MILL Module > Creating 2½ Axis Operations > Pocketing

The following Entry/Exit tab is similar for the Mill operations listed below. Entry and Exit determines the way in which tool enters and leaves the part geometry. MILL Module allows you to specify how the cutter approaches, engages, retracts and departs when starting and stopping a cut.

Pocketing, 2½ Axis

V-Carve Roughing, 2½ Axis

Slotting, 2½ Axis:

Pocketing, 4 Axis

Dialog Box: Entry/Exit tab

Dialog Box: Entry/Exit tab, 2½ Axis Pocket and HS Pocket Operations

Entry Motions

The Entry Motions consist of Approach and Engage motions. You can set different feeds for plunge, approach, engage, cut, retract and depart moves. The tool moves to the position above the approach point with a plunge feed, then uses the approach feed rate for the vertical approach motion and engage feed rate for the engage motion.

Approach Motion
Enter a value for the approach Length (L).

Engage Motion

The Engage Motion parameters allow 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 along a Path at Angle (A) or engaging vertically down. The ramp engage motion will typically be used when machining with flat or corner-radius end mills.

Path
In this method the cutter follows the contour of the part in a ramp motion on the outside until it hits the cutting start point. You can control the Angle (A) of descent and the length of this engage motion by specifying these parameters.

Path

Linear
Here the cutter follows a linear ramp motion, ramping back and forth from a user specified Height (H) to the engage point. The Distance (D) of this move as well as the Angle (A) of this motion can be specified.

Linear

Helix
Here the cutter follows a helix as it descends from a user defined height to the first cut point. The total Height (H), Angle (A) of the helix as well as the Radius (R) of the helix can be specified.