Use the Feature slot machining page to create a toolpath that machines slot features in a feature group.
Stepdown — Enter the distance between different machining levels.
PowerMill creates a Z Height up to the Stepdown value entered, from the top of the block, and then steps down a defined height in Z. The final Z height is at the bottom of the block. The Stepdown definition takes into account existing Z Heights (such as those calculated when the Machine Flats option is selected). PowerMill looks at pairs of existing Z Heights and adds the minimum number of extra Z Heights between them such that the stepdown between heights is less than or equal to the specified Stepdown value.
Copy stepdown from tool
— Click to load the axial depth of cut from the active
tool's cutting data. The axial depth of cut is measured along the tool axis.
Floor only — Select to create one toolpath along the base of the slot channel.
Thickness — Enter the amount of material to be left on the part. Click the
Thickness
button to separate the
Thickness
box in to
Radial thickness
Axial thickness
. Use these to specify separate
Radial and
Axial thickness as independent values. Separate
Radial and
Axial thickness values are useful for orthogonal parts. You can use independent thickness on sloping walled parts, although it is more difficult to predict the results.
Radial thickness — Enter the radial offset to the tool. When 2.5-axis or 3-axis machining, a positive value leaves material on vertical walls.
Axial thickness — Enter the offset to the tool, in the tool axis direction only. When 2.5-axis or 3-axis machining, a positive value leaves material on horizontal faces.
Component thickness — Click to display the
Component thickness
dialog, which enables you to specify the thicknesses of the different surfaces.
Tolerance — Enter a value to determine how accurately the toolpath follows the contours of the model.