Clipping planes and extend your stock

How to extend the the stock model to include the cutter size (makes the cutter go on the outside of the model) and how to use clipping planes to restrict the cutting space. In this clip I change the stock model to include the cutter size, which makes the cutter climb the outside of the model as well and not only parts "inside" the stock. I also use regions for to restrict the cutting depth of the model, I don't want to go as deep as the model is this time.

This clip is available in HD. Maximize the video screen and increase the resolution and you'll have a crisp clear view.
As usual, I run this demo in a virtual environment and it makes the simulator acting a bit odd. Try it for real!

Making regions

Here are a few simple examples how regions will help you to restrict the working area for a toolpath. Note that if you want to make a roughing or Z-level and a lot of "islands" it's better time wise to generate a toolpath for each region instead of selecting multiple regions. In that way the toolpath will finish one region and then move to next. When a group of regions are used to make a rough/Z-level each level will be finished in every region and therefore a lot of extra movement will be added. On a small model it's not a problem, when doing batches or uge moulds it will take more time. When all regions are generated, make all wanted toolpaths visible and post process them into one program.

This clip is available in HD. Maximize the video screen and increase the resolution and you'll have a crisp clear view.

Colourized simulation and making a different stock

In the latest release of MadCAM (4.3) the simulator makes every toolpath cut in a colour, which give a very nice visualization where the cutter really made a cut. It's easy to add or change the cutter colours. Here's how. I also modify the stock model to show the difference in the toolpath when the stock is changed with the options "Enclose", "Model + Cutter" and defining a true stock model.

This clip is available in HD. Maximize the video screen and increase the resolution and you'll have a crisp clear view.

Cutting pipe clamp video

Here's an example of a clamp cut in Alumec (Uddeholm).

Making an open mould for epoxy resin moulding

Here's an open mould for a finbox made in carbon/glass fiber and epoxy resin that we're working on. The box type is called "slotbox" and is an open standard for windsurfing boards.

Well, here goes!..

This clip is available in HD. Maximize the video screen and increase the resolution and you'll have a crisp clear view.

News site about MADCAM

The MADCAM team has moved their news feed to blogspot as well.
Is to be found here: http://rhinocadcam.blogspot.com

3D indexed.

If you have access to a machine that is capable of indexing (tilt head) this is a very powerful and easy way to make your machine access areas on the workpiece where it normally shouldn't reach. In this example we need to tilt the head 45 degrees to cut the hidden part if the side. This is how I do it.

1. Select everything in the Front-view and click the Toolpath Calculation icon (the first button in the MadCam toolbar). Now the green wireframe for calculation appears.
2. Reselect everything in the Front-view and rotate 45 degrees.
3. Click the Toolpath Calculation once again. This is to tell MadCam that the object has been moved.
4. Choose cutter, I use the 8 mm ball end in this example.
5. Choose Axis Mode -> 5 axis indexed mode -> CPlane World Top. As you can see I have selected 5-axis Head/Head in the Axis Setup in Options.
6. Now I make a normal 3D Roughing.
7. Select Undo CPlane in the Front-view menu.
8. Select everything, rotate with -45 degrees.
9. Once again, click the Toolpath Calculation icon to tell MadCam about the change.
10. Simulate, and you'll see that the cut is made with the head tilted 45 degrees.

Now, post process and transfer the program to your machine. Tilt the head 45 degrees and go!