Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Machining Strategies

Scott,

You're almost off topic, but because you're describing machining
strategies typically used by CAM, you're probably ok. Basically, you as
the machinist have to decide what machining strategy is most suitable
for the part you are making. That's where you have to actually go and
make some chips, crash a tool or two and learn how your machine sounds
when machining and how the chips are flying, so to speak. This final
part of the equation explains why machining still requires a 3 or 4 year
trade apprentiship. There's a LOT to learn in the shop.

What I have found is that when you actually try different machining
strategies in CAM, you can simulate each very quickly and at least in my
CAM software (Visual Mill) you can choose the step over rate, the step
down rate and the feed rate and see how the simulation works and how
long it will take. You start with larger tool, big steps and a
"roughing" strategy and move down to smaller tools for the fine details
etc. Then when you think you are close, take the created G-Code out to
your machine and try it on the machine and see how it goes. You will
gain experience over time as to which strategies better suit which shapes.

Your ears and eyes (behind safety glasses) will tell you a lot about how
the machine and tool is reacting to the material. If you're really
keen, you can also refer to the tool speed and feed tables for
additional guidance. You can always start with slower feed rates and up
the speeds and feeds when you are more experienced - but speeds and
feeds are also affected by how big and rigid your machine is. A
Sherline can't munch metal as quickly as a Bridgeport...

Text books with pictures are very helpful in explaining the machining
terms like climb or conventional milling, how to fixture, etc. etc.
There are many listed in Home Shop Machinist that are excellent intro's.

Have "safe" fun!

Cheers, Peter



Scott Hendershot wrote:

>Where would I go to get information on machining strategies? I have
>software that can do pocketing, Z-Level contouring, rest milling,
>pencil milling, zig-zag, one way, two curves. . . However I don't
>understand how you choose one for machining a part. Is there a
>reference that describes the applications of these types of machining?
>
>TIA
>
>Scott
>
>
>Addresses:
>FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html
>FILES: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO/files/
>Post Messages: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
>
>Subscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
>Unsubscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>List owner: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-owner@yahoogroups.com, wanliker@...
>Moderator: jmelson@... timg@... [Moderator]
>URL to this group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO
>
>OFF Topic POSTS: General Machining
>If you wish to post on unlimited OT subjects goto: aol://5863:126/rec.crafts.metalworking or go thru Google.com to reach it if you have trouble.
>http://www.metalworking.com/news_servers.html
>
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jobshophomeshop I consider this to be a sister site to the CCED group, as many of the same members are there, for OT subjects, that are not allowed on the CCED list.
>
>NOTICE: ALL POSTINGS TO THIS GROUP BECOME PUBLIC DOMAIN BY POSTING THEM. DON'T POST IF YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT THIS.....NO EXCEPTIONS........
>bill
>List Mom
>List Owner
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>