Cut Parameters tab, Valley Re-Machining, 3 Axis

<< Click to Display Table of Contents >>

Navigation:  MILL Module > Creating 3 Axis Advanced Operations > Valley Re-Machining >

Cut Parameters tab, Valley Re-Machining, 3 Axis

The following Cut Parameters tab allows you to define the cut parameters for the current 3 Axis Valley Re-Machining operation.  You can set Slop Control as well as various Flat & Steep Cuts Parameters via this dialog.  Refer to each option below.

 

tog_minusDialog Box: Cut Parameters tab
Dialog Box: Cut Parameters tab, Valley Re-Machining, 3 Axis

Dialog Box: Cut Parameters tab, Valley Re-Machining, 3 Axis
tog_minusSlope Control

This section of the dialog is used to control the cuts based on the slope of the cuts.

Split Cuts at Angle (A)

If you check this then the pencil trace cuts can be controlled based on the subsequently input slope angle based parameters.  If not checked then all of the computed pencil trace cuts will be output.  You can then specify the following parameters.

Cuts Split Angle (A)

The cuts will be examined and split at this specified angle.  This angle is computed with respect to the XY plane.

Cut Split Limiting Length

In some cases the split angle could cause small cut segments to be output.  This can happen when the pencil trace cuts trajectories bounce up and down the specified cuts split angle.  If the split segment is below a certain length, you might not want to split the curve at that location.  This parameter controls this limiting length of the cut.

Output Flat and Steep Cuts

This allows the output of both the flat and steep cuts after the splitting is done at the split angle location.

Output Flat Cuts Only

This allows the output of the flat cuts only after splitting.

Output Steep Cuts Only

This allows the output of only the steep cuts after splitting.

Flat and Steep Cuts

Flat and Steep Cuts
Flat Cuts Only

Flat Cuts Only
Steep Cuts Only

Steep Cuts Only
tog_minusFlat & Steep Cuts Parameters

The cut patterns for Flat and Steep cuts can be independently specified as Along, Across, Parallel or Horizontal.

Across  
Supports Cut Direction and Stepover Control parameters.

Along  
Supports Cut Direction and Stepover Control parameters.

Parallel  
Supports Cut Direction, Stepover Control, Angle of Cuts and Cut Start parameters.

Horizontal  
Supports Cut Direction and Stepover Control parameters.

Cut Pattern = Across

Cut Pattern = Across
Cut Pattern = Along

Cut Pattern = Along
Cut Pattern = Parallel

Cut Pattern = Parallel
Cut Pattern = Horizontal

Cut Pattern = Horizontal

This can be controlled by specifying either Climb (Down Cut), Conventional (Up Cut) or Mixed.

Cut Pattern: Flat cuts – Along and Steep cuts - Across

Cut Pattern: Flat cuts – Along and Steep cuts - Across

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.

Read the full article...
Stepover Control, 3 Axis Operations

Stepover Control, 3 Axis Operations

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

% Tool Diameter  
Enter the stepover distance as a percentage value of the tool diameter.

Distance  
Enter the exact stepover distance preferred.

Scallop

(not available for all operations)
Enter the scallop height to determine the spacing between cuts.

With Parallel cut pattern, you can specify the Angle of Cut and the Cut Start as Bottom or Top.