Build Thread- High Speed Pocketing in BobCAD ?

[Allen123]

HSP: High Speed Pocketing just came out from BobCAD. Has anyone tried the demo yet?

They have a video on their website:

http://bobcad.com/index.php?select_p...full_tabs_page


Screen Shots

[moldmker]

That's good stuff, I used a similar package in SolidCam.

But what's the story? Is it included in next update or is it to be an additional purchase?

moldmker

[Randall]

If I had to guess its an add on thats not free. but it sure would be a nice upgrade if it was included.
Randy

[nlh]

Looks very interesting indeed. I am however a bit sceptical being that I first got into the V2007 craze just after it came out. With all the trouble with that continuing into V22, I will wait a while to see what problems folks are having before I try it. Those of you that have used V22 and V23, is V23 that much better? Have the issues that V22 experience been ironed out mostly?

Thanks

[Allen123]

I would say most if not all the issues with V22 have been addressed or fixed in the V23 software.

I am very happy with the V23 software at this time, but as to be expected there still are a few things that I would like to see changed or addressed.

I did buy the high speed tool path from BobCAD. The salesman started out at $995 for it but I got him down to $495! Which I think is a good deal. I haven't cut any parts with it, and I really don't understand all the options and how to use them yet, but from what I can tell it does what mastercam calls peel milling, 3D ramped slots ( where the tool ramps down the slot to cut it ) Tri cordial pocketing I think is the real name of this type of pocket. Open ended pockets and totally open pockets for very strange bosses. Rough tool, clean up tool, and finish pass tool ( I can't seem to get it to post cutter comp on the finish pass

I haven't spent too much time with it but so far it hasn't crashed on any sample I've given it.

[CNCdude]

The new high speed pocketing is not trochoidal toolpath. Trochoidal tool paths use looping motions in an attempt to avoid burying the tool. This results in a longer toolpath and cycle time. This new HS Pocketing allows constant step-over designed so that the tool will not be buried, except in carefully planned and controlled conditions, thus eliminating the need for circular motion.

Users can define the straight-line toolpath parameters - feed rate, spindle speed, step over and axial depth of cut that offer the best tool life and material removal rate. This HS Pocketing toolpath can then be run safely using those parameters regardless of part geometry or the number of islands. In fact, the resulting paths may look different and possibly can be longer than traditional offset pocketing. However, the V23 HS Pocket toolpath can deliver a faster cycle time by maintaining the heftiest cutting parameters possible throughout the cut.

Sincerely,
CNC Dude

[CNCdude]

Just so everyone out there knows, you will have a new build to update to probably tomorrow. This will have some fixes and enhancements outside of the new HS Pocketing. Release notes will be made available to customers. You can now project curves to surfaces on user defined coordinate systems, general posting things, drilling operation tweaks, UCS correction when there are multiple shapes on a UCS other than the top, the system was calculating toolpaths in the wrong location. That has been corrected. A few other items have been cleaned up as well.

I'll tell you, we've come a long way and the results are really good.

Stay tuned!

CNC Dude

[HMB3000]

Originally Posted by CNCdude I'll tell you, we've come a long way and the results are really good. Stay tuned! CNC Dude

Yes I will say Bobcad has come a long way from V2007

[nlh]

Thanks for the information everyone.

CNCDude, I have a few questions concerning this new toolpath. How will this work on older machines?

This is my situation. I have a Mazak VQC-20/40B. It has a Mazatrol (Mitsubishi) CAM M-2 control. This machine is vintage 1983-84. It has some limitations, first being memory (I have 24K to work with), second becuase it is an early M2 control it doesn't have "Tape Mode" so no drip feed is possible(firmware upgrades aren't cheap), third being an older control doesn't have very good block look ahead and processing speed (maybe 3 or 4 blocks).

On several jobs, the memory and processing capability become major issues for me. I end up breaking down the programs between tools and running each tool seperatly on each part. Also with Z-Level rough, going around arcs bcc breaks it down into many small linear increments, this causes my machine to stall and dull the tool. After about 4 parts the tool has dulled to the point it starts to chip. If I'm lucky I can get 12 parts before the tool is completely gone. So about every 12 parts I am up for a $60 endmill.

With this in mind will the H.S. toolpath work for me? Does the program break down the movements into linear segments or does it do arcs? When compared back to back on the same part will the program length be more or less on the HS vs. the regular Z-Level rough. Also, is this basically just a 2D toolpath at this point, or can it be used similar to the Z-Level rough? One part I make is a pocket with tapered sides and 2 islands. It's the one that gives me the headaches mentioned above.

Yes, I know I need a newer machine. Right now I want to get by with what I have before upgrading to something newer due to the economy, I'm sure everyone here can understand that. If V23 w/ HS machining will help me out it would be worth it.

Thanks

[The One]

nlh,

There is an option in the Z-Level Rough to convert the movements into arc segments. On teh posting page there is an Arc Fit option. Click the button so that it is depressed, and then compute and post the toolpath. You may want to play with the Tolerance, to get more or less arcs, but the option is there.

The HS Pocketing is a 2-2.5D operation in its' current state, so it can't be used with solid geometry. You need to instead use wire frame. If you can pocket this part that you are talkinbg about, and then follow through with a Z-Level finish, then yes, this toolpath operation would be of benefit to you.

Regards

[cut more]

Hi NLH,
I have 2 Leadwells' with the MO control, which I think are less advanced than the M2. Mine do not run like that unless I am really running them with programs that have tiny steps(.0005")

It almost sounds like you may be running in exact stop mode, if your machine stutters running from internal memory.You could try running in high speed mode, this smooths the toolpath and might help.

I like the sound of the new High speed machining, I have been waiting for V23 to get a bit more de-bugged and it seems like it is getting there.

Regards,
Cutmore

[nlh]

Cut More,

Thanks for the information. I will have to look into the exact stop mode. Would this be a G or M code, or possibly a parameter?

The One,

Maybe Arc Fit is all I need for that particular part. The machine has no problem running the equidistant path on the same part.

Concerning the H.S. toolpath, how does it break down the program, into arcs or linear segments? Will this toolpath require high HP and heavy rigid machines?

Thanks