3D Surface Based Toolpaths Add Control

The BobCAD-CAM surface based machining feature empowers machine shops with advanced strategies for 3-axis programming.

Al DePoalo of BobCAD-CAM explains, “Surface based toolpaths are extremely powerful. They provide 3-axis programmers the control and confidence to machine those difficult jobs that many shops turn away. As a bonus, users who gain familiarity with these sophisticated strategies will shorten the learning curve if and when they make the transition to 4 & 5-axis machining.”

Advantages of Surface Based CAD-CAM

• High Level Control
• Reduced Cycle Times
• Mold & Die Machining Made Easy
• Advanced Machining Operations
• More Tool Options – T-Cutters, Dove, Tapered, & Lollipop

“Working with surface based paths offers additional tool types and compensation. This gives you the power to drive t-cutters, dove mills, tapered cutters and lollipop tooling to machine undercuts or back chamfers and radii,” adds DePoalo.

Undercutting is generally a necessary aspect of 3D mold and die machining. The surface based machining operations are required for undercutting.

Understanding Surface Based Toolpaths

Just because your CAM software can generate 3D toolpaths, doesn’t necessarily mean your system is surface based. If you’re unsure or if you’re not using BobCAD-CAM yet, your software may be converting the selected surfaces or solids into 3D meshes which your CAM system would be using to create toolpaths.

This is where users will notice the difference. Surface based toolpaths are generated using the surface data directly, without a conversion. The toolpath is generated based on the selected drive surfaces. The drive surface is the actual surface(s) that has been selected for the toolpath to drive along. The toolpath is driven based on the surface based toolpath strategy (7 options available) that was selected and the options you’ve chosen to work with. This is what gives the user the added control and superior advantages when working with surfaces directly. The latest version of BobCAD-CAM enables high level user control for surface based machining.

Users experience:

• Customizable Cut Tolerances
• Easy To Measure Cut Path Distances & Surface Handling Parameters
• Toolpath Segments That Can Merge

DePoalo points out, “The old saying of ‘use what you have’ holds true for many things, but complex 3D machining isn’t one of them. Without surface based toolpaths, there are a lot of jobs that just plain aren’t profitable to run, if you’re even able to run them at all. This is a huge reason why so many shops are upgrading to these high-end cutting strategies.”

BobCAD-CAM’s surface based machine toolpath operations include:

Parallel Cuts

This toolpath is very similar to a planar or Z level finish strategy. The difference is in the control over the gaps in your surfaces.

“Not having to fill in surfaces that would otherwise cause the tool to drop down in cutting is a huge time saver,” says DePoalo.

The parallel cuts feature creates a toolpath pattern with slices that are parallel to each other. The orientation of the slices are defined by two angles which include a machining angle in X-Y (which rotates the slices around the Z-axis) and a machining angle in Z. The geometry selection only requires a drive surface(s).

Cuts Along Curve

The Cuts Along Curve feature allows you to create a toolpath that is perpendicular to a lead curve (drive curve) on a selected drive surface. If the curve is a straight line, the cuts are created parallel to each other. You can either use a surface edge as the lead curve, or a curve that is on the surface. If the curve is not on the surface, then it’ll be projected onto the drive surface to create the toolpath.

Morph Between Two Curves

This is a feature that creates a morph toolpath between two leading curves. Morph implies that the generated toolpath gradually interpolates between the two curves and is evenly spread over the surface. This option is great for machining steep areas in mold making. When selecting the two curves, the geometry should be selected directly from the drive surfaces.

Morph Between Two Surfaces

This cutting strategy works very similar to Morph Between Two Curves, the difference being your input geometry will be two surfaces instead of two curve boundaries.

“Morph strategies are very popular because the cutting paths generated follow the flow of the surfaces,” explains DePoalo.

The Morph Between Two Surfaces feature creates a morph toolpath on the drive surface, which is enclosed by two check surfaces. Morph means that the generated toolpath is approximated between the check surfaces and evenly spread over the drive surface. This is ideal for impeller machining with twisted turbine blades, but it’s also very useful for 3D surfacing. The main advantage is the option to compensate the tool to the drive surface and check the surface in the left and right corner of the work piece. This is accomplished using the tool radius, which is the distance (margin) between the tool center and the surfaces.

