Floating Adaptive tool paths on taper.

[mfyater]

I usually use 2d parallel to clear stock to leave a taper on these skis and boards. I've heard 2dadaptive clearing could be a better tool path for such things. Only catch is, I can't get it to clear the taper. I can get it to work on the flat spots of these boards, but when it comes to the tapered faces, it will just float over the body/face/pocket. Any suggestions / know what I'm doing wrong?

Many thanks,

 

[seth.madore]

2D Adaptive is only capable of planar moves along the X/Y axis.

Also, there's only Parallel, not 2D Parallel. The Parallel toolpath is a 3D toolpath (sorry to be pedantic)

[mfyater]

Pedantic indeed. What about 3d adaptive clearing. It appears to have the same problem. I struggle to think parallel is the only option.

[seth.madore]

3D Adaptive would be limited by whatever your Min stepdown is set to. For most folks that do roughing and finishing of 3D surfaces, they would likely use a Parallel with a course stepover and stock to leave. Are you looking to solve a particular issue, or just looking for more efficiency?

[mfyater]

Primarily efficiency but also for knowledge sake of knowing what the other tool paths do.

Thanks for your time.

[mfyater]

It's been a while since i have ran one of these parallel tool paths. I ran one today and I remembered why I was seeking an alternative. I find that the parallel has a lot of wasted non-cutting time when it is removing material in multiple layers. When I'm removing this material with multiple layers it takes a very long amount of time. Is there a better toolpath, or a setting in parallel, to make it not hover over the stock when it knows it is out of stock etc?

[a.laasW8M6T]

If you have the machining extension then you can use the trim tool to remove air cutting passes

[seth.madore]

Thanks @a.laasW8M6T that would be my exact recommendation as well. IMHO, (as someone who still runs a shop and has a subscription) Trim and all the toolpath modification tools are well worth the price of the Extension. Just my $.02 of course..

[mfyater]

That looks like an awesome extension. I would like to get that one day but I'm afraid it is well out of my price range at the moment. Do you have any recommendations utilizing the base platform?

[seth.madore]

All of the 3D Finishing toolpaths are going to run into the same issue. Multiple Passes and Rest Machining are just going to compare against the model, not the Stock, so you'll always end up with "wasted passes". Could you share a sample file with the approximate geometry you're trying to machine?

File > Export > Save to local folder, return to thread and attach the .f3d/.f3z file in your reply

[programming2C78B]

3D adaptive with a shallower min stepdown value. 2D is not meant for this.

Parallel but at 90* to how you're doing it.
Set the top height to be a few though below the model top to remove extra air cuts. You usually don't need to do stepdowns with surfacing since your stepovers and engagement are so low (ie your 3/8 ballnose may be cutting 1/2" deep but only 3-10 thou radially) 

[mfyater]

Thanks for your help everyone. I will try all of these ideas. The changed direction of parallel and height changes is something that I think could work well. I will try it this week. Also, I have attached the file here for review per request. Any and all feedback/suggestions are appreciated. Many thanks.

[mfyater]

Is there any chance you could show me what you mean by changing the heights? I can't seem to get that to cooperate.

[programming2C78B]

Is there a reason you can't just use 3D adaptive for the ramp section, or just surface it directly to size. It doesn't seem heavy enough to really warrant all those stepdowns. 

[mfyater]

I tried 3d adaptive and it just floated over the top and wouldn't cut the slanted taper section. The stepdowns are unfortunately a necessity because my CNC is susceptible to deviation if I try deep passes. It doesn't do well with the increased torque and leverage. I have to take out small depth but fast passes.

[programming2C78B]

just make sure your bottom height is set to the lowest area you want the Adaptive to cut into.