Need some help selecting proper 3D tool path to create pockets following a curved surface

[troygATJ4L]

I have a badge that I'm working on that has a curved surface.  The highest point is .125 with the lowest point is .1.  Basically from a side profile a dome effect but not too extreme.  I have some pockets that I would like to machine but I cannot figure out which tool path to use to accomplish this task.  I haven't used many 3D tool paths up to this point. 

I planned on using the following to achieve the curved top surface.

1) face

2) 3D adaptive 3FL end mill

3) Parallel using ball end mill 

4) on down ?

The pocket floor is parallel with the bottom surface but the height of the pocket follows the curved surface.  I created the pockets using an offset plane which was above my object and performed an extrude to cut the pockets.

Is there a better method to do this and which 3D tool path would be used to do this?  I hope I explained this well enough?   I provided a section analysis to show the pocket floors and the top surface.  Thanks!

[seth.madore]

Is the bottom of the pocket parallel with the bottom of the part, or does it have a curve similar to the top of the part?

Can you share your Fusion file? 

File > Export > save to local folder, return to thread and attach the .f3d file in your reply

[troygATJ4L]

I want to say the pocket floor is parallel.  What I was wanting to do on this part is to create the curved top surface first.  Remove from the mill to anodize and then place back into the mill to machine the pockets.  If the pocket floor is parallel then wouldn't a 2D pocket be the way to go?

Just trying to understand the different strategies.

[seth.madore · Accepted solution]

Since your plan is to do the pockets after anodizing, you're faced with a couple choices, for ease of manufacturing. A parallel toolpath will dive into the pockets, but Touch/Avoid can be used to mitigate that. Another option would be to make two models, one with the pockets, and one without. Use the one that doesn't have the cutouts as your "pre-anodize" model, and then use the original for your post-anodize.

Yes, 2D Pocket would be the way to go. 

For the dome, it depends on what you're looking for in finish. A spiral toolpath would look unique, for sure, or you could do a Parallel with a small stepover if you wanted a more linear pattern.

[troygATJ4L]

Thank you for the guidance.  I think I was over complicating this because of the top curved surface.  I was thinking I needed to do a 3D strategy which I do for the top surface but since the pocket floor is parallel to the bottom then a 2D pocket would suffice.

Had the pocket floor followed the contour/curve then how would this be achieved?

[seth.madore]

Scallop or Morph, typically