Parallel To Multiple Curves

Selecting this feature allows the user to create toolpath segments parallel to a leading curve. The neighboring toolpath segments are parallel to each other. It’s important to point out that the cuts are not simply copied next to each other; instead, each new cut is an offset of the previous cut. When selecting the curve geometry, select the curves directly from the part. When using a single drive surface, you can only select a single curve from which to generate a parallel toolpath. When multiple drive surfaces are involved, you can then select multiple curves to use. Each curve is only used for the drive surface nearest to that curve.

Project Curves

Project Curves enable the user to create projected toolpaths using either a user-defined geometry curve, offsets of that curve, a radial pattern, or a spiral pattern. When selecting curve geometry directly from a surface, the projected toolpath is identical to the original. When the curve geometry is above the surface, multiple results are possible depending on the scenario and parameter selections. This pattern can be used to create engravings as well as spiral or radial finishing patterns to complete surfaces.

Parallel To Surface

The Parallel To Surface feature creates cuts on a drive surface that is parallel to a leading surface. When selecting geometry, select the surface directly from the part. The advanced options for surface paths enables extended control over Morph Between Two Surfaces and Parallel to Surface. This option will only allow you to cut in front of a selected surface. This toolpath is similar to an offset style path where you defined the curve(s) from which the toolpath is offset.

DePoalo points out, “One of the advantages to this strategy is the ability to machine surfaces that go in multiple directions with a clean and consistent path parallel to your drive curve. Unlike a morph routine that follows the UV lines of a surface, parallel allows you to create a machinable path on complex surfaces that otherwise would result in tool motion that isn’t conducive to cutting.”

One of the advantages of this feature is undercut machining. Machining negative drafts using a t-cutter or lollipop is common practice with this toolpath. In addition, it can make selection easier because the input geometry is surface based, instead of using its sister toolpath, Parallel To Multiple Curves.

Using advanced surface based machining strategies can reduce cycle times and help your shop produce superior part finishes on every 3D job you do.

To learn more about surface based machining strategies or other popular or obscure CAD/CAM topics, contact BobCAD-CAM today at 877-262-2231 or 727-442-3554.

Click HERE to download a free trial copy of our most advanced CAM/CAM software to date.

Learn more about advanced surface based machining control in the link below:

Getting The Best Value from CAD-CAM

The answer to this question really depends on your experience. Seeing the true value of any CAD-CAM system is your ability to effectively utilize it’s features to program your parts in your shop. Does spending more money guarantee this? Here at BobCAD-CAM we feel this is not the case. We feel that your shops need CAD-CAM software that’s easy to use, cost effective and powerful. Don’t you agree?

Big brand CAD-CAM systems charge you more money but are you really getting more? The answer to that question really depends on what options and or modules that you purchase, but BobCAD-CAM insiders know that most, if not all, the functionally you find in Big Brand CAD-CAM systems can be found in the latest BobCAD-CAM programs for a fraction of the price. BobCAD-CAM offers a product line that rivals any CAD-CAM system offering 2-5 axis milling. Not to mention that 2-5 axis turning is right around the corner. Every day, week and year BobCAD-CAM pushes the boundaries of what is consider powerful and affordable for CAD-CAM software. Keeping CAD-CAM accessible for shops of all sizes has been our mission for many years. Offering highly effective low cost CAD-CAM software that’s easy to learn and use has been standard practice for us.

Download a Free BobCAD-CAM Demo Today! Click HERE

CAD-CAM Technology Gives You an Edge

BobCAD-CAM software has been inside of machine shops for more than 25 years as a solution to automating the part making process for CNC machining. CAD data is needed in order to program toolpath. In today’s manufacturing engineering solid models are primarily used. BobCAD-CAM provides CAD importing as well as full solid modeling functionality so that manufacturers can either import their part models for programming or design them from scratch. This allows shops to easily access CAD parts or make them easier inside of BobCAD-CAM. CAD Design features include drawing with wireframes, surfaces and solids.

2D & 3D Machine Toolpaths for CNC Programming

BobCAD-CAM is a modular system. This means that shops that only need 2.5 Axis machining do not have to pay more for features that aren’t needed. The software can be used for Hole Drilling, 2.5, 3, 4 & 5 Axis. Adding machining functionality is easy and affordable. Profiling, pocketing, 3D Semi-Finishing, 3D Finishing and special REST machining toolpaths machining operations with a host of customizable features make machining simple while using the Wizards. Wizards step the operator through the process of programming while removing the guesswork from the entire process. Dynamic Machining Strategies® allow you to use multiple machining strategies for a single CAD feature on a model. This streamlines the setup process by automatically adding the appropriate fields to the Wizard and making sure nothing is missed. This also cuts down overall programming time.

