603,893 active members*
3,924 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
IndustryArena Forum > CAM Software > Mastercam > X2 tool entry cuts edge of pocket
Results 1 to 2 of 2
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    3

    X2 tool entry cuts edge of pocket

    Hi All,

    I'm pretty new to CNC milling and I've just been put in charge of a Light Machines (now Intellitek) LMC-1000 3-axis desktop mill. I am producing toolpaths in Mastercam X2, post-processing them and run them on a PC with driver software for the LMC machine without too much trouble.

    When milling a pocket, the tool will sometimes descend into a cut diagonally rather than vertically, taking chunks of the pocket wall with it. When I verify the program in X2, it shows vertical plunge approach for all cuts, but when I test with the LMC driver software it clearly predicts the diagonal tool collision.

    What's strange is that the LMC software predicts collisions for only some pockets, but not other (virtually identical) geometry. I'm probably doing something wrong... but what?

    I should note that in some cases I'm making a pocket in the base of an existing pocket. Could the problem be that it's ignoring previously cut geometry?

    My pocket parameters are:
    Tool: 0.125 flat end mill
    Feed rate: 6.160896
    Plunge rate: 6.160896
    Retract rate: 20

    pocket type: standard
    retract: 2
    feed plane: 2
    top of stock and depth varies depending on depth of pocket
    depth cut: 0.05

    constant overlap spiral, 75% stepover
    Helical entry turned off.

    Can anyone tell me if the pocket-within-a-pocket is the problem, and how to resolve it?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    3
    I've solved it - it was to do with the way I was making my depth cuts. By trying to convince the CAM software that the top of the pocket island was 'top of stock' it bypassed all the sensible don't-run-into-things stuff that Mastercam does.

    The correct way to machine geometry like this is to include the multi-depth sections in my selection and choose "use island depths" in the depth cuts dialog.

    Tally ho!

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 0
    Last Post: 02-11-2009, 03:53 AM
  2. EZset tool presetter - Entry Level
    By jregulski in forum News Announcements
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 11-13-2007, 06:52 PM
  3. Ambigious tool pocket
    By Dsny in forum Fadal
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 04-26-2007, 01:16 PM
  4. tool center or edge?
    By spock in forum BobCad-Cam
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 02-05-2007, 07:45 AM
  5. M00 within cuts with same tool
    By shawncnelson in forum Mastercam
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 05-05-2006, 12:38 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •