Need help...still noob and don't understand

[rbest27]

Ok guys I'm using Surfcam 2004. I'm really noob to this software and I'm trying to 3d this mold, I get so far and then the software cuts on both side of the contour I want to make...show me what I'm doing wrong. I'm attaching the file. Any pointers would be much appreciated...basically if I'm shown once. I'll know it for life.

[tnik]

a little bit more info would be helpful, I can't see what your talking about.

[rbest27]

the outlet ends I've figured out I did a steep shallow cut to get those done...now the bigger cutout near the bottom of the part I've got the sides profiled but need to figure out how to clear out the bottom.

[planar39]

what your missing is a boundary curve, imagine you have a 12" cube, 1 cubic foot of metal, the top is Z zero. you want to stay inside, make a line, rectangle, 2 endpoints, and draw this just inside your cube, at z zero, now when using z rough, or most other paths, check the boundary curve, when you are selecting your elements to machine, it will ask you to select your boundary curve (box, circle,whatever) now, surfcam will ignore the outside of your mold

[planar39]

lol, actually z rough requires a boundary curve, hehe inside joke, but paths like planar or z finish this is an option box

[planar39]

ok i actually looked at your part now, (had to put velocity demo on my home comp) make the 'line box' just inside, if you need those grooves to also be complete, make 3 more rectangles around them, then trim them into the original box, these need to be over 1/2 your cutter dia.

so youll have a box in which 3 portions of sides jut out for a little bit. does that make sense? hmm, ill try to do this for ya in demo mode, at least i think i can print a screenshot if not a file. good luck

[planar39]

http://www.hidebehind.com/2BEA2B72 is what i would do

your z-rough looks good so im not sure im of any help

[planar39]

or 3d view of part

http://www.hidebehind.com/10681140

any other questions? heh great fun for the evening, i was bored

[planar39]

amm, what am i missing? his z finish and z rough is not starting at the top, he has not forced it down with a max Z level?. (tool offset?) can i assume this is not a primary rough and tools are actually offsetted lower?

4140 Pre Hard, the hardest substance known to man

[championp]

if you cant machine the bottom as a pocket, you can use planar, 3 axis cut, steep shallow with the steep option clicked off, or you can program a pocket that fits the bottom of the mold and use 3 axis "project"

[rbest27]

Thanks everyone for the input...I was able to create the mold fairly efficently..lol. It's just really frustrating when you work with a software program that you've never used and you've got deadlines to meet. I will definately add all of these options into my future efforts. I want to use the software to it's fullest potential. It was actually made out of delrin....so slamming an endmill into it isn't a big deal...hehe

[planar39]

lol its cool, i used that stuff in the late 90's (a black plastic of a machinable grade) lucky you! i'll wager to guess its for the camera industry

aah i miss delrin, those days gone by when mat'l flexes a bit,

ppl i need some more problems to solve! IM BORED come on, want z rough answers? or 3d cut? im so bored sry i dont do srm or true mill

4140 pre hard, the hardest subtance known to man, exept for inconel, monel, hasteloy, and secret government crap.