Global Parameters, 3 Axis Operations

The Global Parameters section allows you to set the tolerance value to be used in machining. Intol and Outol are allowable deviations (tolerances) from the actual part geometry plus the Stock layer (if any).  A uniform thickness or stock that needs to be left around the part can be specified here.

Intol / Outol
Inward tolerance - the maximum thickness of material that can be removed from the Stock layer.  Outward tolerance is the maximum thickness of material that can remain above the Stock layer.

How to Increase Tool Path Accuracy Tolerances play a vital role in both design engineering and digital manufacturing.  In design, the goal is to allow the broadest tolerance range possible while meeting your design specifications. This is because, generally speaking, there is a direct correlation between tighter tolerances and higher manufacturing costs. Read the full article...

Stock  
The thickness of the layer that will remain on top of the part after the toolpath is complete. Roughing operations generally leave a thin layer of stock, but for finishing operations this value is zero.

This section allows you to define the type of cut pattern that will be generated.  You can also contain the toolpath both by specifying low and high values along the cut axis as well as by specifying a low and a high angular values about the rotation axis.

Across Axis / Along Axis  / Helix

Selecting Along Axis will create toolpaths that traverse along the rotation axis. Selecting Across Axis will generate toolpaths that traverse perpendicular to the rotation axis.  Selecting Helix will generate one toolpath that traverses along the rotation axis in a helical pattern.  Each is illustrated below.  

Across Axis

Along Axis

Helix

ZigZag / Zig  

Selecting ZigZag will allow the toolpath to traverse back and forth while the Zig option will force the toolpath to be in one direction only.

ZigZag

Zig

Clockwise / Counter Clockwise (for Helix option only)

Selecting Clockwise will allow the toolpath to traverse in a Clockwise rotation (to the right when looking from the start point).  Selecting Counter Clockwise will allow the toolpath to traverse in a Counter Clockwise rotation (to the left when looking from the start point).

Clockwise

Counter Clockwise

Low To High / High To Low  

Selecting Low To High will make the toolpath start from the lower coordinate along the tool axis and proceed to the higher coordinate.  Selecting High To Low will reverse this behavior.

Low to High

High to Low

Low to High

High to Low

Reverse Cuts  

This is a clockwise/counterclockwise control.  If Along Axis is selected, the clockwise or counterclockwise can be turned on by checking this on or off.  If Across Cuts is selected, then in each cut, clockwise or counterclockwise can be turned on by checking this on or off.  

Project to Geometry  

Check this box to project the toolpath to all visible surfaces.  If left unchecked, no projection will take place and the toolpath will be gouge checked only against the drive surfaces listed in the Control Geometry tab of this dialog.

This allows you to define the spacing between the cuts.  Select from the following options:

% Tool Diameter  

This allows you to set the stepover distance for the current operation as a percentage of the active tool diameter.

% Tool Diameter

Distance  

Specify the stepover for the current operation as an exact Distance and then enter the distance value in the field provided.

Distance