Link page
This page enables you to define the approach/retract of the tool and linking of passes into the complete tool path.
First entry
This section enables you to define the first approach of the tool to the cutting area. SolidCAM enables you to specify the level from which the approach movement is started. The following options are available:
The approach movement is performed from the specified Clearance area, through the Retract distance and Safety distance levels.
The approach movement is performed from the Retract distance level.
The approach movement is performed from the Safety distance level.
When this option is chosen, the machining is started directly in the first point of the tool path. No approach movement is performed.
From incremental clearance area
When this option is chosen, the approach movement is performed from the Incremental clearance area, through the Retract distance and Safety distance levels.
Start from home position
SolidCAM enables you to define the Home position for tool path linking that can be applied to the first entry links. Home position is a point from which the first rapid movement of the tool starts during the approach.
When the Start from home position check box is selected, the machining is performed as follows:
The tool is positioned at the specified Home position, not tilted. It then performs its initial rapid movement to the Clearance area/Retract distance/Safety distance level or to the start point of the first cutting pass (depending on the First entry setting), where it gets tilted according to the defined Tool axis control parameters. From that point it performs the approach movement to the drive surface (or directly starts machining the surface in case of the Direct option chosen for First entry).
Use Lead-In
The approach movement is performed to the cutting level using the specified Lead-In options.
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Last exit
This section enables you to define the last retreat of the tool from the cutting area after the machining. SolidCAM enables you to specify the level to which the retreat movement is performed. The following options are available:
The retreat movement is performed back to the specified Clearance area, through the Retract distance and Safety distance levels.
The retreat movement is performed to the Retract distance level.
The retreat movement is performed to the Safety distance level.
When this option is chosen, the machining is finished directly in the last point of the tool path. No retreat movement is performed.
Return to home position
SolidCAM enables you to define the Home position for tool path linking that can be applied to the last exit links. Home position is a point to which the tool eventually returns after the retreat.
When the Return to home position check box is selected, the machining is performed as follows: after the last cutting pass, the tool returns to the Clearance area/Retract distance/Safety distance level (depending on the Last exit setting) or directly to the Home position (in case of the Direct option chosen for Last exit).
Use Lead-In
The approach movement is performed to the cutting level using the specified Lead-In options.
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Home position
This section enables you to define the coordinates of the home position.
This section is available when the Start from home position and/or the Return to home position check box is selected.