Intermediate tool path management

In this case, no intermediate tool path is defined. Only the green passes are created (according to the Z step).

In this case, to optimize the scallop height (and reduce it) , intermediate tool path are generated with the same tool (in blue) besides the main passes (in green).

So according to the scallop height, these intermediate tool path can be

• A contouring

• An open pocket, pocket (If the material to remove needs more than one path in XY) one the tool diameter

• Nothing (If the face is a vertical face, the scallop height doesn't exist

On a same Z level, for the intermediate tool path, we can manage these three cases.

The pass order is done as defined below :

(A) is the Z step.

The (B) value is defined by the input "Z step" and it is calculated according to the "Maximum scallop height" (To know how many passes are necessary)

Sample :

Topsolid CAM online Help Index