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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket Milling

Facemill

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure thesequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in all

machining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Depth Parameters for Cycles

In a milling cycle there are various height type parameters that you specify in the Depth tab.

For features and solids you can specify these associatively.

Here is the non-associative way to specify the parameters:

Clearance The Z-value at or above which the tool may move at the rapid rate with no danger of colliding

with the workpiece.

Level The Z-value below which cutting is liable to start (moving downwards). This generally is the top-

most point of the shapes you are machining. In a Roughing cycle, for example, cutting will start at this level.

(Note that cutting need not necessarily start at this level; in a Flatlands cycle for example, there may not be

any flat regions at this level.)

Retract This is added to the Level value to produce a 'secondary' clearance value within regions; you

might want to machine a boss which is sunk down inside a pocket for example.

Depth This is added to the Level value to produce the level at which cutting is to stop.

You can type in values or derive them by digitising entities.

The way in which depths are use can vary between cycles. Any unique information is included in

the topics for each specific cycle.

See Also

Tool Depths with Multiple Profiles

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Associative Depth Parameters

In solids based machining, you can make cycle's depth parameters associative to the model and its

features.

Associative Clearance Illustration

Associative Level Illustration

Associative Depth Illustration

You might set the associative clearance option, in the Roughing cycle:

As the illustrations show, when checked, you specify values that are incremental from key elevations of the

solid or feature to be machined. For example, an associative level will be incremental from the top-most

point (highest Z value) of the model you select. When not checked, you specify absolute values. (Note that

for features, the 'key elevations' are given by their Level, Depth and Bottom properties.)

Note: These associative parameters are not available when 3D curve profiling.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Tool Depths with Multiple Profiles

If machining multiple profiles, after the first profile is complete the tool will:

Rapid vertically to the clearance plane.1.

Rapid move in the workplane until above the start of the next profile.2.

Rapid down to the retract plane.3.

Feed down to the start point at the depth plane.4.

At the end of the cycle, the tool remains at the depth plane.5.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Using Wireframe Geometry in Cycles - Overview

See:

Specifying pockets

Specifying Pockets with Islands

Specifying Male Parts

Specifying Open Pockets

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Specifying Pockets

In the Roughing, Profiling and Flat Land Finishing cycles, one or more closed profiles can be selected and

they are automatically interpreted as pockets; that is the inside of the profile will be machined. You need to

manually set the Level and Depth parameters.

When just machining pockets, in the Roughing and Profiling cycles stock should be set to None, in the Flat

Land Finishing cycle, 'Boss' should be unchecked.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Specifying Pockets with Islands

In the Roughing, Profiling and Flat Land Finishing cycles, one or more closed profiles can be selected and

they are automatically interpreted as pockets. Any closed profiles inside pockets are considered islands.

When just machining pockets, in the Roughing and Profiling cycles stock should be set to None; in the Flat

Land Finishing cycle 'Boss' should be unchecked. The cycle will take the island into account once the

toolpath is below the level of the island profile.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Specifying Male Parts

In the Roughing, Profiling and Flat Land Finishing cycles, one or more closed profiles can be selected and

they are automatically interpreted as bosses when stock is also selected. When just machining bosses, in

the Roughing and Profiling cycles stock should generally be set to Profile or Bounding Box; in the Flat Land

Finishing cycle 'Boss' should be checked.

If the system also has a Surface Licence then the additional stock types may also be used.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Specifying Open Pockets

In the Roughing and Profiling cycles, as with bosses, open pockets require a stock defined. This identifies

the area(s) to be machined. The example below shows that the toolpath will cut the difference in area

between the part profile and the stock profile.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Specifying the Cutter Direction

The cutter can move along a profile on the left or right hand side. This, combined with the spindle direction,

gives the type of cutting to be either Climb or Conventional. A number of cutting factors, such as the type of

the material being cut affects the type of milling you should select for a cycle.

Mill Type Effect (Spindle rotation is Clockwise)

Climb Tool cuts on the left of the profile

Conventional Tool cuts on right of the profile

See Also

Climb MillingConventional Milling

Selecting a Mill Type of

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Climb Milling

Caution: Using this on a hard material could damage the cutter.

Use Climb milling for soft materials such as aluminium.

The tool moves along the left of the profile, so that the cutter rotates like a wheel rolling along the ground.

Climb is often referred to as Upcut when wood routing.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Conventional Milling

Caution: Using this on such a soft material could weld swarf to the surface of the material, resulting

in a rough-looking finish.

