths and holy $*%$ there are too many options. I don't know where to start. I'd like to just run a contour/profile type tool path that allows the cutter to stay parallel to the side surface of the part but I haven't been able to get something that generates even a remotely usable tool path. I guess the first question is which tool path should I start with? I'm assuming MC can generate a tool path like this? Can someone at least point me in the right direction?

 

Thanks

ADAPT PLATE 6-21-2011 .MCX-5

[Festus]

i dont see your attachment? but i'm guessing you're gonna want a curve toolpath. are you using a surface or wireframe to generate the path?

[micr0]

i dont see your attachment? but i'm guessing you're gonna want a curve toolpath. are you using a surface or wireframe to generate the path?

 

I tried to attach an .igs file and the server wouldn't accept it. I managed to attach an MCX5 file (hope it can be read). The part is a solidworks part imported as trimmed surfaces with wireframe.

[Festus]

I tried to attach an .igs file and the server wouldn't accept it. I managed to attach an MCX5 file (hope it can be read). The part is a solidworks part imported as trimmed surfaces with wireframe.

 

hmmmm...might be too big? try zipping it up and then sending?

[Festus]

got it!

[Festus]

rotates along X

is that around X? or around Y?

[micr0]

is that around X? or around Y?

 

Oops. Around X.

[micr0]

Thanks Festus. I played around with the Curve tool path and finally got tool path I was looking for. It did expose a post issue that I've had before but I have usuable code.

Thanks again.

[Festus]

Thanks Festus. I played around with the Curve tool path and finally got tool path I was looking for. It did expose a post issue that I've had before but I have usuable code.

Thanks again.

 

sorry i didn't get it for you faster... had to deal with customers all day!