[squarewave]

Is there a way to create this type of 3 axis toolpath in Mastercam X? In Catia, it is called IsoParametric because it follows the UV parameters of the surface. The closest thing I can find in Mastercam is "flowline", which seems to work on some surfaces, but not consistently, and not on this surface (which happens to be planar, but at a slight angle to the Z axis).

The feature that I am looking for is an option to get the path to be parallel to the edges of the surfaces with a nice smooth transition between them.

Can someone help this Mastercam newbie?

Thanks

[Matt Berube]

I think flowline is the only option that should work exactly like the picture you provided. Now the question is why can't you get the result you want...

I can see the toolpath in your picture and can't figure out why flowline wouldn't work right...

Can you share the file ? Or at least the surface you're cutting ?

Why is it important to follow the exact edges of the surface ? Are you trying to leave a straight edge for finish appearance ?

[CNCRim]

I think you can do it with 3axis toolpath is sculpture use ballend or another way is with 4-axis indexer use the side of the endmill(toolpath Trim).

[post_guy]

3D Project Blend. Use the two outer edges (right and left) as the "rails". It will result in exactly the same toolpath as your image.

[Mike Mattera]

How about a Wireframe - Ruled.

Mike Mattera

[ObrienDave]

How about a multi surface parallel?
In the parallel parameters tab, advanced button, use the roll tool over all edges option.
Use a center line boundry to restrict the tool from rolling completely around the edge.
Run your toolpath parallel to the front and back flat faces.

If you want a smooth transition from left to right, do it as two separate toolpaths.
One for the left half and one for the right.
Since a flowline cut follows the edges of a surface, start at the outside edges of each surface.
Once the two surface cuts meet in the center, the two cuts will blend perfectly.

The only way I know to get a roll over effect, is to create and properly trim up a .001- .005 fillet surface, fake it so to speak, so the tool has a surface to roll around, and then use the multi surface flowline cut.
You'll have to play with the tolerance settings a bit, but it will work.

[cadcam]

Can you share the file as one of to being Parriall or Flowline will do this.
What happens when you do it as flowline?

Are the normals the same?

[Dugg]

There is a book entitled "Handbook Volume 2" Mastercam by San Diego CAD/CAM,Inc available at Amazon.Com that has been beneficial in learing various ways of machining 3D surfaces. I bought this book with a CD of examples and found it to be a major boost-up the learning curve of Mastercam. Mastercam Handbook Volume 2 Version 9 Student Guide

[ObrienDave]

Squarewave:::

I assume the type of cut your picture shows, is a ruled cut based on the
linear edge geometry.

A flowline cut does the same thing except with surfaces.

Attached, is a V9 file showing a surface finish parallel example,
a surface finish flowline example, and a wireframe ruled example.

I would like you to notice, the ruled cut places the center of the endmill TIP
on the line. this is not good for a 3D app unless, you modify the geometry for
your cutter.

Surface cuts are much safer because MasterCAM can calculate the tool normal to prevent tool gouging.

Hope this helps,

[das_jayesh@yaho]

you can do with scallop finishing on mastercam where you needs to specify the boundary of the surface to be machined.you can get a very good toolpath and very good surface finish

[cadcam]

That Path can be done by Flowline, Surface Parall or surface project 3d this is the tree I see that would give it the same back and forth option as the picture shown.

[squarewave]

Thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions. Attached are two JPEGs showing the two machining directions I am offered in the flowline toolpath option. Also attached is an IGS of the surface I am working with.

The "Finish Project" toolpath does appear to give this toolpath.

I can't seem to get "Finish Parallel" to put out anything but parallel paths, so I do not understand that suggestion. The path needs to run in the direction shown in the first post - the edge of the part is razor thin. I am trying to get a non-parallel path.

obriendave- Thanks for taking the tame to show me the options. For some reason, my flowline options do not include the the one that I need. See the jpgs below. Perhaps I need to do something different to the surface that I have imported.

Thanks again to everyone!

[cadcam]

This is close and not exact, if you are talking exact the only one is finish project bend at this time.
the others give simlar types of paths as to the cutting style.

[Mike Mattera]

Wireframe - Ruled or Loft. It's simple and it works. Did anyone try it?

Mike Mattera

[JIMMY]

I agree it should be project blend

[justin_sane420]

theres a ton of ways to do that part. surface flowline, parallel, project, swept 2d wireframe. etc

use curves to keep the tool going in the desired direction.