X8 Lollipop tools

[rchipper]

I have been trying to get a part programmed using Surface Finish Contour and a lollipop tool to reach some undercuts and found out that it does not work in X8. I went back to X6 and it worked, I will try X7 next. This is the first time for me trying this type of tool path. I was told that undercuts can only be done in Surface Finish Contour and Flowline. Anyone else have any problems.

 

I thought that the tool path might follow the shape of the surfaces in the z plane as well. I see that the z stays vertical instead of ramping during cuts, creating a bit of air cuts. ?? 

[BenK]

Is the tool a custom tool or defined as a lollipop?

[rchipper]

Actually I have tried both.

 

Well X6 and X7, worked fine.

Out of curiosity I brought the file back into X8, regenerated it and it appears to be undercutting now. ????? 

[BenK]

There are a few settings that must have changes when you did it in X6 and X7 compared to X8. Did you have the gouge checks on under the gap settings when you originally tried to create the toolpath in X8? 

[rchipper]

I had the gouge settings turned off in X8 originally. But I did try just about every parameter change that I could with no luck.

 

For what it's worth X8 is touchy. I regenerated the tool path in a dif. area and guess what, no good.

[BenK]

Sounds like you have something else going on. Might want to try a fresh install.

[rchipper]

Well I reported it to my reseller and we will see what happens.

 

BenK,

Thank you for your input.

[rchipper]

So I found out that the lollipop tool was the problem. The "shank" diameter can not be larger than the "shoulder" diameter. I changed my tool definition and it worked fine.

 

Does not give a true representation of the tool but it worked.

 

Just thought I'd throw it out there.