How to control Left or Right 3D cutter compensation from Mastercam

Most CNC controls do not support regular Cutter Diameter Compensation (G41/G42) for 3D toolpaths. The only way to compensate for a worn 3D finishing tool is to use 3D Cutter Compensation. On FANUC controls, this feature is supported with the following codes: G41.2 (3D COMP LEFT) and respectively G42.2 (3D COMP RIGHT). The subsequent motion blocks will include the I, J and K components of a unitized vector normal to the 3D surface being cut.

Example:

    N124 G42.2 G1 X3.3018 Y5.7128 Z8.5 A-11.066 C28.92 I-0.093 J0.165 K0.982 F150.

 

    N125 X3.2936 Y5.8103 Z8.4825 A-11.385 C27.853 I-0.092 J0.175 K0.98

 

    N126 X3.2712 Y6.2005 Z8.4108 A-11.698 C26.435 I-0.09 J0.182 K0.979

CAM-POST supports 3D tool compensation using the following commands:

    CUTCOM/NORMAL,ON

 

    CUTCOM/NORMAL,OFF

These codes are dynamically generated by CAM-POST when converting the NCI format produced by Mastercam.

In order to output the G41.2 or G42.2 codes based on the direction of compensation set in Mastercam, three settings are required when configuring the post. First, the G-code register must be defined to support a decimal point. Second, the “3D Tool Comp” section of the Questionnaire must be defined a certain way. Finally, a User Defined Syntax macro has to be added in the “Customization” section of the Questionnaire.

1. Register definition:
The register used for G-codes must be defined with up to 2 integer places and 1 decimal place. The decimal point must be set as optional, so that it will be output only if necessary. The resulting format of the G-code register will be: ‘Gs2f1’.

2. The “3D Tool Comp” section:
The Control Description / Tool and Fixture Compensation / 3D Tool Comp section must be defined as illustrated below. Note the answer to question #271.

3. User Defined Syntax Macro:
Write the following User-Defined Syntax macro on the major word #1001:1016 (Additional Miscellaneous Parameters):

Benefit to User
Control the direction (left / right) for applying 3D compensation using codes G41.2 / G42.2 on FANUC controls.

For more information or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Phil at TechTipTuesday@fr.icam.com