4th axis view

[RichardF]

Hi Scott
I'm new to this forum and here is my first question:
what about the ability to rotate the finished toolpath (when viewing the 4th axis) around its center.
I know it will be a huge amount of graphic work, but is it possible to rotate the finished path ?

Regards
Richard

P.S.
You are doing great work!

[scottmartinez]

Hi Richard,

I don't know right off hand how much work it would be, but this is a very good idea. I'll add it to the list and check into it as soon as I have a little more time.

Thanks,
Scott

[RichardF]

Hi Scott,
since the angle of the rotary axis depends straight on the diameter of the cylinder to mill on,
I'd like to know how NCPLOT determinates the diameter of the 4th axis view like in the demo or is it a fixed value ?

If so, the view isn't correct in relation to the diameter and the angles have to be adapted.

Thanks,
Richard

[scottmartinez]

Richard,

The apparent diameter is determined by three things: The "Rotary axis centerline" settings on the machine configuration dialog, the active work offset location, and the coordinates in the part program being plotted.

The "Rotary axis centerline" setting allows you define the machine position where the rotary axis centerline is. Only the two axes NOT parallel to the rotary axis are used.

The active work offset and the program coordinates are combined to determine the current machine coordinate. The distance from this location to the rotary centerline then becomes the apparent radius that you see on the view.

Let me know if this doesn't make sense, or you have any questions.

Thanks,
Scott

[RichardF]

Scott,


this makes sense and I understand it. But with varying z-depths there are problems in the view.
Just try this:

G0 X0 A0
Z2.
G1 Z0
X-50
A+5
Z-2
A10
Z-3
A15
Z-10
A40
X0
A15
Z-3
A10
Z-2
A5
Z0
A0
G0 Z10
M2

I changed the machine configuration to X-parallel and 'A' for the axis. The Work-Offset G54 I set to Z100, all others remain 0.
In the isometric-view on the 'X-50'-edge the z-moving lines are missing..
Any ideas ?
I wanted to upload a screenshot, but how ?

Richard

[scottmartinez]

Richard,

I tried your program here, but I didn't notice any missing lines. If you want to send a screen shot, you will have to send it to my email. This board doesn't allow posting pictures (not that I've figured out, anyway).

One thing to check is the "Draw" menu. There is an option that says "Show Plunge Moves", make sure this is checked. If it's not, then this most likely your problem.

Let me know what you find.

Thanks,
Scott

[RichardF]

Scott,

the "Show Plunge Moves" was not checked .

I was irritated cause 'Plunge Moves' means that Z-axis is moving in minus-direction and I've seen only the positive moves in the view.

sorry,

Richard

[scottmartinez]

Richard,

Not a problem. I'm glad it was something simple.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks,
Scott

[RichardF]

Hi Scott,

would you add the option to mirror either the (rotatory) A- or B- axis ?

Thank you

Richard

[scottmartinez]

Hi Richard,

How would you like to handle this? Do you just invert the sign of the A or B axis positions, or would you like to be able to mirror around a specified position?

Thanks,
Scott

[RichardF]

Hello Scott,
in the specific case I milled last week I just needed the invertion of the sign.
Since it was too much work to do it manual I just mirrored the X-axis and moved the origin..

Thanks

Richard

[scottmartinez]

Hi Richard,

If you just need to invert the sign then you can use the "Address Adjustment" tool. Put in the axis name "A" or "B" set it to multiply "*" and put in "-1" as the adjustment value. NCPlot will go through the program and multiply all these address values by -1.

Thanks,
Scott

[RichardF]

Hi Scott,

that's it. Thank you !

Richard

[RichardF]

Hi Scott,

Another idea:

What about splitting the viewport to see more than one view at the same time (with markers and rapid moves and ...) ?

Richard

[scottmartinez]

Richard,

That sounds like a good idea! I'm keeping a list of suggestions for future versions, so if you have any other ideas let me know.

Thanks,
Scott