CNC Machine Simulation & Post Processing

BobCAD-CAM adds the benefit of simulation and customizable machine post processing. Simulation gives you the ability to visualize machining to inspect and eliminate potential mistakes. The Machine Simulation Pro module allows you to use your machine kinematics to simulate the process with the machine you have. This is highly beneficial. When it comes to posting the software can post out to Milling, Lathe, Router, Water Jet, Laser, Burning and Plasma CNC machines. This means that essentially, you only need one BobCAD-CAM for multiple CNC machines on your shop floor. This can not only save money but it can speed up productivity as well.

With so many productivity enhancing benefits, the BobCAD-CAM software is a great product to implement into your CNC manufacturing process.

Download a Free Trial today! Click HERE

– Video Box Set of CDs with 45 Individual Training Videos
– 236 Page Digital Workbook (Acrobat PDF) with Training Lessons
– Corresponding training CAD files included on the CDs
 
The training lessons cover all machining operations for 2 Axis Lathe, machining wizards, CAM cutting condition set up, tools, materials and much more. You will learn:

– Designing parts from start to finish.
– Mastering the use of v27 toolpath strategies to speed up part programming.
– Learning how to use Machine Simulation for your Lathe programs allowing you to avoid costly mistakes.
 
Watch this video:

 
Click HERE to get your new BobCAD-CAM v27 Lathe Video Training Professor Today!

Additive Manufacturing is found in industrial design, automotive, aerospace, defense, engineering, dental and medical industries, fashion, footwear, jewelry, eye-wear, education, geographic information systems, food, and many other industries throughout the world. Additive manufacturing will not take the place of Subtractive or CNC manufacturing as the process if far slower and not as precision as current high speed CNC machining processes are. However 3D Printing is here to stay and an excellent way to innovate with CAD-CAM software.

Try a Free CAD-CAM Demo Today! Click HERE

Here are other important articles that you might be interested in to learn more about the advantages of using CAD-CAM Software:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CAD-CAM software will continue to become more intelligent in Roughing and Finishing operations. The Dynamic Machining Strategies™ in BobCAD-CAM allows the machinist the ability to combine multiple machining operations that are assigned to a single CAD feature and there are many other benefits and advantages to using CAD-CAM.

Try a FREE CAD-CAM demo today! Click HERE

Here are other related articles you may be interested in for more insight into CAD-CAM technology for 2015.

Here are 10 of the top advantages that your manufacturing business can achieve by adding CAD-CAM software to your CNC toolkit.

#1. Increase Programming Potential. By adding CAD-CAM software to your CNC toolkit, you can open up possibilities for your business that may not have been there before. An example of this is gaining the ability to take on harder, more complex 3 Axis machining jobs. CAD-CAM can help a shop manage and create toolpath and NC programs for complex machining projects such as mold work. These types of jobs are next to impossible to calculate by hand or even through using machine canned cycles. A CAD-CAM system completely automates the process.
 
 
#2. Makes You More Accessible by Clients. By using CAD-CAM in your shop, you have the advantage of receiving CAD models from clients faster and easier than ever before. You can open CAD files easily, setup machine toolpaths and perform simulations that provide valuable information for you in the quoting process such as the calculation of cycle times. Manufacturing can deliver products to market faster and more affordable than ever before. This has a lot to do with technological advancements in CNC machining and in CAD-CAM technology. The software allows users to design faster, manage projects, test and simulate and machine faster than ever.
 
#3. Improved Control Over Job Programming. CAD-CAM functionality includes a CAM Tree Manager that allows you to manage jobs from beginning to end. You have full control over post processing, stock, work coordinates and tooling as well as access all available machining operations that determine how the part will be machined as well as the output of the NC Program. A CAM Tree has many advantages such as saving and loading machining templates, copying and pasting machining operations, reordering how the job is sequenced, toolpath associativity so that if a CAD edit is made to the part, all of the toolpaths are updated and much more. These higher control capabilities lead to perfectly finished parts consistently.
 
