Hello Everyone,
I was wondering if there was a way to cut a groove on the side of an object. I would like to make sunglasses on my CNC and I feel like it should be possible to use a threading end mill to cut the groove for the lenses.
Does anyone know how to do this in any software?
Thanks!
Sam
Test.stl (3.7 MB)
In CC, I would draw a path that starts in the middle; moves to and around the rim; then moves back to the middle.
Another option for tooling is called a “lolipop” endmill. Harvey tools makes a bunch of different ones. (Warning, they are spendy and fragile)
Like DAH recommended, I’d think this can be done with a regular ol offset circle. Just make sure you’re checking the simulation and the tool is dropping in and coming out of the center as you expect.
Oooh, I wonder if the key toolpath in CC would work here? @WillAdams what do you think, can a lolipop be used for undercuts in CC (or CC Pro) 
Yes, a “lollipop” tool can be used, but no, it won’t preview accurately since it would need to be entered as a ball-nose.
I’ve actually been working on a library which can handle thread milling.
If @sfwclarke can post a link to the thread mill which they plan on using I should be able to work up code for this. (or, as @KevBarn14 would advise, one could just use Fusion 360 or some similar tool).
I believe Fusion 360 would allow you to define the entry and exit points for the tool. This would allow you to enter in the center, then create the undercut with a keyhole or similar endmill in a defined circular pattern, followed by a center retract. @wmoy would be the expert for such things.
Thank you everyone. I will admit that the above explanations are a bit above my head but I am so happy to hear that creating this side groove seems possible.
@DAH, would it be possible to create a groove that is not totally flat with this technique? I need this groove to curve slightly in the z axis in order to accommodate the lens. Apologies, I should have specified this.
@WillAdams, I haven’t chosen a specific threadmill yet. I just wanted to make sure it was possible. The groove would need to be 2mm in height, 1mm in depth and to follow a slight curve (to accommodate the curvature of the lens). So I guess I need to find a threadmill with at least a 1mm lip. I would appreciate any help with the code… or anything else.
@KevBarn14, thank you so much. I am utterly inexperienced with fusion360 but I have been meaning to learn it. I suspected that I would be able to accomplish this in F360. I have been able to achieve ALMOST everything I need with MeshCAM so I have been hesitant to dedicate the time to learning Fusion.
Sam
Cutting this open to see inside we see:
Creating a toolpath for this is simply a matter of:
If you’ll post a link to a tool which will make the cut as you wish we walk through this with you.
