Branch Points
A branch point is the position where the endpoints of two or more entities meet. Branch points indicate where there are different paths that the chain can take. When Mastercam encounters a branch point during chaining, it prompts you to choose the path for the chain to follow. You can also end the chain at the branch point by choosing Apply or pressing [E].
Mastercam considers a position a branch point only when multiple entity endpoints meet. Entities can intersect without having their endpoints meet. If you need to create a branch point at the intersection of two entities, you need to break both entities at their intersection point. Choose Trim to Point on the Wireframe tab to divide the intersecting entities at a specific point.
In Cplane (plane mask) chaining, Mastercam recognizes only co-planar branch points. When 3D chaining is active (no plane mask). Mastercam recognizes all branch (co-planar and non-planar) points. Mastercam also uses branch points as a method for synchronizing chains. You can set the synchronization method in the Chaining Options dialog box.
