Cut Parameters tab, Flow Curve, 5 Axis

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Cut Parameters tab, Flow Curve, 5 Axis

The following Cut Parameters tab allows you to define the cut parameters for the current 5 Axis Flow Curve operation.  You can set Global Parameters, Cut Pattern, Tool Axis Control and Stepover parameters via this tab of the operation dialog.  

The Global Parameters section allows you to set the tolerance value to be used in machining.  A uniform thickness or stock that needs to be left around the part can also be specified here.  Refer to each option below.

 

tog_minusDialog Box: Cut Parameters tab
Dialog Box: Cut Parameters tab, 5 Axis Flow Curve Machining Operations

Dialog Box: Cut Parameters tab, 5 Axis Flow Curve Machining Operations
tog_minusNumber of Axes to Output

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

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.

tog_minusGlobal Parameters
Global Cut Parameters

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 AccuracyTolerances 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.
tog_minusCut Type

This allows you to define the type of cut that the tool will follow.

Along Curve  

The toolpath follows curve geometry.

Across Curve  

The toolpath follows cross direction of curve geometry.

Curve Type = Along Curve

Curve Type = Along Curve
Curve Type = Across Curve

Curve Type = Across Curve
tog_minusCut Traversal

This section allows you to define the type of cut that the tool will follow. Selecting ZigZag the cutter traverses back and from along the cuts. With the Zig cut the cutter traverses the cuts in a single direction.

Cut Traversal = Zig

Cut Traversal = Zig
Cut Traversal = Zig Zag

Cut Traversal = Zig Zag
tog_minusTool Axis Control

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.
tog_minusStepover

This allows you to define the spacing between the cuts. This is specified as a distance.
tog_minusTool Tip Control

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.