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Machining Job setup
Machining Job setup
For 3-axis machining, the typical approach used for 'topography' type models is a roughing operation first. Then pre-finishing and/or finishing. After this you may need some detail cleanup and possibly re-machining.
If you are cutting flat sheets and simple cutouts, then 3-axis machining may not be required or even desired. Look at 2½ Axis Machining instead.
First, set the Post-Processor to match the CNC machine and define the parameters of the stock material:
POST-PROCESSOR
POST-PROCESSOR
Set the Post-processor to Powermatic CNC.
STOCK
STOCK
Copy the Model Bounding Box to set the stock size (x,y,z).
Set the origin point to the TOP LEFT corner of the diagram.
Change the Zc to ZERO.
Double-check that the origin point is still set to the top left corner.
Click OK>
Horizontal Rough
Horizontal Rough
This is a bulk material removal strategy. It removes material in levels from the raw stock model. The tool starts at the top of the stock model and removes material without changing its Z position and only moving in the XY plane. Once this level is completed, the tool moves to the next lower Z level and removes material in this XY plane. This procedure is repeated until the bottom most Z level is reached. The spacing between cut levels and many other parameters can be specified. You can also contain the toolpath to only cut between a top and bottom cut level.
Be sure to review and understand every option on the Parameter tabs.
Control Geometry defines machining regions that contain the toolpath so that it cuts only in the defined areas you want.
Tool defines the milling tool (drill bit) for this machining operation.
Feeds & Speeds should match the values defined in the tool. Update as necessary to match the default values.
Clearance Plane defines a safe level for lateral/horizontal tool movements relative to the Stock (or part).
1" (25.4mm) is standard.
Cut Parameters define XY toolpath movement and spacing on each horizontal plane.
Stepover Distance: 50% Tool Diameter
(Cut Direction may be adjusted depending on tooling interaction with some materials (e.g. plywood veneers that may fray or splinter in uneven ways when cut in mixed directions).)
Cut Levels define Z axis spacing of horizontal levels and order of operations for cutting on each level.
Stepdown Control: 50% Tool Diameter.
(Cut Levels: Depth First is default. Level first is slower but provides a general overview of areas where material will be removed)
Engage/Retract do not need to be adjusted for standard Horizontal Roughing operations.
Advanced Cut Parameters do not need to be adjusted for standard Horizontal Roughing operations.
Parallel Finish
Parallel Finish
This is one of the most commonly used strategies for finishing. The cutter is restricted to follow the contours of the part in the Z direction while being locked to a series of parallel vertical planes. The orientation of these vertical planes (referred to as the Angle of Cuts) can be defined and is measured from the X axis. The tools typically employed in this operation are Ball and Corner Radius mills.
Control Geometry defines machining regions that contain the toolpath so that it cuts only in the defined areas you want.
Tool defines the milling tool (drill bit) for this machining operation.
Feeds & Speeds should match the values defined in the tool. Update as necessary to match the default values.
Clearance Plane defines a safe level for lateral/horizontal tool movements relative to the Stock (or part).
1" (25.4mm) is standard.
Cut Parameters define XYZ toolpath movement and spacing on each pass across the geometry.
Stepover Distance: 50% Tool Diameter
Angle Cut
Cut Direction
Z Containment is optional but sets the upper and lower limits for a milling operation.
2 1/2 Axis Profiling
2 1/2 Axis Profiling
Consult with Digital Media Liaisons to determine settings.
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