4th Axis Question...

[RathTech Design]

Are the CAMaster machines with the 4th axis able to machine off the Y axis they are setup on? I know Vectric software can't do the proper toolpathing for it. If I bough Fusion 360 w/ Powermill and/or Solidworks w/ MasterCAM are they compatible with our machines?

[james mcgrew]

Not sure what you mean about Vectric. I did quite a few files on the rotary using Vectric, I am sure it has advanced since then

[RathTech Design]

Not sure what you mean about Vectric. I did quite a few files on the rotary using Vectric, I am sure it has advanced since then

From my understanding on the rotary setting it will only use 3 actual axes. Since the work piece centerline is setup parallel to the Y axis you lose the X axis movement on the spindle. Soo... it's technically not providing true 4th axis movement.

[RathTech Design]

For example if I load in a 3D model of a duck decoy into the rotary job setting in Vectric Aspire the software distorts it. It looks like the software can not compute the spindle moving off said Y axis into a +/- X axis movement.

[james mcgrew]

Technically you are right Yet if it is in rotary use, Yes if you wanted to say do a side of a column the rotate and do another it would be the same as using all three on the table. if you are looking for undercutting then are you thinking fifth axis. I have some 12inch chess players in full round carving if i can find the photo. Mezalik is someone who kinda mastered this

[james mcgrew]

For example if I load in a 3D model of a duck decoy into the rotary job setting in Vectric Aspire the software distorts it. It looks like the software can not compute the spindle moving off said Y axis into a +/- X axis movement.

I would do a duck decoy in two halves, there are others who can chime in better than me. and with wrapping the file looks distorted until it machines (I sold my rotary in 2012)

[RathTech Design]

I'm just looking for the answer if it's just the software, or a mixture of software and machine limitations? If I went to more advanced software such as Solidworks/MasterCAM would the machine be able to use all 4 axes in a rotary job? A 5th axis is not what I'm after.

[james mcgrew]

Sorry I have just never seen that in a rotary application with any software yet it may be possible yet My limited mind does not see why

[RathTech Design]

Sorry I have just never seen that in a rotary application with any software yet it may be possible yet My limited mind does not see why

No apologies needed. I just have some projects that require using the "double-sided" job type in Vectric. Figured I could save some time setting them up on a rotary and having the rough and finish toolpaths done faster if all 4 axes were in use.

[eugene]

think ya need rino for more advanced stuff with rotary.

[Gary Campbell]

I'm just looking for the answer if it's just the software, or a mixture of software and machine limitations? If I went to more advanced software such as Solidworks/MasterCAM would the machine be able to use all 4 axes in a rotary job? A 5th axis is not what I'm after.

Yes, a mixture of both.

Vectric software only provides 3 axis cutting on the axial centerline when using "rotary wrapped" designs and doesn't output rotary code when using 3 axis motion.

The CAMaster rotary axis has very little physical movement capabilities beyond the axis centerline unless modifications are made. Also the 4th axis stepper motor and gear reduction do not have an abundance of holding torque when cutting off the axial centerline.

[james mcgrew]

So to follow his Question, Additional software (Rhino for EX) will not make this happen on the Camaster rotary either ?

[Jim Becker]

I'm just looking for the answer if it's just the software, or a mixture of software and machine limitations? If I went to more advanced software such as Solidworks/MasterCAM would the machine be able to use all 4 axes in a rotary job? A 5th axis is not what I'm after.

My gut says no. This may be more related to controller than toolpathing. Have you launched a call into Camaster support? It sounds like you want to use the ornamental lathe merely to do the "flip" for what is essentially a two sided job unless I'm mistaken on your description. I believe that the spindle center is "locked" at the x coordinate that's centerline when using that feature in the controller software/configuration, but I don't have the rotary and can't confirm that. I do know you are correct that the system swaps one axis when using the rotary so it's still a three axis operation.

[RathTech Design]

This all pretty much gives me the answer I was looking for. Thanks guys.