Use spindle main direction

Introduction

This topic will explain the Use spindle main direction option, describe where to find it, and provide an example.

Use spindle main direction

Use spindle main direction uses the machine definition's main spindle direction as the reference for finding the side tilt direction. The side tilting always happens from the view defined by the spindle main direction vector. For example, if the spindle main direction vector is the Z-axis, and side tilting is 90 degrees from the surface normal, then the tool axis orientation is the surface normal rotated 90 degrees towards the spindle main direction. In practical terms, such a rotation can be handled by a machine tool without utilizing the C-axis.

 

 

Important: You can add a lead angle and a side tilt angle and the tool will tilt from the surface normal to the direction of the main spindle axis. You can't use the side tilt definition and Allow Flipping Side Direction together. In this case Allow Flipping Side Direction is deactivated.

Navigation

To access Use spindle main direction: 

 

• The Use spindle main direction option can be found on the Tool axis control page.
  
  Click to view the options in the drop down next to Tool axis will... and select Be tilted relative to cutting direction.
  
  With that option selected, the Side tilt definition options will become visible further down the page.
  
  Click to view the drop down list and select Use spindle main direction.

Example

• In this example the main direction is the Z-axis (1). With side tilt angle of 90 degrees the tool axis is oriented to this direction. In the following image (2) represents the tool axis and (3) represents the toolpath.