Multi axis programs

[sharles]

I love using multi axis drilling so I don't have to set a workplane for each and every hole. Is there a multi axis program that does the same thing with the simple pocket program? I was poking around in the multi axis program options and looked in the help for that section as well but the help section is pretty basic.

 

Thanks.

[crazy^millman]

Well Yes and no. If you did it using Lines and chains for your proces then the lines can control the axis tilt and the chains control the place to be cut. Normall what I do it just assign the plane using by geometry and ormally when you start in tilt direction with X, Y and Z then the A,B or C will just tilt as needed. Makes for some work when doing planes, but if you name and use a process through the programming you will find it flows pretty easy.

[bogusmill]

I had a recent job with 53 drilled and taped holes all at different vectors and heights. So I would have to write 106 seperate programs. Using the feature based drilling program I can write those 106 programs in under a minute. But it has a steep learning curve. All tool setting boxes need to be filled in and some will have numbers you wouldn't think will work. Once you've figuered it out there is no quicker way to do lots of 5 axis holes.

[Jayson Kramer]

If you have a line that is the center vector and a point at the end of the line on the depth side. then you can do drill 5 axis with a window.

[sharles]

Thanks for the replies. It doesn't sound like there's anything simpler than what I'm already doing for the 5 axis simple pockets.

[MrFish]

You could try using the - transform toolpath , setting it to transform by toolplane.

 

This way you just create a generic pocketing toolpath at your datum top view , and then transform it to the different planes with a toolplane and datum shift - this is assuming the same geometery at each pocket though.

[crazy^millman]

Well even on that front you could look at like a 3+2 for making the pocket toolpath. I like to find a good view that I think the machine will be happy using as part of the process. Make a T-Plane from that view. Then make my curves on edge for what I will be cutting. Then from there I will project it to a place I need. I then make the 2d toolpath then used the convert to 5 axis, difference is I like to make my Vectors and control my toolpath using that method.

 

HTH