DeskProto V7.1 Can Create Rotary Toolpaths for a Rectangular Block

A highly appreciated feature in DeskProto V7 is its ability to create rotation axis toolpaths. Not just by wrapping a flat design around a cylinder, but real rotary toolpaths that follow the 3D geometry. This is a great tool for any user of a CNC machine with a fourth axis.

So far, DeskProto has always used a cylinder-shaped block for all rotary projects, and many users have requested support for rectangular blocks for rotary machining. We are very happy to announce that Version 7.1 now supports rectangular blocks.

The screenshot above shows the Venus geometry in a rectangular block (the orange lines indicate the block). On the right side, 4th axis toolpaths are present (for three roughing layers). For a cylindrical block, these toolpaths would have been full circles, cutting air when the block was rectangular. This cutting air is no longer needed.

Simulation Now Also for Rotary Machining

A second feature request that has been made many times was simulation for rotation axis toolpaths. Calculating such simulation is much more difficult than for 3-axis machining, so it has taken us considerable time to add this feature. It involved implementing a completely new simulation algorithm based on voxels.

The resolution of the simulation can be set in the Part parameters. As you can see in the screenshots above, the new algorithm works effectively.

Powerful New Postprocessor Options Using Placeholders

A postprocessor is the part of a CAM program that converts the toolpath data to a format suited for a specific machine or controller. DeskProto features a configurable postprocessor: any user can add and edit postprocessors using a graphical interface. This is unique, as many CAM programs require purchasing each new postprocessor, which can be more expensive than the complete DeskProto license.

In DeskProto V7.1, new functionality has been added to this configurable postprocessor: it is now possible to add information about the current project to the NC file using placeholders: code words enclosed in curly brackets {}. In the screenshot above, eight placeholders are present. When writing the NC file, each placeholder is replaced by the actual value it represents. The "Show example" button allows you to preview the result. For instance, {TOOLNAME} is replaced by the cutter's name: "Ball nose, radius 2 = diameter 4 mm."

Placeholders are available for several values that can be useful in the NC file. Check the Help file for a complete list. Placeholders can be used in most edit fields in the postprocessor dialog and in the Operation's Start/End commands.

The DeskProto Multi-Axis Edition for Rotary Machining and More

The Multi-Axis edition includes all DeskProto options for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining. The fourth axis support is particularly strong, allowing for one continuous helix toolpath. DeskProto offers this for all types of CAD data: 3D geometry (STL files), vector curves (DXF, EPS, SVG), and bitmap data (JPG, BMP, etc.). The result is a CAM program that enables the production of even the most complicated models. The software is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

The extra features that DeskProto Multi-Axis offers include:

• Continuous rotation axis machining: during machining, the part is rotated by the fourth axis.
• Indexed rotation axis machining: the fourth axis is used to machine the part from several sides.
• Five-axis machining (indexed): the model can be machined from almost all sides.

The Venus STL file is a free download, available on the Download Free CAD Models page. More information on machining a Venus model can be found in the Tutorial Book and in the Rotary Instruction Videos.

This DeskProto edition is often sold to hobby users, who need low-cost CAM software, and to schools, which require user-friendly CAM software. For schools and hobbyists, DeskProto is available under a special license (limited use for commercial applications).

The DeskProto Multi-Axis Edition Offers 4-Axis and 5-Axis CNC

The Multi-Axis edition includes all functions available in the Expert Edition. In addition, you can create toolpaths for 4-axis machines and for some types of 5-axis machines. All strategies shown on the Expert page are available for both three-axis jobs and indexed machining. The illustrations below show the extra strategies for continuous rotation. When 'Parallel, around A' is selected, DeskProto can create one long helix toolpath.

Indexed machining can be done on both a 4-axis machine (A-axis) and a five-axis machine (A-axis and B-axis). Extra wizards are available for continuous rotation ('Rotary machining') and for indexed machining ('Two or more sides, automatic rotation'). Additionally, some custom wizards for jewelry applications are present (123WaxRing, JWX-30 wax ring).

Application Examples for the DeskProto Multi-Axis Edition

The DeskProto Multi-Axis edition is designed for users needing more than three axes, such as model makers creating complex models, jewelers requiring wax models, and artists machining sculptures from all sides.

DeskProto can be combined with any 3D CAD program and any CNC milling machine. Here are some examples of the extra options offered by this edition:

Rotation axis machining: the model rotates during machining (Continuous rotation). The rotation axis (also called the fourth axis or A-axis) resembles a barbecue spit.

A rotation axis can also be used for "indexed machining": machine two or more sides, using plain XYZ machining for each side. The A-axis rotates the part in between sides. This is offered by DeskProto's wizard 'Two or more sides'.

For rings (jewelry wax models), a combination of the above methods is often used: Autoflip plus Rotary.

This car model of an Austin Healey "Frogeye" has been machined from all sides using five-axis machining. Even the undercut area around the pedals could be machined.