Unsafe segment removal (PartMaker, Advanced Surface Manufacturing, area clearance)

Use the Unsafe segment removal page to specify that PartMaker removes small toolpath segments to prevent tool damage when using non-center cutting tools. When machining into small pockets, removing small segments stops the central, non-cutting underside of the tool from hitting non-machinable material. Unsafe segment removal filters out the machining of confined areas with small movement of the cutting tool.

Remove segments smaller than threshold — Select this option to remove segments that are smaller than the Threshold value.

Remove segments smaller than threshold option deselected:

Remove segments smaller than threshold selected:

Removes the small segments in areas and .

Note: If segments are smaller than the threshold value but surround a boss they are not removed.

Threshold (tool diameter units) — Enter the size against which all segments are compared. The higher the threshold value, the more segments are removed.

— Segment length (Ls)

— Pocket length (Lp)

— Tool diameter (D)

— Non-cutting tool diameter (d)

This example uses a constant Z toolpath.

Threshold (tool diameter units) — 1.5:

Threshold (tool diameter units) — 0.7:

To calculate the minimum threshold value, divide the non-cutting diameter by the full tool diameter. Values smaller than this do not remove all unsafe segments.

Note: A value of 1 always removes all unsafe segments, but may also remove some safe segments.

Only remove segments from enclosed areas — Select this option to remove segments, in enclosed areas, that are smaller than the Threshold value.

Remove segments smaller than threshold and Only remove segments from enclosed areas deselected:

Remove segments smaller than threshold and Only remove segments from enclosed areas selected:

Removes the small segments in area , but doesn't remove the segments in area .