Use the Offset page to create cutting moves by offsetting the model or block. The available options are dependent on the selected strategy:
Advanced Offset Settings
Maintain cut direction — Select this option to maintain the cut direction specified in Cut direction area. Deselect this option to allow PowerMill to create a toolpath with fewer tool lifts. PowerMill adheres to the cut direction as far as possible, but priority is given to fewer tool lifts. For area clearance and feature finishing strategies, this option is available only if you select a Style of Offset model or Offset all on the main page of the strategy dialog.
Spiral — Select this option to enable spiralling to occur (where the original offsets are closed and have one-to-one nesting). The following example compares a toolpath with spiralling disabled and then enabled. For area clearance and feature finishing strategies this option is available only if you select a Style of Offset model on the main page of the strategy dialog.
Remove cusps — Select this option to ensure there are no upstanding cusps of material when calculating the toolpath. If a cusp is detected, the toolpath uses a variable stepover in that region to remove the cusps. In regions where no cusps are detected, the stepover you have specified is used.
Machine smallest first — Select this option to machine the smallest islands of material first to avoid tool damage.
Style — Select the type of offset. This option is only available for Curve Area Clearance strategies.
-
Offset model — This offsets the spans in contact with the model. This produces a toolpath which maintains constant tool load, cut direction, and chip production. This option increases the number of lifts.
-
Offset and minimise air moves — This offsets all spans and minimise air moves. Each area is machined with one plunge at the start of the toolpath. This produces a toolpath which minimises the number of lifts and works extremely well for soft materials. This works well if cut direction is not important, as it is difficult to maintain cut direction if you are not allowed to lift the tool.
-
Offset and maintain cut direction — This offsets all spans and maintain cut direction. This introduces additional lifts when required to maintain cut direction. If you want to use trochoidal machining (refer to
Tool Loading), you must select this option.
Cut direction
Cut direction — Select a milling style for Profile and Area:
-
Climb — Select to create toolpaths using only climb milling, where possible. The tool is on the left of the machined edge when viewed in the direction of tool travel.
-
Conventional — Select to create toolpaths using only conventional or upcut milling, where possible. The tool is on the right of the machined edge when viewed in the direction of tool travel.
- Any — Select to create toolpaths using both conventional and climb milling. This minimises the tool lifts and tool travel.
Direction
Direction — Select an option to control the direction of offset moves.
- Auto — Select this option to specify that PowerMill automatically selects the Direction based on whether a core or a cavity is being machined. A core is defined as an area whose outermost boundaries are ALL lying on the outside of the block.
- Inside out —Select to machine from the innermost profile, moving outward.
- Outside in — Select to machine from the outermost profile, moving inward.