Modeling Ball End Mill Channel on Curved Surface

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to make a fairly unusual part, and I've been able to solve most of the issues with the standard Google-fu, but I've hit a road-block on this one.

I'm trying to fabricate a flask-holder which can both heat and cool a standard round-bottom flask, with a nominal radius of 1.688". I got through the boolean subtraction of the flask from the surface, and the addition of the threaded holes for the fittings without much issue. From here, I'd like to add a slot that connects the two thru-holes, and another circular slot to get better coverage a little higher up the flask. When it comes to making the CAM, I'd like the toolpath to be just a simple sweep with a 0.250" ball end mill at a fixed height to mill the circular groove, and a sweep along the circumference of the circle for the slot. How would one go about modeling this?

If someone can point me in the right direction, that would be greatly appreciated.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! I believe the correct geometry needs to be created using Solid Sweep (sweeping a solid body) on Inventor 2020. Are you on 2020? Could you share the file here?

Many thank!

[IgorMir · Accepted solution]

I would try to model it like the attached. IV2018 format.

Cheers,

Igor.

[S_May]

Hi @Anonymous 

sometimes it's easier to start with negative (just an idea)

[Anonymous]

Here's the ipt.  Thanks!

[Anonymous]

This is a really interesting solution. I would never have thought to use a revolution in this way.

[Anonymous]

I hadn't thought of using a negative like that, but in this implementation it doesn't result in vertical side walls. I can't get CAM to play nicely with this model (Fusion 360) for some reason either.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! This is just a quick attempt to create the geometry I had in mind by using Solid Sweep in 2020. The dimensions are not correct. Please take a look and see if you can use Solid Sweep to create the channels.

Many thanks!

[IgorMir]

Well, at least the part can be made that way with minimal machine setup required. In fact - I could make that part myself in my workshop. 🙂

Cheers,

Igor.

---

@Anonymous wrote:

This is a really interesting solution. I would never have thought to use a revolution in this way.

---