I'm working on my first 4th axis project - I'm trying to mill some letters into some tubing (my name in a down tube for a harley :))

So, I was able to do a nice model in solidworks - but when I do a 4th axis parallel operation, the toolpath really stinks..

Let's take the letter L for example..
If I specifiy a linear operation, it will do a straight line for part of the L, but then make multiple pass "across the grain" for the other part of the L.. I tried to do each part of the L in it's own region, that works great - L is pretty simple.

If I try a K or a G, it still only does linear nonsense, and it will result in a crappy finish (unless I do it in .005 increments!)

So my question/problem - How can I get it to do continuous contouring of the curved letters so I have a more optimized toolpath..

I'm sure it would be easier to do this as a 2.5 axis function where I swap the Y axis with the 4th axis, but I would prefer not too - I eventually want to get into more sophisticated 4th axis stuff (like 3d contouring for hand grips).. oh yeah, I'm using visual mill 5.0...

What type of cutter are you using?

I was going to use a .250 end mill, I suppose... Or I could use a .250 ball mill - I'm cutting thru the tube, not just milling on the surface.

You will need to make a region for your tool to follow and use 4th axis engraving. I can't elaborate a whole lot because I still haven't figured out how to "wrap" a region onto my part inside of VM and no one else (so far) has been any help.
What I HAVE just done is use the WRAP command in SolidWorks 2005 to wrap a sketch around my shaft (snicker) and have been playing with VM 4th axis engraving.
I am having some issues though, and am awaiting a response from MecSoft on the files I just sent into support.
Anyway; once I am sorted out (assuming no deficiences on VMs part(that will result in a SP)) this is definately the way to do that type of work.

Have you tried posting your question at the MecSoft forum?

I assume you know about it, but just in case...

http://www.mecsoft.com/cgi/teemz/teemz.cgi?board=_master


Carlo