[williamsmotower]

I have a 5 axis home build. Standard X,Y,Z with 2 rotary's that I am building a trunion for.

The center of the 5th's face, does it have to follow the 4th's centerline rotation?

How does the CAM software know the kinematics if it doesn't? Because if it's not like stated above... when the 4th rotates... the 5th's spot will change dramatically and a Z and a Y movement will have to be required for a correct cut dimension.

[Dan B]

There are 2 approaches you could take. One is true 5-axis where you need to know the kinematics, and calculate the necessary values for your post. The other method is to use "plane spatial" which basically means that the tool is not tied into the kinematics of the machine, but is linked to the pick-up. This is referred to as "Cycle 19" on some controllers.

The easiest way to take advantage of the "plane spatial" is to use M128 in your code. For example:

% ISO G71
N2G00G90C0A0M126
N4T6G17S5600
N6M3
N8M23
N10G00Z1.M92
N12G00X399.Y0.M92
N14G00Y-600.M92
N16G01C-147.6589A-61.4361M126F5000.
N18M128
N20G01X441.7388Y54.1415Z-39.4795F5200.
N22G01X441.7388Y54.1416Z-93.4119F20000.
N24X439.8595Y57.1097Z-95.3244


M129 shuts off the "plane spatial" feature.

Does this make sense?

Dan

[williamsmotower]

I'm using Mach3, I'll have to find out if it's capable of that function.

Any of those CNC books by Smid go into this?

Does the Madcam post processor handle this? or does it have to be incorrporated in every code?

[Dan B]

Yes, this is possible with madCAM. We do it everyday. You just need to do some simple modifications of the post.

As for the books, I don't know. Until just now I never heard of Smid.

Dan