Vortex approaches flats from outside stock

Vortex toolpaths can approach flat areas from outside of stock instead of always ramping into it. This enables you to create Vortex toolpaths that are faster to machine and are compatible with a wider selection of tools.

To approach from outside the stock, FeatureCAM:

• extends a section of the flat area beyond the stock and into an area already machined; and;
• fills the extended section with cutting moves.
Note: By extending the section to an area already machined, the machine tool can approach the flat area in open space.

Edge of flat area

Stock

Extended section of flat area filled with cutting moves

Outside edge of extended section

Area already machined

Criteria for toolpath to approach from outside stock

FeatureCAM only extends a section of the flat area if the extended section:

• has an outside edge that the machine tool can approach.
• does not gouge the model.
• is wide enough to be profile smoothed successfully.
• can reach an area already machined within the distance of one tool diameter.

If the extended section fails to meet the criteria, FeatureCAM does not extend the flat area and instead uses a ramp move to approach the toolpath.