2D Adaptive Clearing not cutting through tight slots

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I am trying to utilize the 2D Adaptive to clear out a lot of the material and go with a final finish pass. I am using a 1/4 end mill to rough and also get pass these small slots that measure out to at most 0.254, as seen in the picture Slot2DAdap_Measured. As you can see in the Slot2DAdap_Toolpath image, you can see the Adaptive Clearing wants to stop at a "safe" distance and 0.004 is too close to create a toolpath through the slot.

Of course I can use a 3/16 or smaller end mill, but I am planning to machine hardened steel and was wondering if I can keep this toolpath, with the rigid tool that I currently have. Is there a way to bypass this 0.004 spacing so the 2D can pass through this area? I have also tried to use 2D Contour and Pocket routines, where there is too much material left from the Adaptive pass.

Thank you,

Ryan

[LibertyMachine]

No. A .254" slot with a .250 endmill is very tight. If machining hardened steel, you really do NOT want to be full slotting, which is what you will be doing in this case. Suggest moving to a 3/16" tool for this segment

[timo_gross]

I am having a similar problem. Suggesting another tool? Does not help answering the question. 

At least showing some alternative solution?

Just for mind jogging, scale it down until the "smaller tool" option does not work anymore.

[seth.madore]

To have an effective adaptive strategy in a slot, you really shouldn't be using a tool more than half to two thirds the slot width. Anything tighter than that and you really aren't going to gain the advantage of the adaptive toolpath and tool load, as you will essentially be full slotting.

[Ketherton21]

turn the stock to leave down.

[timo_gross]

Two questions are still left open to the original post.
a) is it possible to "force" the tool into the tight spot ( possibly it will break the tool, it is not a good idea, this is understood etc. )

b) what would be the solution for the given corner on the shown part? Maybe some 2d adaptive until top of the outer diameter plus a 2d adaptive to the bottom of the pocket plus a contour? But the contour will probably be too fast for standard settings?

I attached the example that led me here to try to find a strategy for it.

The stock to leave must be turned down. In my example it is 0 "by accident", because a 1.6 mm slot with a 1.5 mm Cutter and 0.5 mm stock to leave cannot work even with an almost magical setup.

[seth.madore]

For the 1.6mm slot, if you wish to go in there with the 1.6mm endmill, just use 2D Contour, set your speeds appropriately, turn on Multiple Depths of cut and that should do it:

[timo_gross]

Thank you,

That worked! I used adaptive for the slightly wider 2.5 mm slot. Then used a separate contour as you advised for the smaller slot. The multiple depth option, did the trick.