I have been having an issue getting a pocket to clear cleanly. Using a 1/4" ballnose for the LACT and an 1/8" ballnose for the cleanup. The 1/4" stepover is 9% and the 1/8" is 8%. Shown is the outcome using an offset setting. It leaves ridges between the 1/4" cut area and the 1/8" cut area.
If I avoid the LACT and just cut the entire pocket with the 1/8" at 8% I get a clean pocket.
Wondering why it is avoiding these areas?
Pocket with Large Area Clear Tool Oddness
- Adrian
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 14547
- Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
- Location: Surrey, UK
Re: Pocket with Large Area Clear Tool Oddness
I expect it's to do with the curvature of the ball nose. The two toolpaths will meet at the edge of the tool which would leave a curved ridge.
If you simulate with end mills instead of ball noses that would confirm it.
If you simulate with end mills instead of ball noses that would confirm it.
- WaltS
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 500
- Joined: Tue Sep 13, 2016 7:44 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot 2418 - Spindle - ScottP Spoilbrd
- Location: Virginia USA
Re: Pocket with Large Area Clear Tool Oddness
Thanks Adrian. I kind of thought that was the case but had in the back of my mind that the software might take that into consideration and "clean up" the in between areas, too. Changing to a 1/4" end mill confirmed as you suggested.