Anyone else here use a TriTech 5 axis head?

[BTA]

Wondering if anyone else uses this head? We have one and are about to implement it with just tilt and no rotary and without Tri-Techs secondary post processor.

 

The head

 

 

 

If you do use one with Mastercam did you implement a machine stock model for verification?

 

Here is predator's version of it.

 

http://www.predator-software.com/images/software/virtual_cnc/tritech_5axis_predator_virtual_cnc.png

[Cannon]

Im interested about this product too, how usefull it is and what kind of control it needs to fuction. Could I use this with Fanuc 18im-b?

[MultiAxGod]

It is a very useful product. I have cut molds at speeds I wouldn't have thought it was capable of. Yes, your Fanuc can handle it as long as it is 5 axis ready. I also recommend getting Johns post as it needs zero tweaking! By far the least inexpensive way to get into true 5 axis machining.

[dfedwards]

I have been interested in this Tri-Tech head for awhile now. We have several large Haas machines (VF-7's and VF-9's) that we already run 5-axis trunnions on. I assume the drives that are already there for the trunnions would work fine for this head. What is the rigidity like, how aggressive can you really get? Is a 1/2" 3-flute endmill in aluminum at say 8000 RPM and around .005 IPT (120 IPM) feasable?

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

I have been interested in this Tri-Tech head for awhile now. We have several large Haas machines (VF-7's and VF-9's) that we already run 5-axis trunnions on. I assume the drives that are already there for the trunnions would work fine for this head. What is the rigidity like, how aggressive can you really get? Is a 1/2" 3-flute endmill in aluminum at say 8000 RPM and around .005 IPT (120 IPM) feasable?

It's NOT for aggressive machining. 120 IPM may exceed the feed limits on the rotary, depends on how far away away from the pivot point you are.

[dfedwards]

More than likely we would use it in more of a 3+2 application for the most part. I guess what I am asking is, once positioned is the head rigid enough to handle 120 IPM in linear and arc movements not necessarily 5-axis simultaneous.

 

Thanks for your reply, do you have one of these heads?

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

...once positioned is the head rigid enough to handle 120 IPM in linear and arc movements not necessarily 5-axis simultaneous.

Going to depend on WOC and DOC. 120 IPM @ 100% WOC and 100% of Dia. DOC... probably not. They are more for light duty stuff or if you need to get after it, use HST techniques. You get higher MRR that way anyway.

[dfedwards]

Sorry, I didn't give you much info to work with did I. I use HST whenever possible so I would be looking to get say 1XD DOC and 20% Stepover. I'm sure this head would outperform a Right Angle Head in any application right?

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Sorry, I didn't give you much info to work with did I. I use HST whenever possible so I would be looking to get say 1XD DOC and 20% Stepover. I'm sure this head would outperform a Right Angle Head in any application right?

 

Definitely better than a RAH. 20% WOC is probably MAX I would go but yeah, that should do ok in Al. If you're going to cut harder materials then I'd cut the stepover even more.

[dfedwards]

Thanks CNC, I'm am going to give this another look, I can think of a dozen applications we could use this on.

[BTA]

Hey who has a post for this? I have the Tri-tech post for the APL file but no Mastercam post.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

I always thought Tri-Tech had one... :headscratch:

[BTA]

Hey we have 2 of these if anyone wants to buy one I would let it go for 15K. I have AC and DC fadal units

[gcode]

Hey who has a post for this? I have the Tri-tech post for the APL file but no Mastercam post.

 

 

John Billings PostProcessors.net

It runs off NCI and I've heard its pretty much bulletproof

[mkd]

tri-tech has a post. the plus side here is that it works with multiple cam systems.

one post for:

mastercam

catia

gibbs

etc... cant remember all of them.

 

really the main wonky thing about this head is that the gear train is a master-slave deal. if you turn only one motor you get two rotational movements. so if you want to just move a90. for example, you need to code a90 c90... or something to that effect.

[BTA]

If you rotate you will tilt and if you tilt you will spin the spindle.

[BTA]

Good to go for a while now