Use the fourth axis of your CNC milling machine
What is the best CAM software for rotary CNC machining
Creating toolpaths for rotation axis machining (DP V5, 16.5 min)
Many excellent CAM programs are available, however most of these focus at 3-axis CNC machining. Some claim to also support 4-axis machining, however that has been done by wrapping 3-axis toolpaths of a flat geometry (XYZ) around a cylinder, like a label that is wrapped around a jar. This replacing Y by A has a few limitations, of which the most important is that toolpaths below the rotation axis are not possible.
The DeskProto CAM software supports true rotation axis machining, and calculates toolpaths around a 3D geometry: also when the geometry goes below the rotation axis. The part rotates while machining. In the current version of DeskProto even one long continuous toolpath is possible: the helix path.
The milling process for the toolpaths created in this video can be seen on Rotary CNC machining a small statue.
This Rotation axis tutorial video teaches you how to create rotation axis toolpaths in DeskProto. The video was made using DeskProto V5, so some details will no longer be correct.
You can better view a more recent video on rotation axis machining:
- Create rotary toolpaths to machine a Venus sculpture
- Create a wooden bust of Abraham Lincoln - 4-axis CNC
Rotation axis machining is possible only in the Multi-Axis edition of DeskProto.