4 Axis Tool Path question

[Karl@CP PISTONS]

I am trying to use the multi axis rotary for 4 axis output and can't figure out how to start the tool path at a different point. What I'd like is to start at the left side and retract, rotate and cut 1 way again. Am I missing a start point button somewhere? Any of the multi axis masters here have any suggestions? Still on X9 here if it matters.

 

Karl

[Guest]

I don't have X9 installed here at home but I typically would use a Multi-Surf driving by a cylinder and comp'd to that solid....

You'll have far greater control of the tool path

[billb]

In MC2017, I was able to set Rotary 4-axis path to use Left side as the Planes/Working coordinate system (Top for Tool plane and Comp / construction  plane) and set the Tool axis control / Rotary axis to "Z axis".  And I picked the 4 axis point (on axis of rotation).  My path cuts from left to right.  But those same settings might encounter a bug in X9.

(I'll hunt around in the underlying source code to see if there is a reverse order switch  that could be exposed.)

I agree, Multi-surface, Cylinder pattern might be your X9 work-around (and offer more control options).

[billb]

Yes, there is a switch to reverse the cut order (cut left to right).  It appears on the Cut pattern page in our upcoming MC2018 release.  Works fine.

[Codeworx]

Im 95% sure you can set WCS to bottom will give you reverse cut direction. I have a sample file just not infront of my PC atm.

Correction 100% was bugging me so I went and checked

Edited April 21, 2017 by Codeworx
100%

[huskermcdoogle]

In the flow parameters hit start point.  Then make sure you have one way or spiral selected under cut pattern.

[Karl@CP PISTONS]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll pass this on as it was one of my students who brought it to my attention. Of course in the class demo it worked perfectly.

Like always this place is the greatest source of MasterCAM info on the planet.

 

Karl