Need Help!- cutter compenstation

[tds11223]

if cutter compensation computer makes mastercam compensate for the tool diameter and cutter control compensation allows the machine to have a variable diameter for cutter compensation then what does the cutter compensation wear exaclty do?

Thanks,

[vimafeje]

hello....
from button help:
"...Mastercam both computes the compensated toolpath and outputs control codes for compensation. Compensation direction in the computer and control are the same..."
....

it's the same thing!!!

EDIT: it's not the same thing,
reason:
"...Computer calculates with the exact cutter diameter and does not set up the G41/G42. The control setting sets up G41/G42 using only the center of the tool down the toolpath you program so you see no offset values generated into the program and must use the full diameter (or radius depending on the control).

The wear option sets up G41/G42 using the programmed cutter diameter so the values in your program reflect the diameter offset. So if the cutter programmed is 1" and the "real world" is .970" then there is a .03" (.015" offset). By selecting climb or conventional cutting in your tooling set up menu will generate G41 or G42. By testing in bacground or verify can show you if you have the proper direction for your offset. (G41 = shift left & G42 = shift right)..."
source

[Geof]

Are you sure it is the same thing?

This is my understanding.

Cutter compensation on the machines allows you to program the part profile and then enter a tool diameter and have the machine calculate the compensated path.

Cutter compensation in the computer means that Mastercam outputs a program that is for the compensated path which is correct only for a tool with the same diameter that was used by Mastercam. You can run this program in the machine without turning on cutter compensation provided your tool is the same diameter. However, you can also run it with compensation turned on using a tool diameter of zero in the machine and then slightly shift the path by having a positive or negative value in the wear. All the machine does is add the wear value to the tool diameter entered into the machine.

[tds11223]

i

[Superman]

cutter comp -CONTROL
outputs toolpaths on the edge of the defined cutter, this allows for the operator to place the actual cutter radius into the control
( it place the comp codes in the toolpath, lead in/outs should also be greater than the tool radius )

cutter comp -COMPUTER
outputs toolpaths on the defined tool's centreline-----no allowance for any person to "adjust" the path by compensation in the control ( tool dia in mastercam needs to be adjusted and re-posted to allow for adjusting )

cutter comp -WEAR
outputs toolpaths on the defined tool's centreline-----comp codes are added for any person to "adjust" the path by compensation in the control ( +ive value in the control, makes the path stand away (OFF) fron the desired profle....-ive makes the cutter path move closer to the selected profile
( generally a zero comp value is placed in the control if a cutter is the same size as defined in mastercam, a -ive tool radius size would cut on top of the profile- this would gouge the part and scra it )

technically, a COMPUTER toolpath is the WEAR toolpath with the compensation codes removed.