Cut Direction, 2½ Axis Milling

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Cut Direction, 2½ Axis Milling

Climb (Down Cut)  

Select Climb (Down Cut) and the tool will be maintained in a downward motion into the stock.

Climb (Down Cut)

Climb (Down Cut)

Conventional (Up Cut)  

Select Conventional (Up Cut) and the direction of the tool will be maintained in an upward motion out of the stock.

Conventional (Up Cut)

Conventional (Up Cut)

Mixed  

Select Mixed and the direction of cutting is alternated between each parallel plane.  This is a mixture of both Climb and Conventional cutting of the stock.

Mixed

Mixed

Understanding Cut Levels in 2½ Axis MachiningOne of the basic concepts to understand in any milling operation is Cut Direction.  It can be characterized by how the flutes of the cutting tool engage the stock material and form the chip that is removed during cutting. In many of MecSoft CAM’s 2½ & 3 Axis toolpath strategies you will see that Cut Direction is defined by selecting one of three options, Climb, Conventional or Mixed.  Let’s take a look at the characteristics of each option.

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For Z Level Cuts

When Mixed is selected, zigzag motions are applied between step downs to eliminate tool retracts between z levels.  If Climb or Conventional is selected, retract between z levels are applied.  Refer to the images below:

Climb or Conventional

Climb or Conventional
Mixed

Mixed