Not that I’m aware of though I’m just getting started with it @Brandon_Satterfield will have a better idea of what to use for plasma cutting.
So, I decided to actually look up the bit I’m using. Its a Destiny Viper 1/4" 2 Flute bit designed specifically for high speed machining. Turns out even the manufacturer says it will chatter unless you give it a 0.004" chipload. Thats crazy, and not something I had expected. It also has nice detailed info on how to use the tool best.
Check it out http://www.destinytool.com/viper-sf.html
So, given that I can’t really get the paths for HSM from CamBam I gave HSMXpress a go in Solidworks and came up with the toolpath generated below. Believe it or not this is only going to take apparently 1min11s to cut at 28mm pocket through 1/4" of alu. Its going at a fair old lick, 2437mm/min (about as fast as my R7 can go safely) and doing 3.5mm passes but very very light ones, just 0.381mm stepover (6% radial engagement).
Who knows if this will work but I’ll give it a go tomorrow, HSM is a whole other world it appears.
3.5mm passes sounds crazy, but with such a low step over, I would imagine as long as z plunge rate is slow enough from the start it will work out. Awesome to see your pushing the limits
@Ben_Delarre I would call that an ideal chip size!!
@Mark_Leino yes CAMBAM has a plasma add in/profile. It’s what I use when I strap in a plasma torch to the R7. Need to change P509 to P.5 if on GRBL or TinyG. Also find the M3 S xxxx that kicks it on, for me S16000.
Besides that plasma runs bad ass. Do note THC is controlled externally.
Sorry guys, just catching up. I’m responding to post as I go down. Looks like it’s piling them down here at the bottom.
Last post, @Ben_Delarre your in way deeper than I ever designed for. I’ll need to go back and look at FEA if you can tell me the load, but I’m sure that Al is going to deflect at 3.5mm on a 1/4" 2 flute. My machine I’m designing now, this is still pushing it.
Do it man! Make it work. If you can drag this HP through Al at this DoC you will be the man!!!
Check the next post Brandon. HSM s a different beast. You spiral down deep then take tiny very light passes, in a series of circles and arcs. This has a few advantages.
It keeps the load on the cutter low because the passes are light even though they are deep, and the force is spread along the bit rather than just at the end. This also help tool life since you work more of the flute.
It also aids in heat removal since the chips are longer, and the engagement of the tool is so low radially that the chip removal is easy and the tool is in the air more than in the stock.
It worked pretty good!
Send me the file dude, let me run it. Happy to learn.
Will do…I’ve got to make up a plate in 1/4" tomorrow will send you that unless you have some inch thick stock lying around?
Think I have 2" and 4" 6000 series sitting around for the mill but don’t think I have any 1".