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.

The cut pattern can be set parallel to X, Y, Z or by specifying Vertical Angle and Horizontal Angle values.

Parallel to X

Parallel to Y

Parallel to Z

Horizontal Angle

This is the angle of tool path in XY plane. This delivers the results only when combination of Vertical Angle set to –90 or 90.  If Vertical Angle is set to 0 then the Horizontal Angle is ignored.  If Vertical Angle is set to other values, then the machining angle in XY will deliver different results. Setting Vertical Angle to -90 and using 0, 30, 60 and 90 for Horizontal Angle results in the following cut patterns. Horizontal Angle = 0 Horizontal Angle = 30 Horizontal Angle  = 60 Horizontal Angle  = 90

Vertical Angle

This is the angle of tool path from the z axis direction. An angle of 0 will cause constant Z tool paths. An angle of 90 or –90 will create parallel cuts looking similar, however the order of the tool paths is different (e.g. left to right vs. right to left). Setting Horizontal Angle to 0 and using 0, 30, 60 and 90 for Vertical Angle results in the following cut patterns. Vertical Angle = 0 Vertical Angle = 30 Vertical Angle  = 60 Vertical Angle  = 90

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

ZigZag  

The cutter traverses back and from along the cuts.

Zig  

The cutter traverses the cuts in a single direction.

Start Point  

Allows you to select a start point on the drive surface.

5 Axis Surface Normal Toolpath

5 Axis Surface Normal Toolpath with New Start Point

Flip Step over Direction  

Allows you to change the cut direction.

This section allows you to define the spacing between the cuts. This can specified as Distance or % Tool Diameter.

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.  

Rotation Angle

With Fixed Axis is checked, you can use this option to further control the tool axis by providing a maximum Rotation Angle.

Lead/Lag Angle  

When Fixed Axis is not checked, this option controls the tool axis angle 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.