Use the Lead feed rates page to enter the Ramp lead in, Lead in, and Lead out feed rates for lead moves as a factor of the cutting feed rate. This enables you to use a slower entry and exit feed rate. This reduces the stress on the tool and so increases tool life. It also minimises damage to the part, especially when cutting brittle materials such as graphite.
For example, if you modify the
Lead in feed rate factor to 50%, the lead in move will be performed at half the
Cutting feed rate.
Tip: You can also specify factors above 100%.
The
Ramp lead in references the
Plunge feed rate; and the
Lead in and
Lead out references the
Cutting feed rate specified in
Feeds and Speeds.
Note: Modifying the factor automatically updates the absolute feed rate value. Similarly, modifying the absolute feed rate value automatically updates the factor.
Ramp lead in
The Ramp lead in feed rate controls the speed of the tool when it ramps into the stock.
- % — Enter the factor by which the Ramp lead in feed rate is modified.
- mm/min — Enter the absolute feed rate of the Ramp lead in move.
- Maintain ramp feed rate — Click to maintain the tool speed after the tool ramps into the stock.
- Distance — Enter the distance for which the tool speed is maintained.
Lead in
The Lead in feed rate controls the speed of the tool as it approaches the stock, before beginning a cutting move.
- % — Enter the factor by which the Lead in feed rate is modified.
- mm/min — Enter the absolute feed rate of the Lead in move.
Lead out
The Lead out feed rate controls the speed of the tool after it leaves the stock, at the end of a cutting move.
- % — Enter the factor by which the Lead out feed rate is modified.
- mm/min or in/min — Enter the absolute feed rate of the Lead out move.