Optimization of Machining Selection

Presentation

These commands enable to optimize the toolpath between selected holes and between selected profiles.

Optimization is available for Holes machining, Pockets and Contours in milling and Straight, Taper and Pocket Cutting in EDM. It is located in the dialogue bar during the selection of the cycles.

First, the available functions will be described, followed by instructions on optimizing the path between holes and between profiles.

1. Optimization commands

	Profiles Manual Organization	The path can be defined manually by displaying the holes or profiles in your desired order.
	Optimization Origin	Choose the hole or the profile where the machining starts.
	Types of Optimization	Choose the best path among 20 solutions.
	Polar Optimization	Generates a circular toolpath motion with respect to a defined center of rotation. (Only for Holes Optimization)

Types of Optimization

The sixteen first choices are especially useful in case of holes drawn up on a line or on a grid. In these cases, the origin point is chosen automatically.

	The toolpath is horizontal with 2 directions sweep.
	The toolpath is horizontal with 1 direction sweep.
	The toolpath is vertical with 2 directions sweep.
	The toolpath is vertical with 1 direction sweep.

The four most recent options correspond to automatic calculations. Each should be simulated to determine the most suitable choice for the user’s case. Modifying the origin point may yield more efficient toolpaths..

	Near to near path optimization		Taxi distance path optimization
	Euclidian distance path optimization		Max (X,Y) distance path optimization
	No optimization: the order taken is the order of creation of the elements.

2. Optimization of paths

Two distinct processes can be distinguished, depending on whether the paths are optimized between holes or between profiles.

Holes Optimization

a. Click on

b. Two cases are possible, and in both, the path length is displayed in the message box. Consequently, several scenarios can be simulated to select the shortest path.

1. Manual Selection:

Click

then show the holes in the order you want.

Options during the selection:

A hole can be inserted between two existing holes by clicking on the path between them, followed by selecting the hole to be inserted.
delete a hole by clicking twice on it.

2. Automatic Optimization:

Do a selection box then choose one type of optimization.

If the holes have been created in the correct order, choose No optimization

to respect this order. Change the origin of the optimization

to multiply the path solutions.

Automatic and manual optimization can be combined. First, select an automatic optimization, then use the manual icon to insert, delete, or invert holes.