Use Conventional milling for hard materials such as steel.

As the tool moves along the right of the profile, the cutter rotates so that the cutting forces on the teeth areincreased gradually.

Each tooth starts with a shallow cut that gets thicker until the tooth leaves the material. This action

minimises the stress on the cutter teeth and the material.

Conventional is often referred to as Downcut when wood routing.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Selecting a Mill Type of

Use when the cutter direction is unimportant (as with laser, flame or water cutters), or when cutting

soft material.

If you select different start points on an open profile, the cycle will stay on the same side but switch to the

opposite ends of the profile.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Approaching and Leaving the Work

Most machining cycles automatically move the tool from the current position to approach the start point of

cutting.

In the horizontal plane, the tool moves from its current position to the start point at the rapid rate. The tool

motion then depends on its vertical position. If the tool starts:

Abovethe Retract plane, the tool rapids to the Retract plane.

Belowthe Retract plane, the tool rapids up to the Clearance plane and then rapids down to the Retractplane.

The tool then feeds down to the Depth plane, and feeds into position at depth.

For more information, see Using Ramp Moves.

See Also

Selecting a Start Point

Automatically Retracting the Tool

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Selecting a Start Point

Once you have selected all entities to be machined by the cycle, most cycles then offer a default start point

for each selected profile.

This default start point and how you can change it varies depending on what type of cycle it is. For more

information, read up on that particular type of machining.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Automatically Retracting the Tool

TheFinish Atparameter allows you to control the behaviour of the tool at the end of that milling cycle. This

is not available in the Hole cycle command.

You may select one of these options:

Depth The tool remains 'at depth' at the end of the last pass.

Clearance The tool makes a rapid move to the Clearance plane from 'depth'.

Retract The tool makes a rapid move to the Retract plane from 'depth'.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Using Ramp Moves

Although most milling cycles include ways of describing tool approach strategies, EdgeCAM provides two

standaloneMovemenu commands to control the approach of the tool to depth:

Ramp Helical Ramp Zig Zag

The parameters for these commands are:

Replace Check this box to select an instruction and then digitise a node on the toolpath of that instruction.The node is replaced with the new Ramp move.

Orientation Specify an angle from which to start the move, with zero degrees being the three oclock

position.

Radius(Helical only) Specify the radius of the helical move.

Pitch(Helical only) Specify the vertical

distance between points at the same XY

position on the helical move.

StepAngle(Helical only) The helix is made up of straight line move segments. Specify the amount by

which to change the angle after each segment. The default is 30 degrees.

Angle(Zigzag only) Specify the vertical angle of the ramp, with 90 degrees being a vertical move.

Length(Zigzag only) Specify the length of each ramp segment, which must be a positive value.

Feedrate Specify the horizontal cutting speed of the tool.

Speed Specify the rotational speed of the tool.

StartLevel Specify the absolute height at which the move is to start.

Direction(Helical Only) Specify whether the helical move is to be Clockwise or Counterclockwise.

Name Specify a named cycle. The approach move will be made to the start of the named cycle. This is

mutually exclusive with the Replace parameter.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Defining Draft Walls

Only available when working with 2D geometry

Within the Roughing, Profiling and Flat Land Finishing cycles you can define a draft wall with optional blend

radii from the cycle dialog. This frees you from having to generate blend radius geometry or other geometry

for the wall. The draft wall parameters will be applied to the profile and any islands contained within the

profile.

Draft Angle This defines the draft angle from the

vertical. The angle is always a positive number

ranging from >0 to

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Digitising Contour Walls

Only available when working with 2D geometry

The Roughing, Profiling and Flat Land Finishing cycles allow you to digitise contour walls and supports all

combinations of pockets and bosses i.e.

Pockets within pockets

Bosses on top of bosses

Pockets with bosses

Bosses with pockets

When using contour walls the profiles always represent the top of the pocket or boss feature. The contour

wall represents the shape and depth of the feature.

The depth of the walls (feature depth) determines the relationship between profile features. The two

examples below share the same profile geometry, but the walls are defined differently.

Boss in a pocket

In this example the outer profile wall extends down to the base of the inner profile wall. This indicates that

the inner profile is a boss standing up inside the pocket.

Pocket in a pocket

Here the outer profile wall extends down to the top of the inner profile indicating that the inner profile is

below and therefore must be a pocket inside the pocket.

See Also

Rules Used when Digitising Contour Walls

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Rules Used when Digitising Contour Walls

Only available when working with 2D geometry

A contour wall can be created from a single line, arc, curve or a continuous.

