Fixing the tool angle

Use the Fixed Angle area, on the Definition tab of the Tool Axis dialog, to fix the azimuth or elevation angle of the tool.

• Fixed angle —Select whether you are fixing the Azimuth or Elevation angle. The effect of this option is visible when you select Toolpath tab > Draw panel > Display > Tool Axes.

  A Tool axis of Vertical and a Fixed Angle of None gives:

  

  A Tool axis of Vertical and a Fixed Angle of Elevation set to 45 gives:

  

• Angle — Enter the angle of the fixed tool axis.

Note: Automatic collision avoidance and tool axis limits can override the angle specified here.

• Rotary axis configuration — The read-only field displays the coordinate system PowerMill uses to fix the tool axis angle, if a Fixed Angle of Azimuth or Elevation is selected. To specify which workplane PowerMill uses, select a rotary-axis-configuration option on the Machine tool page of a strategy dialog. The effect of this option is visible when you select Toolpath tab > Draw panel > Display > Tool Axes.
  1. Select a Tool axis of Vertical.
  2. From the Fixed Angle list, select Elevation.
  3. In the Fixed Angle box, enter 0. This produces:
     
     
  4. Select a Tool axis of Vertical.
  5. From the Fixed Angle list, select Elevation.
  6. In the Fixed Angle box, enter 0.
  7. On the Machine tool page, from the Rotary axis configuration area, select Override toolpath workplane. Then select a workplane created by rotating by 30 about the X axis. This produces:
     
     In this instance, part of the toolpath is removed as otherwise the tool would gouge the part.

When you use a Tool Axis of Vertical the azimuth is undefined. However, to fix the elevation an azimuth is needed. In this instance, the azimuth is defined as 90 from the direction of travel. Other Tool Axis types have a defined azimuth.