3D Question

[Ken Sully]

I have purchased some Vector 3D work. After doing the tool path the estimated time for the finish cut was 1 hour. The actual time for the final cut turned out to be 2.5 hours.
This also happened on another project I did in 3D.
Not sure why the estimate the Part Works 3D is so far off.

[adrianm]

You have to adjust the scale factor after you've done the first job to dial it in a bit closer. Make sure the rapid rate is correct as well.

It will never be 100% accurate because of the effects of ramping etc but the scale factor will make a big difference.

[Brian Harnett]

Z axis speed will make a big difference on time.

[Brady Watson]

None of the machining estimates are ever all that accurate. The most accurate is in Preview mode in SB3 on the same computer you use to run the Bot. As Adrian points out, ramping, jog speed and other factors make a difference in elapsed time. 3D is hard to estimate - 2D for the most part is usually very close to the estimate.

I'm not sure if the Vectric stuff has a 'conversion value' where you can adjust it to sneak up on reliable time estimates. I know ArtCAM does and at one time it was pretty close - but none of them are 100% dead nuts on.

-B

[cowboy1296]

Dittos on what Adrian said. I tend to make my components deep to make them stand out. The deeper generally means more z action and more z means longer times.