Tool path modification/(un)grouping/repair

[OCNC]

Can you share any experience on the differences between Rhino's offset behavior as compared to what madCAM would produce.

I'm noticing some differences in the generated curve in spaces that are at or near to the cutter diameter size, where madCAM goes in further and the Rhino offset takes a more averaged path, for example a dog leg type slot in material.

Can you post a graphic to illustrate? I can imagine that there could be an issue when the radius of the curve is less than or within the drawing tolerance of the cutter radius. If you were makeing a dog-leg type slot in material why would tabbing be necessary?

[OCNC]

Here's a screencast for another GH definition that doesn't use an offset curve. It may improve the accuracy of the cut. The file is attached below.

[OCNC]

Here's one more go at the tab problem. Attached is a Rhinoscript that does the same thing as the previous GH definition. It uses the profile curve to generate the interrupted profile curve. There are three successive command line requests. The first is to select the profile curve, the second is to indicate the number of tabs to be placed and the third is to specify the tab length. The result is nearly instantaneous and may ultimately be easier to implement than the GH method. If you want the options to be 'sticky' and carry over from the previous use I can add that. The easiest way to test the file is to just drop it onto an open Rhino window. This will immediately put the script on the command line. If it proves useful you may want to embed it in a toolbar button. Look at the Rhino Help file for info on how to use Load Script and Run Script commands if you're not already familiar with them. Let me know if you need any further help with the script.

Chris

[svenakela]

Here's one more go at the tab problem. Attached is a Rhinoscript that does the same thing as the previous GH definition. It uses the profile curve to generate the interrupted profile curve. There are three successive command line requests. The first is to select the profile curve, the second is to indicate the number of tabs to be placed and the third is to specify the tab length. The result is nearly instantaneous and may ultimately be easier to implement than the GH method. If you want the options to be 'sticky' and carry over from the previous use I can add that. The easiest way to test the file is to just drop it onto an open Rhino window. This will immediately put the script on the command line. If it proves useful you may want to embed it in a toolbar button. Look at the Rhino Help file for info on how to use Load Script and Run Script commands if you're not already familiar with them. Let me know if you need any further help with the script.

Chris

That's what I have, a custom button in my own toolbar that makes tabs with a Rhino script. But I rarely use it, as I wrote before I use skin cuts instead.