Flat milling strategy

The Flat toolpath is a finishing toolpath that automatically detects, and generates a toolpath over, flat areas of a model that are perpendicular to the tool orientation.

The Flat toolpath comes in three types: Offset(pocket), Parallel, and Profile. The Offset(pocket) type is suited to machine complex geometry, the Parallel type is suited to machine simpler geometry, and the Profile type is suited to machine floor-to-wall transitions.

Flat (Offset type) toolpath on a 3D model

Flat (Parallel type) toolpath on a 3D model

Flat (Profile type) toolpath on a 3D model

The passes are horizontal in the XY plane. Multiple cuts in the Z-direction are achieved by using the Multiple Depths parameter.

Controls exist for containing the toolpath to a specific area. You can use Machining Boundary to contain the machining area in X & Y and the Heights parameters to contain the machining areas in Z, but as a default, it will assume you want to machine all the flat areas on the entire model.

When compared with the Horizontal strategy, the Flat strategy is advantageous in the following ways:

• Better detection of flat areas on the model
• Improved entry and exit moves when engaging with open pockets
• Better toolpath filleting