High Speed Machining dialog (PartMaker)

Profile Smoothing

Profile smoothing smooths any sharp corners in a group's profile before PartMaker calculates the toolpath. Smoothing reduces sharp changes of direction by the tool in the calculated toolpath, which in turn reduces machine deceleration time in between such moves.

Radius: Specify the maximum radius that PartMaker can insert between sharp corners of the profile curve defined in the profile group. Note that geometric constraints may cause a smaller radius to be inserted.

The example on the left has profile smoothing enabled, thus causing the outer strokes to get smoothed as a result of this operation. The example on the right has profile smoothing disabled. The disadvantage of profile smoothing is that the toolpath may not accurately cut the shape defined by the "unsmoothed" profile, thus making this option ideal for roughing.

Toolpath Smoothing

Toolpath Smoothing smooths a toolpath by applying a radius at all sharp corners, which makes the toolpath more suitable for high speed machining.

Radius: Specify the maximum radius that will replace any sharp corners of the toolpath. Note that geometric constraints may cause a smaller radius to be inserted.

For a pocketing cycle, the inner strokes of a toolpath are rounded according to the maximum radius. In the image below, the pocket on the left has toolpath smoothing applied, while the pocket on the right does not.

For a contouring cycle, the outer passes are smoothed. In the following image, the contour on the left has toolpath smoothing applied, while the contour on the right does not.

Transition Move in Spiral Pocket

Use the options in the Transition Move in Spiral Pocket area of the High Speed Machining dialog to control tool transitions between strokes in a Spiral Pocketing toolpath.

Linear — Select this option so the tool makes the transition from the end of one stroke to the beginning of the next stroke in a straight line. For example:

Smooth — Select this option so the tool makes the transition from the end of one stroke to the beginning of the next stroke tangentially, through a series of arc moves. Note that large circular toolpaths may be created to satisfy the path being tangent to both strokes. For example:

The advantage of the smooth stroke transition move is that machine deceleration is reduced because the tool does not change direction between strokes. The disadvantage is that it may increase cycle time because there are more cutting moves.

Apply Trochoidal Milling

Trochoidal moves minimize tool overload. Use the options in the Apply Trochoidal Milling section of the High Speed Machining dialog to control how PartMaker adds trochoidal moves to a toolpath:

Do Not Apply — PartMaker does not insert any trochoidal moves to the toolpath.

Apply to Entire Toolpath — PartMaker inserts trochoidal moves along the entire toolpath, regardless of tool overload.

Apply During Tool Overload — PartMaker inserts trochoidal moves only in the sections of the toolpath where PartMaker estimates that tool overloading may occur. Tool overload typically occurs at sharp corners, the initial stroke of a toolpath, and at narrow channels.

Max. Overload Allowance — This value, when added to the programmed Width of Cut value, defines the minimum engagement of the tool for it to be considered overloaded.

Tool Overload Definition — Click this button to display the Tool Overload Definition dialog, which displays information about how PartMaker calculates tool overload.

Tool overload occurs when the tool is engaged with the material by more than a set safe amount. In the example below, the tool can safely remove the material as long as the tool is engaged by an amount less than T. This is typically based on factors such as feed rate, tool material, and stock material. If the tool is engaged with the material beyond the allowable safe amount, it is considered to be overloaded. As seen below, this would occur as soon as the tool begins to cut into region O:

S: Programmed Width of Cut of tool

A: Overload Allowance

T: The total engagement of tool with the material

O: The overload region.

C: The current amount of engagement of the tool.