Possible to xform offset contour in x,y & z simultaneously?

[doug v]

I use Mastercam at work very occasionally as a small part of my job? Our company typically outsources most CNC work. I've been challenged with cutting a very large basic bowel shape (in mdf) on our old CNC for a prototype. I'm most familiar with X9.1, but do have a little bit of time on X5. I do not know how to create surfaces. One method I have thought of, using my limited skill sets, would be to cut (with a ball mill) a series of concentric circles - each one having a slightly deeper z value moving toward the center. Using xform offset contour I can easily create the concentric circles at the same z value but I would like to have each progressive circle also move a given z value. I've calculated that using our largest ball mill (2") a step of .100" between circles with a progressive Z step of -.008" would yield a bowel shape that would smooth out with a minimum of hand sanding.

 

Is there a anyway to do this?

Thanks!

Doug

[Redfire427]

In the front view at "z-zero" draw 1/2 of the cross section of your bowl starting at the origin. Create a vertical line from the origin ( length doesn't matter ). Now go to your isomentric view and select "create/surface/revolved surface". Select the chain that represents 1/2 of the cross section. It will then ask you for the axis of rotation, which you will select the vertical line. Voila. There is your completed surface.

 

Carmen

[doug v]

That sounds like a great approach. I will give it a try.

 

Thanks!

[doug v]

Worked great! Thanks again

[Redfire427]

No problem. That's what were here for.

 

Carmen