4+1 Axis programming in MX9

[PAnderson]

Hello All,

I have a question on a 4+1 machine. I think this may apply to a full 5 axis also, and a 3+2 machine. Right now I have a part that has a shallow pocket wrapping itself half way around a cylinder. I am doing a Swarf operation and set up a WCS that would position the "A" axis at -90 degrees. I want to keep it there and use X, Y, Z and C. But this pertains to ANY 4 axis being in motion at one time, so it could be any combination. Question: How would one go about locking any given axis such as "A". When I post this operation I get all 5 axis' moving. "A" moves minutely +- fractions of a degree. I want to lock "A". But the answer to this should encompass locking any one axis so that I can truly use this as a 4+1 process.

 

I am kind of new to 5 axis and these are some of the fine points that are tripping me up at the moment. Much appreciation in advance and I hope someone will chimes in.

 

Regards,

Paul

[Guest]

Sight unseen, tough to guess but you should have this option available to lock it down

 

[PAnderson]

That option is not available in Multi-Axis, Swarf. I have posted the file with just the Swarf operation. If someone can suggest something different, I am all ears.

testprod 5-assig_ to post.Z2G

[Guest]

That feature is thoroughly hacked together.....until you can get some clean geometry to cut, anything you do is going to be kind of funky

 

1 end intersects at the bottom and isn't connected at the top, the other end is similar

 

I'll play with it more later if I get the time to try to clean it up

[crazy^millman]

I changed your cut tolerance to .00001 and got a very nice toolpath, expect for the end. I might try curve 5 Axis or the Old Swarf and make chains and use sync by entities and see if that yields better results.

[MIL-TFP-41]

just going off your description....you can try to use your rotary limits to get rid of your tiny A axis moves

[PAnderson]

Thanks everybody, seriously. Like I said, I am new to 5 axis. Been doing milling and Swiss for almost 40 years. I have worked around 5 axis machine, just never had to program them. I can visualize what I want to do but getting Mastercam to do it is another matter. My real concern is getting this to eliminate 1 axis. I guess there are many, many scenarios where this would happen, getting Mastercam OR my post to do it is another matter. I work for a machine tool builder but getting formal training is a non-starter. So I am left to figure this out myself.

 

JParis, thanks for your help.

 

Ron, I will try what you suggest. I tried the old Swarf, didn't know it was the "old" one.

 

MIL-TFP-41, I don't know your name but thanks. If I change my rotary setting, that will change all the ops, won't it?

 

paul

[MIL-TFP-41]

I was referring to limiting your rotary angles in the operation. You will have to play with it...

 

 

[PAnderson]

I was referring to limiting your rotary angles in the operation. You will have to play with it...

Got it! This worked beautifully in 5 Axis Curve. Swarf does not have that setting. That's OK though, I was able to get a roughing and finish cut with this. Tightened up my cut tolerance and used To Point for axis control and posted. Y axis, Z axis and C axis only. Sweet.

 

Thanks again,

Paul