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CONSTANT LOAD - tool path with small (.010) retracts.
Nick,
How do you keep the cutter from retracting? I am using constant load cutting and it works good but we loose some productivity because the cutter retracts between each step over. Any advice?
You can download that file and look at where my retract plane is set. You must be very carful about gouge checking this is more of a 50/50 solution it only works correctly half the time
You use this for facing the pocket? You cand use FACES ONLY I think. Or pocketing with STEP DEPTH > HEIGHT of the pocket.
I use this type of sequence to perform a high speed side milling in hardend tool steel. The micro retracts really save on tool ware. It is a kind of poor mans volumill... if you will. Unfortunatly there seems to be no gouge checking when this type of retract(below the work part) is used.
Nick,
I have been using your roughing sequence since you posted it a while ago. It works great I think!! But like you say you really need to gouge check and watch the retracts.But it's a great time saver for roughing open pockets when you can start outside the work.
Nick, what's the HRC of your steel?
around 54-55 Rockwell. I will usually run 250-350 surface feet with .005" chip load per tooth usually at a full daim depth of cut.