Toolpaths 101:Version 19 vs. 21

[Zenjon]

My toolpath over this 4"x22"x1" cube primitive created in BOBCAD v19 (File attached) is always:

• Having a Z level of always 1/2 the selected tool diameter ABOVE the part, and:

• A Fillet around the edges where none was specified or desired
  

Now, in the version 21 that I am looking at, the toolpaths generated are as I expected: sharp 90 degrees over the edges, and flush with the top of the model. What am I failing to set in version 19? I don't want fillets or an offset over Z, nor did I ever tell Bobcad to do so!

In the attached file,
VIOLET is the NC GEOMETERY
LIME is the BOBCAD TOOLPATH
BLACK is the MODEL

Thanks in advance. I ran into this problem on day 46 of my 45 day support license.

Zenjon

musta done something bad in a past life!

[tjones]

First off the path would work perfectly for a ball endmill and still get a square corner. The path is generated at the radius centerpoint and on you milling machine you do not use cutter comp. Cutter compensation is already figured into the path you see. As for the fillet (if you get one at the bottom) this is caused from the tool path not going deep enough to get past the ball tip. Program the depth deeper (at least as deep as the radius of your tool).

Version 21 has several options you do not have available in older versions. First you can program to tool tip. This puts the path based on the tip of the cutter and not the ball center. Also there are many other options like using a bullnose cutter or even a square end for profiling. A square endmill would not show a radius in the path but a ball will always show one. That tells me you used a square endmill instead of a ball in the version 21 tests you did.

Remember that newer versions have always added more features including tool forms and path options.

[Zenjon]

Thanks, that makes sense. Does version 19 always assume that you are useing a ballnose cutter, or can that be changed? I've checked around the NC window and can't seem to find that option.

[tjones]

For solids machining V19 always assumed a Ball mill.

In V21 you will see options when the solid toolpath window is opened but nothing like it in 19. (part of the reason it was a big improvement)

[Zenjon]

Darned! What a strange "feature" indeed! Thanks for endin the insanity, though!


Here's another question about Version 19 and toolpaths:

When I create either a skin, or I "join" elements together and this union creates a toolpath - not a solid, mind you, but a toolpath based on existing geometries - I can't seem to generate any viable NC code from it.

Even in the tutorials, you get some nifty toolpaths for the irregular tubular skins, but no instructions on generating viable NC code from it. What gives?

[tjones]

Sorry but I am not sure I fully understand what you are asking.

A skin can be surfaces of a solid feature and not a toolpath.

However if you create a skin toolpath then the result is a chain. This chain can in turn be used to create a tool path in the NC. This is not created from the solid menu but from the NC menu. Try the cut all command.

I would suggest you try some of Sorin videos. Sorin does the training seminars and has free videos on his web sight. I spend more time there than here.

www.cadcamtrainer.com/forums/index.php

Once signed up on his forum you will get access to his videos.

[Zenjon]

Ok, that didn't quite work, but I'll check into the videos you mentioned. At the very least, I'll be able to ask the question properly!

Thanks for your help and the link, TJones! You've been very helpful!

[tobyaxis]

Darned! What a strange "feature" indeed! Thanks for endin the insanity, though!


Here's another question about Version 19 and toolpaths:

When I create either a skin, or I "join" elements together and this union creates a toolpath - not a solid, mind you, but a toolpath based on existing geometries - I can't seem to generate any viable NC code from it.

Even in the tutorials, you get some nifty toolpaths for the irregular tubular skins, but no instructions on generating viable NC code from it. What gives?

You need to watch Sorins Video Tutorials for V19-V21. They have taught a lot of us things we forgot or didn't know where there. These are great Tools for Reference.

BTW: Your Vote Poll is funny. Good Choices. You should post on Sorin's Forum in the Funny Page LOL

Cheers!!!!

[Zenjon]

Comic relief. I find myself laughing at myself quite a bit, lately! I downloaded some of Sorin's very large zip files, but the files were corrupted.

I'll try it again with a download manager, even though there didn't seem to be any difficulties with the downloads being incomplete.

Then again, maybe you guys are just "hazeing the noob!" That would be funny! If I pass the hazeing, do I get promoted from "Chip Sweeper?"

[tjones]

Comic relief. I find myself laughing at myself quite a bit, lately! I downloaded some of Sorin's very large zip files, but the files were corrupted.

I'll try it again with a download manager, even though there didn't seem to be any difficulties with the downloads being incomplete.

Then again, maybe you guys are just "hazeing the noob!" That would be funny! If I pass the hazeing, do I get promoted from "Chip Sweeper?"

Sorry they gave you trouble. I have tested them and they are good.

Try clearing the cache and then download one file to see if it works.

[Zenjon]

Well, I ended up learning how to do the skin properly. When I do the toolpaths now they're perfect. Sweet!

[tobyaxis]

Well, I ended up learning how to do the skin properly. When I do the toolpaths now they're perfect. Sweet!

That is great news.