FeatureCAM roughs a Groove feature in only one direction. The Groove can be cut in the positive X or negative X direction. Due to the curved shape of the face groove tool holders, face grooving tools have a limited range (between the Min plunge diameter and Max plunge diameter) in which they can plunge.
To cut wide Face Grooves you may need to create three grooves:
- The groove you want to machine has Diameter D and the Width W.
- The plunge diameter P is a value between the Min plunge diameter and Max plunge diameter of the tool.
- Create a Groove feature with Diameter P and Width W - (D-P). On the Strategy tab select a Rough pass only and set its Feed dir to Negative.
- Create a second Groove feature and set the Diameter to D and the Width to (D-P). On the Strategy tab select a Rough pass only and set its Feed dir to Positive.
- Create a third Groove feature and set the Diameter set to D and Width set to W. On the Strategy tab, select a Finish pass only.