Need Help to Improve Surface Finish

[jbolt]

Never mind. CAM user fail.

Cutting strategy was inappropriate for the pocket geometry - switched to 3D scallop and the simulation is now cutting all the way to the edge. Previous strategy was going to depth, but not cutting the full width so I wound up with a narrower than desired groove top.

Simulation is an invaluable tool. About the only time I get bit is when I don't take the time to run full simulations. I have also gotten in the habit of modeling all the holding fixtures as well. Every so often I will grab a tool from the tool library that has a minimal tool retract and the sim will catch it. Virtual tools are a lot cheaper.

 

[TomS]

Tom, I'm glad to hear you figured it out. Good catch on the bearing. Based on what you were seeing it didn't seem likely to be a mechanical issue. With a motor driven system it is really hard to "feel" these kinds of things. I'll bet you could write a paper on Mach3 and cutting arcs.

I had me scratching my head for sure. As you mentioned I'm a lot smarter on Mach3.

Thanks for your help along the way.