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Author Topic: Strange Z Axis problem only with MeshCAM generated G code  (Read 822 times)

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Strange Z Axis problem only with MeshCAM generated G code
« 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.

Offline Graham Waterworth

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Re: Strange Z Axis problem only with MeshCAM generated G code
« Reply #1 on: September 15, 2020, 10:07:41 AM »
Are you using a ball nosed cutter?
Without engineers the world stops
Re: Strange Z Axis problem only with MeshCAM generated G code
« Reply #2 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.

Offline Graham Waterworth

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Re: Strange Z Axis problem only with MeshCAM generated G code
« Reply #3 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.
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Re: Strange Z Axis problem only with MeshCAM generated G code
« Reply #4 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.