So the program would likely accept a .STEP file and produce g-code. I would start with the simpler case of 2 1/2 D machining
There are two ways, X,Y raster scanning with the end mill, that is really primitive, or contour following. For counter following I think you have to convert to a topographic map then trace each counter line around in a loop, then go to the next line. I think there are many ways to define "next line" At some point you need to look inside the STEP file to fin the "intent" for example a threaded blind hole is made with a drill and tap, not a tiny end mill on a 6-axis machine. What are you using C++ or Python, Something else? On Mon, Jul 12, 2021 at 2:57 PM Bari <bari00...@gmail.com> wrote: > For now my target is to work with FreeCAD/Path. FreeCAD uses a geometry > engine based on Open CASCADE. I'm looking at some physics engines now to > handle the collision avoidance between the tools, material and work > holders. > > I'm am also looking at being able to input factors for the tools and > material to be able to create more optimal paths than just raster scans. > 1" dia carbide roughing end mill on a 20HP VMC vs 1HP spindle on robot > arm and tool steel vs 60xx aluminum. > > On 7/12/21 4:17 PM, Matthew Herd wrote: > > Hi Bari, > > > > Though I'm no expert, your goal is admirable. I would say typically I do > > tend to use the larger tools first when feasible (i.e. excluding > situations > > where I might have to drill first). I try to use an adaptive tool path > > whenever possible too. I then move to one of many finishing strategies > > (contour, horizontal, pencil, etc.) > > > > I think traditional roughing was probably rather raster oriented. > Probably > > just work in a constant stepover and depth of cut and go round the part > in > > a roughly square path. However, I don't know because I have very limited > > experience with CAM packages prior to Fusion360 about 6 years ago when > > adaptive was pretty much standard. I dabbled with MasterCAM in about > 2005, > > but I can't recall if there was an adaptive tool path back then. I don't > > believe there was, but I never dug that deep. > > > > Matt > > > > On Mon, Jul 12, 2021 at 5:10 PM Bari <bari00...@gmail.com> wrote: > > > >> I'm am working on creating open software for creating tool paths for 4+ > >> axis machines. > >> > >> > >> What are your approaches to machining when using 4+ axis machines? > >> > >> > >> Hog out as much as possible first using the largest roughing tools first > >> then moving to smaller? > >> > >> > >> Any fine points to consider? > >> > >> > >> One vendor of 5-axis CAM markets adaptive technology to speed up the > >> process. Not exactly sure what they used to do when creating paths with > >> their older software vs newer. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Emc-users mailing list > >> Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net > >> https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users > >> > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Emc-users mailing list > Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net > https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users > -- Chris Albertson Redondo Beach, California _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
