www.kxcad.net Home > CAM Index > EdgeCAM Index >
An Offset surface is a distinct surface type which is generated from an existing surface. The offset surface may be based on a tool or geometric offset, or both types of offset together. Use the Offset (Surface menu) command.
Geometric Offset Surface
A geometric offset surface is constructed by offsetting each point on the original surface by a defined constant amount, normal to the original surface. Geometric offset surfaces can be intersected, trimmed, filleted, offset and machined in the same manner as any other primitive surface.
Tool Offset Surface
A tool offset surface is dependent on the geometry of the currently selected tool and is defined as the locus that the set point of the tool makes when cutting the underlying surface.
Tool offset surfaces may be created for any ISO-defined tool and prevent gouging. Usually, two or more offset surfaces are generated and then trimmed before you would generate a toolpath.
When machining an offset surface, any sharp corners may cause inaccurate results. There are two solutions:
Create two single surfaces and offset/machine them separately
Use a fillet surface if the sharp corner is not required.