Open Area on Profile

This command allows the definition of an open pocket on a profile.

By default, on selecting a profile, that profile is considered closed. As such, any machining carried out will be within or outside the profile. This can be easily detected as the Green color of the profile line.

Using the command, the required profile elements can be manually selected one by one. The selected elements will turn Purple, indicating that they are considered open sections of the profile. The cutting tool will enter and exit the workpiece at these open sections.

If required, the selection bubble can be clicked to turn the entire profile purple, thereby designating it as a completely open profile.

New Possibility to Close (Locally or Totally) an Open Pocket Feature

The "open area on profile" function, is now also taken into account for features.

This can help mitigate risks of tool collision.

To close an element of the feature, simply click on the corresponding face of the feature.

Similar to profiles, the state of an entire area can be modified without selecting each element individually.

• Shift + Click on two elements: Opens/closes all elements between the selected ones.

• Clicking on the bubble: Toggles the entire feature.

There is a restriction compared to profiles—only elements that were initially open in the feature can be closed (and reopened if needed). If a face cannot be modified, it will appear in red when hovered over.

▶️ Watch a video here on manually closing an open profile.

▶️ Watch a video here showing the definition of an open element on a profile and how is changes the machining toolpath of the cycle.