Use the Offset flat finishing page to specify settings for creating an offset toolpath on the flat areas of the model.
Flat tolerance — Enter a tolerance to find areas that are almost flat (that is, flat within the tolerance specified here).
Allow tool outside flats —Select this option to allow the tool to go outside the flat area. This alleviates the problem of running the tool along a sharp edge.
- With Allow tool outside flat selected:
- With Allow tool outside flat deselected:
Add approaches from outside — Select to specify that PartMaker allows level moves to approach the model from outside the block.
Approach outside allowance — Enter the approach distance. This is the maximum approach distance from the flat.
Tolerance — Enter a value to determine how accurately the toolpath follows the contours of the model.
Cut direction — Select the milling technology.
- Climb — Select to create toolpaths using only climb milling, where possible. The tool is on the left of the machined edge when viewed in the direction of tool travel.
- Conventional — Select to create toolpaths using only conventional or upcut milling, where possible. The tool is on the right of the machined edge when viewed in the direction of tool travel.
- Any — Select to create toolpaths using both conventional and climb milling, as appropriate. This minimizes the tool lifts and tool travel.
Thickness — Enter the amount of material to be left on the stock within tolerance. Thickness is applied as an offset to the tool in all directions:
Stepover —Enter the distance between consecutive machining passes.