topic Re: FLOW Toolpath Symmetry Issues - Split path and wrong direction in HSM Support Forum

FLOW Toolpath Symmetry Issues - Split path and wrong direction

Matt.WestSU7H9 — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 21:44:07 GMT

Making a very simple part, but has to have radius on perimeter. Using a corner-rounding endmill is not an option due to the mounting screws. So I chose a 1/16th BEM.

The path on the "Back" came out fine. Smooth, consistent, all linked together, all correct direction for climb cutting finish.

The path on the "Front" however, which was a copy/paste from the back, then I picked the "front", in order, just like I did with the back section, and this is what I get.

Split/broken links, lots of unneeded tool raises and air movements.

All the path specs are the same. But its giving me an Undesired toolpath.

Changing the tangential extension has no effect. Still splits up the path.

I tried deleting it and starting over, re-picked the arrows, and still, same thing.

Anyone know WHY???

@chrismitchell , here's a couple ideas.

It would be helpful for Inventor to have a "link together" command, to create and force a continuous path.

Better use of the arrows would be nice too. Currently is just up/down or left/right. Why not make the arrow designate lead in and the other side lead out? Simple solutions, just need to program them in.

Thanks for any help on this,

Matt

Re: FLOW Toolpath Symmetry Issues - Split path and wrong direction

lenny_1962 — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 18:29:25 GMT

Not sure if IVCAM has BLEND? it is in both HSMWorks and Fusion 360.

Blend allows you to pick a slew of edges and faces to cut them in one path, might be in BETA Mode like in HSMWorks.

I use it all the time for exactly what you are doing, Flow is for single faces where BLEND is for multiple string of faces.

Re: FLOW Toolpath Symmetry Issues - Split path and wrong direction

Matt.WestSU7H9 — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 18:39:36 GMT

Having a Blend path would be great, but currently, Inventor 2024 CAM does not offer it.

Re: FLOW Toolpath Symmetry Issues - Split path and wrong direction

ckautz — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:13:40 GMT

Go to CAM ribbon, "Options", in Licensing, there is a Button "Feature Flags..."

Select that, and enable Blend

Then in 3D Milling, it can be selected

Re: FLOW Toolpath Symmetry Issues - Split path and wrong direction

lenny_1962 — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:22:25 GMT

I figured it had to be there