I've been using the parallel type path to machine a form in 2 steps: a roughing routine with 3mm stepovers and 5mm max stepdowns; and a finishing routine with 1 mm stepovers. Final cut depth is 23mm. When roughing, I've noticed that this path type causes the tool to hover in the air mostly for the first 2/3 passes, clipping just the edges of the shape until it engages more on subsequent passes. This is OK, but a bit of a waste of cycle time. Is there a way to adjust this -or- a better roughing strategy/path type I can use with the same ball end cutter (I don't have auto tool change)?
Better roughing path?
Accepted solution
The finishing toolpaths, such as Parallel, Contour, and Scallop are not "Stock model aware", in that they don't trim away any wasted tool motions. The result of this is what you're seeing, wasted time. However, the Roughing toolpaths are; 3D Adaptive and 3D Pocket Clearing. I would use those to do my roughing and then follow them up with the required finishing toolpath.
There IS one way to get finishing toolpaths to skip areas of wasted motion, but that does require the use of the Machining Extension. The tool in there is "Trim Toolpath" and let me tell you what; once you use it you'll never stop applying it to 3d toolpaths, it's that awesome of a tool
Seth Madore
Customer Advocacy Manager - Manufacturing
