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The following changes have been implemented from EdgeCAM version 4.0. They solve many of the earlier issues with controller compensation, and the output is considerably more reliable.
Compensation Application/Removal
If a 90 degree, linear only, manual lead has been requested it is extended by the tool radius.
If no lead is specified a 90 degree straight lead will be created. The length will be the tool radius multiplied by the radius compensation factor.
For all other manual linear leads a move at 90 degrees is appended to the lead. The length of this move is calculated by multiplying the tool radius by the radius cutter compensation factor stored in the code generator.
For arc and arc/linear combinations a 90 degree move (with the length of the tool radius multiplied by the radius cutter compensation factor) is appended to the lead.
In all cases these compensation moves are calculated from the nominal offset path to ensure that there is sufficient movement for the cutter radius compensation to be applied.
End Point Lift Out
The end point of the lead out move has been adjusted to prevent the 3D moves that were previously generated and to represent more closely the situation on the machine tool.
Code Generators
In order to take advantage of this new compensation logic you have to use the updated milling templates. All existing code generators will function as previously. A user update on the template will implement these changes for Code Wizard based code generators.
Custom posts will need minor changes to benefit from this logic:
Switch 8 on the MM= definition line must be incremented by 32.
Procedure PT=LEAD_OUT must be changed to set #LEADOUTCOUNT=FIELD12
Remaining Potential Issues
In the case of external work where a profile finishes on a sharp corner, controller compensation should always be used with “square” corner strategy set. Otherwise, the offset path will add a coupling arc – and the calculated leads for controller and Pathtrace are very different.
In the case of approach moves and intermediate rapid moves generated within a profile cycle EdgeCAM will show both the geometry based tool centre line and a nominal offset simulation line. Whilst for FEED moves, with a nominal cutter radius offset, the tool centre can be expected to follow the simulation line, for RAPID moves (no compensation) the tool will follow the geometry based line but the screen simulation will, at present, follow the offset simulation line.