Learning to use the 4th Axis

[MetalShavings]

I've had my 770 for a few months now and I think I'm finally ready to start using the 4th Axis unit I bought along with this package deal.

Does anyone know of any Step-by-Step tutorials I might be able to access via the internet?

I haven't even taken the rotary table or tail stock out of the packaging yet. I did hook up all the appropriate wires but, I thought I'd try to find some good tutorials before giving it a go.

Any help would be appreciated.

MetalShavings

[TXFred]

Need more info. What do you want to know? How to set it up? How to align it? How to program for it?

What CAM package are you using?

Frederic

[MetalShavings]

Need more info. What do you want to know? How to set it up? How to align it? How to program for it?

What CAM package are you using?

Frederic

Hi Frederic:

Yes to all the above. I'm using SprutCam. I know this software is set up to handle the fourth axis. My problem is that I'm more or less self-taught and this SprutCam Software is less than user-friendly.

This means I generally have to learn it the hard way; by making alot of mistakes. I'd like to skip as many mistakes as possible so I thought reading up and maybe viewing some HOW-TO videos might help.

I just haven't been able to find any specific to my machine.

MetalShavings

[TXFred]

In Sprut, the Rotary Machining toolpath is what you want to use. It's pretty straightforward to use, although making it work efficiently does take more time and effort.

But, you can also use standard machining toolpaths along with the 4th axis. If you look at the Parameters for a toolpath, there is an option for A Axis Position. You can punch a different number into there, and Sprut will recalculate the toolpath based on the new position of the 4th axis.

Try that with an existing program and see how it alters the results.

[MetalShavings]

Hi again TXfred:

I appreciate your input but I'm still clueless as to where to start.

Perhaps if I re-word my inquiry I'll get the answers I'm hoping for.

I actually have several questions but, in the interest of simplicity I'll only ask one at a time. Once I get an answer I can understand then I'll ask a followup question.

I know I'm the one looking for answers so I hope you'll bare with me. If my questions come across as stupid or abrasive please pardon that too.

I'm fairly certain I'd have no problem plugging in and setting up my rotary table on my mill.

The parts I have yet to learn are indexing the part I'll be machining with the help of my 4th axis.

As an example; Question #1

Lets say I want to machine a spiral fluted reamer out of a four inch long piece of 3/8" metal rod.

Chucking it up in my rotary table is the easy part. Will I be able to transfer my Solidworks drawings of the part in question into SprutCAM in the same way I do it with 2-D and 3-D drawings and just create my tool paths?

Thanks for your patience.

MetalShavings

[Gerry Sweetland]

Hi again TXfred:

I appreciate your input but I'm still clueless as to where to start.

Perhaps if I re-word my inquiry I'll get the answers I'm hoping for.

I actually have several questions but, in the interest of simplicity I'll only ask one at a time. Once I get an answer I can understand then I'll ask a followup question.

I know I'm the one looking for answers so I hope you'll bare with me. If my questions come across as stupid or abrasive please pardon that too.

I'm fairly certain I'd have no problem plugging in and setting up my rotary table on my mill.

The parts I have yet to learn are indexing the part I'll be machining with the help of my 4th axis.

As an example; Question #1

Lets say I want to machine a spiral fluted reamer out of a four inch long piece of 3/8" metal rod.

Chucking it up in my rotary table is the easy part. Will I be able to transfer my Solidworks drawings of the part in question into SprutCAM in the same way I do it with 2-D and 3-D drawings and just create my tool paths?

Thanks for your patience.

MetalShavings

I apologize for jumping in here before Frederic has a chance to reply.
I just want to help and I apologize if it doesn't come across with the best intentions

You should be working with your solid model exported as an iges file than imported into SC with all the features you need to machine in the model. I wouldn't be working with drawings (are you importing DXF?) or 2D, 3D lines in SC. Maybe I'm just getting hung up on your terminology. When you say "2-D and 3-D drawings" you mean your solid model?

The best way to use SC is with a solid model (that is, an iges file) and only use the 2D geometry in SC when you can't work with iges files or just have a simple tool path that does not need to be modeled.

The thing about using a model (an iges file) is that all features are there for SC to work with and help to automatically or intelligently help you to create your tool paths.

HTH
Gerry

[MetalShavings]

Hi Gerry:

Maybe I should have clarified a little better. I do my drawings in the SolidWorks CAD software. They are then converted into IGES files and imported into my SprutCAM software.

What I was wanting to know with question #1 was if I could do the same thing if I intended to machine my part using my 4th axis along with my X, Y and Z axis.

"2D and 3D;" I can draw in both dimensions but I generally just do it in 3D then save as an IGES file for later use.

I get the "Just" of what you're saying. That's how I've been doing it all along. What I don't know at this point is if there are any differences in this proceedure when using the 4th axis.

MetalShavings

[Gerry Sweetland]

Hi Gerry:

Maybe I should have clarified a little better. I do my drawings in the SolidWorks CAD software. They are then converted into IGES files and imported into my SprutCAM software.

What I was wanting to know with question #1 was if I could do the same thing if I intended to machine my part using my 4th axis along with my X, Y and Z axis.

"2D and 3D;" I can draw in both dimensions but I generally just do it in 3D then save as an IGES file for later use.

I get the "Just" of what you're saying. That's how I've been doing it all along. What I don't know at this point is if there are any differences in this proceedure when using the 4th axis.

MetalShavings

Cool, I was just hung up on terminology
I have SolidWorks too.
I don't want to step on any ones toes and Frederic is pretty smart so I'll stay out of it and learn from the results.

I don't have the 4 axis but I hope to one someday.
Gerry

[MetalShavings]

Hi Gerry:

No need for apologies. I've gotten useful input from you in the past with other inquiries I've made here. If you think of anything that may help me don't hesitate to let me know.

Having a 4th axis and not knowing exactly how to use it is almost the same as not having one at all.

Once I can figure out how to use it properly it will move me to another level of competence with my CNC milling in general.

MetalShavings

[cuauhtemoc]

Funny, I just made a 6 inch long 'screw' using solidworks and sprutcam on my 4axis rotary table a few weeks ago on my 770.

Some tips:
-In sprutcam I think I ended up using the 5axis contouring features. Didn't like how it machined the spiral with the other programs, so I just stayed on top of my curve path.
-I was cutting mild steel and my 4axis kept slipping, had to use the newest sharpest cutters I had and take small baby z steps.
-I found out afterwards about the Rotational Diameter you can input into MACH3 to speed up the 4axis rotational speed. Make sure you set this to speed things up.
- Test on a test piece 1st
- OH and indicate your A-axis WELL!!!!!! the entire length with a precision shaft or something.

good luck!

[MetalShavings]

cuauhtemoc;

I'm glad you got it to work for you. Still clueless on my end.

I guess I'll have to learn how to do it the "Hard Way."

MetalShavings

[05kevin]

Hi MetalShavings,

I hope this link will help answer some of your questions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYTMk3ZuQG0&feature=youtube_gdata]SprutCAM7 4th Axis - YouTube

Kevin