topic Re: Error: Invalid cusp height for the given tool. in Fusion Electronics Forum

Error: Invalid cusp height for the given tool.

VE_Mohamed — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 18:27:58 GMT

Hello,

I am trying to engrave a PCB. I am using a V Engrave/Chamfer self-defined bit, and 3D adaptive clearing.

On trying to generate toolpath, I keep getting:

Error: Invalid cusp height for the given tool.

I saw previous posts on this error, but all related to Ball end bits. Why I am getting this error with the V bit?

Re: Error: Invalid cusp height for the given tool.

seth.madore — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 22:41:28 GMT

Would you be able to share your Fusion file here or privately?
File > Export > Save to local folder, return to thread and attach the .f3d file in your reply. To share the file privately, it's the same process, but email it to me: seth DOT madore AT autodesk DOT com

Re: Error: Invalid cusp height for the given tool.

VE_Mohamed — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:19:46 GMT

Please find attached.

Re: Error: Invalid cusp height for the given tool.

seth.madore — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 21:25:31 GMT

So here's the deal;
The tool type is really not suitable for the toolpath calculation kernel that Adaptive uses, it requires a non-zero tip tool, and even then, would result in a toolpath not really suitable for this application.

I took your model and I've applied a few toolpaths to it. There are two setups, I'll explain what I did.

1) In the first setup, I used a 2D Pocket toolpath and selected all the chains appropriately. I did have to define your tool with a small flat on the tip (which it's most likely going to have anyways) and this was my result:

In my second setup, I thought I could do something clever and use 2D Pocket with a Silhouette or Pocket Detection, but that wasn't possible with the model "as-is". It kept on trying to machine the small holes, so I created a Manufacturing Model and then just plugged the thru holes. I was then able to use Silhouette to quickly make a toolpath, and it's pretty much the same as the image above. I think there's a case here for "ignore holes" when doing silhouette detection (I'll make a ticket this weekend)

I then tried 3D Pocket Clearing, but try as I might, I was not able to get a satisfactory toolpath, as it was missing several features:

File is attached for your review

Re: Error: Invalid cusp height for the given tool.

VE_Mohamed — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:11:56 GMT

Hi Seth,

Many thanks.

Let me share a couple of general comments first:

1. As Autodesk is not posting any official videos of its own on how to manufacture a PCB, all these videos out there are really misleading. I can even claim that most of them get what you called above a "non-satisfactory toolpath" but they just didn't highlight

2. My PCB is not much different from others, what works for me should work for others I guess. If 2D pocket clearing is the most suitable, then may be as a future enhancement, no need to keep such a generic manufacturing interface and just keep those strategies that can support PCB manufacturing.

Thanks again