Stepover

Introduction

This topic will explain the stepover, describe where to access it, explain its parameters, and provide animated examples.

Stepover

The stepover is the distance between two adjacent toolpath cuts. The distance can be defined as Maximum Stepover, or Cusp Height. When you change either value, the system automatically calculates the other value.

Navigation

To access the Stepover in the Mill Multiaxis Wizard:

 

• In the Stepover group, of the Surface Paths tab, enter a value next to Maximum stepover.

Parameters

• Maximum Stepover - is the maximum allowable distance between cuts.
  
  
• Cusp height - is the cusp height, when using ball end mills, that controls the stepover.

 

Note: The stepover is a possible maximum value. So it can be smaller than the defined value but never larger.

 

Note: Using a cusp height only works with ball end mills.

 

Important: The step over is measured differently with each pattern used:

► Parallel Cuts - the distance between two adjacent slices.

► Cuts Along Curves - the distance along the curve perpendicular to which the cutting planes are used.

► Morph Between 2 Curves/Surfaces - the toolpath segments are distributed so that the maximum distance (along the drive surface) between the curves/surfaces is a user defined value.

► Parallel to Curve/Surfaces - this is the 3D distance between two consecutive toolpath segments.

► Projected Curve - only one cut is performed, so this parameter is not available.

Example

• Parallel Cuts with a small step over.

 

 

• The same example with a larger step over.