GridPock Add-In
Use this Add-In to create accessory geometry associated with a pocket. You can create:
- Point evenly spaced on pocket boundaries.
- A grid of points inside the pocket.
- Tangent circles inside the pocket.
After starting GridPock, you are prompted to chain the boundary of the pocket. Mastercam then displays the GridPock dialog box where you can specify the geometry to create. Select one of the drop-downs below to learn more about a specific parameter.
Create points on boundaries
Mastercam computes the number of boundary points from the boundary perimeter and the Maximum stepover amount. The actual stepover will be somewhat smaller than the value you enter here, since Mastercam adjusts it so all points are evenly spaced.
Create point grid inside pocket
Mastercam creates a grid of points that lie inside the chained boundary and outside any islands. A point is not created if its distance from any boundary is less than the Stock to leave amount that you specify. Enter a different X origin and Y origin to obtain a slightly different set of points. All points lie at multiples of X stepover and Y stepover relative to the X origin and Y origin. Mastercam creates all points using the active color, level, construction plane, and Z depth.
Create tangent circles/center points
Select this option to fill the pocket with a grid of tangent circles and/or center points that lie inside the chained boundary and outside the islands. A circle is not created if its distance from any boundary is less than the Stock to leave amount that you specify. Enter a different X origin and Y origin to obtain a slightly different set of circles. Mastercam gives you several options for filling the pocket:
- Choose Even spacing to distribute the circles evenly throughout the pocket.
- Choose Automatic fill to fill boundaries, but it does not pack the circles together as closely.
- Choose Gravity fill to pack the circles from the bottom and concentrate leftover space at the top of the pocket.
Mastercam creates all circles using the active color, level, construction plane and Z depth.
