Surface Parameters tab

All surface toolpaths use the parameters contained on this tab.

  • Enter values for different cutting parameters and compensation options.
  • To add to or modify the geometry selection for the surface toolpath, choose the arrow button to open the Toolpath/Surface selection dialog box.
  • Select Direction to set up entry and exit moves.
  • Use Regen to change the name of the surface regeneration (regen) file for the surface toolpath. Mastercam names and saves regen files for every surface toolpath, and deletes them upon exit depending on criteria you have set on the Toolpaths page of the System Configuration dialog box.

Absolute

Absolute values are always measured from the origin 0,0,0. If you were to translate geometry associated with a toolpath, and the toolpath depth were set to an absolute value, the tool will try to cut to that same absolute depth value no matter where the geometry is located.

Incremental

Incremental values are relative to other parameters or chained geometry. Top of stock is relative to the location of the chained geometry. Clearance, Retract, and Feed plane are relative to the Top of stock.

Regen

Lets you change the regen (.rgn) file name. Mastercam creates a regen file for each surface toolpath for faster toolpath regeneration.

Clearance

Sets the height at which the tool moves to and from the part. Select the checkbox to activate the clearance height. If it is not selected, the Retract value is used as the clearance plane. Click the button to set or change the clearance height. You can select a point on the geometry or enter a value.

Use clearance only at the start and end of operation

Rapids to the clearance plane only at the start and end of the toolpath.

Retract

Sets the height that the tool moves up to before the next tool pass. Select the checkbox to activate the retract plane, then click the button and select a point on the geometry or enter a value. This option is off by default. The retract height should be set above the feed plane. If you do not enter a Clearance height, the tool will move to the retract height between operations.

Feed plane

Sets the height that the tool rapids to before changing to the plunge rate to enter the part. The tool also moves to this height between operations if you do not enter both the clearance height and the retract height. Choose the Feed plane button and select a point on the geometry or enter a value.

Top of stock

This parameter is not available for Surface Rough and Finish toolpaths.

Direction

Sets entry and exit parameters for the surface toolpath.

Tip compensation

Sets amount of offset to the tool's center or tip for bull-nose and ball tools. Used for touching the tool off the part.

Select

Opens the Toolpath/Surface selection dialog box to add to or change the drive, check, or tool containment geometry.

Stock to leave on drive

Use this option to specify how much stock to leave on the drive surfaces for a later finish operation. This is a 3D distance measured normal to the surface.

Stock to leave on check

Enter a value here to specify the minimum distance the toolpath must maintain from the check surfaces. This value is a 3D distance measured along the surface normal.

Compensate to

Center positions the tool to cut to its center relative to the tool containment boundary. Inside and Outside both offset the tool by half the tool diameter.

Additional offset

Enabled when Compensate to is set to Inside or Outside. Enter an additional amount to the tool radius to offset the tool when using Inside or Outside options.

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