Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: guynamedbathgate on May 22, 2011, 05:50:50 PM

Title: 4th axis display is showing polygons instead of helix
Post by: guynamedbathgate on May 22, 2011, 05:50:50 PM

This is just a minor issue but I thought I would see if anyone has encountered it.
I am writing some code to cut a Helix using the A axis.  But for some reason the tool path display is displaying the helix in a straight line polygon style as apposed to a smooth circular helix. Everything runs correctly but it just bugs the hell out of me that I cant visualize my clearances properly. anyone got a fix.

CB

Title: Re: 4th axis display is showing polygons instead of helix
Post by: Greolt on May 22, 2011, 06:52:21 PM

As far as I know this is a limitation of the 4th axis toolpath view.   No fix that I know of.

You could break the longer moves involving the 4th axis into smaller segments but that is not really practical.

So far I have just learned to live with it.

If any one else knows a trick to fix this I would love to hear about it.

Greg

Title: Re: 4th axis display is showing polygons instead of helix
Post by: guynamedbathgate on May 22, 2011, 07:41:44 PM

yeah, I figured it might just be the graphical limitation of the display. I am kind of wrapping a helix around an arc on the xz axis. thats when it does it. normal straight line XA renders fine.

Title: Re: 4th axis display is showing polygons instead of helix
Post by: BR549 on May 23, 2011, 09:57:12 AM

Can you post a section of code that shows the problem?

(;-) TP

Title: Re: 4th axis display is showing polygons instead of helix
Post by: guynamedbathgate on May 23, 2011, 10:51:01 AM

Sure

G90 G00
G18
M8
M3 S2500
G00 Z.5
G00 X0 Y0
G00 A0
G00 X1.6
G00 Z-1.025

G91
G01 F3
G01 X-.0898 A-70.156
G02 X-3.0203 A-1800 R1.625
G01 X.0161 A12.578
G03 X2.988 A1774.844 R1.61

M5 M9
M30

Title: Re: 4th axis display is showing polygons instead of helix
Post by: BR549 on May 23, 2011, 03:18:57 PM

I thought I had a way around it BUT mach can only draw the arc through 1 rotation of A.After that it simulates the arc with a ploygon.

You could draw it in segments of 360 deg rotations BUT that is a lot of work.

(;-) TP

Title: Re: 4th axis display is showing polygons instead of helix
Post by: guynamedbathgate on May 23, 2011, 04:47:22 PM

well, thanks for trying.

CB :)