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. In the illustration, the tool tilting angle is 45°. Therefore, the arc orientation is also 45° to the drive surface. Setting the tilting angle to 0° enables you to perform an arc approach/retreat movement in a vertical plane. When the tilting angle is 90°, the approach/retreat arc is generated in a horizontal plane.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Reverse orthogonal line SolidCAM performs the approach/retreat movement with a line orthogonal to the cutting pass, like the Orthogonal line option, but with the direction of the approach/retreat arc reversed.
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.

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.

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.

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.

This option is available only if the chosen approach/retreat type is Tangential arc, Reverse tangential arc, Vertical tangential arc, Reverse vertical tangential arc, Horizontal tangential arc and Orthogonal arc.

Auto- Selecting this check box automatically extends or trims the arc until it reaches tangency with the tool axis. This option is available when Vertical tangential arc is selected.

Fillet/Length

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 Tangential line, Reverse tangential line, Orthogonal line, Reverse orthogonal line, Vertical profile ramp and Reverse vertical profile ramp.

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

The Same as Lead-In option enables you to use the defined Lead-In strategy for the Lead-Out definition.