Cut Direction

The Plunge Rough plunge moves are done along parallel rows. The Cut Direction parameter controls how these rows are cut. In the Square grid pattern the distance between the rows is the length of the sides of the square. In the Equilateral Triangle grid pattern the distance between the rows is the height of the triangle.

Bi-directional

Two passes, one in each direction, are made along each row. If there is open space on one side of a bi-directional pass, the tool cuts on slopes that increase and decrease.

If there is material on both sides of a bi-directional pass, a different method is used. SURFCAM cuts the slopes that increase and decrease by different methods. Plunge moves are done on the slopes that increase to get the best chip removal.

When SURFCAM finds a slope that decreases, the tool moves forward to where it can make the deepest plunge. If a pilot hole is needed at that location, make sure to drill one. The plunge moves are made from this point forward along the next slope that increases. The slopes that decrease are cut on the next pass along the same row in the opposite direction.

The Stock To Leave parameter, the Material Cut Mode parameter and the surface depth are used to calculate the depth of each plunge move.

Uni-Directional

One pass is made in each direction. The plunge moves are made on the slopes that increase and the slopes that decrease.