3D pocket clearing not recognizing rest machining

[viljo.mannerjoki]

Hi,

I'm facing a non-working 3D pocket clearing. I have two phases in the beginning of milling: 1) normal pocket clearing from one side of the stock, then 2) pocket clearing with rest machining on the other side of the stock (5axis milling). Problem is that the rest machining is not recognizing the previous operation and therefore the toolpath is way too long. I tried to several tricks such as setting up the tolerances, using a file instead of previous operation setup in the rest machining etc. Non seems to work. The second pocket cleaering is milling still areas which have been milled in previous operation.

I wish to have help here in order to get the manufacture a lot faster. File as attachement.

[mattdlr89]

I've had a look at your file. I assume you mean that in the second toolpath operation once it gets below the stock it carries on cutting air? This is a limitation with rest machining. It only looks at the silhouette of the stock and therefore it won't recognise the "undercut" from the previous operation. 

There is a preview feature that reduces air cutting in these operations but in your situation it doesn't seem to make any difference (I guess that's why it is a preview feature!). 

The simplest way to get around this is to duplicate your second rough strategy and rough with rest just to the level of stock left then another strategy to the final height. Yes it's annoying you have 2 toolpaths instead of one but it is quite simple and will save you a fair bit of machine time. 

[viljo.mannerjoki]

Hi,

I did as you suggested and and I think that was the easiest solution. I did, however, still change the rectangle setup stock to a custom made stock. Then I can speed to process even more. Thanks for help!