X4/X5 best/easy way to create a toolpath for this particular...

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...screen capture attached...

I'm working on this huge project that I'm using primary flowline 5 axis, circle 5 axis and advanced multiaxis... my objective is to select the surfaces and create the toolpath avoiding the creation of new views.

I got around pretty much all the project already but for me to machine the flats that are around the boss, I need to create a toolpath that keeps the tool inside of the flat edges like a pocket on 2D environment ....

I know that I can use a ball-nose e/mill and machine it with the flowline option that in my case I do have a 5axis machine but I want to use a flat e/mill and machine each flat at the time for the finishing. it has to be with a very good finish and shinny like a mirror


is anyone can help me again, I know that theres people out-there with lots of mastercam knowledge, just remember if you help me out today... tomorrow, I'll be helping out somebody else.

thanks
have a great day

[Superman]

I know that I can use a ball-nose e/mill and machine it with the flowline option that in my case I do have a 5axis machine but I want to use a flat e/mill and machine each flat at the time for the finishing. it has to be with a very good finish and shinny like a mirror

It doesn't have to be a ballnose, try using a bull mill,

But surfacing will take a bloody long time , and really long code

Rough shape
Use a surface rough contour on a true sphere to rough it out
and then it should be a facing pass on each flat. use the top face ( select solid by face) of the spigot as a check surface, and use values in the "Depths" area to control the Z level cutting zone

Faces
Your 5 axis post should be able to work out the angles required for each face
( T plane by solid face )
WCS is the setup view for each op, T & C plane selected by solid face

The operation on the flats would only need to be a 2D contour op, you may have to create a line across the face for each op

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It doesn't have to be a ballnose, try using a bull mill,

But surfacing will take a bloody long time , and really long code

Rough shape
Use a surface rough contour on a true sphere to rough it out
and then it should be a facing pass on each flat. use the top face ( select solid by face) of the spigot as a check surface, and use values in the "Depths" area to control the Z level cutting zone

Faces
Your 5 axis post should be able to work out the angles required for each face
( T plane by solid face )
WCS is the setup view for each op, T & C plane selected by solid face

The operation on the flats would only need to be a 2D contour op, you may have to create a line across the face for each op

yes, my 5 axis post is working perfect, I was just wondering if would be another way, a quicker way, ie: just selecting a surface/solid face without selecting planes by solid face first ...

I understand and I will follow the directions you gave me...

thank you once again for your help Superman

[PRINT_FX]

It doesn't have to be a ballnose, try using a bull mill,

But surfacing will take a bloody long time , and really long code

Rough shape
Use a surface rough contour on a true sphere to rough it out
and then it should be a facing pass on each flat. use the top face ( select solid by face) of the spigot as a check surface, and use values in the "Depths" area to control the Z level cutting zone

Faces
Your 5 axis post should be able to work out the angles required for each face
( T plane by solid face )
WCS is the setup view for each op, T & C plane selected by solid face

The operation on the flats would only need to be a 2D contour op, you may have to create a line across the face for each op

Superman,

I see why you told me to work with solids and not with surfaces, I did all the roughing step selecting surfaces and I was able to change colours during the machining process, it allowed me to have a better organization system... due to the size and complexity of the part, also I'm programming it by sections.

Using surfaces I concluded that I can't create lines across the "facets" but using the solid model I can.
But using the solid model I can't change the colour of what I'm programming, when I pick a "facet" and change the colour it changes the full model.

Is there any way of splitting the solid model in entitys or...[I don't even know what to call it], any command?

thank you very much.

[Superman]

X5 has the ability to change colours on individual faces on a solid model

You can still set the planes by selecting a solid facet, but you could also select the surface to do the operation on, and then, change the surface colour

Another option is to place text above each facet, and use that text to identify what facet the operation is using, you can also use that text to also identify the plane used.

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X5 has the ability to change colours on individual faces on a solid model

How can I do that?

I'm doing pretty ok I guess doing 5 Axis programming but I still have some difficulties with solids/surfaces...
Superman, would you advice me a very good tutorial?

thanks

[Superman]

In X5, "Solids" pull down, >> "Face / Feature Colors" >>...follow the prompts

your on your way

A guide to tutorials, for me it was experience, use the "Samples" folder for some ideas , especially the "What's new" items, read/ use the help pages...the question mark in the dialog area you are in, will bring up help on that area

have a look at Emastercam, they have some items, videos etc

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Superman, sounds fair and thank you very much once again...


au revoir