Reducing toolpath file sizes

[brian]

I have a toolpath file which is approx 650meg.The
computer tells me I'm allowed only 100,000 lines of code.This is a 3d relief using a .125 tappered ballnose bit and is only one large toolpath.
Whats the best way to reduce the file.Should I break up each relief into seperate toolpaths or would using a larger bit to do rough passes do the trick.

Brian

[scottcox]

650 Megs is HUGE! I was bumping into that limit with a 25 Meg file. BTW: I'm pretty sure that line limit is 1,000,000 lines (in v3.4 at least).

Try increasing the curve tolerance in your toolpathing software, then increasing your stepover by 10% at a time.

Any other suggestions for this? It seems that the 1M line limit means a "fine" carving of only a few square feet at the most. How do others get around that limit?

[Brady Watson]

Brian,
If you are using ArtCAM, create a new model and reduce points to around 1500 X 1500. You don't need or want it to be 4000 X 4000 for the job you are doing.

Do a rough out toolpath. Use 10% stepover with a 1/8" ball. You should NOT have a 650Meg SBP file for a 2' disc, even with a 1/32" ball...Also reduce your tolerance down to .001 in Pro, if that is what you are using. If you do a rough out toolpath, you can run the 3D portion in one pass...you won't need to do multiple passes on the 3D TP.

-B