MILL Module > Creating 2½ Axis Operations > Thread Milling

The following Cut Parameters tab allows you to define the roughing parameters for the current 2½ Axis Thread Milling operation. You can set Global Parameters, Cut Geometry parameters, Cut Direction and the Stepover and Stepdown Control via this tab of the operation dialog. The Global Parameters section allows you to set the tolerance value to be used in machining. Refer to each option below.

Dialog Box: Cut Parameters tab, 2½ Axis Thread Milling Operations

Dialog Box: 2½ Axis Thread Milling

Thread Type

For Thread Type, select either Internal or External. Select Internal if your Control Geometry is a circular hole. Select External if your Control Geometry is a circular boss. For External threads, specify the Major Diameter. For Internal threads, specify the Minor Diameter.

Internal Thread

External Thread

Thread Hand

For Thread Hand, select either Right or Left. This represents the direction of the thread (Right hand or Left hand threads).

Thread Parameters

Select from the following options referring to the dialog graphic:

Internal Thread

External Thread

Enter the total Thread Length (L) of the thread in the field provided.

Internal Thread

External Thread

For Thread Pitch Control you can choose # of Leads or Single Pitch. Either method can be used. Then enter either the total # of Leads or the Single Pitch of one thread.

Single Pitch

# of Leads

For both Internal and External threads, enter thread Start Angle (A) in the field provided.

Internal Thread

External Thread

Thread Parameters

Cut Direction

Select Climb (Down Cut) and the tool will be maintained in a downward motion into the stock.

Climb (Down Cut)

Select Conventional (Up Cut) and the direction of the tool will be maintained in an upward motion out of the stock.

Conventional (Up Cut)

Understanding Climb vs Conventional Milling

Understanding Cut Levels in 2½ Axis Machining 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...

Stepover Control

For Stepover Control, check the box for Multiple Steps and then enter the additional stepover control parameters.

Multiple Steps

With Multiple Steps checked, enter the Total Cut Width (W). The last stepover will be the final cutting pass for the thread.

Total Cut Width (W)

Select Number of Cuts and then enter the number in the field provided. The Total Cut Width will be divided by this number to calculate the Stepover displace.

Number of Cuts

When available, can check this box to Output each helix individually. This will split each helix into individual full helices of 360 degrees in the posted code.

Full 360 deg Helix Output

Stepover

Cut Parameters tab, Thread Milling, 2½ Axis

Cut Parameters tab, Thread Milling, 2½ Axis