Use these tips for creating 3D Chamfers:
- The 3D Chamfer feature works best with small chamfer sizes, as an edge break simply to remove a sharp burr. The toolpath produces only an approximation of a 3D chamfer and the width of the chamfer varies based on the geometry of the 3D curve and the surrounding surfaces. At larger chamfer depths the variation in size of the chamfer is magnified.
- The current toolpath uses an XY offset (from the top view) of the 3D curve. The direction of this offset is determined by the
Machining Side chosen for each curve. If the part requires the chamfer tool to be on one side of the curve in one region and the other side of the curve in another region, the full chamfer cannot be cut with this technique. In these situations it may be possible to split the chamfer curve into multiple curves and use different machining sides for each curve, but this may still prove difficult. A better solution, if possible, is to change the Setup (5-axis position, index angle, B-axis angle and so on.) so that the
Machining Side becomes consistent for the whole curve when viewed in the new orientation.
- When using a spotdrill, the more the edge break deviates out of the XY plane, the worse the results are. For this reason a ball-end mill is recommended when machining a 3D edge break that deviates significantly from the XY plane. This isn’t because of any deficiencies in our software, but due to the nature of the tool geometry in general. When using drills or chamfered tools, it is recommended that you use the smallest tool you can.
- To get the best result, adjust your index position so that the deviation from the XY plane is balanced along the extent of the curve.
- Selecting the part surfaces on either side of the chamfer, for best results. This is especially true if the curve has steep or vertical sections.