topic Re: Y-axis lathe programming question in Fusion Manufacture Forum

Y-axis lathe programming question

marshal.fitch — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 19:40:39 GMT

I've got an NLX2500 y-axis lathe on the way and am trying to figure out how to program a few parts for it. Most of what I want to do had been pretty straightforward, but I'm struggling to figure out how to get Fusion to run an endmill around a non-round part. I'm trying to put a groove in the blue area in the picture with an endmill mounted in live tool holder. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Re: Y-axis lathe programming question

a.laasW8M6T — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 22:49:31 GMT

you could do it with a keyseat/slotting cutter in an axial livetool holder pretty easy, depending on how far you need to reach with a simple 2D contour operation.

If you want to do it with a radial Live tool you will likely need to use rotary(an extension toolpath), but you may be able to do a wrapped 2D contour but it wont be pretty.

If you upload your file someone may be able to offer up some examples

Re: Y-axis lathe programming question

seth.madore — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 10:14:19 GMT

Wrapped 2D Contour only works with cylindrical features, so that's out of the question. There is a Preview Flag in the Preferences that will restrict Flow to 4-axis. Be advised though, that once this is released into production, it will end up in the Extensions. The other (better) option is Rotary, which is also an Extension item

Re: Y-axis lathe programming question

marshal.fitch — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 11:39:54 GMT

The file is attached for anyone to try.

Keyseat cutter is how I'm doing it now in my VMC. I've also only got axial 2 live holders coming with the machine, both of which will be used on this already.

When I try doing the Rotary toolpaths, it doesn't follow it very well. It dips into the center of the flat area for some reason.

Re: Y-axis lathe programming question

marshal.fitch — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 19:58:40 GMT

Maybe I'm wrong in what Fusion or the lathe can actually do? The lathe should definitely be able to cut this part, right? It'd have to move X, Y, and Z in time with the C (spindle), but that shouldn't be an issue, but can Fusion program that, or do I need to look into other CAM software?

Re: Y-axis lathe programming question

seth.madore — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 21:01:35 GMT

The issue is in Fusion being able to do this in an effective manner, not the lathes abilities 😞

Re: Y-axis lathe programming question

marshal.fitch — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 14:12:35 GMT

I think I figured out a way to make it work "good enough". I do the flat part of the groove with a pair of 2D contours, and the curved side with a rotary with angular limits set so it just touches those curves with a little overlap. For what I'm using them for I think it'll work. Of course, I won't know for sure until I can actually try it on the machine.