CAM Tip: Align Lead-ins and Lead-outs With Part Corners

If you want to minimize tool marks resulting from lead-in and lead-out moves while profiling, align those moves with the part corner. For example, check out those moves on this part:

Finished part is blue, toolpath is yellow. Note lead-in/lead-out on the lower corner, exaggerated for emphasis…

The technique works because the tool only touches on the corner during lead-in lead-out. If you can’t manage to use the corner, approach with an arc as described on the milling surface finish page.

 

Related posts:

1. A Quick Course in Feeds and Speeds, Part 1 (Theory)
2. A Quick Course in Feeds and Speeds, Part 2 (Practice)
3. Climb Milling a Must for Thin-Walled Parts
4. Clever Binder Part Storage