Machine Sequence

Introduction

This topic explains the options found in the Machine Sequence page of the Mill 2 Axis Wizard for the following operations:

 

  • Profile Rough
  • Profile Finish
  • Pocket
  • Corner Rounding
  • Drag knife

 

This topic also provides links to related topics.

Machine Sequence

When you select multiple geometry curves or contours for the feature, the Machine Sequence dialog box is used to optimize the machining order.

 

Sort Order

The Sort Order group defines the cutting order when multiple contours are selected for a single feature. Select from one of the following options:

 

  • No Sorting - the machining order of the contours should match the order in which they were selected.



  • X-Direction - the sorting is optimized along the X-axis, or horizontally, to create the shortest possible toolpath.

with Zig Pattern with Zig Zag Pattern


  • Y Direction - the sorting is optimized along the Y-axis, or vertically, to create the shortest possible toolpath.

with Zig Pattern with Zig Zag Pattern

 

  • Custom Direction - uses the positions of the selected geometry to create parallel rows based on the angle entered. The machine sequence will then move across these rows.

with Zig Pattern with Zig Zag Pattern

 

  • Closest - from the initial position, this option finds the next closest start position and moves to it. This is then repeated for the remainder of the toolpath.



  • Optimized - uses an algorithm to attempt to create the shortest possible distance between all points. It then compares that distance to the distances that would result from the Closest, X Direction, and Y Direction option. The path with the shortest distance is provided as the result.

 

 

Start Location/Pattern

 

  • Start Position - select a corner of the option box to set the starting position of the Machining Sequence.

 

Select one of the following options to set the machining pattern.

 

  • Zig -creates a machining sequence with one-way pattern, for example, from left to right.

  • Zig Zag - creates a machining sequence with an alternating back-and-forth pattern.

 

Related Topics

When a Pocket operation is being used, clicking Next> > will take you to the Links page.

 

All other operations will move to the Advanced Feedrates page.