The sculptured vase mold sample project is used to teach undergraduate students the principles of creating effective finishing toolpaths for both concave and convex freeform surfaces using a high speed 3-axis machining center. Students attempt a variety of toolpath types using Esprit, such as concentric, spiral, and zig-zag finishing operations with both a coolant, mist, and dry machining environment.
Machine Tool: Sodick MC430L and Mori Seiki NVD1500
Work Material: T6061 Aluminum
Machining Data:
| Roughing | Semi-Finishing | Finishing | |
| Cycle Time | 14 min | 8 min | 80 min |
| Tool Size/Type | D6 flat end mill | R1.5 ball end mill | R0.5 ball end mill |
| Depth of Cut (Ad) | 0.7mm | 0.1mm | 0.04mm |
| Stepover (Rd) | 4mm | 0.5mm | 0.05mm |
| Spindle Speed | 15,000 rpm | 32,000 rpm | 25,000 rpm |
| Feedrate | 1270 mm/min | 2400 mm/min | 1200 mm/min |
