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Lacados LAKManual Vectric Aspire V12

How to create a spiral column in Vectric software | Wrapped Rotary Machining

Overview

Section titled “Overview”

This video demonstrates how to create a spiral column for wrapped rotary machining using the Spiral Layout gadget. The gadget generates the necessary spiral vectors automatically, avoiding manual mathematical calculations, and the resulting toolpath is then previewed and saved using a rotary-compatible post processor.

Steps

Section titled “Steps”

  1. Create a new wrapped rotary job

    • Go to File > Create a New File.
    • Set the job as a wrapped rotary job.
    • Length: 12 inches
    • Diameter: 3 inches
    • Z-zero: cylinder axis
    • XY datum: bottom left
    • Orientation: along X-axis (this wraps the Y-axis around the cylinder).
    • Set resolution and material as needed (e.g., Canadian Maple).

  2. Open the Spiral Layout gadget

    • Go to Gadgets > Wrapping > Spiral Layout.
    • The gadget form shows a description and settings for the spiral.

  3. Configure spiral options

    • Number of strands: 4
    • Enable spacing between strands: set to 1 inch.
    • Offset from start and end: 1 inch each.
    • Twist direction: left hand twist.
    • Leave coves disabled (this feature creates wrapped end vectors if enabled).
    • Verify the cylinder graphic reflects the expected length and diameter.

  4. Generate the spiral vectors

    • Click OK in the gadget.
    • The spiral vectors are created across the worksheet, extending beyond the sheet because they will be wrapped around the Y-axis.

  5. Check layers

    • The rotary job creates layers automatically: zero plane, bounding box, and a layer for the vectors.
    • Use layers to stay organized.

  6. Prepare the toolpath

    • Switch to the Toolpath menu.
    • Click Set to verify material setup (diameter, Z-zero, orientation). Adjust if necessary.
    • Select the spiral vectors.
    • Choose Profile toolpath.
    • Cut depth: 0.2 inches
    • Tool: 1/4 inch ball nose
    • Machine on the vector: On.
    • Ramps, leads, tabs: not needed.
    • Rename the toolpath (e.g., profile spiral) and click Calculate.

  7. Preview the toolpath with rotary wrap

    • Use the rotary preview button so the flat toolpath is shown wrapped around the cylinder.
    • Click Preview selected toolpath to simulate machining.
    • Confirm the spiral starts and ends 1 inch from the workpiece ends.

  8. Save the toolpath

    • Click the Save toolpath icon.
    • Select a post processor that supports wrapped rotary machining.
    • For an X-axis orientation with Y-axis wrapping, choose a post processor such as g-code wrap y to a inch.
    • Save to the desired folder.

  9. Save the project

    • Go to File > Save As.
    • Name the file (e.g., creating a spiral column) and save.

Key Points / Warnings

Section titled “Key Points / Warnings”
  • Always confirm the rotary orientation matches your machine. In this example the job runs along the X-axis, so the Y-axis is wrapped.
  • Set Z-zero to the cylinder axis when the workpiece diameter may not be perfectly concentric or even.
  • Check material setup before calculating toolpaths; adjust for your machine and material.
  • The gadget’s total revolution count is informational but confirms how the wrapping will behave.
  • Spirals extend off the worksheet only because the software is accounting for the wrapped Y-axis — this is expected.
  • Use a rotary-compatible post processor, otherwise the Y-axis moves will not be mapped to the rotary A-axis correctly.
  • Verify cut depth, tool selection, and machine-on-vector settings for your own application.