Vortex Milling Calculator add-in

You can use the Vortex Milling Calculator to optimize a Vortex toolpath to reduce the machining time while maintaining the cutting load on the tool.

You can find the maximum chip thickness based on tooling catalog input values, and calculate the feedrate and stepover required to maintain a specified maximum chip thickness.

To use the Vortex Milling Calculator:

1. Install the VortexMillingCalculator.bas add-in.
2. Select a feature for which you want to optimize a Vortex toolpath.
3. Select Add-Ins tab > Macros panel > VortexMillingCalculator.

   The Vortex Milling Calculator dialog is displayed.

   The tool information and the toolpath values are extracted from the document and displayed in the dialog.

4. In the MATERIAL list, select the stock material you are machining.
5. To calculate the maximum chip thickness, specify the INPUT VARIABLES and click Calculate.
   • Feedrate and Feed/Tooth — This is the Feed value on the F/S tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
   • Speed and Surface Speed — This is the Speed value on the F/S tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
   • Stepover — This is the Distance between cuts value on the Stepovers tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
   • Stepdown — This is the Z increment value on the Milling tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
6. To apply an upper limit when calculating the maximum chip thickness, enter a Maximum Chip Thickness, click Set Max, and select Do not exceed. The calculated Maximum Chip Thickness will not exceed this value.
7. To calculate the values required to maintain a maximum chip thickness, specify a Maximum Chip Thickness and click Calculate.

   A message is displayed that tells you the new maximum chip thickness. Select whether you want to update the feedrate or stepover to maintain the new maximum chip thickness.

8. Click Apply to update the feature with the new values and update the toolpath time.
9. Click OK to close the dialog.