Presentation
These commands let you 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.
Manual optimization
Manual optimization is used when you want to define or adjust the machining order yourself.
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Profiles Manual Organization / Manual Organization of Holes |
The path can be defined manually by displaying the holes or profiles in your desired order. |
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Optimization Origin |
Choose the hole or the profile where the machining starts. |
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Polar Optimization |
Generates a circular toolpath motion with respect to a defined center of rotation. (Only for Holes Optimization) |
Profiles Manual Organization
This option is applicable for profiles and holes
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Holes Optimization a. Click on the geometry selection icon. b. Click the manual organization icon, then show the holes in the order you want. The path length is displayed in the message box, so several scenarios can be simulated to select the shortest path. Options during the selection:
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Polar Optimization This command enables the generation of a circular toolpath on a workpiece containing multiple holes arranged in a circular pattern. The starting point of the optimization can also be specified. Steps for Polar Optimization:
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Watch a video on how to use polar optimization on multiple holes. |
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Profiles Optimization A similar process to holes apply. a. Click on the cycles selection icon b. Use manual selection when the number of profiles to be machined is limited. The profiles to be machined can be selected individually by clicking them in the desired order. Watch a video on the right on how to manually organize profiles. |
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Automatic optimization
Automatic optimization is used when the software should calculate or propose the machining order.
Types of Optimization
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Types of Optimization |
Choose the best path among 20 solutions. |
The first sixteen options 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.
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The toolpath is horizontal with 2 directions sweep. |
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The toolpath is horizontal with 1 direction sweep. |
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The toolpath is vertical with 2 directions sweep. |
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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.
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Near to near path optimization |
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Taxi distance path optimization |
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Euclidian distance path optimization |
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Max (X,Y) distance path optimization |
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No optimization: the order taken is the order of creation of the elements. |
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Holes Optimization
a. Click on
b. Do a selection box, then choose one type of optimization. The path length is displayed in the message box, so several scenarios can be simulated to select the shortest path.
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.
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▶️ Watch a video on Automatic Optimization.
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Profiles Optimization
a. Click on the cycles selection icon
This option is particularly useful when machining a large number of profiles.
Draw a selection box around the profiles to be machined.
Automatic optimization can then be selected,
or manual optimization.
