Can I use the VI command to cut a Arch in z-plane?

[mike_boller]

Hello all, I'm a rookie here and I need to cut a arch in the z-plane. I've written a program to cut the shape by iterating arches, but to make them smooth I need to make the steps very small. This will take a long time, have the bit proceed very slowly and potentially cause the plastic that I'll be cutting to melt.

It seems that I can swap the x and z axes and then program CA to cut in the z-plane. Is this a reasonable idea?

Additionally, will it be possible to zero the z-axis, swap the axes and then transfer that zero to the x-axis?

Any thoughts will be very appreciated and I apologize if I've missed this info in another thread.

Regards,
Mike

[ken_rychlik]

The software to make this happen would not be all that expensive compared to all the time you will have involved and possibly messing up your machine. If you describe how big of curve you need someone can reccomend which software. If it is not to wide of a z curve the partworks program should do a ramped flute that may work for you.
Kenneth

[mike_boller]

Kenneth,
Thanks for the note. For the current project, iI need a series of curves (a transition from 1/4 of a circle to a flat surface) with the deepest curve being about 4 inches wide and a little over an inch deep. The shallowest is about 7 inches wide.

If it helps with the software selection, I'm looking to be able to precisely define the parameters, not just make an approximate shape.

Thanks again!
Mike

[tkovacs]

Hmm...
Are you proposing to literally physically swap the x and z axis cables? I would not do that.
I think there was a application on the shopbot site that would swap two axis in the sbp file.

Terry

[mike_boller]

Terry,

I was not planning on swapping cables but rather using the VI command in the control software to change the Driver Channel for the two axes. (See page 35 of the command reference.)

I do like the idea of using a software solution rather than mucking with those settings.

Mike

[ken_rychlik]

I have v carve pro which is supposed to be the same as the normal partworks that comes with the program. It will do ramped flutes, which can be made in any shape. I wonder if that would help you. Try this link and see if the fluting section on the bottom does enough for your purpose. http://www.vectric.com/support/VCarv...ials_index.htm

[tkovacs]

Mike-
What design software are you using?
I think you could get aspire to do this.

Terry

[Gary Campbell]

Mike...
There are a few different ways to do these, most of them not difficult, but none the less, require some time and learning. Here is my favorite:

Place your vectors in V Carve or Pwks in the Y direction and so that the Y position is where you want it and the X position is the same as you wish for the Z. Toolpath on Vector at a .001 depth. Then use the "Flipper" program to swap the X for the Z and you should be good to go. You will have to manually add your lead ins and outs. IF it makes a difference, you could move the vector +.001 in the X direction to eliminate a depth error.



You could also use a spreadsheet to do the same. And, as you mention above the VI can be used. Make sure the X & Z are both zeroed and at the 0 position prior to the swap.

Gary

[harold_weber]

Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that if the VI command is used to do this, AND the unit values of the two axes are NOT the came (because either the pinion teeth counts or the motor gearbox gear ratios may be different), then the VU command must also be used to swap the unit values.

[Gary Campbell]

Harold...
Right on.. you must swap the Unit values at the same time, if different.
Gary