When defining nested features it is important that the top or bottom of the contour wall is equal in depth to

the parent or child feature. For example with a boss inside a pocket, the bottom of a boss wall must be at

the same depth as the wall of the pocket.

Pocket boss combinations

By using this method, any combination of pocket in boss or boss in pocket can be defined. The example

below shows a pocket with two ledges (bosses) defined at different depths.

Contour pocket

When the outer profile represents a pocket the Stock Type must be set to None.

Contour boss

When the outer profile represents a boss the Stock Type must be selected for the cycle to understand that it

must start machining from the stock to the boss feature. The example below has a Profile Stock selected.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Arc Bulge Correction

A rounding

error of

0.0005mm can

cause the arc tobulge by up to

0.317mm on a

50mm radius.

When a cycle's NC Output is set to Line Arc Smooth,

you may encounter problems with distortion in arcs.

The is caused by rounding errors (to the controller's

tolerance) being multiplied.

The problem is corrected by outputting bulging arcs asfour quadrants. The correction is optional, controlled by

system variables in the code generator (the correction is

enabled by default). For more information see this topic

from the Code Generator Compiler help.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Radius Rounding Error Correction on almost Complete Arcs

EdgeCAM prevents errors being caused by arc moves that form almost a complete circle, and use 'R'; as in

this example CNC code:

G2 X10.432 Y12.475 R50

In this situation the controller has to calculate the arc centre point. In the CNC file the arc Start point, End

point and Radius are rounded to the format limitation of the Controller. This small error is amplified by the

arc radius and can lead to the centre point being out of position by an unacceptable distance.

Exact Start/End Rounded Start/End

The error is monitored, and to prevent it becoming unacceptable a switch to IJK output is enforced.

This solution is only implemented in code generators based on Version 9.75, or later, templates.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Planar Milling

'Planar Milling' refers to cycles which can only operate on flat planes.

Use these commands for driving the tool on or around a profile:

Profile (Cycles menu)

Relative (Move menu)for precise tool positioning relative to the profile's geometry. Make sure youhave read the methods for chaining and branching.

Use these commands or methods for pocketing and stock removal:

Facemill (Cycles menu)

Freehand machining (Movemenu commands).

Use these operations to combine several machining commands (see Operations in Milling for details):

Facemilling (Operations menu)

See Also

Roughing

Slotting

Text Machining

Engraving

Planar Cycle Parameters

Controlling Link Moves

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Profile Cycle

Use these commands for driving the tool on or around a profile:

2D Profile (superseded)

Profiling (Mill Cycles menu)this cycle also has 3D (surface and solid) capabilities. We recommend

you use this cycle rather than the 2D Profile cycle, as it has more features and a user interface that is

consistent with other recent cycles.

Relative (Move menu)for precise tool positioning relative to the geometry.

Profile (Operation menu)to use several commands together in one operation.

Please note that a new Profile operation was introduced in EdgeCAM version 7.75. The previous Profile

operation is still available to existing parts and will be used if the operation is edited or regenerated. To use

the new method on an existing part, delete the old operation and re-apply the new operation.

(See Operational Programming in Milling for details of using operations.)Make sure you have read the methods for Chainingand Branching.

Note - When merging sequences in multiplane milling the Profile cycle is liable to corruption. To ensure

that inserting and merging function correctly, profiles must be created in a defined view, not in "dynamic".

See Also

Applying Cutter Compensation in the 2D Profile Cycle

Specifying Profile Start and End Points

Removing Stock with Offset Profiles

Avoiding Cutting Other Profile Elements

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Applying Cutter Compensation in the 2D Profile Cycle

When positioning the tool before using the 2D Profile Cycle, you must follow the rules of the controller

usually this means that you must make the offset greater than the tool radius and use a perpendicular

approach to the work.

Position the cutter in this spot using the Relative (Move menu)command.

Now select the compensation type usingRadius Compensation (Tooling menu)command .

The possible choices for Compensation are:

None- inserts a G40 code or equivalent into the machining sequence.Left- inserts a G41 code or equivalent.

Right- inserts a G42 code or equivalent.

Then use the Profile command.

Profile vectors can disappear on concave corners, where the radius of the corner is smaller than the tool

radius (see below).

Notethat if mill type, profile side and radius compensation side are incompatible, a warning message isdisplayed. When regenerating parts from previous versions of EdgeCAM that were defined incorrectly,

compensation side overrides the other parameters. This may cause the profile side to be reversed.

