Projecting Tool Paths onto Surfaces

EZ-MILL (Levels 2&3 ) allows you to project tool paths that are computed by Work Steps using the Contour, Pocketing or Zig-Zag cycles onto surfaces. If one or more surfaces are entered in the "Work Step Surfaces" table on the 3D Cycle Data Tab, the cutting depth of the computed tool path is determined by it's projection onto the surfaces. If no surfaces are specified, no projection takes place and the Z Depth parameter determines the cutting depth. If a Z Depth level is specified that is below any of the selected surfaces at any point along the calculated tool path, then that Z Depth level will override the higher surface level at that point.

The Curve Step parameter in the 3D Cycle Data Tab controls the tolerance for projecting the tool path onto the surface. The Finish Allowance parameter located beneath the Work Step Surfaces portion of the 3D Cycle Data Tab allows you to specify a finish allowance for the listed surfaces.

Tip

The Projection parameter in 3D Cycle Data Tab should be set to Facet for the most reliable gouge-free surface machining.