Re: 4 Axis Cam Software

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "roboticscnc" <gsm42@...> wrote:

>
> Does anyone know of a cheap 4 axis Cam Software ( preferably continuous
> 4 axis )

For rotary axis machining there are two inexpensive CAM applications that provide some functionality:

DeskCNC - 3D rotary machining of .STL files about a rotational axis, using a raster pattern. $250

VcarvePro 5.5 - Wrapped rotary toolpaths, and some widgits for doing 3D spirals and flutes. $599

These produce G-code which can be run on any G-code compatible machine controller with 4 axes.

As far as I know none of the inexpensive rotary 4th axis programming software, nor the simulator software will take into account tool, tool holder, unmachined stock, and part interferences, which is the expensive ( and useful) part of 4 and 5 axis programming systems.

The other problem with 4 or more axes of machine control is that there are many ways to build a machine, and the CAM software has to be able to adjust the correct rotational axis.

Some examples of different 4 axis rotary setups:

4 axis mill:

1) standard 3 linear axis, with a rotaty table parallel to the X axis (A360) compatible with the software I listed above.

2) standard 3 linear axis with a rotary table parallel to the Z axis (C360) ( also same setup for lathe with driven tooling)

3) 3 linear axes plus a tilting spindle (usually A or B, often with limited range of motion, ie only +/- 90, or 0-35 degrees positions)

Now add a trunnion table holding a rotary for a 5 axis, or multiple tilt and rotational positioning for the spindle, or combinations of both for more complex machines.

The Cam-programming software has to be aware of the joints, lengths, and work offsets for each axis to be able to calculate the tool paths. It's not a trivial task, and especially if you are doing surface machining and you want to maximize the material removal rate ( by cutting high on the ball of the end mill) and avoid all collisions. Non standard tool shapes can also get tricky, as can constant material removal rates.

4 linear axes:

There are some 4 axis machines that do not use rotary. 4 axis CAM can be used for wire EDM and hot wire foam cutting, to combine two end shapes into a smoothly blended form. Round on one end and square on the other. DeskCNC also has this function, and will create G-code for XYUV hot wire foam cutters. ( U-V are auxiliary, linear axes, parallel to the X and Y axes) The input is usually two closed DXF shapes.

Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.imsrv.com