Sometimes, parts have areas that the usual 3-axis milling programming strategies cannot handle, such as the undercut shown in figure 1.
Figure1. One type of undercut position
If you were to use EDM for the undercut, it would increase your costs and machining time. If instead you were to use 5-axis milling, then this too would increase the cost – never mind that not all machining companies are equipped with 5-axis machine tools.
Figure 2 shows another undercut example, and it too would be difficult to do with a general 5-axis machining method.
Figure2. Another type of undercut position
The solution is found in the undercut feature provided with ZW3D. With this function, ZW3D is able to machine these position just using 3-axis machine tools. You find the function at the Z level operation and Lace operation. See figure 3.
Figure3. Under Cut feature in ZW3D CAM
You can choose a formed milling cutter, and then choose the undercut option. ZW3D automatically detects the undercut position, and so generates the appropriate toolpath. The result is shown in figures 4 and 5.
Figure4. One example of an undercut toolpath
Figure 5. Another example of solving the undercut toolpath problem
Through this handy function, ZW3D expands your machining capabilities to easily handle undercuts. In doing so, it enhances your machining efficiency and saves you machining costs.
About ZW3D
ZW3D is all-in-one, affordable CAD/CAM which enables concept to finished product design in an integrated, collaborative environment. The proprietary Overdrive™ kernel delivers 3D part and assembly modeling, 2D production drawings, reverse engineering, motion simulation, mold design and integrated CNC machining, simplifying the design process from concept to completion. Experience ZW3D 2012, where the only limit is your imagination. Please go to www.zwsoft.com to download a free 30-day trial today.
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