Can anyone post some examples, for when to ...

[Stampede]

use the 3D Planar, Radial and other option? (can't remember the name).

Thanks.

[tjones]

Sorry,

Haven't had time for personal use on the software. Way too much to do right now with several people out. I can't tell you for sure when I will have time and I don't have the dongle at home.

Anyhow, spiral is used mainly on round shaped parts or openings. I used it mostly for large draw rings dies. They were around 12" OD and a large hole on the inside. This path gave the best cut time with little air cutting. Drawbacks are when going down sides of radii the finish gets really bad because the step-over distance is measured in the x,y axis.

Radial is ideal for the same type of reasons. There are many times the spiral and radial work just as well but I prefer using radial when there is a a reason to have the machining grooves go in a draw direction for molds or dies. However the paths are angular so the effect gets less work on x,y axis where there may be machine lag in the servos when using spiral. Drawbacks are the path is done on angles which means the the larger the size the larger the distance between the machine grooves. Near the center the paths merge to zero distance.

Equidistance is great for parts where the form rounds or tapers down. For complex molds it gives a very good finish. Imagine using the step-overs of radial and the step-over is measured in the x,y axis. Then when you are machining the sides of a radius the distance between the cuts gets larger in Z axis the closer the form gets to being vertical. With equidistance the step-over on the form remains constant. Of course the finish is much better but the length of cut increases.

[Stampede]

That's Ok, I just assumed that I was asking to many dumb questions. Cause after I posted a question, I finally figured out how to do it. Posting code, I didn't see the drop down for the Cam Part, to either choose Mill or Lathe. The examples, study sheets are alittle different, that's what was throwing me off. Then on the post processor, I asked our programmer, he said that post of them should be the same. So I down load some to try out, when I have the chance. Which won't be for a good while.
I diffently will need some examples for the planar, radial, and spiral. When you get the chance. That doesn't make any sense to me. And on the 2D axis pocketing, profiling, and facing, that can only be done on 2D parts?

Thanks.

[tjones]

Originally Posted by Stampede And on the 2D axis pocketing, profiling, and facing, that can only be done on 2D parts? Thanks.

As for 2D....yes only on 2D. However you can take a 3D part and extract the edges then project them to a plane if needed. Then you can use the form to do 2D work.


What version of Bobcad are you using? This makes a lot of difference between V21 to 2007 for instance.

[Stampede]

I'm using 2007. As for extracting the edges then project them to a plane, how in the world is that done, also can I do that with Pro-E models?

Thanks.

[tjones]

Any solid model you have open in Bobcad can extract the edges no matter what created the original file.

Utilities>extract edges>solid

this will open the tool and follow the steps at the bottom left of the screen.

This works the same as in the older versions and Sorin has a good video on 2d-3d-2d work.

However there are a few ways to get the geometry to the plane in 2007. I like creating a flat surface and then projecting the needed line to that surface. Utilities>Project curves to surface and then run the three options under Utilities>Reorganize as needed.

You can translate them if they are on a single plane.

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by Stampede use the 3D Planar, Radial and other option? (can't remember the name). Thanks.

Tool paths can be used as Tjones suggests above. What you want to do is some experimenting with various solid models usually ones that aren't being rushed.

The tool path selection is generally based on Part Geometry and User Experience.

A good example would be a Convex Cone with a domed top and radii blends at the corners.

One person will choose a Spiral Tool Path. A second will prefer a Radial Tool Path, while another will prefer to mix up the paths a bit in an attempt to improve efficiency (Lower Machine Cycle Times).

What you do is proprietary to the way you want to do them.

Don't forget that we now have Boundaries with the 3D tool paths.

Your best bet would be to experiment with some fun projects and select various tool paths that conform to the geometry of the Part Model.

You will develop your skills as you gain more experience which takes time.



Cheers!!!!!!

[The One]

Hey guys,

Don't forget, the 3D wire-frames can be used with 2D milling ops. You don't need to make them flat as the 2D will only interpret the X and Y locations of the geometry and apply the depths specified for the feature.

Regards

[tjones]

Sorry,

Having V21 flashbacks I guess!

[tjones]

There are some sample 2007 files available for download on Sorin's free video area.