4th axis

[balsaman]

How does Mastercam handle a 4th axis? Is there somewhere I need to set it up?

Can I wrap a 2D drawing around a cylinder for engraving with a 4th axis?

Eric

[cadcam]

Balsaman,

How does Mastercam handle a 4th axis?

There are sevral ways.
It really matters what you want to do or make.
Do you want to use Axis substution or true 4axis ?

Do you want to use exsiting 3d model or Surfaces or solids?

Can I wrap a 2D drawing around a cylinder for engraving with a 4th axis?

I do this all the time.

Draw it in 2d program it on the first Parameter page, use Rotary Axis tell it the axis to Sub and if it is 2d to Roll it and the and the major Dia.

Just a few thoughts.

[balsaman]

Originally posted by cadcam Balsaman, There are sevral ways. It really matters what you want to do or make. Do you want to use Axis substution or true 4axis ? Do you want to use exsiting 3d model or Surfaces or solids? I do this all the time. Draw it in 2d program it on the first Parameter page, use Rotary Axis tell it the axis to Sub and if it is 2d to Roll it and the and the major Dia. Just a few thoughts.

It will be a true 4th axis. "W" I guess.

I will try you suggestion for the rolling thing. Thanks!

Eric

[cadcam]

Are you saying you will be engraving a "W"?
If so the way I stated will be perfect.

If you want me to make up one and mail you a file let me know.

Just let me know what version.

[Rekd]

"W" as in W axis. Are you on a lathe?

'Rekd

[cadcam]

Good call did'nt think about that.
How are you doing Matt?

[Rekd]

I'm doing better now. Things are almost back to normal. Normal? heh, yeah, normal.

Thanks for asking.

'Rekd

[balsaman]

W axis.

I was looking at it this morning. I think I can figure it out. I will sit down and try and do a file when I have some time.

I am not on a lathe. I am working on a 4th axis for my router.

Thanks for your help.

Eric

[balsaman]

Hi,

I got it to wrap a tool path around a 2" cylinder. Very cool. One more question...Does it automatically change the Y coordinates to degrees? Y is the axis I substituted for the rotary axis. Do I need to change the Post Proccessor for this? I had to "enable 4th axis button" in line 164 or so to enable 4th axis.

Looking at the gcode, it doesn't look just right. It looks just like the inch coordinates.

Eric

[hardmill]

E-mail it to me eric. What post are you using?

PEACE

[CAMmando]

Depending on the post ...

It will probably be output as A axis in degrees.

Is this that TurboCNC post ????

Try the fanuc post and see what the output looks like. Your post may need some re-writitng.

[balsaman]

Hi, yes, thanks, I tried the MPfan post and it looks better and now I get an A axis with degrees . I *think* I can modify this post a little to get it to work. If not, I will let you guys know.

Yes, it's turbocnc, and I was trying to use the turbocnc post. That didn't work.

I post a question here, then get back to working at it, kinda figure it out, and then you guys all confirm what I figured out...lol...

This place is the best.

Eric