toolpath using rotary axis

[dpark1]

I am machining a surface using the 4th axis, but i am not sure what the rotary diameter means on the rotary axis option,and also how can I check my simulation to know if it is right? Thanks for any help.

[Mike Mattera]

What version of MCam? In X you have to select a post that supports the Rotary function. In V9 you can program Rotary, but the output will not be right if the post does not support it.

There are about 5 different ways to do rotary on Mastercam. All require that the part be on the center line of the axis.

Have you ever done rotary with your post before?
What kind of machine do you have?

If you have V9 you may want to consider this...
http://www.tipsformanufacturing.com/...y_contour.html
This CD includes posts for Vertical and Horizontal machining. It also has information for modifying the posts.

If you have MCam X you may want to consider this...
http://www.tipsformanufacturing.com/...ontouring.html
This one includes a Horizontal post for rotary.

Mike Mattera

[crazythunder]

Rotary Diameter is the diameter of what you are cutting. The ability to transform a 3d toolpaths for a 4th axis toolpath is one of Mastercam's strongest abilities I think. The 4 axis toolpath is ok in Mastercam, but I prefer to use the 5 axis toolpaths changing the output format to 4 axis. Mike's tips are some of the best out there so look at them they will be of a big help to you.

[dpark1]

I have version 9.1, we have a fadal with the 4th axis,and we have not done much rotary work