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 create toolpaths in a helical pattern around the part.  The Stepover Control (see below) determines the helical pitch.

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

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

Counter Clockwise Rotation  

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.

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.