4 axis swarf mill

[Jaz]

In multiaxis surface/solid swarf milling toolpath (X9), how do I lock out the 5th axis? It's got to be there somewhere, but I can't find it.

[mkd]

go to old school swarf, instead?

[Jaz]

I had been doing everything with the 'classic' multiaxis tool paths, because they are easy and I've been using them since MasterCam first offered 5-axis (v5?).  But now classic toolpaths don't work if you are using WCS that are too far from the world and rotated, so I am learning the new stuff.

[Aaron Eberhard]

Hey Jaz - As you know, "Classic" swarf has a defect when locked to 4 axis on a custom WCS (D-17984 if you're playing along at home) that the boys in the back room are looking at as we speak, so I'm hoping to have it fixed soon.  There's currently no way to lock the new Swarf Milling down to 4 axis, although that is on the future plans.  Unfortunately, the only way to use a swarf toolpath locked to 4 axis only is to go back to the old method (pre X9) of moving the part back to the top view.    The good news is that you can generally use a Parallel to Curves toolpath and get the same motion as a Swarf, so I'd give that a go if you're in a pinch and don't want to move your geometry (and, let's be honest, who really wants to move their geometry!?).

Cheers,

[Jaz]

Thank you, I will try Parallel to Curves. I also have some Project Curves tool paths that are close to what I wanted.

[Rstewart]

I have what may be a silly question as I haven't done Much simultaneous 4th work, but can you just Copy your solid to another level and place it at top, top, top?

[Jaz]

Yes, one could move (or copy) the geometry to a location that would work. But I would end up having 3 copies of the part (one for each position) in different places and orientations. That makes verifying the part a pain. And will lose location relationships to other CAD/CAM platforms. That IS one work around and I used to do it all the time.