Contain5. Dll
Review selection parameters for the Contain5.Dll c-hook
Contains the shank of a 5 axis tool inside a chained boundary (or boundaries)
or to a point. Converts a 3 axis toolpath to a 5 axis toolpath in the
process.
Restrictions:
1. Only spherical tools are supported
2. Containment is done to the tool axis, not the tool edge
3. Only G0 and G1 from the input file are converted to five axis positions.
Isolate the split surface defined above. ALT-E / Group/ Split surface
Generate a flowline toolpath on this surface. Flowline is the only toolpath that will undercut a surface
Toolpaths / Surface/ Finish / Flowline
Select the displayed surface
Tool Parameters
Select a .500 spherical endmill. For the purpose of backplotting, change the tool’s parameters
Diameter: .500
Arbor Diameter: .300
Flute: .25
Shoulder: .25
Tool Type: Auto
Surface Parameters
Clearance 2.5 Absolute
Retract: .25 Absolute
Feed plane .25 Incremental
Tip Comp: Center
Stock to leave on drive surfaces: 0.0
Use Check surfaces: Not used
Prompt for tool center boundary: Unavailable
Filter: ON Note: If using Filter option, DO NOT create arcs. Contain5.Dll converts G0 and G1 moves
Tolerance: .01
Look Ahead: 100
Recut: On Saves a recut (*.REC) file for the multiaxis toolpath for faster toolpath regeneration.
Direction: Not used
Cut control
Cut tolerance: .005 Determines the accuracy of the surface toolpath.
Check flowline motion for gouge: OFF This MUST be OFF for the toolpath to undercut surface
Stepover control
Distance: .100 Sets the stepover between cuts as an absolute distance.
Cutting method: One Way
Gap settings:
Gap size
% of stepover: 300
Motion < Gap size keep tool down
Broken
Do not check for gouge in gap or retract
Edge settings
Sharp corner tolerance
% of cut tolerance: 100
Set Offset, Cut / Step direction and Start so that the toolpath Climb mills the inside surfaces from top to bottom.
A 3 axis flowline toolpath is generated.
To machine this part, the shank of the tool cannot violate the surface walls. This will require the tool axis to be “contained” in safe zone. This zone should be as far away from the surface as possible to minimize tool axis rotation. To determine a safe position for the tools axis, create a wire frame profile of the tool and position it in the model at the surface limits.
Below illustrates the position of a contain point where the tool will not violate the walls.
But this contain point will cause unnecessary tool axis motion at the start of the toolpath
Place the contain point or curves as far away from the start of the toolpath as possible. Make visible level 5
Once you have determined the Contain position, you are ready to run the Contain5 C-hook. This program uses the 3 axis .NCI file so create it before entering the C-hook.
ALT-C / Contain5
You are prompted for the .NCI file name to read. Select the .NCI file just created ( contain5.NCI)
You are then prompted for the output file name. A 5 is added to the input file name automatically. Accept this toolpath name (contain55.NCI), or input desired filename.
Next you are prompted to define the containment boundary. This can be any 2D geometry or point. Select the intersection point of the tool axis centerline.
Backplot generated .NCI file ( Contain55.NCI)
The tool axis is contained though selected point.
mmp12