4D contouring operation
Application Area:
The operation generates continuous toolpathes for processing spatial curves on surfaces with a clear axis of rotation or elongation along an axis.
It enables the creation of both single toolpathes along selected curves and multiple passes along various isoparametric lines of the chosen surface, as well as facilitates multi-level machining along selected curves. Operation based on the 6D Contouring operations operation and perconfigurated for rotary machining and available for 4x and 5x configurations. Tool orientation set as default To Rotary axis. The tool orientation strategies Through point and Through curve, as well as the options Advanced axes limits control, Lean angles, Side angles are blocked. Safe surface set as Cylinder.
For the curves specified in the Job Assignment , user can modify the tool orientation vectors at each point (but only in the plane perpendicular to the Rotary Axis), change the tool's movement direction along the curve, alter the machining side, compensate for the tool radius, select the interpolation method for changing the tool orientation vector from point to point, and set the stock.
Job assignment:
Edge/Curve on Surface. Job assignment is formed with the edges of the part or any curves . The tool's current orientation determines vectors at the curve points. . The tool contact point will move along the specified curve based on the curve properties and the chosen tool orientation strategy. The parameters of this group are the same as in the feature 5-axis milling of the profile on the surface / Parameters of Curves . See more.
5D Curve. The system generates the 5-axis tool path as the projection of the arbitrary curves on the part surface. In this case the tool contact point will move in touch with the surface. The passes can be shifted from the curve by the stock or by the levels. The tool axis is located perpendicular to the surface. The parameters of this group are the same as in the feature 5-axis milling of the profile on the surface / Parameters of Curves . See more .
Drive Faces. One can use them for creating work passes along isoparametric lines. The isoparametric curves of the surfaces depends on its way of creation and reflect the topology of the surface. Different fillets can be machined this way very well. The parameters of this group are the same as in the feature 5-axis milling along the isoparametric curves / Parameters of Drive Faces. See more.
Properties. Displays the properties of an element. It is possible to add the stock. You can also call this menu by double clicking on an item in the list.
Delete. Removes an item from the list.
Strategy:
Tool Orientation:
Controls tool axis orientation. The principal parameters of this function are the same as in the 5D Surfacing operation. See more.
Incline Shape Tool. Tilts the tool so its working side touches the machining surface during toolpath traversal.
Limit Rotation Angles:
This option appears when the Flank tool orientation strategy is active and specifies the limit values of the tool's angular position relative to the axes. The parameters of this group are the same as in the 5D Surfacing operation. See more.
Passes:
You can create additional work passes relative to the specified curves. The passes shifts in the direction normal to the surface. If the Flank tool orientation is selected, you can choose the direction of the shifts. The parameters of this group are the same as in the 6 D Contouring operation . See more.
Corners smoothing:
When there is a sudden change of the tool direction, the milling control performs deceleration before starting the turn, and then accelerates again. This fact can lead to vibrations and high tool and milling machine wear. The problem can be solved if the toolpath has very few or no breaks. For this reason, in the system there is the toolpath smoothing function using the defined radius for machining inner or outer corners of the model. The principal parameters of this function are the same as in the 2D Contouring operation. See more.
Continous axial shifting:
With the Flank tool orientation strategy is in use, you can create a toolpath with smooth changes in the tool's axial displacement along the path relative to the specified curve. The parameters of this group are the same as in the 6 D Contouring operation . See more.
Sorting:
Controls the sequence of toolpath passes during the surface machining .
Transformations:
Parameter's kit of operation, which allow to execute converting of coordinates for calculated within operation the trajectory of the tool. See more
See also:
5D contour and 6D contour operations
Operations for 4-axes and 5-axes milling
5-axis milling of the ruled surfaces by the flank of the mill