To generate outcomes appropriate for 2.5-axis milling and 2-axis cutting, think about your manufacturing method while setting up a design space.

• Align the setup orientation with the direction of the manufacturing method.

  You can do it using the Align command in the Edit Model contextual environment. Or, you can rotate a model and set up a new coordinate system.

• Match preserve geometry to your manufacturing method.

  If preserve geometry includes cylinders with a hole, where the axis is not aligned to the cutting direction, replace cylinders with cubes.

  Example 1

  Preserve geometry includes a transverse cylinder with a hole.

  

  Gaps around the transverse cylinder appear because preserve geometry is not adjusted during the generation. Outcomes need editing.

  Transverse cylinders with holes may not be manufacturable using 2.5-axis milling and 2-axis cutting.

  Example 2

  The transverse cylinder in the preserve geometry is modeled as a cube.

  

  Preserve geometry modeled as cubes instead of transverse cylinders enables you to avoid geometry gaps in outcomes. This setup is suited for 2.5-axis milling and 2-axis cutting.

  You can edit the outcome geometry later on using:

  • Commands in the Design workspace, including T-Spline tools to edit exported designs.

  • Sketches and sketch points. For 2.5-axis milling, the exported design includes sketches. They consist of points which you can modify.

• Use a starting shape

  For 2-axis cutting, consider using a starting shape to add voids. It may help the generation proceed further within the iteration limit.

Clone a generative model

To create a different generative setup that 2-axis cutting and 2.5-axis milling require, clone a generative model. It doesn't affect your original model and outcomes. In the cloned model, you can edit everything you need, for example change the geometric features or add a starting shape.

You can access the Clone Generative Model command in the Edit Model contextual environment, after you right-click the model name in the browser.

This way, in the same document, you can have different generative setups and their outcomes.

Setting up preserve geometry for 2-axis cutting and 2.5-axis milling - length: 02:53

Cloning a generative model to change geometry - length: 02:52

Additional tips on 2.5-axis milling and 2-axis cutting