Limiting A axis angles?

[DCOPE17]

Running a 4 axis part and its too tall to do a 360 around the A axis. 

Is there a way to limit the A axis to something like +135 to -135 degrees? 

I post it and get one movement from A90. to A270. where I'd like it to go A90. to A-90. I know I can write a toolpath at A0. so that it will move A90. - A0. - A-90. but I'd have to do a tool change and not looking to do that. 

 

Thanks everyone.

Dan

[JParis]

Try using a point tool path to drive the position back to A0, then the post should move to the next position without rotating completely around...

Toolpath at A90°

Point Toolpath at A0°

Toolpath at A-90°

No toolchange involved

[DCOPE17]

Thanks, I'll give that a shot. 

[JParis]

Another way if you have the multi-axis ability is to use a 5axis curve to reposition

 

There's no axis limiting logic in any 4 axis post that I've ever seen, only in 5 axis posts...so sometimes you need to drive the tool where you need it to go..

[Corey Hampshire]

I use the tip that Old Bear just mentioned. I picked it up on this forum. Forces my rotary axis to move the way I want and miss clamps and fixtures. Just a simple Multi-Axis Curve path in between operations if you have those tool paths available. Just one of the many things I have picked up from the brain trust here.

[DCOPE17]

I did the point machining to go half way and then it generates the remaining move the direction I need it to.

we don't have a multi-axis license so no go there. If we ever get one, I'll know what to do.

Thanks everyone.