#4. Machining Wizards Remove The Guesswork. CAD-CAM provides the automation required to maximize programming efficiency. Machining wizards remove the guesswork from programming as they step the operator through the process of setting cutting depths, selecting tools, choosing toolpath styles, managing cutter lead-ins and lead-outs, choosing compensation settings as well as many other important parameters that have to do with creating machine toolpath. Wizards allow new programmers to be successful faster while still providing advanced programmers with the utilities and confidence to program error free parts regardless of their complexity.
 
#5. Getting The Most Out of Your CNC Machine Tool. CAD-CAM software provides high-speed machine toolpaths that deliver a host of benefits that all equal up to reduced cycle times, less tool wear and a reduction in machine wear and tear over the long term. High-speed toolpaths allow you to improve the quality of cutting by eliminating the stop and go actions that traditional offset toolpath creates. The rounded more circular cutting motions at higher speeds allow a constant tool engagement with the material, deeper cuts and the ability to use more of the cutting tool itself. High speed machining can improve CNC machine productivity by as much as 50%.
 
#6. Eliminate Costly Mistakes & Waste. CAD-CAM software provides powerful simulation features. Simulation advantages allow you to visually inspect the machining process, catch costly tool gouges and collisions before they reach the CNC machine. This alone makes adding a CAD-CAM product to the shop a good decision. Simulation also provides detailed information about the toolpath, cycle times, part deviation analysis, the ability to create simulation presentations and much more. Higher levels of simulation will allow you to use your machines kinematics to simulate machining with the actual machine tool visually.
 
Work holding can also be modeled and added to simulation to complete the visual inspection of the part being machined as well as everything else involved.
 
#7. Powerful 3 Axis CNC Programming Operations. CAD-CAM software provides the important advantages of creating complex 3 Axis machine toolpath quickly and efficiently. Without CAD-CAM, programming complex 3D parts is practically impossible as often time there are multiple toolpaths required from advanced roughing, semi-finishing and then multiple finishing toolpath strategies. In addition, the latest releases of BobCAD-CAM provide Dynamic Machining Strategies™ allowing the programmer to apply multiple roughing and finishing operations to a single CAD feature.
 
 
#8. Multiaxis CAM Technology Makes Complex Machining Simple and Cost Effective. Simultaneous 4 and 5 Axis CNC machining can be the most difficult to create NC programs for. CAD-CAM software provides the solutions to make these types of CNC jobs much easier than ever before. This starts with 4th Axis indexing and rotary machining jobs that require toolpath and special post processing that only a CAM system can offer. Posting can even be customized by the operator with a little training for a wide variety of 4 and 5 Axis machines.
 
 
Full 5 axis toolpaths include surface-based machining operations that accommodate port milling, SWARF and undercutting type toolpath strategies as well as 3+2 programming.
 
#9. Turn Art Into CNC Programs & Finished Parts Easily. Artistic CAD-CAM technology has evolved to support a wide range of custom applications. Two of these specialized industries would be the custom woodworking and jewelry making industry. These types applications require the ability to turn a picture into a 3D relief model that can be machined in a variety of ways. This also includes the ability to turn a picture into 2D profiles that can be used for engraving, pocket milling and profile milling. These industries have to then be able to create these programs to me machined on a CNC Mill or Router in 2, 3 and 4 Axis. Some even require 5 Axis CNC programming capabilities.
 
Whatever the case, CAD-CAM providers now offer artistic modules that can be added on to a machining product for creating amazing artistic CNC parts.
 
#10. Seamless Integration with Popular CAD Design Products. Some CAD-CAM providers have teamed up with highly popular CAD vendors such as SOLIDWORKS® to create powerful CAM machining modules that integrate into the CAD software as a plug-in. This allows existing CAD users to create the necessary machining for the part, simulate everything and create the NC programs for them. This is highly beneficial, as the CAD users do not have to completely re-learn a new CAD-CAM system; they only need to learn the machining side. By going this way, a CAD Designer can acquire more value and seek more clients for being a full service design and programming facility. Typically CAM products that plug-in to CAD systems can be easier to learn and use after some training.
 
View this presentation to understand more about 10 of the top advantages to adding CAD-CAM software to your CNC metalworking toolkit and share it with your friends and colleagues!
 

