Flow 5 Axis

[melliott6]

Mcx4 Mu3

 

I used a 3-d tool path with a ball nose to mill the top of an oval convex surface. It worked great but took forever. My boss wants me to try to use a bull nose 1/2" dia. with .125" radius using larger stepovers. I tried to use the flow 5 axis toolpath and it worked but only "one way". I tried to select the spiral cutting method on the third options tab but there was no change in the tool path. I am using "pattern surface" for the tool axis control. Can anyone tell me if there is something I am missing.

 

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[Colin Gilchrist]

Your best bet is to use the Surface High Speed - Spiral toolpath. This will give you the cleanest output for cutting with a spiral motion.

 

If you truely need a 5 axis Spiral type toolpath, create HS Spiral toolpath, then use the "Convert to 5ax" toolpath in the Multiaxis Toolpaths. You are more limited on methods for controlling the tool axis (tilt), but you should find something in there that will work.

[Festus]

For a convex surface i often use morph between two lines using an endmill. gives me a smother finish IMO.

[melliott6]

Thanks for the help. I will try both methods.

[melliott6]

Thanks for the help. I will try both methods.

[melliott6]

Where is the "convert to 5ax". Is it an x5 thing or am I just missing it in x4.

[K2csq7]

Right click in the op manager, mill toolpaths, advanced multiaxis, then you will see convert to 5 ax

[Colin Gilchrist]

Sorry, I should have added something. The "Convert to 5 axis" is part of the Advanced Multiaxis Toolpath. When you launch it you are creating a toolpath that references a 3 axis toolpath. In a similar way to a 'transform' toolpath, you need to select which toolpath you want to convert.

 

After you've created the 5 axis operation, you'll need to select the original toolpath and toggle the posting to "off". (ghost the source operation)

[melliott6]

I got the convert to work except its milling way off in space. I don't see any parameters that might affect that.

[Festus]

for concave you should prob be using either ,from point away or from line away?

[crazy^millman]

Look to the cut depth and make sure you do not have an increment value in there that is making it cut way off the part.

 

HTH