'Multiple depths' generates unnecessarily (?) wide toolpath

[bert_vanhooff]

I'm trying to cut a number of pockets into plywood. I've positioned a number of pieces quite close to each other in order to be as economical with the material as possible.

When I cut the pockets in a single pass, everything is fine but I have to cut 1.1 cm deep in a single pass. When I use 'multiple depths' in order to limit the passes to e.g., 5mm, the tool path moves a lot more to the outside causing it to cut into an adjacent piece. I don't understand why the toolpath is do much different. I would expect it to be the exact same as the single depth one but times two.

I've been fiddling with the lead-in/outs but could't find anything to fix this. Any suggestions? Disclaimer: total beginner here 😉

Single depth: toolpath OKMultiple depths: toolpath cuts into adjacent piece

[Marco.Takx]

Hi @bert_vanhooff,

It’s hard to say by only those 2 pictures.
Is it possible to share your file so I can take a look at it tomorrow?

[bert_vanhooff]

Sure.. see attach.

I have been able to fix it kind of (of course right after I posted this question 😉 ) by turning the 'safe distance' down to 1mm. I can't wrap my head around the exact meaning of that parameter though.

Thanks.

[Marco.Takx]

Hi @bert_vanhooff,

The Safe distance is the space between the part and traveling.

But in your case you have several parts nested.

2D operations are based on contours (2D) and they doesn't check the model faces.

So in this case your solution to reduce the safe distance works.

When you want more controle you can use 3D operations so every traveling will be checked by the operation itself.

If my post answers your question Please use  .Accept as Solution & Kudos This helps everyone find answers more quickly!

[bert_vanhooff]

OK thanks. I didn't realize that 2D operations didn't take into account multiple parts.

Would you suggest the 3D-horizontal operation for this case? The default settings don't respect the 'pocket'. Or would 3D-pocket clearing be better? 

[Marco.Takx · Accepted solution]

Sorry for my delay. Didn’t saw your replay.
A 3D Horizontal operation is a solution.

Do you have to Mill a big serie Parts or small serie?
When a big serie, then you can think about creating some sketch boundaries and use 2D operations to let the tool down instead of milling only the areas on the Parts and retracting a lot. This can be a time winning but only for big series.

[bert_vanhooff]

Thanks .. 3D Horizontal works fine indeed. The sketch boundary is a really good idea. I'll try that one day.