Patterns

Introduction

This topic will explain the Patterns page of the Lathe Groove Rough operation and all the options found in it. This topic will also provide a link to the next topic.

The Patterns page

The Patterns page gives you control over the pattern of the cut, and how that pattern is sorted.

 

Pattern

The Pattern allows  you to select how the passes are laid down. Choose between Standard, Single Pass, and Zig Zag.

 

Standard

Single Pass

Zig Zag

 

Standard - Each pass will be perpendicular to the center of rotation. The order of cuts are handled with Sorting options below.

 

Single Pass - will cut the groove without using a stepover.

 

  • Center - will center the tool in the feature.

  • Begin - will place the side of the tool at the very beginning of the feature.

  • End - will place the other side of the tool at the very end of the feature.

 

Center

Begin

End

 

Zig Zag - Each pass will be parallel to the center of rotation and alternate direction.

 

 

Sorting

Sorting allows  you to select how the passes link to following pass.

 

Standard - will start on one end and make one cut directly after the other until the groove is clear.



Center Out - will start in the middle and clear out one side of the groove, making one cut directly after the other. Once it reaches the end, it will go back to the middle and cut in the other direction, making one cut directly after the other, until the groove is clear.



Center Out Alternate - will start in the middle, and alternate making a cut on one side of the middle and then the other, moving back and forth until the groove is clear.



Skip - will  start on one end and make one cut. It will then move in one direction, skip one cut and cut the next cut. It will then continue in the same direction, only cutting every other cut. Once it reaches the end, it will move in the other direction, cutting only the remaining passes in order.



 

Collision Check

Use Tool Holder - no collision check is done on the holder.




Use Tool Holder - a collision check is done on the holder, and the toolpath is adjusted to ensure the tool holder does not collide with the geometry.




Next Topic

Once the Pattern variables have been set, click Next> > to continue to the Parameters page.