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 round a cylinder, but real rotary toolpaths that go round the 3D geometry. A great tool for any user of a CNC machine with a fourth axis.

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

The screenshot above shows the Venus geometry in a rectangular block (the orange lines show the block). At the right side 4th axis toolpaths are present (for three roughing layers). For a cylinder block these toolpaths would have been full circles: part of the path cutting air when the block was in fact rectangular. This cutting air now 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 much 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 fine.

Powerful new postprocessor options, using "placeholders"

A postprocessor is the part of a CAM program that converts the toolpath data to a format that is 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 in fact quite unique: for many CAM programs each new postprocessor needs to be bought, where the price for just one postprocessor may be higher than for the complete DeskProto license.

In DeskProto V7.1 new functionality has been added to this configurable postprocessor: it now is possible to add information about the current project to the NC file. This is done 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 stands for, the button "Show example" lets you preview the result. For instance: {TOOLNAME} has been replaced by the name of the cutter: "Ball nose, radius 2 = diameter 4 mm".

Placeholders are present for a number of values that can be useful in the NC file, look in the Help file for a list. Placeholders can be used in most edit fields in the postprocessor dialog, and also in the Operation's Start/End commands.

The DeskProto Multi-Axis edition, for rotary machining and more

In the Multi-Axis edition all DeskProto options are available: for 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining. Especially the fourth axis support is strong: up to 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 allows you to produce even the most complicated models. The software is available for Windows, for MacOS and for Linux.

The extra features that DeskProto Multi-Axis offers:

• 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, on page Download free CAD models. You can find more information about how to machine a Venus model in the Tutorial book and in the rotary instruction videos.

This DeskProto edition is often sold to hobby users, as they need lowcost CAM software, and to schools, as these need CAM software that is easy to use. 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 that are available in the Expert Edition.
In addition you can create toolpath for 4-axis machines and for (some types of) 5-axis machines.
So all Strategies shown on the Expert page are available, both for three-axis jobs and for indexed machining. The illustrations below shows the extra Strategies for continuous rotation. When 'Parallel, around A' is selected DeskProto can create one long helix toolpath.

Indexed machining can be done both on a 4-axis machine (A-axis) and on 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 sided, automatic rotation'). In addition 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 meant for users needing more than three axes. Like model makers making complex models, jewelers needing a wax model, artists for a sculpture that needs to be machined from all sides, etc.

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

Rotation axis machining: the model rotates during machining (Continuous rotation). The rotation axis (this device is also called fourth axis, or A-axis) looks like a barbecue spit.

 

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

 

For rings (jewelry wax models) in many cases a combination of the above is used: Autoflip plus Rotary.

 

This car model of an Austin Healey "Frogeye" has been machined from all sides by using Five-Axis machining. Even the undercut area round the pedals could be machined.