The DeskProto Multi-Axis edition, for rotary machining and more

In the Multi-Axis edition all DeskProto options are available: for 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining. Especially the fourth axis support is strong: up to one continuous helix toolpath. The result is a CAM program that allows you to produce even the most complicated models. The extra features that DeskProto Multi-Axis offers (compared to the Expert Edition):

• Continuous Rotation axis machining: during machining the part is rotated by the fourth axis
• Indexed Rotation axis machining: the fourth axis is used to machine the part from several sides
• Five-axis machining (indexed): the model can be machined from almost all sides

DeskProto Multi-Axis applications

The DeskProto Multi-Axis edition is meant for users needing more than three axes. Like model makers making complex models, jewelers needing a wax model, artists for a sculpture that needs to be machined from all sides, etc. DeskProto can be combined with any 3D CAD program, and with any CNC milling machine. Some examples of the extra options offered by this edition:   Rotation axis machining: the model rotates during machining (Continuous rotation). The rotation axis (this device is also called fourth axis, or A-axis) looks like a barbecue spit.     A rotation axis can also be used for “indexed machining“: machine two or more sides, for each side using plain XYZ machining. In-between the sides the A-axis rotates the part. This is offered by DeskProto’s wizard ‘Two or more sides’.     For rings (jewelry wax models) in many cases a combination of the above is used: Autoflip plus Rotary.     This car model of an Austin Healey “Frogeye” has been machined from all sides by using Five-Axis machining. Even the undercut area round the pedals could be machined.    

Extra functionality in DeskProto Multi-Axis

The Multi-Axis edition includes all functions that are available in the Expert Edition. In addition you can create toolpath for 4-axis machines and for (some types of) 5-axis machines. So all Strategies shown on the Expert page are available, both for three-axis jobs and for indexed machining. The illustrations below shows the extra Strategies for continuous rotation.

Available Rotation Strategies in DeskProto Multi-Axis:

       

Rotation, parallel to X   ,   Rotation, parallel to A   ,   Rotation, block

Indexed machining can be done both on a 4-axis machine (A-axis) and on a five-axis machine (A-axis and B-axis). Extra wizards are available, for continuous rotation (‘Rotary machining’) and for indexed machining (‘Two or more sided, automatic rotation’). Custom wizards for jewelry applications (123WaxRing, JWX-30 wax ring).