Intercon enhancement request

[Bernard]

I am starting to enjoy the capability of Intercon for 2.5D profiling.
However re-cut of chips in deep (3xD) cutting paths leaves unsightly
artifacts on the profiled surfaces.

Would it be possible to add a final cut path in the linear and arcs
functions as you have in some of the canned cycles?

Presently, my work-around is to create a separate tool number (same cutter)
with an oversize addition for the roughing and to use the same cutter with
a different number but the actual diameter.

This is cumbersome and just adds confusion should the program be needed at
a later date. It also lengthens the cut cycle by up to twice what it needs
to be, if a full depth finishing cut is not ideal (chip removal etc).

Note that flood or mist coolant to aid chip evacuation is not always ideal
at full pressure due to the associated mess these options create on a
non-enclosed mill.

Thanks
Bernard

[Nigelo]

Checkout fog buster by Noga which can be used used in air blast only and/or use vac for evac. No offence but allowing any machining of chips will damage or break you bit perhaps sooner than later with disastrous consequences

[Bernard]

As stated airblast / mist / flood aren't adequate on deep cuts up to 3 x cutter diameter. (Not to mention the unwanted mess of high pressure airblast.)

Request is to ask for a finish cut capability in linear and arc functions as per some of your canned cycles.

Thanks
Bernard

[Nigelo]

You didn't mention air blast in your original post and I did mention "and/or Vac for evac". No matter, if you wish to ignore best practice that's your choice of course.

For finish cuts in Intercon, suggest your refer to the Mill manual chapter 10 and the section on Sub Programs, specifically Repeat and Depth Repeat functions

Hope this helps

[Muzzer]

As stated airblast / mist / flood aren't adequate on deep cuts up to 3 x cutter diameter. (Not to mention the unwanted mess of high pressure airblast.)

Almost all of my cutter breakages have been due to inadequate clearing of chips, resulting in recutting / welding. The choice seemed to me to be between either using air blast (mess) or not using the machine anywhere near its potential. Perhaps some curtains or guards would help to contain some of the mess. Certainly, I would be very nervous if I was seeing evidence of recutting and would be more focused on avoiding it, rather than its effect on surface finish.

[Bernard]

I’ll ask the question again without the distraction of normal machining procedures.

Would you consider adding a finishing strategy to the Intercon LINEAR and ARC procedures to enhance functionality, similar to your canned cycles?

Thanks
Bernard

[tblough]

Which side of the arc or line should the finish pass be on? Should the finish pass keep the same arc angle, or should it keep the same chord length for arcs? For angled lines, should the finish pass be the same length, or should it maintain the same tangency points as the rough cut?

Should finish passes feed straight up and down, or should they arc in and out? If so, how big an arc? Is there geometry before or after the line or arc that will interfere with the finish path?

It's not a trivial problem.

[cnckeith]

I’ll ask the question again without the distraction of normal machining procedures.

Would you consider adding a finishing strategy to the Intercon LINEAR and ARC procedures to enhance functionality, similar to your canned cycles?

Thanks
Bernard

we could, its a bit stickery that you might imagine. most users just do a tool diameter change, copy the lines/arcs they need, edit depths if necessary and your done. we could automate this. an intercon rewrite is on the to do list but pretty far down the list at the moment.

[Bernard]

I look forward to any user enhancements you can provide.

Thanks
Bernard