Hi,
we normally program our Bacci Twin 6-axis machine as follows: Design in SolidWorks CAD, export to SprutCAM, post-process to the Bacci Twin (Osai Seris 10 control).
But for simple contours on the XY plane we use a quick and easy trick: in CAD we offset the contour to create the toolpath for the tool centre, and we then 'consult' this 'toolpath' to get the XYZ positions to write simple programs manually.
That works ok - if you position the part in CAD so the XYZ coordinates of the offset profile you 'consult' match the XYZ coordinates you want ot use in the program (which they do if you position the part in CAD with the origin where you want it to be on the part).
But we'd like to know if anyone has taken this a step further: is anyone programming simple 5-axis operations (by simple I mean 'flat' on any of the basic planes XY, XZ and YZ) manually using CAD as a helper to prepare and visualize the toolpath but bypassing CAM?
We're trying to do it - but having hurdles with things like tool length offsets and trying not to have to use UPRs (but we don't mind using G16, G17, G18, G19)!
I've got a feeling it must to be possible - but is anyone doing it?
I'll try and attach an image to clarify, but no promises...