[birv]

I am modeling a multi pitch auger with the coil command. Each section with a different pitch has its own coil command butted up against the previous flight. I am importing my model into MasterCam which does not like the demarcations or seperations of the faces between the pitches. I have tried Deleting faces, Boundry Patches, and Stitch surfaces to no avail. The only other option I can think of is to draw a 3D spline attached to 3D points and sweep a profile. But the number of 3D points required to make a smooth continous path is a concern.

Thanks for the help

Birv

[shift1313]

When you created each coil, are they all joined as one part? Or are you working with multiple pieces? If they are all joined as one and the geometry is good you should have no issues bringing it into MasterCAM. Is your part a surface or solid? Which version and level of mastercam are you working with?

[birv]

The model is one part (.ipt) with multiple coil commands to accommodate the variable pitch. The tool head is leaving a demarcation in the part at these joints in the faces which are being blended in by hand.


Inventor 2009 or Inventor 2010, and MasterCamX4.

[shift1313]

what is X4 doing when you bring the model in. will it not even load the model?

Are you sweeping the coil with a surface or solid?

[birv]

X4 will read it in with no problems whatsoever. The problem occurs when the pitch changes in the model, the tool leaves a demarcation in this area.

The models I create are solid parts. I need one continuous surface but I am getting a surface that is split at each pitch change.

Birv

[JD Mather]

Originally Posted by birv

I need one continuous surface but I am getting a surface that is split at each pitch change.
Birv

Can you attach your file here? I would create one complex 3d path and sweep as one curve.

[birv]

How are you creating your complex 3d curve? I tried that with a spline and points following a coil pattern. Is there an easier route?

Test file attached with surface on flute split at coil pitch change.

Birv

[JD Mather]

Originally Posted by birv

How are you creating your complex 3d curve? I tried that with a spline and points following a coil pattern. Is there an easier route?

Displacement diagram wrapped to cylinder.

The method you use will never work as Coil profile is not perpendicular to the helix path sweep. I will try to post an example the exhibits this if I can find it.