Patterns

Introduction

This topic will explain the options found in the Patterns page of the Profile Rough, and also provides links to related topics.

The patterns page allows you to choose a pattern for the cuts, and also gives you control of the compensation used.

Standard- creates a toolpath for cutting the perimeter of one or more contours at a constant depth. (This is the only option available for Finish operations.)
- Apply Tabs - when tabs have been created on the Tabs page of the Mill 2 Axis Wizard, the Apply Tabs check box will appear when the Standard Pattern is selected.
  
  - Tabs will be applied to this operation.
  
  - Tabs will not be applied to this operation.
Contour Ramping - creates an uninterrupted continuous step down, or a spiral type toolpath. Set the cut Angle or Depth per Pass in the Parameters section of the wizard.
Side Roughing- is used when excessive stock remains on the part, and you want to have the tool step into the feature in specified increments. This option allows you to create multiple passes by offsetting the target profile instead of creating a single pass from the profile.
- Stock Remaining- sets the total amount of material that exists for the side roughing operation.
- Number of Passes - sets the number of passes applied to the operation. The Stock Remaining value is divided by this value to determine the stepover distance of each pass.

System Compensation

With this option On, the system offsets the geometry by the tool radius. With this option Off, you should use Machine Compensation.

Machine Compensation

These options only effect the output in the posted code.

Off - the toolpath is calculated from the center line.
Comp Left (G41) - the toolpath of the operation represents the center of the cutter. The post processed code includes the command for cutter compensation to the left of the contour.
Comp Right (G42) - the toolpath of the operation represents the center of the cutter. The post processed code includes the command for cutter compensation to the right of the contour.

*For more information on how to use compensation, see the Compensation topic.