Parallel Steep Toolpath

[Bob K]

Hello all.

I've been using MC since V7 was first released. I'm now running MC V8.1. We use parallel and parallel steep toolpaths alot with the work we do on molds for the blow molding industry.

The parallel steep toolpath has always been a mystery to me. There seems to be alot of unnecessary toolpath code created. The settings I use are left to the default settings with the exception of the "cut tolerance", "machining angle" (I set this angle perpendicular to the angle used in the parallel toolpath), "max stepover", & "cutting method" (I set this to one way).

Perhaps the "from" & "to" slope angles need to be set to another setting. But if I change the angles from the default 50 & 90 to say 40 & 90 wouldn't that creat more toolpath code? If I tighten the angle down to 60 & 90 I'm afraid that some areas that need to be cut will not be.

I guess the long and short of it is I need to cut down the amount of wasted toolpath code and time created by the parallel steep toolpath. But I still have a need to go back and re-machine after the parallel toolpath because of the bad finish that is left on a lot of areas of our molds.

Any and all comments & suggestions are much appreciated.

Thank You.

Bob K.

By the way I believe if MC had a "true" scallop height control on its parallel toolpath there would be no need for the parallel steep toolpath.

[CycleTimeCharles]

I do not think it is possible to have "true" scallop height ontrol on a parallel toolpath.

The step over would need to change in certain areas and then you would not be parallel anymore.

Make a sample file available for what you mean by wasted cuts.

[Bob K]

CTC,

Not sure how to post a file here.

I'll be glad to give it a try if someone can explain how.

 

[Webby]

1. Upload to ftp.emastercam.com/incoming using FTP software

2. Notify me by email of the file name - [email protected]

3. I'll transfer it to ftp.emastercam.com/Mastercam/Forum

4. A link to the file will be added to the topic

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Webby has to give you permission to post a file.

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James Meyette