Use the Unsafe segment removal page to remove small toolpath segments and so prevent tool damage when using non-center cutting tools. When machining into small pockets, removing small segments stops the central, non-cutting underside of the tool from hitting non-machinable material. Unsafe segment removal filters out the machining of confined areas with small movement of the cutting tool.
Remove segments smaller than threshold — Select this option to remove segments that are smaller than the Threshold value.
- With Remove segment smaller than threshold deselected:
- With Remove segment smaller than threshold selected:
— Areas where segments are removed as these segments are smaller than the Threshold value.If segments are smaller than the threshold value but surround a boss they are not removed.
Threshold (tool diameter units) — Enter the size against which all segments are compared. The higher the threshold value, the more segments are removed.
Segment length (Ls)
Pocket length (Lp)
Tool diameter (D)
Non-cutting tool diameter (d)
This example uses a constant Z toolpath.
- With a Threshold (tool diameter units) of 1.5:
- With a Threshold (tool diameter units) of 0.7:
To calculate the minimum threshold value, divide the non-cutting diameter by the full tool diameter. Values smaller than this do not remove all unsafe segments.
Only remove segments from enclosed areas — Select this option to remove segments, in enclosed areas, that are smaller than the Threshold value.
- With Remove segments smaller than threshold deselected:
- With Remove segments smaller than threshold selected and Only remove segments from enclosed areas deselected:
- With Remove segments smaller than threshold selected and Only remove segments from enclosed areas selected:
Areas where segments are removed as these segments are smaller than the Threshold value.
Areas where segments are not removed as these segments are not in an enclosed area even though they are smaller than the Threshold value.