Surface flow directions

[DavidB]

Can I change flow parameters of individual surfaces in MC?

I'm trying to do a Mutli surface toolpath and keep getting flow errors. I'm trying to machine this with a multi axis 4-axis output with no luck.

Please look at he attached picture you will see the flow parameters go in different directions.

I can't seem to be able to change the individual surfaces just all of them together.

[K2csq7]

I don't know of a way to change only one surface, other than recreating it....

But this should help.

Look down a bit, Alvaro has a nice trick.

http://www.emastercam.com/board/index.php?showtopic=31149&hl=+flow%20+parameters#entry3263

Should work for you will axis sub for the rotary....

[Thee Rickster ™]

Can you send me the file in X6 format.

I can change the UV directions using moldplus

 

ricks at fccastings.com

[Colin Gilchrist]

Hi David,

 

As Rick mentioned, Mold Plus has some tools for changing UV directions of a surface. Instead of "Classic" Multi-surface, I would use "cuts along curve". Create a straight line along your rotary (X?) axis, and the cuts will be orthogonal to that curve. This gets rid of needing the Flow Directions completely, and will give you a much cleaner toolpath. Plus, you have the option of using Spiral, if you want to avoid a witness mark at the step over position. The "collision control" features will allow you to compensate to the surfaces by adjusting the tool position along the tool axis to maintain tangency with your surfaces.

 

Can you share a file? Just the surface geometry?

 

Thanks,

 

Colin

[DavidB]

Whats your email addy Colin and Rickster?

Cheers Dave

[DavidB]

Here is the MC 6 ziptogo file.

I'm trying to machine this part on a Lathe.

PA10-AGMR-1_ASSEMBLY_REVISED_RAD1.Z2G

[DavidB]

Instead of "Classic" Multi-surface, I would use "cuts along curve". Create a straight line along your rotary (X?) axis, and the cuts will be orthogonal to that curve.

 

Colin what toolpath should I use?

[K2csq7]

Cuts along curve is in multiaxis under wireframe IIRC...

[DavidB]

Thank you K2csq7.

Nearly there but I'm getting Y-axis moves in the posted code larger than the machines Y-axis travel. What do I need to change?

I'd like the Y to stay at Y0

 

Cheers Dave

[K2csq7]

for tool axis control, choose "to point", pick your orgin as the point.

[DavidB]

Thanks guys

Here is the latest file MC6 zip2go.

The red surface at the end of the key shape is NOT parallel to the rotary axis. So when the tool retracts and tries to go around to the next slice, I'm getting big Y-axis moves.

 

How can I get the Y-axsis to stay at Y zero? I'm getting huge Y-axis values in my posted code.

 

I have shortened the last toolpath to just do the problem area. If someone could help me that would be great.

 

Cheers Dave

PA10-AGMR-1_ASSEMBLY_REVISED_RAD1.Z2G

[K2csq7]

Dave, if you switch to 5 axis output format on the tool axis control page, for "tool axis will" choose "to point". then pick the orgin for your point.

You will still get some Y movement, but I don't see anything bigger than Y.005 in the posted code.

 

edit: I'm 99% sure there is a better way, I just don't know it...

[RayD]

[K2csq7]

Ray, did you try that?

I did before and it still gave Y axis output in the posted code......

[RayD]

Ray, did you try that?

I did before and it still gave Y axis output in the posted code......

 

Yes it gives Y moves, albeit small ones

[RayD]

No "Y" moves

 

 

Also how I would approach this part, much faster than rotating "C"

RAY_PA10-AGMR-1_ASSEMBLY_REVISED_RAD1.MCX-6

[Thee Rickster ™]

here are the long surfaces with the uv directions changed

to the same direction as the rads

 

I don't have multi axis so I could not regen them

PA10-AGMR-1_ASSEMBLY_REVISED_RAD1_RS.zip

[DavidB]

Thanks for the help guys. I've given up on the Lathe I'm nowd oing this part in the 5-axis mill

 

@Ray the RED surface is NOT square to the X-axis so your toolpath does not finish the part

 

Cheers Dave

[RayD]

Thanks for the help guys. I've given up on the Lathe I'm nowd oing this part in the 5-axis mill

 

@Ray the RED surface is NOT square to the X-axis so your toolpath does not finish the part

 

Cheers Dave

 

I never Claimed it did, I was showing how I would approach it and got no "y" moves(fast for removing material) as K2csq7 asked

I'd Probably do a morph between 2 curves to finish the Rad portion(Red face)

[DavidB]

Thanks Ray could you please throw a morph toolpath over the part for me? I've never used that toolpath.

Cheers Dave