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adam.winklerE9RC6
714 Views, 1 Reply

Keeping tool down between operations?

Hello everyone,

 

Might sound a bit odd but I was wondering if there was a way after an operation to keep the tool down rather than a full retraction? For example I will profile my stock with a contour then wish to go back and do a clean up cut after (another operation). In between both of these however the tool wants to lift above the job when I know it is clear and already at the desired height for the next op. I have messed with retraction heights etc but when doing this the tool then rapids down to the new height and is a bit terrifying to watch. I hope I am making sense? Just seems like wasted time if I am still within the same setup and same tool. Wondering if its a post processor option or if there is a way of combining multiple operations into one continuous operation?  I know it sounds silly but when we are making large batches its a lot of wasted time when I know it isn't needed. 

 

Any help or advice would be great. 

You are rather limited to what you have in the Heights dialog. There is also the "Safe Clearance" value on the last tab of most tool path dialog.

 

My approach is safety first. I agree that going full rapid right to the part is nerve wracking, and I do not advocate doing that.

 

There might be a post edit you can do, but really, to save 1mm of rapid and plunge feedrate, that seems a bit....unnecessary. You would be better off finding a way to push the tool 5% faster and make your time there.

 

Just my $.02


Seth Madore
Customer Advocacy Manager - Manufacturing