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3D machining
When used for 3D machining, the system uses a model that can include solids, surfaces and mesh objects. For each geometric object or group of objects, an additional stock "allowance" can be applied, this in addition to the main allowance of an operation.
It is possible to have several restricted zones (representing clamps etc.) and machining zones that limit a models surfaces.
If a workpiece and a restricting model are not set, then the whole available surface of a model is machined. Otherwise only those sections of a model surfaces that lie inside the workpiece and outside of the restricting model(s) are machined.
3-axis roughing:
- Waterline (constant Z level)
- Plane (angle to the X axis)
- Drive (along or across drive curves)
- Helical pocketing of holes
- Area pocketing with optional trochoidal toolpath
3-axis finishing machining:
- Waterline (constant Z level)
- Plane (angle to the X axis)
- Drive (along or across drive curves)
- Complex (machining optimized for flat and steep sections)
- Optimized plane (machining optimized for the direction of the slope section)
- Combine (waterline machining with plane machining of flat areas)
- 3D curve machining
- Engraving (with 3D finishing of corners)
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Plane
The `plane` operation is best used for machining of the surfaces of a model that are close to horizontal, as well as areas that are close to vertical with a surface "normal" direction that is close to the cutting direction of the tool. |
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Waterline
The `waterline` operation gives good results when machining components or their parts which have surfaces that are close to vertical. |
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Combine
The combine operation gives equally good machining for flat and steep areas. A regular scallop height is achieved even when using a constant stepover of the tool. Combine machining provides easier cutting conditions for the tool, this makes it ideal for operations that require the use of a long - small diameter cutter. The operation allows good quality machining to be produced irrespective of the complexity of the surfaces of a model, and also allows for minimal machining time. |
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Complex
The Complex operation is formed from two operations: Waterline and Plane. The default parameters of the operation are set so that flat areas are machined by Plane operation and steep areas are machined by the Waterline operation. As a result, similar quality machining of all surfaces of the component are achieved. |
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Optimized Plane
Two plane operations are used to machine all the surfaces of the model. The toolpaths for each plane operation are perpendicular to each other. The default parameters for the operation are set in such a way, that each operation machines only the areas of surfaces of the component that give the optimum result. Using this operation achieves a good quality result over the whole surface of the component. Optimized plane allows quality machining of a model with a complex surface form, and at the same time minimizes machining time. |
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 The "scallop" and the "clear flats" options
 In operations it is possible to set the movement of tools based on the maximum height of the scallop. The distance between adjacent movements of the tool will automatically be set so that the height of the scallop will not exceed the defined values.
The calculation of horizontal areas of a model allows additional movements of the tool to clear flat areas. This excludes the need for additional machining of these surfaces.
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Flat land machining
Automatic machining of horizontal areas of model. |
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