5 axis swarf won't stay down

[Jaz]

A simple 5 axis swarf toolpath to zig zag down a wall. Set the roughing to stay down BUT the tool retracts and re-enters at each end of the path. This a file that acted correctly in X6, when I regenerate in X7, it is wrong. "Keep down" button makes no difference. "Retract only at beginning and end" makes no difference.

What do I need to do differently now? Has anyone else seen this?

[Tyler Robertson]

Haven't heard anything specifically - Any way you could post a file, maybe with just the offending surface in it?

[Jaz]

Here is a sample toolpath

T.MCX-7

[Oscar R.]

You have your clearance, retract, and feed planes all set to the same number. Try changing your retract and feed planes to small numbers that are not the same as your clearance plane.

This will fix your issue.

[Jaz]

My machine and post processor do not handle 5 axis rapids well so I need to feed the cutter all the way in and out at the beginning and end of the tool path.

Changing the retract and feed plane to something smaller than my steps makes a tool path that looks OK (except for the rapid at the beginning and end).

This tool path generated like I wanted in X6, this has been this way since X7 was released.

[crazy^millman]

Get on the horn to QTE and let them see if they can push it up the ladder to CNC to review your issue.

[Jaz]

Set the feed plane to "0" to keep the tool down between passes.

Non-zero number less that your step down will yield a rapid retract at the end of the toolpath.