Re: True 4th Axis milling

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., William Reidsema <wreidsema@y...> wrote:

> While we're on the subject of 4 axes, how about a
> discussion of true 4th axis milling.

I guess I would disagree on your definition of what 4 axis "really"
is. Vector will cut a circular shape from a tube. It can create the
geometry in two ways. 1) as a projection, which looks like a circle
from the top, but distorts the surface shape or 2) as a wrapped
cylinder, which translates Z values into radius values while
preserving the X and wrapping the Y about an axis and preserving the
shape upon the surface of a cylinder. So far this is all geometry
construction and is included in standard Vector Cam.

The trick that Vector can do next is to create a G-code file that
contains X-Z-A coordinates to cut the shapes that were drawn in 3D
(not 4D) using 3 axes. 2 linear and one radial simultaneously. That
is sufficient for all this kind of cutting, unless you add a 5th
rotary table axis, or add articulation to the Spindle in one or more
direction. Technically Vector can do 5 axis positioning, but cannot
automatically calculate tool avoidance. So far as I know there are
no hobby class machines capable of this kind of controlled motion.
The 5 axis machines that are available are extremely expensive. The
CAM software usually starts at about $15000. There may be some in
the future as EMC can control that many axes, but The initial
investment is quite high at the present time.

Best Regards,

Fred Smith
IMService