3D Arc/Line Toolpath Approximation
Arc line approximation is now available in FeatureMILL3D
for toolpaths that are contained in the XY, YZ and XZ planes.
This allows 3D programs to be smaller and to result in smoother
surface finishes for certain types of parts.
The following image is a 3D sim of a 15" radius extruded
surface with parallel paths with default tolerance of .001 inches.
(Note: this image shows subtle detail that may only be visible
if your display card is configured for sufficient color depth).
The first section is cut with linear paths, the second section
is arc/line approximation. The number of blocks is:
- 2760 blocks for the linear paths
- 1840 blocks for the arc/line paths. This is a
33% savings over the linear paths.
The facets are clearly visible on the linear toolpaths, but
they have been smoothed by the arc/line approximation.
Details
Arc/line approximation applies to the following 3D techniques
- X-parallel and Y-parallel roughing or finishing with
Parallel Angle set to 0
- Z-level finishing
- Iso-line finishing where the toolpaths line in a plane
To enable this operation set the Arc/line approx
attribute on the operation's milling tab.
Your post must be modified to support 3D arcs in the
Circular Move Format.
For machines with incremental arc centers, modify your Circular
Move Format to be:
<IF><XY-PLANE><THEN>
{N<SEQ> }{<PLANE> }{<MOTION> }X<X-COORD> Y<Y-COORD> {Z<Z-COORD>
}I<ARC-X> J<ARC-Y> {F<FEED>}<EOB>
<ENDIF>
<IF><ZX-PLANE><THEN>
{N<SEQ> }{<PLANE> }{<MOTION> }X<X-COORD> {Y<Y-COORD> }Z<Z-COORD>
I<ARC-X> K<ARC-Z> {F<FEED>}<EOB>
<ENDIF>
<IF><YZ-PLANE><THEN> {N<SEQ> }{<PLANE> }{<MOTION> }{X<X-COORD>
}Y<Y-COORD> Z<Z-COORD> J<ARC-Y> K<ARC-Z> {F<FEED>}<EOB>
<ENDIF>
For machines with absolute arc centers, modify your Circular
Move Format to be:
<IF><XY-PLANE><THEN>
{N<SEQ> }{<PLANE> }{<MOTION> }X<X-COORD> Y<Y-COORD> {Z<Z-COORD>
}I<X-CEN> J<Y-CEN> {F<FEED>}<EOB>
<ENDIF>
<IF><ZX-PLANE><THEN>
{N<SEQ> }{<PLANE> }{<MOTION> }X<X-COORD> {Y<Y-COORD> }Z<Z-COORD>
I<X-CEN> K<Z-CEN> {F<FEED>}<EOB>
<ENDIF>
<IF><YZ-PLANE><THEN> {N<SEQ> }{<PLANE> }{<MOTION> }{X<X-COORD>
}Y<Y-COORD> Z<Z-COORD> J<Y-CEN> K<Z-CEN> {F<FEED>}<EOB>
<ENDIF>
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