Scallop (constant-Z) with continuous ramping ability

[SlaveCam]

Can I do it using some other toolpath? When using scallop, why do I get Z moves like in the picture, unless "straight" transition is used?

[SlaveCam]

Well, I found out why it is making those insert-destroying "drilling" movements: they appear when total filtering tolerance is set to 0.1 but at 0.01 they do not. And if it's set to 0.01, the program won't fit in our Nintendo's memory! 

 

Edit: there seems to be no logic whatsoever in when those movements appear, but it is related to the filtering tolerance.

[Rstewart]

Copy those operations a few times to break the program up into smaller segments.  Just change the Z starting and finishing depths.  That way you can fit into your controller?

[Reko]

Can I do it using some other toolpath? When using scallop, why do I get Z moves like in the picture, unless "straight" transition is used?

Post up that file... I'll take a look at it if you'd like.

[jlw™]

I'd flowline that radius then contour the walls.

[Guest]

Not a good use for scallop....

 

Waterline instead, even Hybrid, Surface Finish Contour

[jaydenn]

Not a good use for scallop....

 

Waterline instead, even Hybrid, Surface Finish Contour

 Waterline is totally designed for your part!

 

J

[SlaveCam]

Which is waterline or surface finish contour? There are no icons in the help file.

[Rstewart]

Right click in operation manager > Toolpaths  > there is where you'll find old surface paths.

[SlaveCam]

Right click in operation manager > Toolpaths  > there is where you'll find old surface paths.

 

Sure thing, thanks  But they are still in the wrong language..

[jlw™]

engrish?

[SlaveCam]

engrish?

 

Fingrish.

 

I always install my software in English since it's always so much easier to find information and not spend time guessing the translations (but I admit, every Mastercam machinist should know what waterline means in the native language!!!). 

[SlaveCam]

Hmm... it seems waterline IS what I used in the screenshot above.. I tried an older version whose installation is in english and it looked exactly like it!

 

But back to the original question: does anyone know if it's actually possible to make it go ramp all the way down? Our fast feed mills are designed for ramping and it would be superior performance that way!

[JMahon]

Try decreasing your gap settings.

[David Colin]

does anyone know if it's actually possible to make it go ramp all the way down? Our fast feed mills are designed for ramping and it would be superior performance that way!

 

You can do a smooth toolpath with triangular mesh from Moduleworks (with 3 axis tool axis control) if you have a multiaxis seat.

This toolpath is not well known because it's usually used with rotary axis but it can be very useful with a 3-axis machine too.

However, your post may need customization as it will output gcode$=11 in NCI file.

 

Here is an example.

TriangularMesh.mcam

[So not a Guru]

Hmm... it seems waterline IS what I used in the screenshot above.. I tried an older version whose installation is in english and it looked exactly like it!

 

But back to the original question: does anyone know if it's actually possible to make it go ramp all the way down? Our fast feed mills are designed for ramping and it would be superior performance that way!

I use surface highspeed waterline & play with the transitions ramp angle till I get a usable path.

[SlaveCam]

I use surface highspeed waterline & play with the transitions ramp angle till I get a usable path.

 

I tried that but it doubles cutting time. Transition is just transition to the next cutting depth.

[SlaveCam]

You can do a smooth toolpath with triangular mesh from Moduleworks (with 3 axis tool axis control) if you have a multiaxis seat.

This toolpath is not well known because it's usually used with rotary axis but it can be very useful with a 3-axis machine too.

However, your post may need customization as it will output gcode$=11 in NCI file.

 

Here is an example.

triangularmesh.jpg

TriangularMesh.mcam

 

That's what I'm talking about! Got to try it out tomorrow, hopefully I'll get something out of it.

[So not a Guru]

You can do a smooth toolpath with triangular mesh from Moduleworks (with 3 axis tool axis control) if you have a multiaxis seat.

This toolpath is not well known because it's usually used with rotary axis but it can be very useful with a 3-axis machine too.

However, your post may need customization as it will output gcode$=11 in NCI file.

 

Here is an example.

triangularmesh.jpg

TriangularMesh.mcam

Yeah, I love the functionality of the triangular mesh paths, but our post processors generate really weird feedrates.

[David Colin]

Probably your post outputs inverse time feedrates (on each block) as this toolpath is a 'multiaxis' toolpath in NCI file even if it s locked in 3 axis. It shouldn't be an issue though.

[So not a Guru]

Probably your post outputs inverse time feedrates (on each block) as this toolpath is a 'multiaxis' toolpath in NCI file even if it s locked in 3 axis. It shouldn't be an issue though.

The last time I tried it I got something like 368 F0 outputs, and around 120 seemingly random F100 outputs, this was on a toolpath that was set to F16. I was pretty sure that was gonna be an issue

[David Colin]

Yep it looks like it would be an issue.lol. Would you share your post to look into?

[So not a Guru]

Yep it looks like it would be an issue.lol. Would you share your post to look into?

Here it is, you'll have to change the .doc to .psb & change the .txt to .pst

MPPOSTABILITY_MAZAK_VARIAXIS.doc

MPPOSTABILITY_MAZAK_VARIAXIS.txt

[David Colin]

Too bad, i can't post with it as it's linked with your SIM. Worst part is that important postblocks (pmx$, plin$ and probably feed calculations) are binned so you can't make it work by yourself... You will need to ask Postability to tweak their post to support that toolpath. Sorry.

[So not a Guru]

Too bad, i can't post with it as it's linked with your SIM. Worst part is that important postblocks (pmx$, plin$ and probably feed calculations) are binned so you can't make it work by yourself... You will need to ask Postability to tweak their post to support that toolpath. Sorry.

Yeah, that's what I figured too. Thanks for taking a look though.