Select the Engage/Retract tab and the following property page is displayed. You will be able to specify how the cutter engages and retracts when forced to engage into material. You also has the ability to specify the engage conditions when engaging from the outside of the part. You can also specify the type of transfer motions to perform while cutting. Refer to the dialog and options below.
Roughing, 2½ Axis Horizontal Roughing, 3 Axis Horizontal Re-Roughing, 3 Axis Clear Flats Machining, 3 Axis R-Level Roughing, 4 Axis |
 Dialog Box: Engage/Retract tab, 3 & 4 Axis Roughing Operations |
This section allows you to define how the cutter would engage into material when forced into such a situation. This can happen when machining a cavity or pocket. You have the option to Ramp the cutter or engage in a Vertical Approach (D). The ramp engage motion will typically be used when machining with a flat or corner-radius end mills. In the ramp option, the cutter can ramp in one of the following 3 ways:
Path In this method the cutter follows the contour of the part in a Ramping motion on the outside until it hits the cutting start point. You can control the angle of descent and the length of this engage motion by specifying these parameters. Enter the Angle (A) and Height (H). Enter the Angle (A) and Height (H). Ramp height between levels is set automatically based on depth of cut. The tool ramps from the previous cut level if you set a ramp height smaller than the distance to the previous level. Linear Here the cutter follows a linear ramp motion, Ramping back and forth from a user specified height to the engage point. The length of this move, as well as the angle of this motion can be specified. Enter the Angle (A), Height (H) and Distance (D). Helix Here the cutter follows a helix as it descends from a user-defined height to the first cut point. The angle of the helix as well as the radius of the helix can be specified. Enter the Angle (A), Height (H) and Radius (R). Vertical Approach (D) Setting the Engage/Retract in material to Vertical approach applies a vertical plunge into the material.  Vertical Approach (D) |
This section allows you to define how the cutter would engage to start cutting when starting from outside of the part. This can happen when machining a core or performing a facing operation. Linear Extension (D) You have the option of specifying the cutter to start from the outside, a linear distance away from the cut start point.  Linear Extension (D) Vertical Approach (D) Optionally a straight vertical engage can be specified. Enter the Vertical Approach (D).  Vertical Approach (D) |