Surface merge distance

Surface paths are created on individual surfaces. Afterwards tool path segments are merged together to create longer surface paths. The decision about the merging is currently based on a merge distance. If all tool path segments on a tool path slice is merged, it is checked if a closed surface path can be built by connecting the start to the end. The same merge distance value is used for deciding this. So all surface paths that are within closer distance than this value will be merged together.

The main benefit is that tiny gaps or overlapping drive surfaces don't cause unexpected behavior in the tool path.

Note: The value that you will input at Merge surfaces if distance is smaller than should represents either the distance between the tool tips positions calculated or the distance between the tool edges. This means that if any of this two conditions will be satisfied first, the tool path will be merged.

The surface merge distance can be set as a fixed distance or the percentage of tool diameter.

Maintain outside sharp corners

This option provides a way to cut over outlying edges to preserve the sharpness of the corners. So instead of rolling around the edge, the tool will extend the tool path of both corner surfaces. The connection of the extension is a loop. If a corner is a sharp corner will be distinct by a sharp edge detection angle.

Since the calculation is based on the tool tip, the selection of the value for radius must be compensated in case the tool will be tilted to the side. Especially during swarf milling, when the tool is tilted 90 deg. to the side. Here the loop radius must at least have the tool radius in order to be able to perform a loop.

The sharp edge detection angle must be entered as degree. The radius for the loop must be entered in a distance.

Cimatron 2026 Online Help Some functionality may be dependent on the product package. Contact your Reseller if you require a license.