Hi Ed,

You may want to look at Meshcam? http://www.grzsoftware.com/

It does have 4 axis (rotary table) and is only $175

There is a 30 day download (fully functional trial).

It is more of a rapid prototype software, but does have pencil (so concave rads can have finish path). I have downloaded to have a play, but no time until later.

There is also a cutter path verification program there (cutviewer) at extra cost, but both together are only $325, so maybe worth a look?(again you can download a full version trial)


- manz

edit:

Just noticed there is limitation on the 4th axis (rotary) in that :-

1. The 4th axis must be parallel to the X axis.
2. The program zero must be on the left-hand side of the stock and along the center of rotation.

>Just noticed there is limitation on the 4th axis (rotary) in that :-

3. It is indexed only (non-continuous).

Hi Nick,

>>3. It is indexed only (non-continuous).

Yes, it is certainly limited, but I have been looking around for reasonable priced software that may be of interest to Ed.

I have also come across Desk_CNC, http://www.imsrv.com/deskcnc/ again limited on the 4th axis, but does have options for rapping on the 4th axis (to x) which is only indexed machining, but may be of interest.

@$250 with demo available.

@Ed
I am not actually sure at this time as to what the revolve of the 4th axis is, is it the actual table, or is it similar to an indexing/dividing head on x/y? (Z being vertical)


- manz

Hi Steve,

I believe Ed's 4th axis lies along the X axis (ie. 90deg to the Z axis spindle) and therefore rotates along that axis also.

Hope thats make sense ?....Unfortunately I cannot help with code for a 4axis job but I hope to have a go with your model as a 3 axis path as soon as I can.

All the best,

Hi Paul,

>>I believe Ed's 4th axis lies along the X axis (ie. 90deg to the Z axis spindle) and therefore rotates along that axis also.

I did think that, but can also see how the table rotation could be seen as at 90 deg from Z (vertical), so asked for verification.


This thread is certainly making my old brain come up to speed (so I thank all for that) with what is available and (possibly) expected.


- manz

Hi Colin,

Just like you i am designing jewelery so,
I'm just curius about the limitations on the
MDX-15 from Roland

If possible could you show one example of
something of a complex piece you have made
on that machine

Hi Paolo,

Here's a link to a previous post I'd made.
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=490.1

Here's a link to a Gallery with pieces made by MDX-15 users.
Note that the rotary pieces shown in this gallery have been milled using a totally different rotary system than the Fourth Axis Rotary unit that I'm using.
http://www.3dwaxmill.com/phpBB2/album_cat.php?cat_id=1

regards Colin

Colin thank you for the information
I will overlook it with care next days

Future models will be like this example: