Step block question using V9

[cadcam]

Ok review my program for starters. I will look again later. but this one op takes care of most of it. except the corners.I have to run sorry for the short thought but a light bulb shuld come on from this 2d part. no surfaces needed.

[COPO427]

Hi, thanks. wow I am confused. So now there are just entities and no surfaces? You Used just island facing and one tool to complete this? Was this converted to a .DXF from .IGES?

I use Mastercam once in a while so I am not great at choosing what format or toolpaths to go by. Still learning.

This toolpath looks good. I need to get the corners out of there also.

[Steve Arteman]

you will see you can cut 3-d part without using surface toolpath, many time it is much quicker using the wireframe ( lines, arc, splines) edges of the surface or solid model to produce 2-d toolpath like contour, pocket, face. I will look at your part when I get back and maybe give a short video. go to the link below it is a short video to creat edges and a surface same thing applies to toolpath.

http://www.cad2cam.net/rob.html

Steve
www.cad2cam.net

[COPO427]

Steve, thanks. The video says "error downloading codec" so I can't see it. Maybe it is my computer here at home. I will try it at the shop tomorrow.

[COPO427]

Originally Posted by Steve Arteman you will see you can cut 3-d part without using surface toolpath, many time it is much quicker using the wireframe ( lines, arc, splines) edges of the surface or solid model to produce 2-d toolpath like contour, pocket, face. I will look at your part when I get back and maybe give a short video. go to the link below it is a short video to creat edges and a surface same thing applies to toolpath. http://www.cad2cam.net/rob.html Steve www.cad2cam.net

Understood about the wire frame. I guess my issue is how do I get a wire frame from a surface model. Is there something on the import to do? This is coming from SolidWorks.

When I do ALT S I can get a wire frame but not like the file I received from the dude Cadcam.

Thanks again

[Steve Arteman]

here is a video with your part.

http://www.cad2cam.net/v9wireframe/v9wireframe.avi.html

see if this helps
Steve

[COPO427]

Originally Posted by Steve Arteman here is a video with your part. http://www.cad2cam.net/v9wireframe/v9wireframe.avi.html see if this helps Steve

Wow Steve. So very, very informative! Love the vid. I will try creating some tool paths today and see what happens. I might still have some q's.

Will keep you posted.

Thanks so much
Pete

[COPO427]

Originally Posted by cadcam Ok review my program for starters. I will look again later. but this one op takes care of most of it. except the corners.I have to run sorry for the short thought but a light bulb shuld come on from this 2d part. no surfaces needed.

Cadcam thanks for the help.

I was able to get the wire frame I need thanks to Steves tutorial.

Is there a way to create a toolpath that will remove most of the stock of the middle and end boss areas before I cut the bosses? some kind of rough toolpath? do I just use a pocket only and no Island face?

When the cutter gets to the middle boss, there is a wall for the last boss( lowest one) that would require me to use a long length cutter for the middle.

When veiwing the toolpaths from a side view, the wall to the right is very tall. I just want to remove some of this stock then go back and cut the bosses. I have been trying different things with no success.

Is this making sense?

Thanks again

[Steve Arteman]

You are welcome for the video.
I would face each step in within .05 then use the Island face and pocket to finish

Steve
www.cad2cam.net

[COPO427]

Originally Posted by Steve Arteman You are welcome for the video. I would face each step in within .05 then use the Island face and pocket to finish Steve www.cad2cam.net

Thanks again. Think I got it now.
I will let everyone know how we did.

[COPO427]

One more question. I am running this software on 2 different computers.

When I chain the toolpath on one computer the arrow and directtion show up on the screen and stays there. On the other computer when I select, the arrow just flashes and dosen't remain on the screen. Both are good chained paths.

Is there a setting for this?