As we move forward with the 3D course, we will be creating surfaces and then 3D Machining, However, before you begin creating surfaces, you need to understand splines. This tutorial gives you an overview.
A spline is a curve that passes smoothly through a set of construction points. Splines that lay flat in a construction plane are called 2D splines. Those that do not are called 3D splines.
2D or rectangular components use what is commonly referred to as 2 ½ Axis machining. For example, when cutting a pocket, the endmill plunges into the material in the Z Axis direction. Once the cutter reaches full depth, the Z Axis stops moving, and the X and Y Axes move from left to right and front to back to create the desired shape. Once the correct shape is achieved, the Z Axis retracts to remove the tool from the pocket.
3D machining generally refers to three or more axes moving simultaneously while the machine tool is in cutting mode, or two Axes moving, but one of them being in the Z direction.
In last night's class, we took a break from Multi Axis Toolpaths and had a look at Feature Based Machining. I think these toolpaths have the potential to be a game changer in our Industry
Feature Based Machining has been slow to gain traction in the Mastercam community, possibly due to the way that Mastercam marketed the technology. The famous "it's so easy a six year old can do it" did not go down well with the troops.
The Assignments 6, 7 and 8 files and demonstration videos are online in the subscription area in volume 2
All three assignments cover creating geometry in different construction planes, applying toolpaths on a Horizontal machining Center with Indexing Pallets and designing work holding fixtures.
The Objective on a Horizontal Machining Center is to finish the part in one machining cycle to decrease work in process inventory and improve part quality.
Beginning in January 2010 we are developing a new Mastercam Multi-Axis Curriculum for our course at DeAnza College. This overview looks at assignment 5, where we begin to look at the Horizontal programming environment in Mastercam. Subscribers have access to fully detailed video lessons and assignments
eapprentice subscribers-Navigate to Volume Two Multi-Axis for the Assignment 5 Video and Exercise Drawing
Rotary Index, Rotary Transform and Axis Substitution
Sunday, 10 January 2010 11:30
Beginning in January 2010 we are developing a new Mastercam Multi-Axis Curriculum for our course at DeAnza College. This overview looks at assignment 4 where we bring Rotary Index, Rotary Transform and Axis Substitution together in one exercise.
eapprentice subscribers-Navigate to Volume One Chapter Ten for the Assignment 4
Beginning in January 2010 we are developing a new Mastercam Multi-Axis Curriculum for our course at DeAnza College. Class Three covers simultaneous Rotary and Linear Motion with Axis Substitution
Beginning in January 2010 we are developing a new Mastercam Multi-Axis Curriculum for our course at DeAnza College. We will post up the weekly overviews here. Subscribers to eapprentice.net will be able to follow along with the course and have full access to the tutorial videos and exercise files.
Youtube Videos used in class presentation courtesy of: GW2220 and RobbJackCorp
In this tutorial, we will show you how to complete a relatively complicated fourth axis work piece using axis substitution and Swarf 5 axis on a Haas VMC with a Haas 4th axis Rotary Table. The Swarf 5 axis cut will be completed in four axis format.
This part requires a 5axis operation (4axis format) in Mastercam as the walls of the slot are angled such that axis substitution cannot complete the machining properly. The work piece must be tilted appropriately in the Swarf operation. See below for images of the angled walls.
Communication is one of the most important aspects of a CNC programmer’s work. It is absolutely critical that you be able to document setup instructions, and maintain tooling and fixturing data.
The Mastercam Home Learning edition is available, free of charge to subscription members
Most recent releases
5 Axis Impeller
Lathe-C Axis Live Tooling
5 Axis indexing toolpaths
Rotary 4th Axis Indexing
x4 lathe-grooving
x4 axis substitution
x4 fouth axis rotary index
x4 feature based machining
X4 2D HighSpeed machining
X4 Pocket Toolpaths
Lathe-roughing and finishing the outside diameter
Lathe-facing the part
Lathe-Setting up the Stock
Suspension brace with surface high speed machining
Suspension brace with 3D Surface toolpaths
fill holes for 3D machining
fixturing-uniforce clamps
tombstone fixturing part one
horizontal workholding-tombsone and pedestal overview
threadmilling
verify using xform stl
horizontal machining the backside
copying toolpaths
edit common parameters
high speed machining-area clearance
high speed machining overview
horizontal programming
3d surface finish toolpaths
3d surface rough pocket
rotary indexing
create new tool
chains
2D toolpaths contour
G-Code Post processing
verify, stl compare
operations manager
Xform project to a surface
Drill Toolpaths
work coordinate system (WCS)
Rotary axis substitution
SOlid Modeling
Advanced Geometry
2D Geometry Creation
Volume 1-Mastercam Level one the basics
The Original eapprentice.net Videos
