Patterns

 

Introduction

This topic will explain the Patterns page of the Lathe Pattern Repeat 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, how that pattern is sorted, and the compensation that will be used to complete the operation.

 

Pattern

The Pattern allows  you to select how the passes are laid down.

 

Standard - Each pass will be parallel to the center of rotation.

 

Offset - Each pass will be an offset copy of the selected geometry trimmed to the feature constraints.

 

Standard Offset

 

 

Sorting

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

 

Standard - defines a one-way cutting pattern with retracts between each cut.  

 

Zig Zag -  defines a two-way or alternating cutting pattern.

 

In the table below you can see how these sorting options affect the selected patterns.

 

Standard Pattern

With Standard Sorting

With Zig Zag Sorting

   
Offset Pattern
With Standard Sorting With Zig Zag Sorting

 

 

Compensation

Each tool has a theoretical point placed on it as seen in red in the animation below. In the case of tools with a radius of any size, this point is not actually on the tool, but on the horizontal and vertical intersections of the radius. It is this point that the toolpath plots out.  When compensation is used, it is designed to place the actual tool and not just its theoretical point on the geometry. This can be accomplished with System Compensation, Machine Compensation, or a combination of the two.   

 

  • System Compensation

    This specifies whether or not the system compensates for the insert geometry and the tool nose radius.

 

    • Off - the selected geometry is used as the program path; Machine Compensation should be used.

    • On with Collision Detection - the system compensates for the tool nose radius and the insert geometry and avoids any detected collisions.

    • Onwithout Collision Detection - the system compensates for the tool nose radius and the insert geometry without checking for collisions.

 

System Compensation:

Theoretical Point

Off

On with Collision Detection

On without Collision Detection

 

 

  • Machine Compensation
    Outputs the necessary codes to allow for the user to enter compensation data at the machine. When this is done, the machine will alter the path based on the data entered at the machine. This can even be used in combination with System Compensation in order to compensate for tool wear or other unforeseen variables.

    • Off - no compensation commands are output in the posted program.

    • Comp Left / G41 - outputs the left compensation command in the posted program.

    • Comp Right / G42 - outputs the right compensation command in the posted program.

 

Next Topic

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