CAM-software for Camshafts

[Jonne]

Hello!

I have problem... Do anyone know suitable CAM-software for camshaft grinding?
I get cam shape in coordinates (half degree steps) software, what calculates
lift, angles and so on, but how I can transform it to G-code for CNC-grinding
machine?

[neilw20]

The programmed 'toolpath' if we can call it that is a line grinding wheel radius from the desired surface of the cam. This is a similar problem to cutter radius compensation, but the applied principal is similar.
This link gives some insight into cutter radius compensation.
http://www.isd.mel.nist.gov/personne...8a.html#999268
This only works in the XY plane, so we need to calculate the compensation ourselves because the cam appears as a 4th axis being in degrees.
This requires a polar to rectangular conversion which can be done in line by a g-code interpreter.
You can solve trig and Pythagoras problems on the fly, where one of the main variables used will be the current wheel radius.
I haven't done any of this stuff before, so I call some experts who have already done it.
Not trivial, but some high school maths will solve the problem.
You need to treat grinding wheel like a very big cam follower.

[DIFF OVER]

Any cam software should be able to do this, the kicker is can you create a post that will out put nc code that your machine can run. For example, if I was going to grind a cam on an ANCA, I would rotate the A axis, and either feed the Z or X ( depending on wheel to part orientation ) as needed. I would use the system i have ( ESPRIT ) and post code. As i have created an ANCA post. I could also do this same process on a cnc lathe with C-X axis contouring, with a grinding wheel mounted on a live tool, or any mill/turn.

What machine do you have?