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In this type of machining, a single surface or a set of surfaces is selected as drive surfaces and the tool axis is set to be normal to these surfaces.  The cut pattern is defined by one or more drive surfaces.  The cut pattern can be defined to follow the iso-parametric lines of the drive surface(s). (That is parallel to an edge curve).  In this type of machining material is removed using the bottom and/or the corner radius areas of the cutter.  This can be considered as “Tool End Cutting”.

This is an efficient method of finishing. A linear pattern is generated. The tool moves along this cut pattern, following the contours of the part geometry below and stays normal to the surface. The cut pattern could be parallel to X, Y, Z or by specifying vertical and horizontal angle.

See also: What Tool Types are Supported by this Operation?