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 machining area for this operation.  Refer to each parameter below.

Steepness Angle (A)

Angle (A) controls which regions will be machined. The system identifies all areas of the part that are steeper than this angle from the horizontal and creates machining regions that are used in the subsequent machining process.

Previous Cut Angle

This is the Cut of Angle used in the previous operation.  It is used to determine the angle of cut for this operation, depending on which of these is selected: Cut cross direction only or Cut both directions.

Cut cross direction Only

Select this option to Cut Cross Direction Only of the previous contouring operation.  The cut angle that will be used in this operation will be at 90 degrees to the Previous Cut Angle you have specified in this dialog.

Cut both directions

Select this option to Cut Both Directions.  A cut angle along and a cut angle 90 degrees to the Previous Cut Angle specified (in this dialog) will also be used to machine the detected steep regions.

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

Climb

Conventional

Mixed

Understanding Climb vs Conventional Milling One 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...

•The Start Side can be specified as from Top or Bottom.

at Bottom

at Top

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.