Tab marks on material

[potl]

Hello i have a little problem when i use tabs in my work. I get some marks like in the photo, anyone know how to fix this??

[Adrian]

Check the "3D tabs" option on the toolpath. That way the bit doesn't come to a complete halt to lift up to form the tab.

[AboveCreations]

Check the "3D tabs" option on the toolpath. That way the bit doesn't come to a complete halt to lift up to form the tab.

Hi Adrian. I am curious. I hope this isn't a dumb question but, would it be ok to check that 3D Tabs option even it there is no 3D model? Would the tool path act the same as you describe? I don't use the tabs a lot. But when I do, I run into the same issue as the OP. Even on projects without a 3D model.

[Adrian]

3D tabs are nothing to do with 3D models. They are just a different type of tab.

With the "3D tabs" box unchecked a tab is formed by the cutter coming to a complete halt, lifting up, moving the distance of the tab and then stopping again before dropping down to carry on with the cut.

With the 3D tab box checked the tab has an angled entry and exit to it so the bit never stops moving. The bit is moving in the vertical at the same time it is in the horizontal.

"Project toolpath onto 3D model" is something else again and you definitely should not use that unless the toolpath is on a 3D model as it can cause all sorts of issue otherwise.

[Jan.vanderlinden]

Incredible...
I too have always had that problem and thought that I just had to live with it and carefully sand them out.
Thank you Adrian.

[Tex_Lawrence]

3D tabs are all I use, and I agree with what Adrian has posted, but I've seen that mark before, and it wasn't near a tab position. It was at the start/end of the toolpath.

Solution is to use leads; both lead in and lead out. You'll have to experiment a bit, because it depends on the scrap room you have outside your toolpath.