 
These top 10 CAD-CAM advantages are key contributors that help determine the success of a CNC machine shop when it comes to using a CAD-CAM system to stay competitive, productive and profitable. While CAM technology continues to advance and become faster, smarter and easier to use, BobCAD-CAM remains a world leader in providing powerful and affordable CAD-CAM products as well as Gold partner CAM add-ons to SolidWorks.

For more information on CAD-CAM for your CNC business contact BobCAD-CAM at 877-262-2231 or 727-442-3554. You can also download a free trial HERE!

– Blending Surfaces
– Compound Curved Radii
– Negative Taper Wall
– Undercuts
– Blending Surfaces
 
This surface based Toolpath strategy is uses to create a flowline style path, where the tool path follows the “flow” of the surfaces. It’s extremely powerful and in many cases is the only tool path to cut your parts the way they need to be cut. Commonly used in multi axis applications like cylinder head porting, impeller blades, fans, marine screws but not limited to 4 and 5 axis. Morph between 2 curves is a blended Toolpath allowing you to machine complex surfaces in 3D surfaces as well. With the addition of check surfaces you’ll have control not only to limit where the tool path is generated, but also to define areas where you do not want Toolpath created. Collision checking for the tool shank arbor and holders can be turned on as needed to ensure a clean gouge free Toolpath for your all your complex machining needs. To define this toolpath you’ll need 2 curves either surface edges or wire frame, and the drive surfaces you want the tool path created on. The resulted toolpath blend a path from the 1st curve to the second curve following the UV lines of the drive surfaces you selected.

Try a free BobCAD-CAM demo HERE and experience the latest in CAD-CAM CNC machining technology!

What is indexing?
This is where you rotate the part to a fixed posting with your 4th axis. The rotation angle of your 4th axis is the “index”. Because you are holding the part in your 4th axis you have 360 degrees of rotation at your fingertips, allowing you to change the part orientation at will. Using a 4th axis instantly increases the access to your parts faces. Instead of have to manual flip a part in a face to machine on a different face of your part, you can index the part and continue machining as needed. Allowing you to machine 2 or more facing of your part in a single setup, huge time saver!

What are the advantages?
– Increase access to part faces
– Increase through put on a setup
– Increase accuracy on multi setup work
– Increase productivity
– Increase part quality
 
Once you have positioned the part at the proper angle or index position, your ready to perform 2 or 3 Axis milling operations. Then you can index to the next fixed location and repeat until all the features of the parts are machined successfully. BobCAD-CAM 4 Axis Mill Pro software is a great solution to 4th Axis simultaneous CNC part programming. Not to mention that the CAD-CAM system offers simulation functionality as well which allows the operator/machinist to simulate the machining toolpath. This includes other benefits such as Cycle Time calculations and full machine simulation using the CNC machines kinematics. Job Setup Sheets can also be generated automatically to aid in the process.
 

 
Learn more about the BobCAD-CAM 4 Axis Pro features HERE.

Download free CAD-CAM Software for 4 Axis CNC Machining HERE.

 
The new CAD Tree in BobCAD-CAM is a solid history tree that allows you to edit, reorder, and suppress CAD features so you can update the CAD model at any time during the creation process or after. The CAD Tree contains features for each solid or surface body that you create, including all Solid and Surface functions, as well as any Utility functions that you use to modify solids. In addition to the feature, a solid item is added to the Solids folder, which provides selection tools for all solid bodies in the Workspace. Wireframe geometry is not added to the CAD Tree, with one exception: the Shape Library. A feature is added to the CAD Tree for each shape that you create using the Shape Library.

When using the new CAD Tree, it is important to think about the actions you perform as an input and an output. You assign the input geometry that is used to create the output geometry. The output geometry may then be used as the input to another feature. The input and output of each action determines how you can modify the CAD Tree. By right-clicking an item in the CAD Tree the operator can choose EDIT to modify the Data Entry Parameters and then update that feature in the tree. In the case where there has been a lot of modifications made to a drawing the operator can “rebuild” the entire model or a single CAD feature in the tree. The CAD Tree is fully associative to the model which is great for making design easier and smarter. The CAM enhancements add a variety of functionality to the BobCAD-CAM 3 Axis Mill Pro system for Planar, Z-Level strategies and more.

Download a FREE BobCAD V27 Demo HERE