An alternate route for generating an alternate tool path: a universal toolpath engine for two-axis milling optimizes cycle times by maintaining a constant material removal rate regardless of part geometry. This toolpath engine is not a CAM system. Instead, users pay a monthly fee to upload data to a secure Internet server and quickly receive tool paths that can be used with any CAM system.

From: Modern Machine Shop | Date: February 1, 2008| Author: | Copyright information

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CAM programmers make important decisions when the time comes to generate tool paths. Resident in the various CAM systems are a number of different toolpath generation engines from which they can choose. Their challenge is to pick the strategy and cutting parameters that will machine a given geometry in the shortest cycle time while limiting tool wear. Their decision is based on experience and knowledge of their machine tool's capabilities.

Because many of these toolpath strategies are driven by the part's boundary geometry, they sometimes direct the ...

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