Odd tool path

[David_R8]

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?

[a.laasW8M6T]

Hi

That is the expected behavior for an adaptive toolpath.

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

[David_R8]

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.

[matty.fuller · Accepted solution]

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.

[programming2C78B · Accepted solution]

Set this to Most (instead of 90) 

[David_R8]

Thanks I'll try this.

[David_R8]

Thanks, this does make sense. Appreciate the help.