topic Odd tool path in Fusion Manufacture Forum

Odd tool path

David_R8 — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 23:05:40 GMT

Hoping someone can point me in the direction on how to sort out a tool path problem.
Simple test on my newly converted CNC mill.

The toolpath in question is a 2D adaptive clearing. 1/4" endmill, lots of clearance around features.
When the toolpath gets close the the centre rectangle, it lifts the tool and goes back to the start of that side and does another pass and then repeats till the dimension is hit.
It does the same thing when cutting the outside of the boss in the centre.
Is this a setting that I've not set correctly?

Re: Odd tool path

a.laasW8M6T — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:49:34 GMT

That is the expected behavior for an adaptive toolpath.

Could you describe how you are think it should be working?

Re: Odd tool path

David_R8 — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 02:46:01 GMT

I was expecting that it would do more of a continuous cut into the end, sort of eating away at it without the Z axis moves.

Re: Odd tool path

matty.fuller — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:58:54 GMT

Because your part is rectangular rather than square, there's more material to remove on the "ends" than the "sides" hence there are more passes at the ends. The engagement remains the same for each pass, giving more consistent cutting conditions.

What you're describing is a spiral, which on an uneven shape like this would require the engagement to vary greatly between passes; less good for process reliability, tool life, etc.

Re: Odd tool path

programming2C78B — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:50:13 GMT

Set this to Most (instead of 90)

Re: Odd tool path

David_R8 — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:18:49 GMT

Thanks I'll try this.

Re: Odd tool path

David_R8 — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:19:11 GMT

Thanks, this does make sense. Appreciate the help.