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CAM Pocket Shape

From FreeCAD Documentation

CAM Pocket Shape

Menu location
CAM → Pocket Shape
Workbenches
CAM
Default shortcut
None
Introduced in version
-
See also
None

Description[edit | edit source]

The CAM Pocket Shape command creates a pocketing operation from selected bottom faces, or walls, of one or more pockets of the jobs base object.

The CAM Pocket Shape object is made to be part of a CAM Job.

Usage[edit | edit source]

  1. Select the bottom or the wall(s) of a pocket. While it is usually easier to select the bottom, the walls have to be selected when a pocket goes through all.
  2. There are several ways to invoke the command:
    • Press the Pocket Shape button.
    • Select the CAM → Pocket Shape option from the menu.
  3. Adjust the desired properties.

Properties[edit | edit source]

Note : Not all of these Properties are available in the Task Window Editor. Some are only accessible in the Data tab of the Properties View panel for this Operation.

Base

Note: It is suggested that you do not edit the Placement property of path operations. Rather, move or rotate the CAM Job model as needed.

  • DataPlacement: Overall placement[position and rotation] of the object - with respect to the origin (or origin of parent object container)
    • DataAngle: Angle in degrees applied to rotation of the object around Axis property value
    • DataAxis: Axis (one or multiple) around which to rotate the object, set in sub-properties: X, Y, Z
      • DataX: X-axis value
      • DataY: Y-axis value
      • DataZ: Z-axis value
    • DataPosition: Position of the object, set in sub-properties: X, Y, Z - with respect to the origin (or origin of parent object container)
      • DataX: X-distance value
      • DataY: Y-distance value
      • DataZ: Z-distance value
  • DataLabel: User-provided name of the object (UTF-8)

Depth

  • DataClearance Height: The height needed to clear clamps and obstructions
  • DataFinal Depth: Final Depth of Tool- lowest value in Z
  • DataFinish Depth: Maximum material removed on final pass. The height (thickness) of the last cutting level - set for a better finish.
  • DataSafe Height: The height above which Rapid motions are allowed. (Rapid safety height between locations)
  • DataStart Depth: Starting depth of Tool - first cut depth in Z
  • DataStep Down: Incremental step down of Tool during operation

Visual reference for Depth properties (settings)

Extension

  • DataExtension Corners: When enabled connected extension edges are combined to wires.
  • DataExtension Length Default: Default length of extensions.

Face

  • DataOffset Pattern: Clearing pattern to use. (Select in which manner the horizontal movements should be done.)

Path

  • DataActive: Make False, to prevent operation from generating code
  • DataComment: An optional comment for this Operation
  • DataUser Label: User assigned label
  • DataTool Controller: Defines the Tool controller used in the Operation

Pocket

  • DataCut Mode: Specifies a CW or CCW move for the cut
  • DataExtra Offset: Extra offset to apply to the operation. Direction is operation dependent. (Extra value to stay away from final profile good for roughing toolpath)
  • DataKeep Tool Down: Attempts to avoid unnecessary retractions.
  • DataMin Travel: Use 3D Sorting of Path (when multiple base geometries used).
  • DataStart At: Start pocketing at center or boundary.
  • DataStep Over: Select the horizontal step over (Percent of tool diameter: 100% = tool diameter).
  • DataUse Outline: Uses the outline of the base geometry.
  • DataZig Zag Angle: Angle of the zigzag pattern. (Select the path angle relative to X-axis.)

Rotation

  • DataAttempt Inverse Angle: Automatically attempt Inverse Angle if initial rotation is incorrect.
  • DataB_Axis Error Override: Visually orient B(y) rotations to model (error in FreeCAD rendering).
  • DataEnable Rotation: Enable rotation to gain access to pockets or areas not normal to Z axis.
  • DataInverse Angle: Inverse the angle of the rotation. Example: change a rotation from -22.5 to 22.5 degrees.
  • DataReverse Direction: Reverse orientation of Operation by 180 degrees.

Start Point

  • DataStart Point: The start point of this path.
  • DataUse Start Point: Make True, if manually specifying a Start Point, then enter Start Points in the property data Start Points field.

Tasks Window Editor Layout[edit | edit source]

Descriptions for the settings are provided in the Properties list above.

This section is simply a layout map of the settings in the window editor for the Operation.

Base Geometry[edit | edit source]

  • Add: Adds selected element(s) which should be the base(s) for the path(s)
  • Delete: Delete the selected item(s) in the Base Geometry list
  • Clear: Clear all items in the Base Geometry list

Extensions[edit | edit source]

  • DataShow All: If selected, all potential extensions are visualized. Enabled extensions in purple, disabled extensions in yellow.
  • DataExtension Corners
  • DataExtension Length Default
  • Enable
  • Disable
  • Clear

Depths[edit | edit source]

  • DataStart Depth
  • DataFinal Depth
  • DataStep Down

Heights[edit | edit source]

  • DataSafe Height
  • DataClearance Height

Operation[edit | edit source]

  • DataTool Controller
  • DataCut Mode
  • DataPattern (Offset Pattern)
  • DataAngle (Zig Zag Angle)
  • DataStep Over Percent (Step Over)
  • DataPass Extension: The distance the facing operation will extend beyond the boundary shape (base geometry)

Scripting[edit | edit source]

See also: FreeCAD Scripting Basics.

#Place code example here.