How do you create this toolpath?

[squarewave]

Is there a way to create this type of 3 axis toolpath in Mastercam X? In Catia, it is called IsoParametric because it follows the UV parameters of the surface. The closest thing I can find in Mastercam is "flowline", which seems to work on some surfaces, but not consistently, and not on this surface (which happens to be planar, but at a slight angle to the Z axis).

The feature that I am looking for is an option to get the path to be parallel to the edges of the surfaces with a nice smooth transition between them.

Can someone help this Mastercam newbie?

Thanks

[Matt Berube]

I think flowline is the only option that should work exactly like the picture you provided. Now the question is why can't you get the result you want...

I can see the toolpath in your picture and can't figure out why flowline wouldn't work right...

Can you share the file ? Or at least the surface you're cutting ?

Why is it important to follow the exact edges of the surface ? Are you trying to leave a straight edge for finish appearance ?

[CNCRim]

I think you can do it with 3axis toolpath is sculpture use ballend or another way is with 4-axis indexer use the side of the endmill(toolpath Trim).

[post_guy]

3D Project Blend. Use the two outer edges (right and left) as the "rails". It will result in exactly the same toolpath as your image.

[Mike Mattera]

How about a Wireframe - Ruled.

Mike Mattera

[ObrienDave]

How about a multi surface parallel?
In the parallel parameters tab, advanced button, use the roll tool over all edges option.
Use a center line boundry to restrict the tool from rolling completely around the edge.
Run your toolpath parallel to the front and back flat faces.

If you want a smooth transition from left to right, do it as two separate toolpaths.
One for the left half and one for the right.
Since a flowline cut follows the edges of a surface, start at the outside edges of each surface.
Once the two surface cuts meet in the center, the two cuts will blend perfectly.

The only way I know to get a roll over effect, is to create and properly trim up a .001- .005 fillet surface, fake it so to speak, so the tool has a surface to roll around, and then use the multi surface flowline cut.
You'll have to play with the tolerance settings a bit, but it will work.

[cadcam]

Can you share the file as one of to being Parriall or Flowline will do this.
What happens when you do it as flowline?

Are the normals the same?

[Dugg]

There is a book entitled "Handbook Volume 2" Mastercam by San Diego CAD/CAM,Inc available at Amazon.Com that has been beneficial in learing various ways of machining 3D surfaces. I bought this book with a CD of examples and found it to be a major boost-up the learning curve of Mastercam. Mastercam Handbook Volume 2 Version 9 Student Guide

[ObrienDave]

Squarewave:::

I assume the type of cut your picture shows, is a ruled cut based on the
linear edge geometry.

A flowline cut does the same thing except with surfaces.

Attached, is a V9 file showing a surface finish parallel example,
a surface finish flowline example, and a wireframe ruled example.

I would like you to notice, the ruled cut places the center of the endmill TIP
on the line. this is not good for a 3D app unless, you modify the geometry for
your cutter.

Surface cuts are much safer because MasterCAM can calculate the tool normal to prevent tool gouging.

Hope this helps,

[das_jayesh@yaho]

you can do with scallop finishing on mastercam where you needs to specify the boundary of the surface to be machined.you can get a very good toolpath and very good surface finish

[cadcam]

That Path can be done by Flowline, Surface Parall or surface project 3d this is the tree I see that would give it the same back and forth option as the picture shown.

[squarewave]

Thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions. Attached are two JPEGs showing the two machining directions I am offered in the flowline toolpath option. Also attached is an IGS of the surface I am working with.

The "Finish Project" toolpath does appear to give this toolpath.

I can't seem to get "Finish Parallel" to put out anything but parallel paths, so I do not understand that suggestion. The path needs to run in the direction shown in the first post - the edge of the part is razor thin. I am trying to get a non-parallel path.

obriendave- Thanks for taking the tame to show me the options. For some reason, my flowline options do not include the the one that I need. See the jpgs below. Perhaps I need to do something different to the surface that I have imported.

Thanks again to everyone!