Tool path going outside my 3d model

[davidtown]

I am attempting to machine a two part mold. Basically it will be similar to a mold used for plastic injection molding.

After having several issues I have researched this forum and finding some great info. This link has helped the most http://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php? ... hilit=Mold

My issue now is that the tool path is going outside my .stl file in the x axis. One of the pictures attached has a red circle highlighting my issues. I need my tool path to stop at the vertical wall.

What do the fine folks here recommend.

BTW...I am using VCP and cutting on a Laguna IQ

Thanks,
Dave

[martin54]

Are you using a boundary offset when machining your roughing or finishing toolpaths ?

Try removing the boundary offset if you are or if you are using a vector as a machining boundary limit you could try shortening the vector a little, this is going to give you a little bit of hand cleaning up on the end though if the centre of your ballnose bit doesn't reach the end of the model

[davidtown]

Thanks Martin,

I was not using a boundary offset. I had previously ran the file with a boundary offset and my part came out undersized. But that time it was without a zero plane and not following the recommendations of the link I mentioned earlier.

Anyways, I chose a vector offset and added a -0.06 boundary offset to both 3d Roughing and 3d Finishing cut. My tooling is 1/8'' and I chose -0.06 since it is the radius of my mills. I could see the tool path slowly disappear as I increase the boundary from -0.01 to -0.06.

I think this is what you meant.

Won't be able to run the file for a bit...but I'll report back when I have a test cut.

Dave

[LittleGreyMan]

Dave,

Difficult to see what's supposed to be wrong only with snapshots. Better post your file if you don't mind and if there is no © issue.

Did you run a simulation of your toolpath? Vectric simulation is very realistic, so if it OK it means everything is fine.

[davidtown]

LGM,

Its my file. Happy to post. Thanks for your willingness to help.

Dave

[LittleGreyMan]

Sorry, I'm running Aspire 8.5 and can't open a 9.0 file.

Did you run the simulation?

[davidtown]

The file i attached was the original file that I ran on my CNC machine.

I changed the boundary offset from 0 to -0.06 and ran the file. It is looking better. That file is attached.

Last time I had a boundary offset my part was smaller in the x and y. Can I measure my part with in the simulator?

Thanks for your help,
Dave

[davidtown]

I found that I can measure in 2d view but it didn't work in 3d view.

When I measure in 2d view does that measurement take into account the cut file or just what it is supposed to look like? What I am trying to say is that having a -0.06 boundary offset going to make my part smaller and can I measure the final size before I run the file on CNC.

Dave

[davidtown]

Ran the file that I made with the changes that mentioned earlier. Pretty happy with it. I might need to move the boundary offset to -0.07 but whatever.

Thanks to all that helped.

Dave

[davidtown]

One other issue I was having was that I previously didn't surface my work piece. I assumed it was flat. It wasn't and in fact was significantly off as I move away from my origin. I have a 2.5'' facing tool and that made all the difference.

[LittleGreyMan]

Dave,

Glad you solved your problem.

But you never answered this question: what is the result of the simulation?

If you do not get the same result than the simulation when machining, you have differences between the physical and the digital worlds.

In this case, the material was not flat.

When you manufacture a mold, you always have to machine the joint plane. I am not sure it is the right word in English, and it's not always a plane but I hope I'm clear enough.

Remember simulation is a very effective tool and Vectric simulation is very accurate.