Need Help!- contour on 4th rotory

[metlshpr]

im new to 4th axis work and running x4. i need to contour some slots on the od of a round part and i cant get the axis to turn. i was able to get the drilling to work but i dont understand why the milling wont work. attch is my file. thx for any help.

[neurosis]

I dont have much time to play with this right now, but there are a couple of ways to accomplish what you want.


I dont use axis substitution much for milling so someone that is more familiar with that may be able to help you more where the milling is concerned. I usually just create a wcs at the angle needed and use that method for my rotation. Axis substitution would be much easier if it works for this particular part.

If I were trying this myself I would calculate out the radius of the arc, angles of the slots from center-line, and unroll the geometry to a flat plane. Then you can set up your axis substitution to work correctly. I am just assuming this of course (no experience with axis substitution).

If I have more time this afternoon or tomorrow I will do it and then put the file up for you to look at.

[vicslmn]

Go into the multi axis menu, mainly look at and play around with the multi axis, swarf, and advasnced multi axis. Should do most of all youl need.

[neurosis]

Originally Posted by vicslmn Go into the multi axis menu, mainly look at and play around with the multi axis, swarf, and advasnced multi axis. Should do most of all youl need.

You are assuming that he has advanced multi axis?


I just realized that I do not have X4 installed so I cant help you by posting a file. I'll try to walk you through a simple method.


Click on your WCS button on the bottom right of your screen in mastercam. Select "rotate wcs". In the X axis enter 67.5 degrees. That will align you with one of the slots (from the top view it will be the one closest to the bottom of the screen. Accept and name your new view.

Open your chain manager for the contour operation that you have created. Right click in the window and select rechain all. Rechain your slot but "only" the single slot.

Open your contour operation parameters and select the Planes (WCS) in the tree. Make sure the box is unchecked for "Display relative to wcs". Do not change your Working coordinate system.. It should be set to "top". Change the Tool Plane and the Comp/construction planes to your new view (67.5 degrees)

Make sure that all of your cut parameters are where you want them and regenerate the operation. You should now have a single slot machined in the proper position.

Since the rest of your slots are at 45 degree increments from the first, you can just use Transform operation in your mill toolpaths. In the Transform parameters select the Rotation option. Select Tool plane as the method. You can play with your work offset numbering to get your desired results.. .this will set whether or not you want multiple ucs's output or a single (g54 etc.) In the Rotate tab, it is important that you set your Rotation View to Right Side! or you wont get the results that you are looking for. Set your number of rotations (3) , your start angle, and your angle of rotations (45 degrees).

Once you generation your operation you will see if it has been set up correctly. You can play with it if it is not.


I played with the rotary axis positioning and couldnt get any decent results. axis substitution seems to be only for full 4th axis contours? which this is not.

[bkrieger]

just make new views and sey xyz 0 to center of rotation.happy new year

[metlshpr]

Thank you all for the help. i feel that i'm just a bit smarter now. lol