Tool axis control: Port Machining

Introduction

This topic will explain the options found in the Tool axis control tab of the Port Machining operation.

The Tool axis control tab allows you to set the tilt of the tool and the Machine angle range limitation.

Output Format - allows you to convert a multiaxis toolpath to 4-axis output.
Rotary axis - defines the axis for the 4 axis movements.
- X axis - uses the X axis of the machine setup as the rotary axis.
- Y axis - uses the Y axis of the machine setup as the rotary axis.
- Z axis - uses the Z axis of the machine setup as the rotary axis.
- User defined - allow you to click to open the Line dialog box which allows you to define a custom axis of rotation. You can type coordinate values, or click Pick to select geometry.

Maximum angle step - defines a maximum angle deviation between toolpath points.
Minimize tilting
- With this check box selected, tilting will be adjusted in a way that attempts to minimize the angle changes as well as keeping machine tilting motions to a minimum.
- With this check box cleared the toolpath will use only the above settings to define the tilt.

Machine angle limit
- The machine angle limit takes care of the rotational axis limitation of the machine. In case the tilting cannot be applied due to the limits, the system trims the toolpath.
- With this check box cleared a machine angle limit will not be created.
Spindle direction - defines the axis of the spindle during the 4 axis movements.
- X axis - uses the X axis of the machine setup for the spindle direction.
- Y axis - uses the Y axis of the machine setup for the spindle direction.
- Z axis - uses the Z axis of the machine setup for the spindle direction.
- User defined - allow you to click to open the Line dialog box which allows you to define a custom axis of rotation. You can type coordinate values, or click Pick to select geometry.

Behavior - defines how to handle areas of the part that cannot be reached.
- Shift tool inside - attempts to shift the tool in order to reach.
- Stop and retract - does not attempt to shift the tool and retracts instead.