5-Axis Holder Gouge Checking

There are two holder gouge checking options in Cimatron:

  • 5X Holder Gouge Check - specifically for 5-axis toolpaths.

  • Holder Gouge Check - for all other toolpaths.

These Optimizer options detect gouging of the stock by the cutter holder, according to current stock status. These checks are available only when cutter holder(s) are defined.

The 5x Holder Gouge Check enables you to use the full capabilities of your 5-axis machine to mill additional material with the current tool. Instead of immediately replacing the cutter when a gouge is imminent, the work table or tool is tilted to a specified Tilt Angle, enabling you to continue removing material with the current tool.

There following options appear under 5x Holder Gouge Check:

Tilting Options:

The following tilting options are available:

Tilt or Alert:

Tilt the tool when a gouge is imminent. If the tilt is not successful (gouging still occurs), an appropriate message is displayed.

Tilt & Reconnect:

If, after tilting, the required area still cannot be machined, the toolpath is cut and reconnected to where the tilt operation can continue working (another block).

Max Tilt Angle:

The maximum angle (between the Z axis and the active UCS X/Y plane) allowed by the user when calculating the possible inclination.

Angle Steps:

Discrete number of vertical positions (max.ang divided by the setting number), allowed by the user during calculation.

Search Planes:

Discrete number of horizontal positions (per quadrant), allowed by the user during calculation.

Notes:

  • A flag in the Process Manager reflects the current status of a 5-axis inclination operation.

  • If you define the shank manually, do not specify a diameter which is the same as that of the tool.

  • Define a Clearance plane when using 5-axis Holder Gouge Checking. One of the conditions of 5-axis Holder Gouge Checking succeeding, is that the tool can stand vertically at the start and end points of the procedure. If you do not use a Clearance plane, then it is more than likely that at the last point of the toolpath, the tool cannot stand vertically without gouging the holder.

The current tool cannot mill certain areas

One option is to use a longer tool

The 5-axis option is to define a tilt angle and use the current tool

When using a tilt angle, 2 parameters have to be considered

Some functionality may be dependent on the product package. Contact your Reseller if you require a license.