Re: VectorCam rotary 4th axis - Vector Plus

>--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "IMService" <imserv@v...> wrote:
> Since there is a lot of discussion and some guesses about the
>Vector rotary 4th axis capabilities, let me explain a few of the

capabilities.

>
> 1) Standard plain old Vector can create substituted A for Y rotary
>code. Here is how it works:
>
> This example is for a rotary A axis parallel to the X axis:
>
> Draw the surface as a flat unrolled shape. The width in X is your
>part width and the X axis is your rotation line.
> Draw the Y distance as the circumference. If you are using a
>cylinder, the diameter times PI (PI*D) is the length in Y. Inside
>this rectangular area, you may draw any flat or 3D forms that you
>want. Use Connect at Z to create safe retractions with rapids.
>
> a) substitute A for Y using the NC text converter
> b) scale the Y coordinate values by changing the Y scale to 360/
>(PI*D) This is done on the NC side.
>
> your output will be rotary axis code. X-A-Z
>

Thanks for the clarification Fred.
Dolphin works exactly the same way but you don't have to edit
anything.
Once you select the rotary axis function everything is automatically
done and the poutup is in X,Z,A or X,Z,B, you have a choice. Once you
cancel the rotary command it goes back to X,Y,Z
Plain clear and simple commands.

As regards the Vector Plus, does this come with any more help or
manuals as there is nothing in the manual about this?

John S.

> 2) Vector Plus has several additional features that are not

available in the standard VectorCam

>
> -It includes 2 basic driver types. One for a rotary table setup

and one for an articulated spindle setup.

>
> -both drivers will produce simultaneous contouring programs for any

2 linear and a single rotary axis. That is 3 axis simultaneous
contouring, one being rotary.

>
> -Both drivers can automatically, mix and match X-Y-Z contouring and

drilling, with X-Z-A type of code

>
> -Both drivers can position with 5 axes simultaneous as X-Y-Z-A-B

This is useful for machining details on a prismatic part that has
several planes that are not at the usual angles that are found on a
cubic shaped part (A0,A90, A180, A270). The plane is positioned to be
perpendicular to the spindle ( or the spindle is positioned to be
perpendicular to the planar surface ) and standard 3 axis cutting is
done at that angle. Setup is for double rotary tables or double
spindle articulations, take your pick.

>
> The CNC code is produced from 3D geometry so what you see is what

you get. There is no requirement to draw it flat and hope that you
have visualized it correctly. The finished part toolpath directly
generates the code. Vector has a wrap cylinder function that allows
you to visualize the results of your flat layout, wrapped in 3D.
This function is included in the standard Vector, but requires Vector
Plus to directly create rotary axis output.

>
> 3) We recently released a new, complementary function in StlWork2.

It can create a spiral toolpath from a solid model in STL format.
The spiral is offset from the surface by the specified tool radius.
It varies with the model Z and X changes as it is created spirally
about the rotational center of the model. StlWork does not create
the rotary axis code, but rather saves the compensated spiral as a
DXF file. This DXF file is used by Vector Plus to cut the solid
model with 3 axis rotary (X-Z-A for example).

>
> The Vector plus option sells for about $500 and we discount it

slightly for list members.

>
> I hope that clears up any questions about the whys and

capabilities. Please feel free to inquire if you have additional
questions.

>
> Best Regards, Fred Smith- IMService
>
> Listserve Special discounts and offers are at:
> http://www.vectorcam.com/cced2.html
>
> We are THE source for low cost Cad Cam