topic Re: Parametric spiral finishing 5X toolpath in PowerMill Forum

Parametric spiral finishing 5X toolpath

kasper_duus — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 10:27:32 GMT

HI,

I have a Parametric Spiral Toolpath, which I would like to have a fixed machining angle for. It works quite well as a three axis toolpath but I would like to avoid use the tool centre for cutting.

I know this I properly not the attended use of this toolpath, but I would like to have the tool angled away from the workpiece.

This this any way possible, or would I be better of with a different toolpath strategy? I ended up with this because it gave me a nice smooth continuous toolpath.

Project attached.

Duus

Re: Parametric spiral finishing 5X toolpath

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 16:34:27 GMT

Have you ever tried a Raster Finishing strategy with a Lead or Lean? The Lead and Lean will get you that Fixed angle you want. To get the continuous tool path I would Just change your "Style" on the "Raster Finishing" section to "Two Way" and throw in a circular arc link maybe even like a .005" Extended move on the Lead in and Lead out. I would give this a try if you're unsatisfied maybe try Steep and Shallow finishing using raster or 3D Offset.

Best Regards,

Zakary

Re: Parametric spiral finishing 5X toolpath

5axes — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 17:45:09 GMT

I don't know if using a 5 axis toolpath will increase the quality of the final result ! You should keep a 3 axis toolpath.

But if you want to make a 5 axis toolpath , and if you think the initial toolpath is correct, I would personnaly choose to make a new pattern finishing toolpath based on your initial toolpath . Don't forged to switch your Point distribution to 'Redistribute' or 'Tolerance and Keep arcs' if you want to be able to calculate this toolpath in 5 axis.

And for the Axis orientation use the "Towards Line" with an Elevation value for the fixed angle. The center of the line must be the same as your center point :

Re: Parametric spiral finishing 5X toolpath

Christopher_M — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 21:01:34 GMT

Another option would be to use the Towards Point option in the Tool axis option menu. This will allow the tool to stay more towards the vertical on the top of this part, but tip towards the point when it cuts on the outside of the part.

If you want to limit the tool to 10 degrees from the vertical (like in 5axes example). You can turn on Tool axis limits towards the bottom of the Tool axis page.

Use Move tool axis in the Mode menu
Then enter into the Tool axis limits page and place an elevation limit of Start 80 and End 90.

I am sure there are many ways we could approach this. This is just another example 🙂

Re: Parametric spiral finishing 5X toolpath

5axes — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 21:12:42 GMT

Chris-M- wrote :

Another option would be to use the Towards Point option in the Tool axis option menu. This will allow the tool to stay more towards the vertical on the top of this part, but tip towards the point when it cuts on the outside of the part.

Just to be sure to understand as english is not my natural language.

For me : This will allow the tool to stay more towards the vertical on the top of this part was exactly what @kasper_duus is trying to avoid when he write : I would like to avoid use the tool centre for cutting.

Or is there anything I did not understand ?

Re: Parametric spiral finishing 5X toolpath

M_Hennig — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 11:01:58 GMT

If you want the tool angled AWAY from the part like you mention, then you must use FROM point or line, however it will the weird as you get towards the bottom of the toolpath. If you indeed want the tool to be angled towards the outside of the shape, you might need to use a curve of some sort.

Re: Parametric spiral finishing 5X toolpath

Christopher_M — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 15:37:35 GMT

@5axes wrote:

Chris-M- wrote :

Another option would be to use the Towards Point option in the Tool axis option menu. This will allow the tool to stay more towards the vertical on the top of this part, but tip towards the point when it cuts on the outside of the part.

Just to be sure to understand as english is not my natural language.

For me : This will allow the tool to stay more towards the vertical on the top of this part was exactly what @kasper_duus is trying to avoid when he write : I would like to avoid use the tool centre for cutting.

Or is there anything I did not understand ?

Yes, you are correct 5axes. Just thought I'd put a spin on it with a different method in case the user does not want a constant lean across the entire toolpath.

Thanks for the valuable input!

Re: Parametric spiral finishing 5X toolpath

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 16:36:44 GMT

The picture you show in this example does not have much if any "tool tip" cutting.

The only place where the tip of the ball would make contact is on a flat surface, which clearly there is none here.

This 3axis toolpath is not only good, but preferred to 5-axis unless some other detail/depth requires tool tilt.

A 5-axis toolpath with "0" lead/lean would put the tool tip in constant contact with the part throughout the cut

Turn on your contact normals to see where that particular too and toolpath are making contact.