2 1⁄2 Axis Surfacing

The system provides users with the ability to create tapered walls and swept surfaces on roughing and contouring operations using the 2 1⁄2-axis surfacing capability of the system. The name is derived from simple surfaces that are machined as a series of 2-axis toolpaths, utilizing the CNC machine's circle interpolation capability (G2/G3). This produces the smoothest-looking part and smallest program. These additional features are integrated into the existing roughing and contouring processes. Users can specify the wall of any contour or pocket as straight (90°), tapered with optional top and bottom fillets or swept with a specified drive curve shape.

When using the 2 1⁄2-axis capabilities of the system, accurate depth positioning of geometry is important. With swept surfaces, Surface Z and Floor Z values are not entered in the Entry/Exit Clearance Diagram in Roughing or Contouring Process dialogs. The drive curve determines the depth of the toolpath. The system creates the toolpath by attaching the drive curve to the base curve geometry at the Z depth of the base curve. Therefore, if a pocket or contour with a swept wall does not start at Z = 0, the base curve geometry must be created at the appropriate Z depth. When using the Taper w/Fillets selection, Surface Z and Floor Z values must be entered in the Entry/Exit Clearance Diagram to determine the overall depth of cut. Accurate depth positioning of geometry is also important when creating walls with tapers because the system calculates the taper from the Z level of the geometry, NOT the Surface Z level entered in the Entry/Exit Clearance Diagram.

There is a button in the Entry/Exit Clearance Diagram in Roughing and Contouring Process dialogs that accesses the Wall Choices dialog. The Wall Choices dialog allows the user to specify whether the pocket or contour will be cut with a straight (90°) wall, a tapered wall, or a swept curve. Refer to the Contouring and Roughing Process sections for additional information on the Wall Choices dialog.

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