Help understanding Tool Orientation in Parallel toolpath

[tgford58]

I need some help from users more experienced that me.   I am programming a BNEM as a finishing operation using the Parallel 3d function.  My goal using the WCS is to have the tooling move in the Y axis following the Z plane and stepping along the X axis.  To achieve this I used Tool orientation to spin the toolpath 90 degrees.

I'm probably overthinking the issue but does Tool orientation look to command a C axis rotation or is this simply a software calculation that still utilizes the WCS?  I've attached the file and my work can be seen at Op 5.

Thank you for your patience.

[seth.madore]

I'm assuming that your machine does indeed have a trunnion on it?

There are two ways to get the Parallel going the way you want:

Tool Orientation (as you've discovered)

Pass Direction, which is found on the Passes Tab. Select a line segment that would represent your directional preference. You can also apply a degree value instead if you prefer

As to whether or not it commands a C axis move;

Do to this being on a trunnion and a different orientation from your Setup WCS, I would expect to see a C axis command (assuming your trunnion has an A/C designation)

[tgford58]

@seth.madore  No,  I do not have a trunnion.  Strictly a 3 axis machine.

I've never used Tool Orientation before, I've always utilized the pass direction you mentioned. 

Tool orientation seemed like another method of adjusting my tool path.  Until I better understand its use I'll stick with pass direction.

Thank you for your time.

[DarthBane55 · Accepted solution]

tool orientation defines the axis, the Z being the spindle tilt.  If your machine is 3-axis only, you cannot use tool orientation, because your tool cannot tilt in any way.

[tgford58]

Thank you. I did post the code and the moves were along the X and the profile was created in the Y-Z plane. Odd but I switched back anyway.

[tgford58]

To add, I switched back to defining the tool direction and posted that code too.  In a cursory look the code generated using Tool Orientation vs Tool direction look fairly identical.  @DarthBane55 @seth.madore  Is that possible?

[DarthBane55 · Accepted solution]

If your Z was tilted and the code is identical, it's most likely because your post knows you don't have A-B-C axis, so it keeps it straight anyways.  I can't really see another explanation.  So it might work, but you may one day rotate the X-Y and then your code will be screwed up big time (rotated 90deg or something).  You don't have A-B-C, leave the tool orientation unchecked.

I'll let @seth.madore  explain exactly why your code is identical because I am not 100% if my explanation is correct.

[tgford58]

Thank you for all of your help.   I thought I was sort of pulling the tigers tail so, for now, I'll leave that one alone.