10/27/2022 0 Comments Post processor powermill configuration![]() ![]() You’re trying to machine a particularly complex component and have decided to use Projection Finishing toolpath (either Curve Projection or Surface Projection) combined with a 3D surface that you produced using Autodesk Fusion 360 or Autodesk PowerShape. If you’ve ever used PowerMill’s various projection toolpath types, the chances are you’ve experienced this problem first hand. This ensures the resulting post-processed G-code file will only contain 4-axis commands – and not output any 5-axis movements that could cause the CNC machine tool any problems or trigger any alarms. In order to produce NC programs containing 4-axis motion only (for both cutting and non-cutting connection moves), it is also possible to define tool-axis limits that will constrain the toolpath. These toolpaths now include the option to define clearance values that will be used to tilt the 4th axis of the machine to avoid any collisions that might occur between the cutting tool assembly and the workpiece. Customer feedback has been so positive that the development team decided to extend this same functionality to work with 4-axis and Rotary finishing toolpaths. Note how, in previous releases, the toolpath suffers from excessive fragmentation, whereas the toolpath produced by PowerMill 2022 is complete – containing a single, smooth toolpath segment.Ĥ-Axis and Rotary with Automatic Collision AvoidanceĬontinuing the theme of automatic collision avoidance, this powerful option really has transformed 5-axis programming inside PowerMill. In this case, the part is being machined with a Constant Z toolpath with “Spiral” switched on and the automatic collision avoidance activated. With this latest release of PowerMill 2022, toolpath quality is greatly improved – as we can see if we compare the processing of this simple lug on an oil and gas part. POST PROCESSOR POWERMILL CONFIGURATION MANUALThis could result in additional toolpaths being required or even parts needing additional, manual polishing. ![]() When using the automatic collision avoidance option, there were, unfortunately, rare occasions when a toolpath would be processed that was either incomplete or fragmented. In these cases, it was possible to machine the undercut either, a) using a lollipop or disk cutting tool (great if you only have a 3-axis machine tool), or b) by using PowerMill’s automatic 5-axis collision avoidance. Some releases ago, PowerMill’s Constant Z finishing toolpath type was updated to allow it to handle parts containing undercuts. This latest release of PowerMill now produces more accurate toolpaths – reducing the risk of material being left un-machined and helping to avoid the need for manual polishing. These small errors could result in material being left un-machined which would need to be removed later – either using additional toolpaths or by manual polishing. In previous releases of PowerMill, there were occasions where the toolpath could contain chamfers in internal corners. And it is here, where we see the next improvement in PowerMill 2022 – namely improved toolpath accuracy. ![]() In most cases, this is best achieved using a Flat Finishing toolpath (either Rasteror 3D Offset). In the previous PowerMill update, Autodesk discussed excluding flat areas from Steep & Shallow toolpaths – but these areas still need to be machined. Instead, PowerMill simply calculates a toolpath with the flat areas removed – simple! POST PROCESSOR POWERMILL CONFIGURATION UPDATEThis small, but significant update means programmers no longer need to spend time creating separate boundaries to limit the machining. PowerMill 2022 includes a new option to exclude flat areas during toolpath calculation. PowerMill’s most commonly used feature – finishing toolpaths (Steep & Shallow, Raster, and 3D Offset Finishing) has been improved to simplify the programming of parts containing flat/planar areas. Finishing Toolpaths now Exclude Flat Areas In this blog, we’ll provide a brief overview of the major highlights as well as offering links for those that want to learn more. Following recent releases, this specific update includes a healthy mix of fixes, improvements, and new capabilities aimed at simplifying the daily life of CAM programmers around the world. The Autodesk PowerMill development team has just released the latest update to Autodesk’s CAM software. ![]()
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