MastercamX5 Contour ToolPaths
Please let me understand the following:
In McX5, Contour Toolpath / Cut Parameters we have under compensation type several choices but I always choose “Computer”
Then we have Compensation Direction and the options are Right or Left
My understanding is in the "Left" the endmill will cut on the outside of a line and the "Right" will cut on the inside of a line.
So if I want to cut a square 4"x4" if I use the left I will get a 4x4 square and if I use the "right" I will get a smaller square (endmill diameter x 2).
Is this correct?
Thank you
Re: MastercamX5 Contour ToolPaths
No...
Left means ... the cutter follows the contour on the left side.. this is "climb" milling (if cutter is rotating CW)
If the chain went CCW then left comp is placing tool inside.
If the chain went CW, then left is placing tool on outside..
Ie the big and small arrows when chaining... big arrow is the profile direction... small arrow is the cutter side
Chaining direction is taken the from closest endpoint to the other end onto the next contacting entity.
It pauses if there is a branch that a choice of direction is to be made by you.
Hint... do not start contours in a corner as lead ins & outs will either be omitted or may cross over your profile ( if you cancel gouge checking), you can set to start at the midpoint of your 1st chain entity.. found in "lead in/out" settings of that toolpath operation.
If the start of chain moves from your pickpoint, then you have errors on the chain ( branching, double entities, breaks, endpoints too far away to chain)
Another hint... in toolpath parameters, the "geometry" item, you can modify, add, change startpoint etc) by r-clicking on the chain... you get another "editing" menu
Re: MastercamX5 Contour ToolPaths
Have to study what you say Superman, very interesting and answers a lot of my questions
You explain what Left will do to the cutter but how about the Right? What happens if I select the Right?
Thanks
Re: MastercamX5 Contour ToolPaths
Forgot you're a wood worker... lol
Right.... it will place the toolpath on the right side of the chained profile... so for a CW spindle rotation, you will be "up-cutting" (conventional machining)
When using the XY offset, a positive number makes the tool stay FURTHER away from your profile, negative makes the cutter edge cut into the chain.
This XY offset principle works for all comp types, positive being the direction the smaller arrow points (my previous post)
Another hint... cutter comp OFF & zero offset & lead in/out OFF.... makes cutter path ON TOP of your profile...
Re: MastercamX5 Contour ToolPaths
Very happy I learned what the 2 arrows mean when you chain an object, many thanks Superman.
So you are saying “….Right.... it will place the toolpath on the right side of the chained profile... so for a CW spindle rotation, you will be "up-cutting" (conventional machining)…”
Does this change if the chaining is CW or CCW?
Re: MastercamX5 Contour ToolPaths
Thank you Superman for the education, very interesting.