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I'd like to part this off round stock using a slitting saw. Can anyone please help advise what the correct approach is to build the tool-path? In my head I'm thinking it would be cool to let it spiral in to the center. But I suppose it would get the job done to slit 1/2 way through down one side, then come back and get the other half on the opposite side.
Thanks! Mike.
Solved! Go to Solution.
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@Anonymous
Trace will do the job you can play with sketch and give it for the trace it will,here is the example attached

Boopathi Sivakumar
Senior Technology Consultant
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I use slitting saws quite a bit in my shop, I'd advise against the use of Trace, unless the goal is to cut clean through the part. It's been my experience that one is best left with a small sliver that they can just twist off. To that end, I'd sketch a line down the center bottom of the part and use 2D Contour. You can also select a single edge on the opposite side and give it a hefty Radial Stock to Leave value. Using Cutter Comp will allow you to adjust for tool wear and part deflection.

Seth Madore
Customer Advocacy Manager - Manufacturing
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@seth.madore I know that this is a bit old of a thread, but currently, in Nov 2020, is the 2d profile with a negative stock to leave (radial) the way to program a slitting saw?.
I am also curious as to what is the best way to program the tool into fusion. I am using a slot mill definition for this:
I have not used one of these cutters before, I am guessing that you don't just cut full radial all at once do you? (on 6061 and even plastics)
I am also curious to know what would be the best way to make a slit that is 3 times the thickness of my blade, so I just copy the tool path 3 times and play with the axial offsets? Thank you
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Yes, 2D Contour is what I use. I don't ever cut all the way through, as the part will go flying off into the coolant tank or chip conveyor.
I regularly use a 1.5" dia x .062" wide saw in 304 stainless. Full depth, one shot.
600 RPM
1.8 ipm
It takes a few minutes on most parts, but it will run all day long.
You'd likely double or triple that in aluminum

Seth Madore
Customer Advocacy Manager - Manufacturing
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As far as modeling the tool, would it be best to use a form mill so that I can model the bottom cap of the arbor for collision detentions?
@seth.madore , how do you touch off your saw (for tool height).
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If you are using a replaceable saw blade with cap/arbor, then yes, it might be best to use a form tool. Be warned though, there are issue with form tool and compensation points.....
I touch off my tool just like an endmill. Bottom cutting edge and full diameter

Seth Madore
Customer Advocacy Manager - Manufacturing
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For the depth adjustment, you don't need to copy the toolpath 3 times, but there is some tricks to get the top and bottom of the grooves just right in 1 operation.
Use 2d contour.
-pick the profile to cut at the TOP of the groove.
-Select the bottom of the groove for bottom height.
-For the top height, put this equation in: (-(tool_fluteLength-maximumStepdown))-verticalStockToLeave
-do not click the "take even stepdowns" box for this to work.
-you can adjust the stepdown value to whatever you want.
The rest is as normal. This method ensures that your tool will hit the top and bottom of the groove exactly.
If you set a axial finish allowance, it will leave the same amount at the top and bottom of the groove, so you can use this for roughing and for finishing.
PS: I recommend making a toolpath template with this equation. I named my template like this:
"Groove-pick groove at the top for profile to cut-dont touch top height" that helps me remember how it works, because I don't need this very often...
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wow, that is awesome, I got it to work in the Sim.
where did you learn that, or how did you come up with that?
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Fusion