Re: I need help defining cutter compensation (Offset?) in Dolphin CAD/CAM (More Info)

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., glee@i... wrote:

>
>
> I experimented further and found some additional information.
>
> The sample part is 1" square and I am using a 1/8" .125 end mill
>to cut to
> a depth of 1/8"
>
> I had incorrectly stated in the previous post that my part was 1/16"
> smaller on all sides.
>
> In actuality, it appears that the cutter must be following the
>contour and
> staying either to the left or the right. EIther way, I guess I am
>missing
> something.
>
> Thanks.

Eric,
What you have missed is the setting in the Goround command that
sets this.
If you go into your part cnc file and open it up you will have a list
of operations. For something this simple there shoud only be two,
Op # 1 Select tool and
Op # 2 Goround.
Double click the go round and you will get the dialog box up that you
originally filled in. You will probably have Cut Forward and Offset
Left selected. This will automatically generate an offset 1/16"
bigger so you finish up with the right sized part.
Change the offset from left to right and run the program. You will
now see that it cuts the inside shape. Change from right to none and
it will cut the centreline.
This is one of Dolphin's main points, the ability to edit command
without having to touch the drawing.
All you have on the screen is the original part, no having to draw
offsets and leads in's to clutter the screen up.
The settings cut forward and offset left will in actual fact be climb
milling. If you don't want to climb mill but mill conventionally you
can select cut reverse and offset right. This will give you the
outside shape but cutting the opposite way.
When you are happy with the tool path and only when, just hit the
post button and you will get the correct post. No editing of the post
will be needed.

John S.