Toolpath preview is KILLER slow - ??????

[Leo]

Std resolution
Baked
Version 10.514

Toolpath preview is killer slow.

I don't usually have a problem.

Suggestions?

[Adrian]

How big is the tool relative to the job size? The bigger the tool the more pixels are affected in the preview and the slower it goes.

Dropping the toolpath preview resolution will speed it up but obviously it's diminishing returns.

[Leo]

I am using a 1/8 taper ball nose

The blank size is 5 inches x 1 inch x 1.25 inch

I have done larger things before.

I just set my finish 3D tool path preview to do it's thing.
I went out grocery shopping - about 1-1/2 hours.
It is still not done!!!!!

[Leo]

Funny -- It does NOT show up on recent even after I save it and reboot Aspire.

Weird.

File size is too large to post.

[mtylerfl]

Funny -- It does NOT show up on recent even after I save it and reboot Aspire.

Weird.

File size is too large to post.

Leo,

You already know the solution for uploading files that are too large for the forum! (DropBox, etc.)

You may not need to post your file, though. Adrian pretty much covered the two main reasons for your issue. However, double-check your stepover settings for your bit. One and a half hours is far from normal to render!

[Leo]

I have done plenty of 3D stuff using a 1/8 ball nose. This is a pretty small piece.

I will try a dropbox thing but I am not real good at that stuff.

Leo

[Leo]

OK, this is the dropbox link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pa58hrlr3iun8 ... crv3d?dl=0

[mtylerfl]

I have done plenty of 3D stuff using a 1/8 ball nose. This is a pretty small piece.

I will try a dropbox thing but I am not real good at that stuff.

Leo

Remember, the smaller the material size in relation to the bit size, slows down the preview (as Adrian mentioned).

[mtylerfl]

Hi Leo,

Right off the bat I noticed a few issues with your Roughing Toolpath. Bit specs are incorrect (check your radius setting), stepover is way, way too small for a roughing pass, plus I'm not sure why you are using a 1/8" TBN for a roughing pass (I would recommend a 1/4" EM or if you think you would rather, use a 1/8" EM instead. Anything but a TBN bit for roughing.). A stepover of 40% would be plenty for a roughing. All it's for is to hog out the majority of material before the Finish toolpath.

I didn't look beyond that one toolpath, but holler if you want me (or others) to check the remaining toolpaths.

Material size is definitely contributing to the slow preview, but will be faster once you make corrections to your roughing.

[Leo]

OK - I didn't understand what Adrian said at first.

On the tool specs - my bad. I know that radius on a 1/8 diameter is .0625 - stupid mistake.
I also set my stepover to 40% - again I know better.

I like to use the same cutter on rough and finish so I can combine into one program.

I made the material larger, changed the settings and it worked well.

This is the first time I have run into the issue of cutter to material ratio in tool path preview.
Seems like that should not be a factor.
So making the material larger is a workaround to something that should be fixed at Vectric.

I learned something new.
Thank you

ONWARD

[Adrian]

The preview is pixel based like the modelling is so the higher the toolpath preview resolution the more pixels there are in a given area. The larger the cutter is in relation to the material the more pixels are affected by every movement the tool does so more calculations are needed which is why it goes slower. A 1" cutter on a 6" square piece of material really slows down at the highest preview resolutions for example.

[Leo]

The preview is pixel based like the modelling is so the higher the toolpath preview resolution the more pixels there are in a given area. The larger the cutter is in relation to the material the more pixels are affected by every movement the tool does so more calculations are needed which is why it goes slower. A 1" cutter on a 6" square piece of material really slows down at the highest preview resolutions for example.

OK - that does make sense to me.
Thanks

[SteveNelson46]

Leo,
I think something is amiss with your bits or your tool database. I substituted the bits in your file with mine of the same type and size and my toolpath renders in about a minute. I did, however, use a 1/4" end mill for the roughing toolpath with a 40% stepover. You selected a 1/4" BN with a 3% stepover even though the tool name indicates a 1/8" BN.