SFA: What's the Answer?
Alphacam Router: Make Tools Ripple Up and Down
Elbartholomew
Hello, I was wondering if there is a function on Alphacam to make my tool ripple up-and-down while running along the edge. I used to program for a Breton router using Pegasus Cam, and when choosing a tool to what in Alphacam is called "Cut Shape," there was an option to make the tool "ripple." When this function was chosen, my tool would run along the edge also moving up-and-down in Z axis. Like so:
The closest I have gotten to achieving this function in Slphacam was using "Add Support Tags" under "Edit Machining."
Dave.Scott SFA Member
It is called an "oscillating Z axis." You need to ask your machine manufacturer if that option is available with your machine, I know Park CNCs can. Dave Scott Slabworks of Montana "What we leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others" - Pericles To learn, we must teach; to receive, we must give; and to be loved we must love.
gssfabrication SFA Member
Open the HELP in Alphacam and search for the term "oscillation" In essence, you apply a tool path first, then right click on the tool path and select "Oscillation" from the popup window. Check the box and set your parameters. View the help for which position it will start from. On our Titan machine the spindle is at the the zero point and I want it to move down so I select the "Below" radio button. Using the Zig-Zag will make a slightly smaller program in G-Code vs. Sinusoidal. For small oscillations the difference is hardly noticeable to the untrained eye. After you have assigned the oscillation to a tool (preview it in the simulator) you can add that tool path to a style so you can make it part of the tools for a profile. We have used the ADI MFP Pos. 5 bit on our Eased (T30-8D) with lots of success. Best of luck. Rick Graff GSS Fabrication Inc. 1944 Saint St. Richland, WA 99354 509-375-1960 estimating@gssfabrication.com
GCA SFA Member
Justin Granite City Alaska
Elbartholomew
Thank you all, this is exactly what I was looking for. Appreciate the help!