Need help with 4-axis programming

[Adaware]

I have never used more than three axis and now i need to utilitise the A-axis as i'm going to machine a camshaft from blank. So, how to i proceed with this?
Step by step or critical hints and tips greatly appreciated

Can i use one of the standard post prosessors or do i need a custom one?
I will only use the cordinates anyway, the rest i will take care of...

[tstom]

Does your machine support continous 4th axis machining or just indexing?
It is probably possible to make the part either way
What post are you using?

[Adaware]

It supports continous 4th axis i belive, have never tried really. Can test it tomorrow.

Normally i use a Okuma post but i don't think it covers all four axes. Is it possible to use a different post?

[alrassoul]

congratulations, you haver been using 3 axis a while, for me all my knowledge is purely theoretica&l as I am novice in the domain.

But, concerning MACH3, you have to deal with 2 things, first of all, declare AXIS A in the configuration of the // port for example and the limits an homing switches.
second, you have to specify which axis is a lave of which, that is for example axis A as slave of Y or Z axis.
that's all !

[tstom]

yes it is usually possible to use some other post or I think you can cut and paste the 4 axis sections out of a 4 axis post

I'm not a post expert so maybe some one else will help out

Then post your crankshaft file and we can help you

[Mike Mattera]

Do you realize that cutting this with the bottom of an end mill might cause some "dishing" on the lobe of the cam.

What version of Mastercam do you have?

Mike Mattera

[tstom]

Mike,
What I've seen done is to rough the journals with the end mill the finish grid the bearing journals
Tom

[Adaware]

Originally Posted by Mike Mattera Do you realize that cutting this with the bottom of an end mill might cause some "dishing" on the lobe of the cam. What version of Mastercam do you have? Mike Mattera

Yes i know that, it will be grinded afterwards but first i need to get the 4th axis going

I have the latest version.

Will try some more today, i did manage to take a 5-axis post and lock it to 4-axes but when i was going to choose the surface i wanted to machine i did not find any even if it was a solid model in the workspace. Maybe i did something wrong in the cut menus..

[the thrill]

I've done lobe machining on a mill/turn type lathe with a 45 degree face mill and the B axis tilted at 45 degrees... worked out quite well

[Superman]

I've done lobe machining on a mill/turn type lathe with a 45 degree face mill and the B axis tilted at 45 degrees... worked out quite well

There is sample toolpaths, I think in the multi-axis directory for this type of application using the cutter at 45° also using the 4th axis as a "turn axis"

You need to have a wide face cutter ie "base OD" and "base ID" that effectively covers the journal as it turn up into the base of the cutter ( this face generates the diameter as it "turns".

here is another method

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YQwq5zxNMk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YQwq5zxNMk

[Adaware]

Can't get this 4-axis thing to work, i have tested the machine and it supports simultaneous 4-axis machining. Can anyone help me with a step by step procedure on how i can do this?
Mastercam support in Norway is crap by the way....
To tilt 45 degrees is no option, i want the A-axis parallel with the machine table.

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by Adaware Can't get this 4-axis thing to work, i have tested the machine and it supports simultaneous 4-axis machining. Can anyone help me with a step by step procedure on how i can do this? Mastercam support in Norway is crap by the way.... To tilt 45 degrees is no option, i want the A-axis parallel with the machine table.

I pretty much know squat about using MCX3 to do 4 axis programming but the basics of 4 axis are pretty simple.

First, what machine are you using and what CNC Control?

Second, how is your 4th axis mounted to the machine, parallel to the X or the Y axis? If it's X then it should be an "A" axis. If it's Y then it would be a "B" axis.

Third, Do you have a Picture or Drawing of your Machine? This will give everyone an idea of how to instruct you.

There are a few other things I need to ask but the above are the most important.

This photo is a 4th axis that is parallel to the X Axis.