[Jester966]

I am trying to get the hang of HSMExpress. I've gone through the two 2.5d tutorials which are included, now I'm trying to apply what I've learned to a real part.

I can't figure out how to machine the notch in the front of the part in the image. It seems like such a simple task and would only take minutes to program manually, but no matter what I try I can't get it to work properly. Unfortunately I won't have access to SolidWorks/HSMExpress over the weekend, so I'm hoping somebody can at least point me in the right direction for when I get back to work Tuesday morning. What milling strategy do I use, and what edges or faces do I select for the geometry? I need to approach from the side so I can use CDC.

Is there a way to manually create or edit the tool paths?

Also, is it possible to mill the angle with a ballnose in Express, or would I need Works?

Attachment 362654

Here is the basic finish tool path for the notch. Yes, this is what I'm stuck on! It should be so simple, but everything I try seems to only work with a closed tool path.

Thanks

[Jester966]

I figured it out. 2D contouring, I just had to uncheck "Propagate along Z". It's the simple things that get you hung up!

I still need to figure out how to cut the angle with a ball end mill. Can it be done with Express?

[cygnus x-1]

I still need to figure out how to cut the angle with a ball end mill. Can it be done with Express?

It is possible by using the trace tool path and a manually created line that puts the ball mill tangent to the face to cut. Something like this:

Attachment 362772



Then you put that single trace operation into a linear pattern using one of the chamfer edges as the guide.

Attachment 362774



C|

[PeteCZ]

edit: deleted, accidentally replied to solved post (chair)