Plunge points

[Robin Hewitt]

Bought CamBam some time ago, finally got to try it yesterday so I am kinda low on the learning curve.

It can read my .stl files and I can read it's G code. Love the water lining, looking good.

I'm starting with a simple profiling/circular pocketing shape in aluminium from a .dxf file.

Is there any way to set the plunge point where the tool descends?

For the profile I'd like to set it outside the block so it comes down cutting air.

For the circular pockets I'd like it to plunge dead centre so I can pre-drill the hole and use cheap, non-plunging, end mills. Would be nice if it spiralled in.

I'm not being picky, amazing software for the price, just wondering if I'm missing a trick?

Robin

[10bulls]

Originally Posted by Robin Hewitt ...I'm starting with a simple profiling/circular pocketing shape in aluminium from a .dxf file. Is there any way to set the plunge point where the tool descends? For the profile I'd like to set it outside the block so it comes down cutting air.

Under profile and pocketing machining options, there is a property called 'LeadInMove' ... there is a [+] symbol to the left of it which expands to sub properties.

It sounds like you need to set the LeadInType to Tangent, then also define the TangentRadius. You can also put a value in the SpiralAngle so that it tangents in and spirals down simultaneously.

For the circular pockets I'd like it to plunge dead centre so I can pre-drill the hole and use cheap, non-plunging, end mills. Would be nice if it spiralled in.

For pockets, it *should* start from the center and work it's way out by default.
You can also define a lead in move - this time a LeadInType = Spiral is useful, together with the Spiral Angle.

You may notice there is also a LeanInFeedrate parameter. If 0, this will use the cutting feedrate. Any other value overrides this.

Setting the precise start point is a little tricky in the current version and involves changing polyline start points.

I am about to put out a new version that allows you to simply pick a start point for each machining operation. A test version of this release will be out soon.

I hope this helps!

[Dougal]

Originally Posted by 10bulls Under profile and pocketing machining options, there is a property called 'LeadInMove' ... there is a [+] symbol to the left of it which expands to sub properties. It sounds like you need to set the LeadInType to Tangent, then also define the TangentRadius. You can also put a value in the SpiralAngle so that it tangents in and spirals down simultaneously. For pockets, it *should* start from the center and work it's way out by default. You can also define a lead in move - this time a LeadInType = Spiral is useful, together with the Spiral Angle. You may notice there is also a LeanInFeedrate parameter. If 0, this will use the cutting feedrate. Any other value overrides this. Setting the precise start point is a little tricky in the current version and involves changing polyline start points. I am about to put out a new version that allows you to simply pick a start point for each machining operation. A test version of this release will be out soon. I hope this helps!

Wow, you really did think of everything.

[Robin Hewitt]

Hi 10 bulls

Apologies for not coming back after your reply, got a bit bogged down with the nuts and bolts of what will be a rather awkward milling operation. Electrically isolated spindle, zero backlash nuts and all that malarky. Mill is starting to look like a Christmas tree. Expect to be after you again in a few weeks when I start to cutting fancy shapes from .stl files with CamBam
Much ta

Robin