The Wireframe Swarf Finishing strategy creates a swarf toolpath from two wireframe curves. PowerMill creates a toolpath cutting with the side of the tool as the tool follows the two curves (a top and bottom curve). As with swarf machining, you must be able to create a developable surface from the two wireframe curves. For more information see Swarf machining.
To create a wireframe swarf toolpath you must first create a Pattern from each curve. It is important to Instrument the patterns to ensure that the patterns are in the same direction.
If they aren't you must select one of the patterns, and then from the individual Pattern context menu, select Edit > Reverse Selected
The pages associated with the Wireframe Swarf Finishing strategy are:
- Wireframe swarf finishing - the main page used to define a wireframe swarf toolpath.
- Position — Settings to determine the location of the toolpath.
- Gouge avoidance — Settings to determine what happens to the wireframe swarf toolpath when a surface prevents machining at the lowest position.
- Multiple cuts — Settings to enable multiple passes down the tool axis.
- High speed — Settings to improve the smoothness of the toolpath.
- Automatic verification — Settings to automatically verify the toolpath when calculating it.
The remaining pages are common toolpath strategy pages.