2D Milling Functionality

Also called 2.5 axis milling. Commonly used for rectangular parts with pockets and general job-shop machining.

All of the functions shown below are available in Inventor CAM Express , Inventor CAM Premium and Inventor CAM Ultimate .

Topics in this section

2D Adaptive Clearing
2D Adaptive Clearing is a roughing operation using a toolpath that "flows". You can clear a cavity, open pocket or the area around a boss. Adaptive Clearing eliminates all conventional cutting moves and any sharp changes in direction. The machining area can be selected from Edges, Sketches or a Solid face.
2D Pocket
2D Pocket is a roughing operation with options for creating a finish pass. You can clear a cavity, open pocket or the area around a boss. The toolpath will resemble the shape of the boundary being machined. The machining area can be selected from Edges, Sketches or a Solid face. Includes options for taper walls and Pre-drilling entry positions.
2D Contour
2D Contour allows you to machine profiles. The machining area can be selected from Edges, Sketches or a Solid face. Typically a finishing operation, but Contour can be used to take multiple cuts.
Facing
The Facing Toolpath strategy is designed for quick removal of the raw stock from the top surface of the part. It generally prepares the part for further machining. It's used for clearing flat areas.
Slot
Slot mills a centerline path by selecting Edges or Sketches. It does not contour the perimeter of the selected slot. The tool should be the width of the actual slot or smaller. The Slot shape can be open or closed, straight, circular or contain multiple curves. But it must be a continuous width slot shape. Useful for clearing a channel before machining a boundary.
Trace
Trace allows you to machine 3D Edge contours. You can select Edges from the model or Sketch geometry. This single line engraving can be used for scroll work or text. You can machine on center or use left and right compensation. Using left and right compensation might create disconnected passes at the corners due to sudden changes in the Z position.
Thread
Thread is used for milling threads into a hole or a boss, with straight or tapered walls. Select any internal or external circular Face to create single or multi-lead threads. The heights and depths are automatically derived from the selected Face.
Circular
Circular is used for milling cylindrical holes and bosses. You can only select Circular Faces for this toolpath. Heights and depths are determined from the selected Face. Circular will ramp on and ramp off for each pass around the profile. It does not stay in contact like the Bore Toolpath.
Bore
Bore is used for helical milling into a hole or a boss, with straight or tapered walls. Select any internal or external Face to create the path. The heights and depths are automatically derived from the selected Face.
Engrave
Engrave machines along the contours with V-shaped chamfer tools. Select the profile with Edges, Sketches or Faces. The tip of the tool is used to create sharp edges on the cavity corners.
2D Chamfer
The 2D Chamfer is used to create a beveled edge on the part. Select from Edges or Sketches. A tapered tool is required.

Parent topic: Inventor CAM Reference