machining the perimeter of a part

[MadPickinSkills]

Hey guys,
I'm new to camworks, but I've using Mastercam for years as well as a few others. I'm trying to get my feet wet, but I'm having difficulty figuring out how to create a toolpath for the perimeter of a part. I just created a simple extruded base, then made an extruded cut in it for a pocket. I can get camworks to recognize the pocket, but how do I create a toolpath to machine the outside of the part?

[terzad]

Hy

You have only to create a curve on the perimeter of your drawing and use Contour toolpath with ramp properties. In few minutes you solve your problem.

[Phyrexii]

Sounds like you just need to do a 'boss' feature, works just like 'pocket', only on the outside.

BTW, my condolences on your switch to CW. Been using it for 3 years now, and it's like pulling teeth. Can't wait for the economy to turn around so we can get MasterCAM!

[psresources_dd]

all you need to do, is right click on the insert part set up, there is an option to insert part perimeter right there. I was up and running this software within a few hours, sure there are a few quirks here and there, but I looked at a lot of cam systems, and it is truly integrated into Solidworks which is huge for me.

[TheBigJW]

Originally Posted by Phyrexii Sounds like you just need to do a 'boss' feature, works just like 'pocket', only on the outside. BTW, my condolences on your switch to CW. Been using it for 3 years now, and it's like pulling teeth. Can't wait for the economy to turn around so we can get MasterCAM!

Did you ever change? Or did it get better?

I hate MasterCam. Not the software as much as the company.

John

[dcchip]

Originally Posted by MadPickinSkills Hey guys, I'm new to camworks, but I've using Mastercam for years as well as a few others. I'm trying to get my feet wet, but I'm having difficulty figuring out how to create a toolpath for the perimeter of a part. I just created a simple extruded base, then made an extruded cut in it for a pocket. I can get camworks to recognize the pocket, but how do I create a toolpath to machine the outside of the part?

I use 2.5 setup and boss (outer loop, convert to loop)then click on edge and if I can remove all material with my rougher or let offal just flop off i use the fine selection twice. Once for stepping down leaving material on the sides say .01 then my second one for pass @ full depth leaving nothing on sides. Now if your looking for one of their selections to do this let me know as I havnt been able to find. I have read that u can make your own processes that will default to the way you prefer to machine but I havnt made it that far myself.

[ParkerMillguy]

Originally Posted by dcchip I use 2.5 setup and boss (outer loop, convert to loop)then click on edge and if I can remove all material with my rougher or let offal just flop off i use the fine selection twice. Once for stepping down leaving material on the sides say .01 then my second one for pass @ full depth leaving nothing on sides. Now if your looking for one of their selections to do this let me know as I havnt been able to find. I have read that u can make your own processes that will default to the way you prefer to machine but I havnt made it that far myself.

Edit Definitions/Contour tab/Side Parameters Box: Click Settings button/Finish Passes Box: Final Cut amount (How much you want to take for a finish cut) Then click "Single Cut Depth" check-box to only machine at final depth.

[maxxxlogan]

Originally Posted by Phyrexii BTW, my condolences on your switch to CW. Been using it for 3 years now, and it's like pulling teeth. Can't wait for the economy to turn around so we can get MasterCAM!

CW is awsome, MC is for old timers. CW is super advanced if you take the time to setup your machining database. Thins are so much quicker to machine, you can have as many dedicated boss (any machine opp) feature options as you like. To cover every problem you encounter. You just need to think out side the box a little, the software is nothing but a tool. It all depends on how familiar you are with it's capabilities.