Tooltip Z-depth control

[David Colin]

I wonder if someone would love to get this really great feature to me (mcam mill):

 

To be able to define precisely the Z-depth tool tip by mean of a textbox in tool configuration (as it can be defined for diameter compensation control with special tools). Until now we only have 2 choices: radius center and tip.

 

To pass over this limitation i have to draw each tool (even some standards) which Z-depth control point isn't defined at tool tip. As Z-depth control point is defined on tool geometry at the Y-axis origin i'm translating the geometry according to the value i need. Even if this is taking some time i can arrange myself but... yes, there is the "but" word. Tool backplot and post output are correct but new verify mod from Lightworks appeared with V9.1 (it worked fine with the old one in V9.0) doesn't manage anymore tool geometry drawn below Y-axis... So keeping geometry above axis-Y would be feasible if i could define precisely tool control point. For info Vericut do it in standard but my boss don't want to pay for it...

 

However i'm still waiting for an update. Perhaps this is done (or planned) with maintenance program ?

[cadist]

can you drop a file of your problem and I would like to help you.

[David Colin]

Ok, i'll do on monday at the office (no mastercam at home)!

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

The surface toolpaths and multi ax toolpaths should give you the tool tip control you are looking for.

[Thad]

I don't quite follow you on this one, David. Can you give more details?

 

Thad

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

Thad,

I think he's talking bout controling tool tool by tool geo.

EX:

If you project a curve on surf

1. Do a contour toolpath

2. do curve 5ax on projected cuvre with no comp to surfs

3.do curve 5ax and comp to surf

[Thad]

Jimmy,

 

You lost me on the 5 axis stuff. 3 axis is as fancy as I get. Perhaps someone else can help.

 

Thad

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

Thad,

If you have level 3 then you can use the 5 ax toolpths, even with a 3 ax machine.

 

Try to follow previous steps and you'll see what I mean.

Its kinda like the matrix when Neo takes pill.

[David Colin]

I m gonna try to be clearer.

 

First, surfaces axis-5 machining is fine with ball cutter's standard control point (tip or radius center).

 

My problem is mainly with 2d contour toolpath or drilling operations.

Example with this disc mill:

 

If you want to control z-point i drew, you need to create/draw a special tool. Therefore, you need to draw cutting area (flutes) below y-axis (as you draw tools in top plane and y-axis represents tools's Z-height). So this trick is working perfectly with backplot and post output but unfortunately not with new Lightworks verify in 9.1 (worked great with 9.0).

 

You may say, in this one case, that i can use a standard disc cutter coming with Mcam and manage height tool into program. Yes, but this is not the way we work... it depends of the tool's use.

With this disc cutter if we only machine with top of tool it gives operator larger choice of cutters with different height: flexibility. And this without to tweak the program.

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

David,

 

Man did I miss the boat.

 

In verify are you checking use custom tool or auto? Maybe the settings are in correct. (I have no MC on this pc or would check it out.) If the settings are correct (prolly are) then need to make a simple sample and send to [email protected]

 

In the mean time you can apply a tip comp inorder for it to verify correctly. Yeah i know big pain in the rear.

 

Your NC code comes out correctly though right? Its just a verify problem?

[David Colin]

quote:

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In verify are you checking use custom tool

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Of course, i do use Custom setting...

 

quote:

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make a simple sample and send to [email protected]

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I already did as V9.1SP2 came out and they answered me my custom tool wasn't correctly designed cause there was geometry below Y-axis... so i don't know if they decided to correct/improve verify to match backplot.

 

quote:

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In the mean time you can apply a tip comp inorder for it to verify correctly. Yeah i know big pain in the rear.

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Remain the risk to post NC like that...

To verify correctly, i usually load my file on V9.0SP1 but with this version there was an annoying bug: tool doesn't verify Z-clearance on 2d contour with compensation control. Nobody's perfect.

 

quote:

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Your NC code comes out correctly though right? Its just a verify problem?

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Yes, only verify. Backplot is fine too.

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

Have you tried cursing the monitor? It will not solve problem, but does seem to help.

[David Colin]

quote:

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Have you tried cursing the monitor?

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Not really sure i understood. I assume you are kidding, are you ?

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

Yes, its meant as a joke. Maybe lost in translation.

[Fig sign]

The best way to translate a joke is parasolid

 

X_T stands for extreme translator

 

Just try it

[David Colin]

quote:

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The best way to translate a joke is parasolid

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I got this one !

[Jimmy Wakeford from Barefoot CNC]

quote:

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The best way to translate a joke is parasolid

 

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lol!

 

 

Once again teh wisdom of Iskander has humbled me

 

But that is ok I'm too conceited for it to bother me though