Feature Request : Allow 3D Contour toolpath to be able to SPIRAL

[louis_walmsley]

Development ticket reference: CAM-71256

Seems like it should be a rather standard feature for this type of Z-level toolpath to allow constant tool engagement at every Z level during stepdown.

Most capable CAM applications have this feature.

[kacper.suchomski]

Hi

Have you read about the Ramp strategy?

[louis_walmsley]

I know about Ramp - however, I want to machine shallow areas with a finer stepdown value. So basically a complete toolpath - see example from Powermill below...

Using Steep and Shallow in Fusion looks OK from afar, but a close look shows that the initial stages of shallow machining produce kinks from using the Scallop style.

Therefore - to get the toolpath I want, I either have to not spiral the toolpath OR create multiple toolpaths for each of the regions.

Louis W

[Laurens-3DTechDraw]

Have you tried using the Smoothing -> Evenly Spaced points in the Steep and Shallow toolpath? That should help with your scallop issues.

[louis_walmsley]

I did, yes. Tried it from 0.5 down to 0.002. It didn't make much difference at all. In some areas, it looked worse.

[oleg.tikhomirov]

Hi @louis_walmsley

Thank you for the feedback. I think it should be possible to add support for Machine Shallow Area in Ramp strategy. The option is availble in Contour strategy, but not in Ramp. Is it what you need?

[louis_walmsley]

Hi Oleg.

Yes, either include Machine Shallow Areas within the Ramp Strategy

OR

include a Spiral option within Contour. 

Meaning the tool can have a large stepdown for the vertical section of a part like that. Once it reaches the Radius, continue the same toolpath with a smaller stepdown, without the tool ever losing contact with the material.

Is this likely to be included in a Fusion update within the coming months?

[oleg.tikhomirov]

Thank you. I've created CAM-71336 (Support Machine shallow areas in Ramp)