Profiling

[dneisler]

I downloaded the demo last night and tried for several hours to get a profile cut of my part that I need. I have it programmed in VM5 and in MCX, but I had no luck on getting it done in SC4. I didn't even see a profiling option.

Simple profile, .015 z depth / cut

How would one accomplish this in SC4?

[borrisl]

SC4 is REALLY easy. However, since it was written in Russia, they have some differant terms and processes than the domestic ones. In the process folders / finishing, you will see 2d contouring. That will make a perfect profile. You need to project your edges first if you are going to do specific lines or outlines. I'm a complete newbie, but hopefully I have been of some help. I took the plunge a purchased the Expert version. I've found the support and software top notch. Way above anything else out there for the price. Keep at it.

Richard

Step 1: Import, open drawing/model

Step 2: Push "project"

Step 3: Select "2D contouring" in finishing sub folder

Step 4: In "restrictions" delete model and select your outline profile (press + to add)

Step 5: In Parameters set up your cut

Step 6: Run post processor

Step 7: Enjoy.

Really simple example, but it really is that easy.

[dneisler]

I import, and I select what to "Project" and it shows noting selected. This is just a 2D DXF I imported.

[borrisl]

Without speculating. Could you email me the file? I'll get a good idea of what to do and give you straight forward instructions.

[dneisler]

I attached the file here, as your email address is not public here to send it to.

Any help is appreciated.

[borrisl]

Ok Don. I'm a newbie at this too, but here's how your file worked for me.

1. Import DXF/DWG (SpructCAM makes nice little folders out of all your curves, in the model you will notice all the curves.... Two ways of doing this, select the curves you want to cut and cut and paste them into a new folder, or delete all the unused curves.

2. In machining view: Select new, in finishing sub: select 2d contouring.

3. Go to parameters and select your tooling..etc.

4. In the bottom window below your machining list you will see Machine, Restrictions, Holes...... Select Machine and delete "Model" in it. Model will machine the whole part and we don't want to do that just yet.

5. Click the little computer / screen looking icon just above this. It will display your folders, select the inside curves you want to machine, and click the + icon.

6. Press run. That completes the inside cuts

7. Repeat above process for the outside curve.

8. Select postprocessor and your done.

I hope this helps. Looking at the part I would drill out the holes using the "Hole machining" function in roughing, then 2d contouring for the outside. Giving you a total of 3 tool changes, but the fastest machining.

[dneisler]

Ok, I have done this before, and when I select say the left end to machine, it does a lead in, and lead out for ever line, or arc section. I need to join/chain them or something so there is only one lead in and out.

I will go through your steps again tonight, but I am sure I have done them before.

Thanks

[borrisl]

In the curves folder you created, select those curves you want joined and click "Join". I've included your corrected file.

A little background to show you how easy SprutCAM is for me:

I'm a college student with very little experiance in machining CAD or CAM. No one around here teaches it. I struggled through BobCAD for a few months, but prayed for something simple. I've now been using SprutCAM for about 3 weeks. I still don't know alot, but it comes very easy now.

[dneisler]

Thanks Borrisl,

I figure I will catch on quickly once I see how the basics work. That is what happened on MCX that I use at the college. I can use it pretty good, but have to do the work there, come home, test, then go back there. So I waste days easily.

I will give it a shot tonight and see. I bet there is something small that I am not doing or seeing, and when I find it, all will start clicking.

Thanks for your help.

[dneisler]

Ok, that makes sense now. Still have a problem with something else, or I just don't understand. The tool path is now where close to what it should be, straight lines don't machine curves.....or amy I being to critical here?

[borrisl]

This was a bug with imperial settings with version 4.123. They just released a new release that fixed that. Funny, the bug was only in that build and only for imperial users.

[dneisler]

That is strange....