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.

The Cut Direction of the toolpath can be specified either as Climb, Conventional or Climb/Conventional by selecting the appropriate radio buttons. In Climb or Conventional, the direction of cutting is maintained so as the corresponding cutting condition is maintained on the part. In the Climb/Conventional type of machining however, the direction of cutting is alternated between each parallel plane.

Climb

Conventional

Climb/Conventional

From the MecSoft Blog

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...

You can also contain the toolpath both by specifying Low Value (L) and High Value (H) values along the cut axis as well as by specifying a Start Angle (S) and End Angle (E) values.  The location of the Cut Containment planes are displayed in the graphics window.  Note that these settings are ignored if machining regions are selected using the Control Geometry tab of the dialog.

Cut Containment Indicators

Low Value (L) / High Value (H)  

Entering values for these two settings will contain the cutting within these two locations.  Cutting will not be perform below the Low Value (L) location or above the High Value (H) location.  These distances are measured from the MCS and along the rotation axis.  Refer to the illustrations above.

Start Angle (S) / End Angle (E)  

Entering values for these two settings will contain the cutting within these two locations.  Cutting will not be perform below the Start Angle (S) and above the End Angle (E) positions.  These angles are measured from the MCS and about the rotation axis.  Refer to the illustrations above.