ariskunkworks

There is a chamfer on the inside edge of this part. This was fun to program and see work.

There is a radius on the lip of this part that was critical. Could not get the machine to cut it correctly. After going through extensive machine calibration, it still wouldn't work. Finally figured out that our rotary is suffering from some significant backlash. Found a way around it.

I had a tool definition sketch that was using complex geometry (elipse instead of arch) and the cutting edge of the sketch was not on the same plane as the compensation plane. This led to long stock update times and bad stock update results. After fixing these issues, the stock update was faster and the resulting stock was correct.

When doing a 5 axis part (3+2) you will always have the stock left over used to hold your part in your 5 axis fixture. There are a few videos that show a method for removal of this base stock after finishing your part. But those examples were always using Fusion 360. This gives a quick overview of using TopSolid to do the same thing.

Working between spindles requires a lot of clearance. I didn't have the right tool block for this part off tool. It worked....I later purchased a proper tool block for the part off tool, made a big difference (less noise, insert lasted a lot longer).

316l Stainless is one of the more difficult stainless steels to machine. Here we are running typically 500 sf/m (surface feet per minute). The indexable drill has a feed rate of .003 in/rev. I love indexable drills, they get the hole started and you can use the same tool to as a boring bar. Here in boring bar mode it is using a feed rate of .004 in/rev, again, 500 sf/m.

One of the benefits of a dual spindle lathe. I can't get over how easily the indexable drill (from Walter tool) works. This is 316l stainless steel.