Link page

This page enables you to define the parameters of tool approach and retreat relative to the machined profile.

Ramping

This section determines how the tool approaches the start point of the contour. Choose one of the following descent types from the list:

• Feed causes the tool to move rapidly to the Upper level minus the Safety distance. Then the tool descends to the approach plane with the given Z Feed rate. Use this option when you know that there is material in the descent path.
• Rapid generates a rapid descent (G0) from the Clearance level to the approach plane. Use this option when you know that there is no material in the descent path.
• Diagonal causes the tool to move rapidly from the Clearance level to the Upper level plus the Safety distance. Then the tool diagonally descends to the start of the profile geometry at the normal feed rate. The angle of the diagonal is automatically generated depending on the type of approach you choose.
• Helical causes the tool to enter the material in a spiral movement from the Clearance level according to the defined Ramping parameters. The Angle parameter defines the aggressiveness of the descent angle and the Radius parameter defines the radius of the descending helix.
• Vertical Arc ramping provides the option of approaching a Profile geometry from above. The value of radius should always be positive. When this option is selected, the default Lead-in is automatically set to Tangent.  

Pre-drilling geometry generation

When the operation is defined and saved, SolidCAM automatically generates the pre-drilling geometry. The geometry contains the points into which the ramping is performed.

Adjacent passes connection

This option enables you to define the connection method for adjacent cutting passes generated using the Clear offset method with the Zigzag option.  

Select Ignore Link Intersection with geometry check box in cases having a link move (lead in/lead out) in profile removed because they intersect with another chain in the geometry. By default this option is unchecked. This setting can be modified globally in the Link page of SolidCAM Settings dialog box.

Lead in/Lead out

These options enable you to control the way the tool approaches the profile and retreats away.

Links between passes and chains

This option enables you to reduce the unnecessary tool movements through the Clearance level.