When using the Profile Group Parameters dialog for a Rectangular Grooving strategy, the following settings are available:
Strategy — Select the type of strategy to be performed.
Profile Shape — Select the shape of the groove:
- Rectangular — Select to create a groove shape that can contain only horizontal and vertical lines. A minimum of three lines is required.
- General — Select to create a groove shape that can contain circular arcs and inclined lines, as well as horizontal and vertical lines.
When using a flat-end grooving tool, the bottom of the groove must also be flat. Make sure the width of this flat section is not smaller than the width of the grooving tool.
When using a button-end grooving tool, the bottom of the groove must be a circular arc. Make sure the diameter of the circular arc is not smaller than the width of the grooving tool.
Tool Location — Select the location of the tool (In, Out, or Face).
Depth of Cut (d) — Enter the amount of material removed on each tool pass.
Return Length (l) — Enter the distance (above the previous cut that was made) at which the tool retracts.
Clearance (C) — Enter the X distance from the stock at which the tool retracts after the initial cutting pass.
Axial Step — Enter the amount of material to be removed during each linear plunge of the tool.
Operations — Select the type of operations to be performed:
- Roughing — This option is automatically selected for profile groups where the Grooving strategy is used to create a rectangular groove.
Tool ID — Enter the ID of the tool you want to use for the selected operation or click Select Tools to choose a tool from the Select Tool dialog.
When a tool has been selected, you can click the icon that shows a representation of the tool to display the Edit Tool dialog, where you can view, or modify, details of the tool.
Groove Options — Click to display the Groove Options dialog.
Cutting Point — Click to display the Cutting Point dialog. For grooves, the Cutting Point can be used as an optional start/end point for the toolpath.
Pinch Turning — Select to specify that this group supports Pinch Turning (or balance turning). Pinch Turning (balance turning) involves the use of two turning tools, each mounted on separate tool post. Both tools machine the same part profile simultaneously, where one tool leads while the other tool follows its path at a specified depth of cut. Pinch Turning helps to reduce the cycle time when performing multiple pass turning operations.
Group Name — Enter a name for the profile group.
Select Tools — Click to display the Select Tool dialog, where you can select the tool to use for machining.