For roughing i use the stepover. For finishing i use the scallop to control the max. cusp size on the surface. the smaller cusp means less manual finishing of the surface.

Ken,

+1 I think, (if you search scallop height in help), step over is amount (or percentage) the tool is in material, 'scallop height' is the amount of material leftover by the tool after the toolpath.

I talked with the 'surfcam boys' and something they've been working on is step ever in pocket(s) roughing.... he was claiming it was cool. I didn't see it though. Ive never really seen surfcam either.

LOWER 7.MCX

Thanks Jim... Pull this file (if you want). It's actually a V8 file. Change the .MCX to .MC8 (can't upload V8 files). Last week I had to cut a part on V8 Level 1 It takes a few minutes buts the angle is perfect.

Enjoy!

Chip

LOWER 7.MCX

:reading with envy: I'm currently sitting on my duff... but last week I got a chance to cut a part in V8 level 1. That was fun!

Reference Points are the only way to go; don't rely solely on stock definition for this. Many before you have paid a loud price for this decision

Chain your bore (still in chain mode) *chain, *point, pick a point somewhere in the front of the bore and the tool executes the point before its next command.

Jest saying....

I've been doing a little homework..... Esprite is more popular than I thought. Most of the stuff I wired in the past (year) was simple paths. But when it came to angles.... that was some effort. Esprite claims post n go.....

There are some 3R brochures with a 4th axis and some crazy parts... pretty Cool stuff....

I have a c-hook ( somewhere) (flatsurface.DLL) ...... I'm having issues uploading stuff on my I-ZOOM.

Is that J Lo in the background?

Solids..... but, I often catch myself resorting to surfaces for tool control.

"CHIP teh Still X-FOUR(ED)"

That's a good read. The one way I'm trying to comprehend this is on a rotery, I'll program F20.0 and Mastercam calculates how far the cutter to center of the part and posts a F999.99 (Max feed rate in the post) I always set that to something much lower. Because actually it wanting to feed it like F1700.00. Dekel Maho Gildermeisters are Hugh in the 5 axis stuff and simplified this to to codes. Good stuff!

Not really sure what your asking..... but lets take an average nothing special HAAS, they have a Max feed rate (programmable) lets say around 300-400 preferably. So the ability (for the baud rate) to crunch that much code in the specific amount of time (defines how bitchen your processor is). And maybe a rapid (point to point) lets say 1000ipm. The only time I've really use that is for a lathe to not run surface feed to ipm. So whatever 1000 inches per minute to travel 12" translates to, yes I think that's how travel is calculated.

Surface speed 20 inch/min

What numbers are you running? Spindle is? And what feed?

Longhand

XFOUR....

Get yourself 'normal' to the compound angle and cut the part away with extrude or sweep. I like this in both SW and MASTERCAM because you have edges you can analyze 'ore measure to'. When your done suppress it or delete it.

 

BLAH BLAh BLAH....... you also know that What powermill can do, mastercam is not near to it when it comes to Molds. Thats the reason I raised this topic to learn about strengths of softwares so we can use the right tool for the right job.

 

BLAH BLAH BLAH

What could it do better?

I've built 'lots' of molds in MasterCam for years. Split molds, assemblies (one thing I like about SW is when the files get into large assemblies, slides, ej pins, and such, MASTERCAM laggs). Other than that I could care less about what I draw it in. What makes a good mold programmer is someone that is efficient with toolpaths. Anyone could select all surfaces and run a 'generic' toolpath. Machine time is more valuable than programming time. So I would disect the mold and run the toolpaths that only need that specific radius or feature.

I saw the vids from skater tools. Randallxx said 4th axis mill. Some of the mill/turn guys refer to the spindle as 4th.

Sort of serious you don't have to draft anything if its that thin. I made an entrance hole and an exit hole. The stuff melts at 98.8 deg F. Cut the gates. Melted a led hammer and went fishing!

It might be easier to make a mold and pour it.... I've made lead weights before.

You can't program a stub on the the part and have the sub-spindle grab onto that to be parted off later? Also I'd call HAAS applications directly. (805)278-1800 (I think) you might need a country code. I'm sure they might deal with this.