This setting allows Premium configuration users to machine 5 Axis toolpaths in 4 Axis mode.  This provides additional 5 Axis toolpath strategies for those who have a 4 Axis machine tool.  

The following 5 Axis strategies are supported in 4 Axis mode:

5 Axis Curve Projection Machining  

5 Axis Flow Curve Machining  

5 Axis Between 2 Curves Machining  

5 Axis Surface Normal Machining  

5 Axis Swarf Machining  

This example shown is a section of a complex wooden handrail.

4 Axis Mode Machining

Select from the following:

5 Axis  

The toolpath will be calculated in normal 5 Axis mode.  Your Machine Definition should be set to 5 Axis.

4 Axis  

The toolpath will be calculated in 4 Axis mode.  Your Machine Definition should be set to 4 Axis.

Global Cut Parameters

This section of the Cut Parameters tab allows you to set the following parameters:

Cut Tolerance  

This is allowable deviations (tolerances) from the actual part geometry plus the Stock layer (if any).

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...

Max Angle Change  

his is the maximum allowable angle change between two toolpath points.

Max Distance Change  

This is the maximum allowable distance change between two toolpath points.

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 is the maximum distance for the curves to be projected on to the Drive Surfaces.

This allows you to define the direction of cut the tool will follow. You can choose between Along Curve Direction and Along Reverse Curve Direction.

Along Curve Direction  

Cut follows the direction of curve geometry.

Along Reverse Curve Direction

Cut follows the opposite direction of curve geometry

Fixed Axis

For Tool Axis Control, check this box to control the tool axis during cut motions and then select either X Axis, Y Axis or Z Axis from the menu provided.  This allows better control of the tool axis in tight spaces for simultaneous 5 Axis machining.  With this option checked you can also set Rotation Angle to further limit the tool.

Lead/Lag Angle  

This defines tool axis along the direction of travel.

Tilt Angle  

This defines the direction normal to the direction of travel.

For additional Tool Tip Control, you can specify a Distance to move computed tool tips axially.  Specifying a value would move the computed toolpath axially by this specified value.