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Form Tool Created with a Curve
Hi guys, long time no type. I have just had a need to create a form tool once again, using a curve, and have had a weird result. I created the curve, starting point X0Y0Z0, profile in the XZ axis, ending on the Z axis, as usual. When checking the toolpath I can see the tool fine, .400 diameter at the small end, with a form radius up to the shank, but during simulation, the tool comes to a fine point, sharp, and doesn't reflect cutting the stock as it should. What am I missing here? I'll try to attach some pics to better illustrate my situation. Lower pic reflects wireframe toolpath, also included in the view is the curve used.
FCam 2020.3.0.0013
Steve
From Simulation...
Wireframe, looks good.
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Hi @Muppett1
First thing that may be throwing things off here is the diameter of the tool. When creating the form tool, be sure to put the value of the bottom portion of the endmill. In my example, I put in .276"
When creating a side feature, FeatureCAM will calculate off of this value.
If this isn't the cause, maybe you can send the fm file.
Thanks,
Technical Specialist - CAM
SolidCAD - Canada

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I did just that. The bottom of the tool is .400" diameter, and the curve was drawn from center out to .200", then up with the contour. Proprietary files, but maybe I can throw a curve on a file and send it.
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Hmmmmm.... I created a simple circle, and used the tool on it as a side feature, and it worked fine. Still looks funky tho at the top. But it still isn't working in the main file tho.
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I'm thinking this is a graphics issue, somehow. The start points are the same, and the milling moves match on both centerline TP and in the simulation as well. I think it'll be fine to machine, but would like to know how to remedy the screen simulation anomaly.
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Hi @Muppett1
Perhaps resetting your ini will yield better results.
To do this:
1. Close FeatureCAM
2. Go to C:\ProgramData\FeatureCAM
3. Take the ezfm_ui.ini file and place it on your desktop (as a backup)
4. Reopen FeatureCAM. The ini file will be replaced with a default one.
5. Try simulating again
If this did not give better results, then repeat the above, except delete the ini file and replace it with the one on your desktop.
You can send me your drawing of the tool, and I can try on my side as well.
Thanks,
Technical Specialist - CAM
SolidCAD - Canada

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No joy. I tried and it reset all my settings for display and such, but to no avail on the tool distortion. I reloaded my old ini file back in.
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Keep in mind that I have the tool working on a simple circle programmed as a side feature. It's the open curve that it's having the issue with. So, it seems the tool is created properly, but yet having issues on this one particular file. Very perplexing.
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I have taken the curve used for the profile of the file in question and pasted it into another file. It works fine. There's something corrupt in this particular fcam file I suspect. Strange. I think it'll post code correctly, as it looks fine graphing with centerline toolpath, it's just the shaded simulation that's glitching. And I can't share this particular file for proprietary considerations. ![]()