Tormach PCNC 440 - 6.8.4.2 Circular

Chapter 6
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UM10372_PCNC440_Manual_0221A
PATHPilOT iNTERFACE
If the tool just ts within the pocket width and length, a straight Z plunge in the pocket center is
used, therefore a center cung end mill is needed. Next comes a single pass around the perimeter.
This is repeated for each Z Depth of Cut pass.
If the tool just ts within the pocket width, but length is greater than 2x tool diameter, this allows a
linear ramp entry which also does the material clearing.
The linear ramp is limited to a Z slope of 2° or less (the angle is adjusted smaller to t the slot
length). A single perimeter cut is done next.
If the pocket width and length are greater than 2x tool diameter, this allows a helical entry which
cuts a hole of 2x tool diameter in the center of the pocket. Material clearing is done by squaring up
the hole, then cung wings to each side of the pocket length. Finally, a perimeter cut is done.
X and Y Start and End DROs
Start and End – These DROs should be set to the locaon of the pocket edges.
Radius – Enter 0 if no corner radius is desired. Valid radii values are from 0 up to one half of the
pocket’s narrow width (or limited to full radii on the long ends of the pocket). Of course, the actual
corner radii must be larger than or equal to the tool’s radius, but Pocket tolerates radius entries less
than the tool radius – the tool path will just be a sharp corner.
Stepover – This is the oset between adjacent tool paths. A stepover of 0 creates a single pass (or
rectangular slot) around the perimeter (inside) of the pocket.
Z DROs
Z Start and End – The rst Z pass will cut at Z Start – Depth of Cut adjusted. The last Z pass cuts at the
Z End locaon. For a single Z pass at Z End, enter 0 or a full Z range value into the Depth of Cut DRO.
Depth of Cut – The Depth of Cut entered into the DRO is later adjusted to t evenly within the Z
range (Z End – Z Start), so each Z pass has the same depth instead of having a short depth on the last
pass. For a single Z pass at Z End, enter 0 or a full Z range value into the Depth of Cut DRO.
Z Clear – The Z locaon the tool moves or retracts to when starng or ending the Pocket roune.
6.8.4.2 Circular
Pocket-Circular has a dierent entry for cung a circular pocket dependent on the pocket diameter
and the tool diameter (see Figure 6.31).
If the tool diameter is bigger than pocket diameter, no G-code is produced and an error appears.
If the tool just ts within the pocket diameter, a straight Z plunge in the pocket center is used,
therefore a center cung end mill is needed. Next comes a single pass around the perimeter. This
is repeated for each Z Depth of Cut pass.