Step Over Options

The Constant Z and Equidistant Finishing work steps created by the 3D Machining Wizard provide several Step Over options for linking between closed toolpath passes within a region.

• Linear – A direct on surface link.  The tool moves directly from the endpoint of one pass to the start point of the next pass within the same region, while following the surface.
  
  
   

• S-Link – A tangential on surface link.  The tool moves tangentially past the endpoint of one pass, then while moving toward the next pass within the same region, backtracks and moves tangentially into the start point.
  
  
   

• Horizontal – A two-step linear off surface link. If the start point of the next pass within the same region is lower than the end point of the previous pass, the tool moves in XY above the start then plunges in Z to the start point. If the start point of the next pass is higher than the endpoint of the previous pass, the sequence is reversed and the tool moves in Z first then XY.
  
  
   

• Retract – A rapid-retract and plunge entry off-surface link. The tool retracts to the rapid plane at the endpoint of one pass then rapids in XY over the start of the next pass within the same re-gion, then rapids in Z to the clear plane and plunges to the start point.
  

• Spiral (Constant Z Only) – A tangential off surface link. The tool moves tangentially past the endpoint of one pass and follows an off surface spiral loop to move the tool down to the next pass within the same region and tangentially into the start point.
  
  
   

• Open Surface (Constant Z Only) – A rapid-retract off surface link.  This option is to be used only for cases where the selected cut surfaces result in open toolpath passes, for example an open pocket.  By default the resulting open passes may contain pieces which are out of sequence, causing unnecessary retracts and re-entries within a pass.  The Open Surface option will re-sequence the passes ensuring each depth pass is cut in one continuous motion.