Newbie- Checkout this cambam file. optimize?

[diyengineer]

Here is my cambam file of a single sided 12"x12" vacuum jig that uses 1/4-20 square nuts for a bolt down solution ontop. The nuts will get a small piece of tape on the back of each nut so vacuum leakage doesn't occur. The main gasket is a 1/4"x1/4" gasket, the groove it sits in is only 3/16" so that gasket can compress. I didn't include the 2nd piece (where the vacuum nozzle attaches). If anyone is interested i can load it up. *material is .500" HDPE*

Anyways, if anyone can load it up and see where i can save some runtime it would be much appreciated. I have gotten it down to 58 minutes run time. (50ipm max, using 1/2", 1/4", and 1/8" end mill). (the video is a few hours old and doesn't reflect the new changes in the current atttached file, part is the same, but the tool paths are optimized a hair better shaving off almost 8 minutes)

thanks!

Cnc Rebuild Video #89 - YouTube

Cnc Rebuild Video #89 - YouTube

[kregan]

Can't you eliminate profile#2 ?
The pocket #1 operation will already define that profile won't it?

Also set your hole depth a little deeper then .5" if you want to drill a
clean hole through .5" material if you are using a drill bit.... CamBam
does not compensate for the tip angle of the drill bits.

[diyengineer]

Tonight I'm going to rework the cadfile to be more cam friendly. Well see how much time I can save while providing the same performance.

Thanks for the drill bit pointer. I planned on using a 1/8 endmill to spiral bore the pocket. I will switch to a drill and save more time.

The first and second operation can be merged together essentially. I will change my radius in cad to .25 so I can use a .5 endmill to pocket it out. this will save time and a tool change.

Details to come later tonight.

Thanks

Originally Posted by kregan Can't you eliminate profile#2 ? The pocket #1 operation will already define that profile won't it? Also set your hole depth a little deeper then .5" if you want to drill a clean hole through .5" material if you are using a drill bit.... CamBam does not compensate for the tip angle of the drill bits.

[diyengineer]

Got it down to 45 minutes!! :P I need to cut a few demo pieces on my mill first to see how the feed speeds go. I may be able to pull faster than 50 IPM :P