Programming cam profiles for screw machines

[5 AX]

We currently use an old software and cam cutter to make cams for our Tornos screw machines. Is anybody using mastercam to generate these toolpaths? Seems like there would be some sort of cam C-hook or something.

[dylskee]

We currently use an old software and cam cutter to make cams for our Tornos screw machines. Is anybody using mastercam to generate these toolpaths? Seems like there would be some sort of cam C-hook or something.

Why would there be a C-hook for a basic contour operation??

[crazy^millman]

Is this a roll-die operation? If so there is a chook for that. If you have 5 axis toolpaths it can be done with some of the 5 axis toolpaths is the vector for the tool is controlled correctly.

[John Summers]

CAD-CAM guys don't know much about cam controlled machines -- including me. I'm sure that you don't have trouble cutting a 2d profile. I suspect that the problem is getting the cam profile in the first place. I don't know the rules to get motion from a cam, but I might be able to help if you could explain the rules.

[Newbeeee™]

Contouring the cam shape is I believe the easy part.

Working out the cam shape/rise in the 1st place is the difficulty exactly as John says.

I have a very old copy of featurecam that (by memory as it is probably very dusty and somewhere in the loft at home) has a cam generator built in.

[John Summers]

Jay's cam is a barrel cam, which may be the type used by cam machines. Rolldie does these cams nicely. Just remember to use only the centerline for the geometry, not the walls. Rolldie offsets from the centerline so that the walls will be parallel, to fit the follower. This, of course, doesn't solve the part-to-cam profile problem.

[5 AX]

Contouring the cam shape is I believe the easy part.

Working out the cam shape/rise in the 1st place is the difficulty exactly as John says.

I have a very old copy of featurecam that (by memory as it is probably very dusty and somewhere in the loft at home) has a cam generator built in.

[5 AX]

Thanks for the responses. Newbee is correct. getting the cam profile is the difficult part. I can apply toolpath to any geometry but defining the geometry has me stumped.

[John Summers]

Do you have an old cam profile and the part or feature that it made?

[5 AX]

No, this would be for new parts that require cams.

[Newbeeee™]

5AX, have you contacted tornos? They should have manuals or even software which explains how to go about this.

[5 AX]

I have not. Good idea!

[chip]

I'm trying to search for it.... I think its "eccentric turning". Someone posted stuff like this recently video too. I think he was running an okuma??? or a mazak??? The cam profile was a macro, He posted the code too....

[taperlength]

http://www.toddlertime.com/machining/aboutautocam.htm

[chip]

Linky

[chip]

One of these days I'll be able to determine the difference between a can lobe and a eccentric circle.

 

Good for you Jay.

[5 AX]

Taper length, thanks for the link. that might be just what i am looking for.

[GoetzInd]

Good find taperlength

 

Mike

[chip]

With profiles like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSIcV710ACk I'm sure you get a cam profile, the code seems to be macro. Good luck. Those screw machines that run on a cams are pretty kuhl. I haven't seen one in years...

 

just trying to help....