Layers Connection: Parameters

Connection Method

Define the method of connecting between machining layers.

On Surface

Connect the layers by moving the cutter from one layer to the next, on the surface of the part being machined.

IllustrationIllustration

Tangent

Connect the layers by moving the cutter from one layer to the next, through the air.

Using this method, the cutter approaches and retracts from each layer using in a tangential arc movement.

IllustrationIllustration

Shift Distance

Set the start point of a layer at a defined distance from the end point of the previously milled layer.

Notes:

When using Connection Method = On Surface, the minimum Shift Distance value = the Vertical Step.
When using Connection Method = Tangent, the minimum Shift Distance value can be zero. In this case, all connections are lined up on a vertical linevertical line.

IllustrationsIllustrations

Connection Method = On Surface, with a small Shift DistanceConnection Method = On Surface, with a small Shift Distance

Connection Method = On Surface, with a larger Shift DistanceConnection Method = On Surface, with a larger Shift Distance

Connection Method = Tangent, Shift Distance = 0Connection Method = Tangent, Shift Distance = 0

Connection Method = Tangent, Shift Distance > 0Connection Method = Tangent, Shift Distance > 0

Overlap Distance

Set an overlap distance on each layer, so that the machining end point of each layer is not the same as the start point, but continues beyond the start point.

IllustrationsIllustrations

Connection Method = On Surface, with an OverlapConnection Method = On Surface, with an Overlap

Connection Method = Tangent, with an OverlapConnection Method = Tangent, with an Overlap

Preferred Approach Radius

When using Connection Method = Tangent, define the tangent radius of the approach to the each layer.
IllustrationIllustration

See the Notes under Layers Connection - Advanced.

Preferred Retract Radius

When using Connection Method = Tangent, define the tangent radius of the retract from each layer.
IllustrationIllustration

See the Notes under Layers Connection - Advanced.