4th axis programing

[functionbikes]

Hi everyone , i have been using mastercam for quite sometime I know how program in 3d, but the company that i now work wants me to program in 4 using a 4th axis , i have spent alot of time trying to figure this out on my own, i do the design in solidworks then bring the file into mastercam x5, I need to have the part index on the rotary axis to cut features on 4 sides.

thanks in advance
J little

[TXFred]

What's your question?

Frederic

[functionbikes]

when you are writing the tool paths and you are switching between the sides do you keep the same work offset then shift the work in a0.0 to start then rotating the workpiece to a90.0 and son on.

[machiningweasel]

Really depends, If your working on the COR (center of rotation) you can use one offset, and let the cam system post out the A commands, Ex. 1 tool does all 4 parts or however many then changes tools, be sure your clearance plane is enough to let rotary turn and not crash into your parts. I usually send Z home. Or another way is use 4 offets and then you manually set A0,A90,A180,A270, whatever your doing. Same with the clearance plane. Probably need alittle bit more info out of you to point you in the right direction.. Production run? or just a few parts? Just some insight, hope it helps

[TXFred]

If you shift your tool plane without changing your WCS, then you will get A and B axis movements when you post your gcode.

Frederic

[Superman]

Originally Posted by TXFred If you shift your tool plane without changing your WCS, then you will get A and B axis movements when you post your gcode. Frederic

+1 with Fred

Your WCS is to be used in every op, it sets the rotation datum to zero
the T & C plane is the index position

If you create a plane that your machine cannot do, it should let you know when posting

Check / read the comments at the top of yout .PST file for how to use and get the correct code.