Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: mjscottinnc on September 14, 2020, 08:26:53 PM

Title: Strange Z Axis problem only with MeshCAM generated G code
Post by: mjscottinnc on September 14, 2020, 08:26:53 PM
I'm finding that 3D roughing code generated by MeshCAM clips the edge of the stock as if the Z axis starts moving too soon. It only occurs in 3D roughing. Mach3 has been working flawlessly for the past 3 months doing 2D and 2 1/2D routing. This is the first time I've used 3D. The errors seem to occur when a single line contains a X and Z move. I've tried turning off Constant Velocity, but is has not changed anything. I've tried slowing down the Z axis, which makes it worse (bigger bite on the edge of the stock) I've tried slowing down the X and Y axis, no joy. I'm hoping that someone else has already solved this before.
Title: Re: Strange Z Axis problem only with MeshCAM generated G code
Post by: Graham Waterworth on September 15, 2020, 10:07:41 AM
Are you using a ball nosed cutter?
Title: Re: Strange Z Axis problem only with MeshCAM generated G code
Post by: mjscottinnc on September 15, 2020, 01:37:21 PM
Are you using a ball nosed cutter?
No, not a ball nose end mill. The tools used in all passes are straight 1/4" end mills.
Title: Re: Strange Z Axis problem only with MeshCAM generated G code
Post by: Graham Waterworth on September 15, 2020, 05:02:35 PM
Most 3d work needs a ball nose cutter, I would check your CAM software because it sounds as if its expecting a ball end.
Title: Re: Strange Z Axis problem only with MeshCAM generated G code
Post by: mjscottinnc on September 16, 2020, 08:46:44 AM
Most 3d work needs a ball nose cutter, I would check your CAM software because it sounds as if its expecting a ball end.
I agree, that is exactly what it seems like. But I also wanted to make sure that I was not doing something wrong with the Mach3 setup

Using something other then a bull nose tool for 3D machining might seem different but if you can select a straight end mill as your 3D tool I'd expect the CAM software to be able to compensate for the tool geometry.