[nate]

Background-

have had versions 17, 19, 22, 23, 24. Have been using the software fairly regularly for about 6 years.


Issue-

I have run across something that I want to do, but BobCad did not have a solution for me...

I have a 4th axis that I use on my 3 axis bridgeport. I have the axis of the axis running from left to right (-X to +X) I have been doing simple indexing jobs with versions 22 and 23.

Right now, I want to do indexing cuts on a piece of round 4140 that is 3.5" in diameter. I can create the geometry/indexing and NC for the cutting, BUT bobcad assumes that I am using square or rectangular stock. what a colossal waste of time cutting air this creates. It would not be that bad if the cuts I were making were at the center of the round stock, however the cuts are towards the edges of the stock, and the toolpath takes forever to reach the point of cutting.

I called tech support and asked if they had a way to have bobcad know that the stock was round and of 3.5" diameter. they said no. I cant believe that this is not a popular request!

They suggested the fix, I had already come up with. creating different toolpaths (away from the centerline) that started in Z+ at different levels depending upon the particular Z height at that location away from the centerline of the stock.

This "fix" will work, but is a lot of trouble for something that I am sure should be relativlely easy to implement on the software side.

Any of you that do more 4th axis work (indexing style) care to share any insight you have? tricks? cheats?

Thanks,
Vanguard Precision Grinding and Fabrication LLC

[aldepoalo]

BobCAD CAM V25 now offers a Solid Model Stock option. This is used as a 3D boundary for cutting.



upload picture



hosting images



img upload


image host


img upload


photo upload

[nate]

See, I am not crazy! it is a good idea!

K, now how much money are you gonna yank out of my pocket for it? lol...

[aldepoalo]

All of our standard prices are listed on our website.

CAD/CAM Software Products | BobCAD-CAM

[nate]

Well...I guess I did not stump them. They had everything I wanted...in version 25...lol...

Oh well, time to spend some money anyway...

Let the version 25 adventure begin...

Al-
Thanks for the online tour of the stock options for 4th axis. it was exactly what I needed.

[nate]

Well, my pockets are a bit lighter, but V25 did what I wanted to do.

see the pic.



Imagine how inefficient that tool path would be if I had to use rectangular stock...