4th axis work with Artcam

[kevinGCFLE]

Hello. My name is Kevin and I am new to Autodesk and Artcam. I have a perspective client who has a 4th axis that attaches to his CNC machine but hasn't had time to learn to use it. He uses Artcam for his cam software. I would like to know if I can use it for this purpose and where I can find a tutorial or documentation on how to do this? I have experience with the cad part, just need some guidance in the tooling part. Thanks.

[dillon.moulder]

Hi @kevinGCFLE,

Welcome to the Autodesk Community and the ArtCAM Forum.

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@kevinGCFLE wrote:
I am new to Autodesk and Artcam. I have a perspective client who has a 4th axis that attaches to his CNC machine but hasn't had time to learn to use it. He uses Artcam for his cam software. I would like to know if I can use it for this purpose and where I can find a tutorial or documentation on how to do this? I have experience with the cad part, just need some guidance in the tooling part.

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What version and build of ArtCAM is your prospective client working in? To confirm this, please ask them to select the Help > About Autodesk ArtCAM menu option in their ArtCAM software. For example, Autodesk ArtCAM Premium 2018 (Version: 2018.1.2 Build: 2017-10-26-1346-379e47cbe).

Autodesk ArtCAM Premium supports rotary machining. However, at this moment in time, toolpaths are 3-axis; they do not utilise a fourth axis. You can compare the different products in the Autodesk ArtCAM range here.

Thanks in advance for your time and cooperation.

Kind regards,

[surecue]

 Hi,

It was mentioned that ArtCAM Premium supports rotary machining, how does it do that when the toolpaths only support 3 axis at the moment? Is there a solution to assist in engraving with the 4th axis turning at the same time?

Thank you.

[Gary.B]

The quick and the short of it is....

When creating the rotary model you choose which axis to wrap on (x or y depending on your indexer directional location)

The Rotary Indexer is normally designated the A axis, when outputting your toolpath to the post p you will select the corresponding post eg rotary X2A or rotary Y2A.

This axis output is converted for the rotary so you are still only using 3 axis.

Rotary indexer, keyword index meaning the 4th axis indexer does not spin continuously like a lathe but index's the amount of the stepover

Gary

[surecue]

Hi Gary,

Appreciate the prompt response. So basically the 4th axis will turn accordingly with X or Y axis depending on the processor (X2A or Y2A) you choose?

I tried previously choosing X2A but in inches, which did not really work. Now with the help of a user in the forum, I downloaded the processor in mm. Could it be because of the processor I have chosen previously that it didn’t really work out?

Thank you.

[Gary.B]

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@surecue wrote:

I tried previously choosing X2A but in inches, which did not really work. Now with the help of a user in the forum, I downloaded the processor in mm. Could it be because of the processor I have chosen previously that it didn’t really work out?

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Yes using the incorrect post p will not give the correct output. If your working in MM then you need to use the MM postp

good luck with your project

Gary