Well they same that the difference between theory and practice is small...... in theory.
I have seen a number of software packages that take a simple 3D toolpath and convert it to a 5 axis tool path. Theoretically the math is not complicated as the tangent for the A axis can be calculated from that line of G-code, the B axis is a little more complicated as you have to look at the preceding pass and at the next pass to calculate the tangent. I am sure that if one of the boffins (and there seems to be a few) on this group got their teeth into it they could write a small, simple app that would do this conversion. Granted it wouldn't be perfect but not difficult. It might even be possible to do this with macro on a spread sheet. Regards, Greg ----- Original Message ----- From: "Stuart Stevenson" <stus...@gmail.com> To: "Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC)" <emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net> Sent: Friday, December 12, 2008 2:48 AM Subject: Re: [Emc-users] 4 to 5 axis milling SW Re: Testing >> One thing to note is that EMC2 removes a fair amount of the complexity >> from 5-axis code generation, specifically tool offsets and the like. >> Once you have a correct kinematics module for your machine, the G-code >> becomes a 5-axis "TOV" - Tool Orientation Vector. The post doesn't have >> to calculate all the joint positions, it tells EMC2 to move the tool >> endpoint to a particular position, at a particular angle, and EMC2 >> (through kinematics) figures out where the joints need to go. That >> calculation includes tool length and diameter offsets, so theoretically >> (and Stuart can tell you more about the reality of it), you can take a >> 5-axis job from one EMC2 machine to another EMC2 machine, and as long as >> the set of supported axes is the same (XYZ AB vs. XYZ BC, for instance), >> you shold be able to run that code, even with a different set of >> available tools. >> >> - Steve >> > Steve, > This deviates from the original subject a little bit. > > dig :) > So far I have been unable to develop (or get developed) the > 5 axis cutter diameter compensation. Some vague argument about the > corner rounding not allowing it. > > suggestion > The answer is to disable the corner rounding during 5 axis > cutter diameter compensation. Then the cutter path compensation could > be generated without concern for the corner rounding (feature). > Also, I would like to be able to disable the corner rounding > (feature) for 3 axis machines and work. > Allow a choice between tool path programming and part > contour programming - for all machines. G code or .ini set. > > Theoretically, 5 axis program portability is there. I have a LOT of > 5 axis programs with tool lengths in them. I haven't tried any yet > (but I surely will). I should be able to adjust the tool length in the > tool table using the in program tool length and the actual tool > length. The important number it the distance from the tool tip to the > pivot point of the rotary axes. If I use a modified tool length in the > tool table that supplies EMC2 the actual length from the pivot point > to the tool tip then any 5 axis program will work. > (hopefully I said this in a logical fashion) > > This should work with any machine that has 5 axis tool length > compensation. A program running on a fanuc control can be run in EMC2 > if the machine limits will allow the machine to move through the > program. > EMC2 programs in fanuc > fidia programs in EMC2 - EMC2 programs in fidia > any gcode program in EMC2 - EMC2 programs in any control running gcode. > > VERY FLEXIBLE > > you may have to modify the prep sections g43 implementation / g54 > ... offsets (some machines use E) / tool change sections / maybe > other sections > the tool positions (XYZABCUVW) should be usable on any machine with 5 > axis tool length compensation > > Steve is correct when he says a lot of the complexity has been > removed (incorporated into the control). Many things can be done that > were previously only on high dollar machines and controls. 5 axis > cutter diameter comp would make EMC2 much more elite. > Stuart > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > SF.Net email is Sponsored by MIX09, March 18-20, 2009 in Las Vegas, > Nevada. > The future of the web can't happen without you. Join us at MIX09 to help > pave the way to the Next Web now. Learn more and register at > http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;208669438;13503038;i?http://2009.visitmix.com/ > _______________________________________________ > Emc-users mailing list > Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net > https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. 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