Equal depth of cut

If Equal depth of cut is selected, FeatureCAM calculates the depth of cut like this:

1. Divides the feature depth, for example 10 mm, by the depth of cut you set to get the number of steps.
2. Divides the depth by the number of steps to get the actual depth of cut (the depth of cut for each step is equal).

For example:

If the feature depth is 10 mm and you set a depth of cut of 3 mm, the number of steps is calculated as (10/3) + 1 = 4 steps. The actual depth of cut is 10 / 4 = 2.5 mm. The steps are cut at 2.5 mm, 5 mm, 7.5 mm, and 10 mm.

Note: If the second to last pass is within 10% of the depth of cut, it is ignored.

For a feature depth of 10 mm with a depth of cut of 3.3 mm, the steps are cut at 3.3 mm, 6.6 mm, and 10.0 mm.

For a feature depth of 10 mm with a depth of cut of 3.2 mm, the steps are cut at 3.2 mm, 6.4 mm, 9.6 mm, and 10 mm.

To set an exact depth of cut, deselect Equal depth of cut.

Using the same example, with Equal depth of cut deselected:

If the feature depth is 10mm and you set a depth of cut of 3mm, the number of steps is calculated as (10/3) + 1 = 4 steps. FeatureCAM uses the actual depth of cut you set (3 mm) for each pass, then cuts any remainder depth. The steps are cut at 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, and 10 mm.

These features support exact depth of cut:

Profile boss Profile pocket Profile side Profile groove (Face groove only) Slot

Rectangular pocket Step bore Counter bore hole Plain hole with drill/mill roughing Tapped hole with drill/mill roughing