Default Lead-In/Out Parameters

The Lead-In/Out parameters sections of the Default Lead-In/Out page enable you to define the parameters used for the approach/retreat movements.

Type

SolidCAM enables you to choose a type for the approach/retreat movements.

Tangential arc

The approach/retreat movement is performed with an arc tangential to the drive surface. The approach/retreat arc is generated in the plane orthogonal to the tool axis. Therefore, the arc orientation also depends on the tool tilting.

Reverse tangential arc

The approach/retreat movement is performed with an arc tangential to the drive surface, like the Tangential arc option, but with the direction of the approach/retreat arc reversed. The approach/retreat arc is generated in the plane orthogonal to the tool axis.

Vertical tangential arc

SolidCAM performs the approach/retreat movement with an arc tangential to the drive surface located in the plane of the tool axis. Note that when the side tilting options are used, the plane of vertical tangential arc is not changed.

Selecting this option displays the Auto check box, which enables you to automatically extend/trim the arc until it reaches tangency with the tool axis.

Reverse vertical tangential arc

SolidCAM performs the approach/retreat movement with an arc tangential to the drive surface located in the plane of the tool axis, similar to the Vertical tangential arc option, but the direction of the approach/retreat arc is reversed.

Horizontal tangential arc

SolidCAM performs the approach/retreat movement with an arc tangential to the drive surface located in the plane of the cutting movement. The arc orientation is independent from the tool orientation.

Orthogonal arc

SolidCAM performs the approach/retreat movement with an arc orthogonal to the cutting pass located in the plane perpendicular to the tool axis. The approach/retreat arc orientation also depends on the tool tilting.

Tangential line

SolidCAM performs the approach/retreat movement with a line tangential to the cutting pass.

Reverse tangential line

With this option SolidCAM performs the approach/retreat movement with a line tangential to the cutting pass like the Tangential line option, but the direction of the approach/retreat line is reversed.

Orthogonal line

SolidCAM performs the approach/retreat movement with a line orthogonal to the cutting pass.

Position line

With this option, SolidCAM uses start point and direction as input and interpolates the tool positions from the line to the first and last point in the contour. The line that positions the tool is defined as Direction.

 

Vertical profile ramp

With this option, SolidCAM allows the lead to follow the tool path contour shape till it reaches a specified length and height. The ramp direction is along the cutting direction.

Reverse vertical profile ramp

With this option, SolidCAM allows the lead to follow the tool path contour shape till it reaches a specified length and height. The ramp direction is opposite to the cutting direction.

 

  

Automatic arc

With this option SolidCAM allows the lead to connect the contour tangentially to the retraction direction of the relinking.

The automatic arc consists of two splines. The first spline leaves the surface tangentially in the surface normal direction and the second spline connects tangentially into the plunge or retract motion, using the tool axis tilting orientation.

The Arc radius section allows you to specify the desired arc radius.

The Min. Arc radius section allows you to specify the required minimum arc radius.

 

Flip

This option is useful when regular approach/retreat by arc is obstructed by part or fixture geometry and therefore will result in a collision between the tool and the machined workpiece. The defined approach/retreat arc can be flipped to ensure unobstructed access to the drive surface (and/or unobstructed exit in the end of machining).When this check box is selected, the lead move is flipped to the opposite side from its initial orientation, as if it was mirrored relative to the tool path.

Tool axis orientation

SolidCAM enables you to control the tool orientation during the approach/retreat movement.

Fixed

The tool orientation is constant during the approach/retreat movement. The orientation changes at the start/end point of the cutting pass.

Variable

The tool axis orientation continuously changes during the approach/retreat movement. This option enables you to avoid marks on the part surface caused by the tool rotation at the start/end point of the cutting pass.

In case of large macro moves, the total change of tool axis orientation might be great. Therefore, SolidCAM enables you to limit the total change of tool axis orientation along a macro move with the Max. angle change parameter.

Tilted

This option maintains the main tilting strategy used in the Tool axis control page. If the main tilting strategy is set to Tilted through point, the lead-in/out uses the same strategy.

 

  

Approach/Retreat parameters (Use the...)

This section enables you to define the dimensions of the approach/retreat arc or line.

Width/Length

In this section, SolidCAM enables you to define the approach/retreat arc or line by the width and length parameters. The Width and Length parameters define the bounding rectangle surrounding the arc. The defined arc has a 90° sweep.

Fillet

In this section, SolidCAM enables you to create a fillet with a specified radius between the line and the contour.

 This option is available only if the chosen approach/retreat type is Orthogonal line, Tangential line, Reverse tang. line, Vertical profile ramp, and Reverse vertical profile ramp.

 

  

Arc sweep/Arc diameter

SolidCAM enables you to specify the diameter of the approach/retreat arc using the percentage of the Arc diameter to the Tool diameter. For example, when a tool with the diameter of 10 mm is used and the percentage parameter is set to 200%, the resulting approach/retreat arc diameter is 20 mm. The Arc Sweep parameter enables you to define the angle of the approach/retreat arc segment.

Height

This parameter enables you to define the incremental height of the first point of the approach/retreat movement. When the approach movement is performed with a line, the Height parameter enables you to perform inclined ramp approach. When the approach movement is performed with an arc, the Height parameter enables you to perform a helical approach.

Feed rate

This parameter enables you to define the feed rate for the approach/retreat movement.

Same as Lead-In

This option enables you to use the defined Lead-In strategy for the Lead-Out definition.