Tool path help on 3d part!!!!

[lawrence walicki]

I programmed the part on x7, made this as a present for my sister. I finished the part with raster, stepped over .003, depth was .005, used a 4 flute 1/4 inch ball end mill at 55 ipm 8200 rpms. On the main body of the butterfly there are small nicks, what could be the cause? And why is the main body duller??? Helpppppp!

[Chris Rizzo]

Kinda hard to see in that first picture. What were your arc filter settings and tolerance? That is usually my first place to look.

[Robert Ouellette]

it is because you are using center of 4 flute ball nose cutter. try a 2 flute and it will be better. and if you can tilt the part10-15 degs, or cutter if you have rotary or 5 axis it will be even better. the center of a ball nose does not really cut. technically not turning right on center, need to use more of the side of the cutter. and your part will come out nice and shiny. been there done that.

[lawrence walicki]

That does make sense, is there any tooling that I could use to get a great shine finish? Unfortunately I don't have a 5 axis. I'll have to experiment with tilting the part.

[Robert Ouellette]

a 2 flute will be better and make sure it is a good one made for cutting aluminum and uncoated. coatings add thickness to the cutting edge and therefor make them duller.

[lawrence walicki]

Thank you! I appreciate your help!

[Cannon]

You might want to pre finish the part with same size tooling that you are going to finish it. Seems like you have some excessive material in inside radius of the butterfly. You could use raster to pre finish also.