4th axis indexing with offset

[jeffrey001]

I want to make a gear on a 4th axis with mastercam X3.

For the first operation, tool must be in the center in the Y axis (Axis sub).

But for the second operation, Y axis must be offset by 0.5242" with same depth

I could edit program to change the Y value but I can't do a verify to see if everything is correct.

Is there a practical way to do this without manually editing the program.

Thanks, Jeff

[HuFlungDung]

What kind of a gear are you making? Not that knowing this will help you simulate it, but we might be able to evaluate the technique to see if it is sound. Sometimes you just have to rely on the mathematics if you are attempting generating type motions.

[Superman]

Create a line along the X-axis at Y0
and another at Y0.5242

2D_Contour the line at Y0 .....comps OFF, lead in/out OFF
then Transform Rotate around the RIGHT plane

do the same for the line at Y0.5242

extend or shorten the lines to adjust the descend and retract tool action
use the operation's parameters to control Clearance, Top of Stock and Depth etc

This should put you in the ball-park, there are many other methods to do the same thing

[jeffrey001]

Have included 3 files, .DWG, .DXF and .MCX in a zipped files


The gear on the left, is tool (.125)at Y 0.0 and the gear on the right is the 0.157 offset with a .375 tool on a second pass

If I grind a tool at the desired angle, I could do it in only one pass at Y 0.157 but with axis sub, tool is always at Y 0.0

Made a mistake on my first post, value for Y is not 0.5242" but 0.157"

Than,s for your replies

Jeff

[jeffrey001]

Sorry, file did not attach, here it is

Jeff

[Mike Mattera]

I dont think ball park will be good enough for a gear.

Are you using a Ball, Bull, or flat bottom cutter? The only way to get this accurately is to use a 5 axis tool path , with the 5th axis surpressed.

Go to this link and click on the crank shaft shown towards the bottom of the page. I think you want something like that.
http://www.tipsforcadcam.com/store/2...uct/TFM-CDL2-X


Mike Mattera

[HuFlungDung]

The drawing is that of a ratchet wheel, not a gear, so this helps clear up what needs to be done.

I cannot help you with mastercam simulation, but others may. Getting the part to machine correctly is as much a matter of procedure as it is getting it to simulate correctly.

I'm sure you've got the correct idea there, as you will offset in Y by .157 + tool radius to make the flank cut. Then reposition the A by 5.7986° and offset in Y by 1/64" to trim the tooth face.

To make it least confusing to machine, I would cut this part using an A axis work offset to rotate the part in preparation for the small tool which cleans up the face of the ratchet tooth. This is because the rotation necessary is an odd angle 5.7986° that doesn't accumulate very well over many repetitions. But if you handle it with an A work offset, then you need only do it once before calling the second tool and all the tooth indexings will be a nice round 15° for both run throughs.

[jeffrey001]

If you take a look at this file, this how I would like it to be made or machine.

I first drew it as a flat layout with 360 / 24 = 15 degree

This is the easiest way I could think of, then offset the drawing by 0.157" in the Y direction but the result is more like a Cam rather than a Ratchet.

Editing the program by replacing Y=0.0 by Y=0.157 will be easier but again no way I can verify.

Thanks for your time

Jeff

[qnet2]

hmm

more than one way to skin a cat





______________________


Adapt Improvise Overcome