Line normal to surface

[johny0407]

I'm working with a 5 axis machine and I'm constantly in the need to trim some parts on holding fixtures. I use the 5 Axis Curve Toolpath on MX2 and select lines that I draw manually for the tool axis control.... Now my question is, is there any way I can draw a line normal to a surface?
Any help will be deeply appreaciated..

Thanks

[ObrienDave]

Yes you can!
Not sure how to do it in McamX, but heres how to do it in Mcam9.

Create a point in 3D space above or below your surface.
Set construction plane to 3D.
Use Create, Point, Srf Project.
Select the surface you want the line normal to.
Select the point you just created.
Select normal to surface.
Select create lines.
Select 'Do it'
If it tells you "no projections found" increase 'max dist' until line created.
VOILA! a line normal to the surface from the first point you created.

This should give you an idea how to do it in McamX

[johny0407]

Thanks for the quick reply, I found how to do it thanks to your reply!! Here's how to do it on MCAMX:
-Create a point either above or below the surface you intend to use
-Xform Project the point to the surface
-On the Project window there's a surface projection menu
-Make sure you have View checked (rather than Normal, yes I know its weird but we'll get a normal line still)
-Check the Points/Lines check-box (you can click on the Points/Lines button to change the normal directions of your line)
-And thats how I did it!!

Once again thanks for your help..

[ObrienDave]

Not a problem, glad it worked for you.

[cadcam]

Sample of what Jonny did in X3.
http://www.mastercam-cadcam.com/videos/linenormal.wmv