[rob1999]

I am new to Solidcam. I created a 1" cube and tried to do a 1" profile operation which in theory should remove nothing. Instead, as indicated by the "Measure" function in "SolidVerify" it says the part is 0.994". No matter what shape I make, it takes 0.006" extra off. This happens in both X and Y axes. BTW, a facing operation gives the correct Measure. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[arikaa]

What do you mean by "no matter what shape i make"?

[rob1999]

Sorry, I was not very clear. What I meant was that any size rectangle I create in the XY plane and then extrude in the Z direction, I get the same behavior for a profile operation -- 0.003" more removed on each side than I expected.

[rob1999]

I just tried creating a hexagon that was 2" side to side and extruded it. After a profiling operation, "Measure" said that it was 1.994" side to side.

[arikaa]

Try to do only rough oparation and leave 0.01

[rob1999]

arikaa,
I tried what you said and did just a rough leaving .01". This should have a desired side to side distance of 2.02 inches, I measure 2.014.

[arikaa]

What size is your tool?

[arikaa]

You measure it at "verify"?

[rob1999]

I measure it at SolidVerify.
I just tried it with four different diameter end mills. Here are the results:
0.1" diameter, 2.016 side to side
0.25", 2.015
0.5", 2.014
3.0", 2.012
When I repeat the measurement after going back to a previous tool, the measurement returns to the previous value. For example, a 0.25" endmill will always give a 2.015" side to side measurement.

[arikaa]

Do you work with compensation option on?

[rob1999]

Here are a few more data points.
A 25" diameter tool also gives a 2.012 measurement.
A 0.01" diameter tool gives a 2.019 measurement.

[rob1999]

I believe compensation is specified in the Technology section. There, compensation is unchecked.

[arikaa]

Try it now.

[rob1999]

Do you mean "Try it on"?

[rob1999]

With compensation checked I get the same results for the two endmill sizes I tried.

[arikaa]

It should be unchecked.

[rob1999]

All the measurements I sent you (except for the last message) were with it unchecked. However, it did not seem to make a difference for the two different diameter bits I tried.

[arikaa]

Can you use "compare target and machined stock"?

[rob1999]

arikaa, I am going to have to pick this up tomorrow -- my brain is getting cloudy. Thanks for your help so far, and I hope you will continue to help me. I have been struggling with this for a couple of days now.

[arikaa]

It's midday here. Have a good night. Keep us posted.