2D Machining

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The 2D machining operations are intended for the machining of horizontal contours or curve projections on a horizontal plane.

The operation processes the list of contours and curve projections. There is no limit to the number of contours/projections. The tool position relative to each object in the list can be set, depending how it is to be machined: move the tool along the center of the contour, or, by offsetting the tool to the left or right of the contour. If a contour is machined on the right or on the left then it is possible to set an additional (stock) allowance.

2D Cutting

2D Cutting operations which makes it easy to develop NC programs for sheet material cutting equipment such as (image 1):

Spiral machining

When machining 2D curves it is possible to create a spiral (helical) toolpath around a 2D contour. The resulting blocks of the NC program can be output using G2/G3 X:Y:Z:R:. An optional (Z axis) clean up cut can be applied at the bottom level. Additionally, a smoothing approach radius can be applied between the helical toolpath and the bottom (flat) toolpath (see images 2 and 3).

Compensation of the tool

Tool compensation can be set for length and radius. When machining a curve to the left or the right, the radius of the cutter can either be compensated for by the system, or, the NC code can include the compensation commands to allow the CNC machine tool to apply the compensated moves.

Approach/retraction and addition moves

For greater even greater flexibility, additional approach and retract moves can be applied to the start and end of the toolpath(s). The approach/retraction moves are added in the same plane as the machining contour. The approach/retraction is an additional toolpath which is added to the start/end of the machining contour. It can consist of three sections - a section to apply/cancel compensation, an approach/retract section and a section which allows an addition (overlap) to the machining contour. Using these three ways it is possible to get the optimum tool path for the approach/retract moves in every case. The sequence of the sections is unchangeable, however, it is possible to only use the required sections in the toolpath (the images 4-6).

Rest milling

The rest milling operations allow machining to be produced only in areas that have material remaining from previous machining operations. It is also possible to undertake rest machining based on the remaining material after "virtual" machining made by a list of tools.

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Rest milling of remaining material is achieved in the system by determining the area"s of the workpiece material that remains after the machining of a component. The calculations, based on the workpiece of the specified type, and separation of unfinished zones, are performed automatically by the system.