Mastercam X. How to use a rotary to cut a contour on a tube?

**blakemachine** · 10-17-2011, 03:22 PM

I am very fluent in regular 3 axis Mill Programing. I am now trying to use an "A" Axis to run a simple program. I just want to bring the tool down to center of the rotary with a height of 3". Then rotate the A axis 300 degrees then pull the tool out and rotate back to "A" Zero and make a finish pass. I can program it longhand, but want to know how so I can apply it to more complicated parts.

So I Choose Left Plane.
Make a circle with a Radius of 3" on the origin
Make a cut to make the circle only go around 300 degrees
Select the top plane
Go to Contour and select a Ball endmill
Go to the 4th Axis tab
Select positioning about Y axis
In the contour page, select the correct height and 2D

Problem is in simulation, and by just looking at the toolpath, it is obviously not right. ANy suggestions?

**Rstewart** · 10-17-2011, 03:54 PM

The way I would acomplish that move:

Draw a regular flat line on Z0. 3" length in the Y+ - direction, Contour- Chain- Comp OFF

Axis substution Y, enter your rotary Dia (the part), fill in correct deminsions in the linking param page and Cut.

If you need more help just let me know!

**metlshpr** · 10-17-2011, 03:59 PM

I have had this issue not to long ago and got it figured out. be sure to check the unroll box in the rotory pram. x 5 file btw

**metlshpr** · 10-17-2011, 04:05 PM

sorry just noticed that you are using x. this is a file with just geo. in the linking para depth is 0. in the rotary pram axis sub in y enter dia and check the unroll box