Slotting using profiling maintaining associativity with model

[inflateable]

This really is the most frustrating piece of software I've ever used...

I have an open ended slot, 40mm wide.
I have a cutter, 40mm wide.

I'd like to cut the 40mm wide slot with my 40mm wide cutter.
I want to maintain associativity with my original 3D model, so using '2D Slot' is not an option, as you have to create geometry (lines) to use it.

So I assume I use 'Profiling'. It constantly errors out, says cryptic things like 'unable to produce cycle' (yeah, thanks for that - any hint why?) and gives me about 5 million options to choose from, none of which are 'mill a slot'

It seems ridiculously difficult to get edgcam to simply mill a slot, using 3D solids, when the cutter is the same size as the slot. Use a smaller cutter, and no problem, but why would you do that?

How do you do it?

[jtreanor]

Hi Inflateable,

In design Mode
Top Menu - Solids - Mill Feature - Profile Edges
select the top edge of the slot on one side only, this will create
an "Associative" 2D profile feature on one wall of the slot.

(Profile Loop around the top of the slot will create a Pocket feature)

In Mfg Mode
Use the Mill Profile cycle, Model Type = Solid, No Offsets,
Depth Tab - Level and Depth = 0 "Associative" check boxes ON
cut increment = anything greater than depth for a single pass

Start End - Plunge / Retract Point = Automatic
Start / End Preference = Near Plunge Retract
Profile Extensions = 0

Leads = None

OK - Select the 2D profile feature on the model - or highlight / select it on the feature list

If you want it to cut the other direction change Climb / Conventional.

**********

If you have a slot that is a pocket feature, the profile cycle
will want to drive the tool around the entire perimeter even if
it is the exact size of the slot, If the tool is larger than the slot
or the exact same size you can sometimes get it to go by
changing the cycle tolerance value.

to make a single
pass in the slot / pocket set the Start / End Point option to digitize.
this will allow you to manually move the start point "arrow" and the end
point "star" to profile only one side of the slot / pocket.

Edgecam takes some getting used to - but once you know
what it's asking for - you can make it jump through hoops.

[inflateable]

Brilliant! That's the ticket.

Ah, it's easy when you know how, but the most irritating thing about edgecam is it's almost impossible to find out the how for yourself. It's not exactly an Apple it-just-works experience.

The dialogue options are so obtuse, and the help files are so vague, and the error messages so lacking in description that it's completely unintuitive and really difficult to 'learn by doing' by yourself.

But that's why this forum is so useful - it's saved me many a headache!

Thanks again.

[jsanders]

Originally Posted by inflateable Brilliant! That's the ticket. Ah, it's easy when you know how, but the most irritating thing about edgecam is it's almost impossible to find out the how for yourself. It's not exactly an Apple it-just-works experience. The dialogue options are so obtuse, and the help files are so vague, and the error messages so lacking in description that it's completely unintuitive and really difficult to 'learn by doing' by yourself. Thanks again.

Have you contacted your Edgecam salesperson about training? Training is a great investment, and will really help you get going.