surfaces

[Joels]

Hello, I am using Mastercam X4 M3 and i am trying to create additional surfaces. is there a way to do it fast? right now i am picking the geometry for the surfaces but it is very time consuming. Any ideas to speed this up? I am working 12 hours a day plus 6 on saturday so i will check this on my phone.

 

Thanks for your help or ideas?

[paulf]

what do you need surfaces for- i am assuming you only have geometry at present- do you use models?

[Joels]

Yea, models come in from the customer, we make the program and it goes on the machine as soon as we are done. Some guys here make a line in the center of a .047 wide groove and make the surface that way. The groove is not flat so I am using ruled surface but picking the geometry is what I am having problems with. So I need a way to simplify picking the geometry so I can create surfaces.

[Joels]

I have spent two days trying to figure this out and machines are waiting for programs.

[#Rekd™]

Not sure what you are looking for but here is some basic information.

 

Assuming you have a solid you can create surfaces from the solid on a separate level. This allows you to extend a surface if required for machining purposes.

 

I always use 2d tool paths when ever possible as they are much faster. So always have edges created on your solids if they do not come in that way, this will allow you to drive some of you tool paths.

 

Posting a file or screen shot of what you are trying to machine will get you a lot more help if you are allowed to do so in your company.

 

Good luck.

[strabe]

I agree with Hockey Guy. If you put the surfaces on a different level or change their color, you should be able to "Select All" and then choose the color or level number.

 

HTH

 

Ken

[Joels]

No solid it's wireframe

[Joels]

Can't post or send out pictures of the screen

[#Rekd™]

Can you use the 2d wire frame toolpaths then?

 

If not you have to draw the solids or surfaces as needed. Do you have any other CAD software?

[Joels]

I did get the surfacing done, one section at a time, took a couple of hours. We are going to x6 soon so maybe the surfacing is better?

[#Rekd™]

AFAIK it is the same process in X6 as X4 for creating surfaces.