Contouring

The toolpath can be open or closed with a compensation G41 or G42. Several options enable to program helical or zigzag toolpath, it is also possible to define multiple XY passes.

Key Points

Continuous (Helix): Definition of a helix toolpath around a closed profile.

ZigZag Toolpath: define a toolpath with change of compensation, alternatively G41 and G42.

Multiple XY Passes: The passes can be dependent to one another, with no tool retraction, or independent, with a retract motion.

Control the outside corners: To break the sharp angles by adding chamfers or fillets on a profile, 2D or 3D (solid) or loops to keep quality of sharp edges.

Strategy Parameters

Dialog Area	Parameters
Toolpath and Compensation	Toolpath	Offset Type
	Corner Type	R max coef
		Pilot point
Contouring Strategy	2 Ways path	Strategy
Contouring Strategy	Upwards machining	Input altitude
Compute Z steps	Z Step (Ap)	Continuous toolpath
Compute Z steps	Final Pass at constant Z	First pass with constant Z
Lateral Passes (XY)	XY thickness	XY Step (Ae)
Lateral Passes (XY)	Compacted XY passes
Allowances	XY Stock allowance	Z Stock allowance
Overcutting	Manage open areas

Movement Parameters

Dialog Area	Parameters
Safety (in Z)	Rapid plane alt.	Safety distance
Approach and return in Z	Approach altitude	Retract altitude
Approach and return in Z	Return altitude
Motions between Z approach and XY lead in	Lead in/lead out mode	Macro
Lead in and Lead out in XY	Lead in angle	Lead out angle
	Lead in length	Lead out length
	Angle/distance calculation+tool radius	Radius calculation+tool radius
	Lead in arc radius	Lead out arc radius
	Lead in arc angle	Lead out arc angle
	Start overlength	Final overlength
	Linear Overlength (both Lead in and Lead out)	Z plunge distance on bottom radius

Technology Parameters

Dialog Area	Parameters
Cutting Conditions	Quality	Cutting Speed
	Feedrate/tooth	Spindle direction
	Level	Spindle speed
	Feedrate	Plunge feed
	Mode	Sp. speed range
	Coolant number	Specific coolant
Tool Numbering	Tool number	Specific Number
Tool Numbering	Length compensation number	Diameter compens. Nb
Users Fields	Comment	Control Device
Users Fields	Milling Set

Options Parameters

Dialog Area	Parameters
Behavior on the clamps and components	Gouge Check	Offset XY
Behavior on the clamps and components	Safety area	Offset Z
Curves Computing	Curve tolerance	Curve segmentation
Top, Bottom and Sides	Top: Radius/Height	Top: Chamfer angle
	Side: Taper	Side: Scallop value
	Bottom: Radius/Height	Bottom: Chamfer angle
Toolpath options	Break the outside corners	Maxi Angle
Toolpath options	Strict contour according to the tool diameter