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.

Part Offset (Facing) is a 2D offset facing pattern.  The cut regions are successively offset until there is nothing left to machine. This type of cutting is sometimes called spiral machining.

Part Offset (Facing)

This is a pocketing pattern derived from the stock geometry.

Stock Offset (Pocketing)

Select Linear and the tool will traverse in a Linear cut beginning at the Top or Bottom depending on the Start Point selection.

Linear

This can be controlled by specifying either Climb (Down Cut), Conventional (Up Cut) or Mixed.

Climb

Conventional

Mixed

Understanding Climb vs Conventional Milling 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...

Select Offset Spiral and the tool will traverse in a spiral pattern with successive offsets of the part shape starting from the Inside or Outside depending on the Start Point selection.

Offset Spiral

Choose where you want the cut pattern to begin, Inside the pattern or Outside.

Inside

Outside

When checked, the system tries, when possible, to keep the cutter in contact with the cut level plane while connecting all areas within a single machining region.  Otherwise the cutter will retract and re-engage.

Select this option if you want the starting locating for the cut pattern to begin at the bottom of the cut pattern (i.e., min Y).

Start at Bottom

Specify the Angle of Cuts (0-360) measured from the X Axis.  This additional parameter is available for some operations when a linear cut pattern is used.

Automatically detect corners that the tool could not reach between cut level and add a toolpath based on the uncut area detected.  Either Linear or Offset cut patterns are used in these areas.

Cleanup Pass

No Cleanup Pass

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.