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Difference between pocket projection and 3D offset pocketing
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 9:14 am
by seflorance
I am wondering what the difference is between the 3 axis toolpaths of pocket projection and 3D offset pocketing. They appear to be doing the same thing.
Thanks,
Sam
Re: Difference between pocket projection and 3D offset pocke
Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 4:48 pm
by MecSoft Support
Both these methods are used for fine finishing surfaces in closed regions.
3D offset pocketing - In this method, tool moves along these offset curves with a constant 3d step over while following the contours of the part below. Machining regions are necessary to be active for this cut method to work. This method is also know as constant scallop machining. This is suitable for both steep and sculpted areas. The tool tip stays up to the selected curve region.
3D projection pocketing - as the name suggests, this method offsets the curve with a constant XY (2d) step over and then projects the toolpath to the underlying surface/mesh geometry. The tool stays inside the curve region. This is suitable for finishing sculpted pocket bottoms.