See also

Using Cutter Compensation in the 2D Profile cycle

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Specifying Profile Start and End Points

Once you have specified the parameters for the Profile cycle and the entities you want to machine, you

must choose where the cycle is to start.

Note: The following text assumes that you have set the parameter Default Profile Side(Advanced tab)to

Noneand the Profile Extension Start/End (Lead tab)to Digitise.

An arrow marks this start point, and also shows the side and direction of machining.

Selecting Initial Start Point

To relocate the start point you can make free digitises around the profile. The system puts the starting arrow

on the same side (inside or outside the profile) at one end of a profile segment. The Mill Type parameter

(Climb or Conventional) determines the direction of the arrow. Once the start and side has been set select

Finish.

If you have checked Mid Point Snapping for the cycle, you can select the mid-points of entities as well as

their end points.

Modifying the Start and End Points

You are prompted to digitise the start (arrow) and end (star ) points to alter. Free digitise will move the start

or end independently whereas an entity digitise will move them together (only valid for closed profiles).

You can now dynamically drag the symbols along the profile and place it with a free digitise or entity digitise.

The Mid Point Snap option is not available at this stage but a constructed mid point may be used from theInput toolbar.

Note - When merging sequences in multiplane milling the Profile cycle is liable to corruption. To ensure

that inserting and merging function correctly, profiles must be created in a defined view, not in "dynamic".

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Using Submodifiers to Fix the Start and End Positions

You can use the submodifier buttons to specify the start and end positions (for example, by using the Mid-

Point submodifier to place the start point at the mid point of a selected entity).

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Start and End Positions for Closed Profiles

When specifying start and end positions for a closed profile, you can also hold down the Ctrl key while

selecting the left mouse button. This sets the end position to be the same as the current start position, and

can be used to dynamically move both start and end around the profile.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Removing Stock with Offset Profiles

An offset is the minimum distance between the edge of the tool and the geometry at any point. By

controlling the offset for the tool you can rough or finish a profi le.

Use2D Profile (Cycle menu)with a specified Offsetparameter to rough a profile. To do a finishing pass,

set the offset to zero.

The cycle allows you to machine interrupted profiles (profiles separated by 3D distances).

The value of the offset may be positive or negative:

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Avoiding Cutting Other Profile Elements

When a profile has a narrow entrance gap, the 2D Profile Cycle forms a toolpath around the profile and then

moves the tool vertically into the centre of the chamber.

This is also known as necking and keyhole conditions. This examplebelow shows the same profile being

machined three times by different diameter tools. The largest tool attempts to machine the centre and

damages the part.

This may damage the tool, so you must correct the toolpath made by the cycle.

Use the Edit (Instructions menu)command to alter the profile command. Use the Coord Inputparameter

to re-specify the co-ordinate input for the command.

Now perform two consecutive Chains around the profile, avoiding the gap into the chamber.

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What is EdgeCAM Milling?

The Milling module provides a two-and-a-half, three and f ive axis milling capability from the Manufacture

environment of EdgeCAM. Various milling (driven) tool typescan either be loaded from the ToolStore or

defined by parameter.

You can drive the tool with respect to the model geometry using these standard types of machining cycle:

Profiling

Pocket MillingFace Milling

Slotting

Hole Production

Surface Milling

The toolpaths resulting from these operations may be then be mirrored, transformed, matrixed or rotated.

If you need to make changes after defining a sequence of these operations you can restructure the

sequence at any time, inserting, editing or removing the individual commands as necessary.

Any changes you make to the original geometry from within the Design environment are reflected in allmachining commands based on that geometry.

Tool movements can be simulated on screen using default or user-generated tool graphics. Full control of

the simulation is provided, including speed controls, swathe mode and simulating specific instructions.

Once a toolpath has been generated, you can display and examine a representation of the material

remaining from a solid rectangular block. Other methods for examining the results of a toolpath are to

render the uncut mesh and reporting on the cycle time.

Most of these features can also be used with the driven tooling of turning centres, enabling C and Y axis

control of the tool.

You can also control machine tool specific functions such as coolant on/off.

When satisfied with the machining operations for the part, you can generate CNC code. EdgeCAM uses

Code Generator files to interpret the machining sequence into a set of CNC instructions for a specific

machine tool type, and outputs this information to an ASCII text file. You can then use the EdgeCAM Editor

or other editors to examine and alter this file as required.

Face Milling

TheFace