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The 5X Connection Shape
GPP2 supports three types of 5X connections:
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Tangential, where the retract from the material and the approach back to the material are done in a tangential way, for best surface quality. This method should be used in most cases.
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Normal, where the retract and approach are strictly along the tool axis. This method will leave a bigger mark on the material, but is safer than the tangential. If the connection takes place in a very tight area (in terms of potential gouges of the tool/holder with the part, then this is the recommended solution.
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In-Place, where the rotation of the table takes place without lifting the tool at all from the toolpath point. See below.
The following diagram illustrates the first two types of connection, in the part space. The table is actually rotated when the tool is at the top connection point.
The tangential connection process takes place as follows
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Step |
Motion |
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1 |
Tangential retract, feed rate (radius controlled by EX2 variable |
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2 |
Normal retract, feed rate, to retract height (along tool axis) |
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3 |
Normal retract, rapid to clearance height (along tool axis) |
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Perform the rotations at the top point |
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4 |
Normal approach, rapid, back to clearance height (along tool axis) |
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5 |
Normal approach, feed rate, to the arc start point |
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6 |
Tangential approach, feed rate, at the same radius. |
In tangential 5X connection, the motions 1 and 2 are limited to the distance until the next or previous point (relative to the connection point). The motion is along the direction to the next point (retract) or from the last point (approach). That way, GPP2 attempts to make a smooth continuation of the cut (inside the lane).
If there simply isn't enough space between the middle point and one of the adjacent points, GPP2 will revert to normal retract or approach.
The normal connection process is somewhat simpler, and takes place as follows.
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1 |
Normal retract, feed rate, to retract height (along tool axis) |
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2 |
Normal retract, rapid to clearance height (along tool axis) |
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Perform the rotations at the top point |
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3 |
Normal approach, rapid, back to clearance height (along tool axis) |
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4 |
Normal approach, feed rate, back to the material |
The following GPP2 variables control the 5X connection process:
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X5_CON_TANGENT |
Set to TRUE_ (1) to use tangential retract and approach. Set to FALSE_ (0) to use normal retract and approach. |
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X5_CON_RADIUS |
In tangential connections, this is the radius of the retract and approach arcs. |
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X5_CON_RETRACT |
The length of the feed-rate retract motion (along tool axis). Applies to both tangential and normal connections. |
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X5_CON_CLEARANCE |
The height of the top point above the surface (along tool axis), where the actual table rotation takes place. |
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