The Pocket operation removes the stock that is inside a closed boundary with 2 axis (XY) tool moves in Z direction increments. One Pocket operation can cut several pockets.

If a pocket contains several islands at different depths, SURFCAM can cut those islands.

SURFCAM cuts only the pockets and the islands that you chain.

The Pocket operation can remove the material that is between a contour on the part and the edge of the material.

You can select one of three different pocket cut modes. These modes are Spiral, Zig Zag and Zig. See Pocket Cut Modes.

The Pocket operation supports the rotary-table index moves by using CView machining. Indicate the correct CView and set the Coord button to the VIEW option. The index move is generated before any tool motion.

SURFCAM displays the Select Chain menu and prompts you to select the start point of the pocket. Use the Select Chain menu to chain the pockets and the islands to cut. SURFCAM normally selects the plunge points in a pocket. To create a different plunge point, use Plunge on the Select Chain menu.

Use Pocket To Remove The Material Near the Material Boundary

Islands at different depths

Pocketing Examples

To remove the material near the material boundary, identify that boundary with the Material command on the Select Chain menu. See Part / Material.  

You must have drawn the edge of the material and your drawing must contain an inner contour. SURFCAM removes the material between the edge of the material and the inner contour.

When you click the Pocket command on the 2 Axis menu, the Select Chain menu is displayed. Do the following steps to remove the material between the two contours.

1. Click Part on the Select Chain menu and chain the inner contour.

2. Before you click the Done button, click the Material button. SURFCAM prompts you to select the first point on the material boundary.

3. Chain the material boundary.

4. Click the Done button.

5. SURFCAM displays the 2 Axis > Pocket dialog box. Two parameters on the Material tab of this dialog box control the amount of material that is removed. These parameters are Tool Center and Distance From Boundary.

6. After you click OK, SURFCAM prompts you to click the inside of a pocket. Click the area between the part contour and the material boundary.

7. SURFCAM draws the toolpath.

If the pockets have islands at different depths, click the Options command on the NC > 2 Axis menu. The Options tab for 2 Axis is displayed. Change the Path Island Depths parameter to the Multiple option. See Path Island Depths.

After you chain the pockets and the islands, create any needed plunge points or select material boundaries, click the Done command.

SURFCAM displays the 2 Axis Pocket dialog box.

Pocket cut with multiple pockets

 

A pocket cut with the arc Leadin moves for all passes

	Leadin Move Type	Arc On All
	Leadout Move Type	None
	Plunge Type	Plunge
		on sides	in z
	Amount To Remove		.5
	Rough Spacing	.20	.5
	Finish Passes	0	0
	Finish Spacing	0	0
	Stock To Leave	0	0

 

A pocket cut with the arc Leadin moves on the final pass only and no finish pass

	Leadin Move Type	Arc On Final
	Leadout Move Type	None
	Plunge Type	Plunge
		on sides	in z
	Amount To Remove		.5
	Rough Spacing	.20	.5
	Finish Passes	0	0
	Finish Spacing	0	0
	Stock To Leave	0	0

 

Pocket with the rough and finish passes

	Leadin Move Type	Arc On Final
	Leadout Move Type	None
	Plunge Type	Plunge
		on sides	in z
	Amount To Remove		.5
	Rough Spacing	.20	.5
	Finish Passes	1	0
	Finish Spacing	0.02	0
	Stock To Leave	0	0