Surface created from Solid

[crolee]

Hi all,

I have the following problem when programming on MasterCam X5.

First of all, I thank you for reading this and any input will be of much value to a newbie like me.

Here's the problem:

I've been using MasterCam X5 to create machine programs for about 6 months now. Everything goes well except for one thing where the tool goes too deep near the (projected) arc.

We have many similar designs and thus I've bumped into this same problem over and over...and never been fully successful in preventing this from happening. I wonder how I can work this out...

Also I'm in the process of learning SolidWorks with an intention to do the 3d modeling part of the programming... These days I question myself as to whether I should discard the whole MasterCam/SolidWorks line and instead pursue some other machine program...

Below's the procedure I took, I believe each step has its own problems:

1. created Surface from Solid(problem: some broken surfaces shown, for example where yellow and green meets. Apex of arc not affected by this).
2. projected chains onto the created Surface(problem: some portion(PINK) of projected chains not identical to original(RED)).
3. set up the Parameter(it's 3d Contour even though the title says 2D tool paths).
4. run the tool along the projected path(problem: tool makes weird movements...tool dia is 1/2 in, the original arc is 0.6 inch).

Again, any suggestion will be appreciated!

Thank you!

CNC Machine: HAAS VF-3SSYT
Tool: 1/2 in. Bull End Mill

[txcncman]

Would be curious to see the DXF or solid model for this and what you are accomplishing with projection.

[jeffrey001]

Is there a reason why you use center tip cutter comp, I always use tip of tool for lenght comp of the tool.


Jeff

[Superman]

A 2D or a 3d Contour is a toolpath that is controlled by your selected wireframe geometry

The XY profile offset is from the TOP plane (G17), and the depth is relative to the contact point of the tool with the selected geometry, irrespective of your selection of tooltip or tool centre---it's the same point for a flatmill or bullnose, a ballnose would have a differring "Top of Stock" & depth" values
( the only real time it would be of benefit is when machining arcs in the ZX(G18) or ZY(G19) planes with a ballnose cutter, as you would have single, clean G2/G3 arcs in your NC file instead of point to point code)

Arcs are a 2D feature, so the tool would stay at the same Z level for the sweep, ( you would have to leave it as a spline, not convert to an arc, and get point to point code )

PS--in your parameters, you should have the "Infinite look adhead" turned ON to stop the little "sqiggle" in the corner. It may minimise some of your problems. ( This stops the cutter from crossing over itself, it get pretty ugly if any comps are used )

SUGGESTION---
picture a closed pocket with 1/2" corner rads, that has a curved base, & 1/4" fillets from the base to the walls
-you could use 3D contour using the geometry at the top of the 1/4" fillets using a 1/2" endmill
- then use a 1/2" ballnose, using the geometry that is on the base boundary ( XY offset = -0.25")

Note---lead ins/outs are not necessarily gouge checked, so step thru these carefully, they may cut into the base surface )

[crolee]

jeffrey001 , I was trying a few different settings... with a few different Compesation settings...of course without success. Thank you!

[cadcam]

Can you share the file. I alwas ask because all the answers are right there for me to answer.I also noticed you turned off the Cutter Compensation not sure why.

[crolee]

Hi, I am going to PM the mcx-5 file. Thank you very much!

[cadcam]

so do you want to make the solid model if so I see a concave area. I do not see a need for surfaces to be made as if the solid model what you want then we use that.
But I see these 3d contour paths and not sure what they are making in the shape. is there a detail missing?

[cadcam]

The 3d contour did not do well so I took your curve and mad it flat and use tool path Surface finish project using a curve option.