How do I do a 2d swept surface?

[Anonymous]

I'm new to using HSM for Solidworks and I'm wondering if it's possible to do a simple 2d swept surface with the free version. The blue surface is the

one I'm looking to do. Thank you

[lenny_1962]

free version you would have to do alot of monkey farting around to even try to do it, like making a bunch of sketches to compensate for the cutter going the length of the surface not  the short up and down way.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I kinda figured that would be the answer. 

[Steinwerks]

This could be done with one sketch and a pattern using a Trace operation if the short direction is acceptable. Otherwise a 2D Contour with an angle would also do it but wouldn't go bottom to top of course.

[lenny_1962]

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@Steinwerks wrote:

This could be done with one sketch and a pattern using a Trace operation if the short direction is acceptable. Otherwise a 2D Contour with an angle would also do it but wouldn't go bottom to top of course.

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the problem with trace is the it puts the center tip of the tool on the geometry hence it will scalp if you you do not compensate for the cutters shape.

I have ask that there be an enhancement to trace to compensate the cutter to stay on top of the selected geometry or create a new operation called 3D contour to allow this type of cutting, I've had this in 2D surfcam, now called surfcam traditional, since 92 dos.

I use flat end mill to things like this all the time to cut faces like that in 3D and jump back to surfcam trad. to use the 3D contour for parting lines and flat bottom swoopy grooves when HSMWorks fails.

[Steinwerks]

Isn't that accomplished decently enough with Project, Parallel, or other 3D operations? Trace is really just a kludge anyway and I figured it was thrown into HSMXpress just to get people hooked into hating workarounds. 

[lenny_1962]

There are many times I need trace type of cut where none of the other 3D strategies work be it HSMWorks, surfcam, mastercam or others.

I need to clean up an area the the cutter makes the correct width or a pencil cut doesn't hit the entire area, so I go to surfcam traditional  and do a pencil cut, it has a check box that will create the 3D curves of the cut that I can then extend or add to the then use the 3D contour to follow and get the clean up that is needed.

so no not just used for 2D...............