Defining the finishing tool geometry

The tool currently selected for the Steep and Shallow Finishing strategy dialog is the same tool that was used for the rest roughing toolpath. This tool is not appropriate for the current toolpath strategy, and must be changed. This example uses an 8 mm (5/16 inch) ball nosed tool.

1. In the Steep and Shallow Finishing strategy dialog, click to select the Tool page.
2. On the Tool page, from the tool list, select to create a Ball Nosed Tool.
3. On the Tool page, click to display the Ball Nosed Tool dialog.
4. In the Ball Nosed Tool dialog, enter:
   1. Name: 8 Ball_LS_TH
   2. Length: 20 mm
   3. Diameter: 8 mm
   4. Tool Number: 3

   

5. Select the Shank tab, click to add a shank component. Enter:
   1. Upper Diameter: 12
   2. Lower Diameter: 8
   3. Length: 25

   

6. Click the button to add a second shank component. Enter:
   1. Upper Diameter: 12
   2. Lower Diameter: 12
   3. Length: 30

   

7. Select the Holder tab, and click the button to add a holder component. Enter:
   1. Name: 8 mm Ball Holder
   2. Upper Diameter: 20
   3. Lower Diameter: 20
   4. Length: 20
   5. Overhang: 55

   

8. Click the button to add the upper part of the holder. Enter:
   1. Upper Diameter: 60
   2. Lower Diameter: 60
   3. Length: 10
   4. Overhang: 55

   

9. Click Close to update the Tool page with the new tool.

   The new tool is shown in the Explorer and is drawn in the graphics window, where it is automatically aligned with the Z axis.

   

   The toolpath is not yet complete because it must reference a boundary, but you can close the dialog without generating the toolpath.

10. Click OK to close the toolpath dialog.