Stacking tool paths and using "Inset" for finish pass
I am trying to do a standard machining technique to get a smooth finish pass.
- Cut path "A" is a step cut with a max pass depth of 0.070". Material is 3/8" polycarbonate. Inset = 0.000"
- For cut path "B", I am copying and pasting cut path "A" on top of itself (with a new name). Then I turn OFF max pass depth so it cuts all the way through. I also set Inset = 0.015" to try and get a nice skim cut that gives a fine edge.
Here is the problem: when I do this, the machine cuts "B" first even though it is second in the carvings list. So, I did it again but first changed the order of the cut paths in the carving list. Same thing happended.
Dos anyone know how to take control of the order of the cut paths so I can do the step cuts first and then come back with the finish pass?
Thanks,
John
3 Attachment(s)
Cut Path vs Route Quality ?
OK- sorry for the delay but was able to test more today without interuptions.
I did an experiment by running the attached file "Bit Path Steps".
I then renamed the file "Cut Path Steps" and deleted the bit selection and defined a Cut Path with 3 tabs.
The max pass depth of cut was the same on both programs: 0.070". The bit is new and cuts without any melting at the max pass depth set.
When the machine ran the "Bit Path Step" program, the sled and gantry movement was smooth. When the machine ran the "Cut Path Steps", there was a lot of jerking around of the sled and gantry. Stuttering would be a good way to describe it. I did this several times and the results were repeatable.
The attached picture shows the rough cut of the Cut Path and the smooth cut of the Route.
One interesting note is that when looking closely at the Cut Path tool marks, you can see that when the bit was indexing down on the next pass, the cut landed in the exact same place!
I do not remember having this issue before; I have Cut Path pieces from a year + ago that are nowhere near this bad. I just upgraded my firmware to 1.186, Build 10507.
Bergerud/ Anybody, Have you noticed any difference in the edge quality between a Cut Path and Route like I am?
My first guess is that the Cut Path instruction set is calculating the tool & sled indexing different than the Route. Or- it could be I am overlooking something- again.
Thanks, John