Path Surface

Description
This tool creates a new 3D Surface Operation. A 3D Surface operation uses the entire top surface of the 3D Model to generate G-Code for the Job.

The 3D Surface Tool interfaces to OCL.pyd, a 3rd party Open Source module titled OpenCamLib, that generates tool paths from a 3D Model. OpenCamLib is not integrated directly into FreeCAD to ensure their license is not violated.

Note: In order to use the 3D Surface operation you must:
 * 1) Properly install OpenCamLib.
 * 2) Enable Experimental Features for the Path Workbench.

Usage

 * 1) Press the  button.
 * 2) Select the tool controller for the Operation from the Tool controller dialogue pop up window.
 * 3) Set the Finish Depth.
 * 4) Select between Dropcutter and Waterline for the Tool algorithm.
 * 5) Apply, then Hit OK to confirm.

Properties
 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.

Algorithm

 * : The library to use to generate the path
 * : Should the operation be limited by the stock object or by the bounding box of the base object
 * : The direction along which dropcutter lines are created
 * : Additional offset to the selected bounding box - use sub-properties to set values
 * : x distance value
 * : y distance value
 * : z distance value
 * : The completion mode for the operation: single or multi-pass
 * : Planar: Flat, 3D surface scan. Rotational: 4th-axis rotational scan.

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


 * : Overall placement[position and rotation] of the object - with respect to the origin (or origin of parent object container)
 * : Angle in degrees applied to rotation of the object around Axis property value
 * : Axis(one or multiple) around which to rotate the object, set in sub-properties: x, y, z
 * : x axis value
 * : y axis value
 * : z axis value
 * : Position of the object, set in sub-properties: x, y, z - with respect to the origin (or origin of parent object container)
 * : x distance value
 * : y distance value
 * : z distance value
 * : User-provided name of the object (UTF-8)

Depth

 * : The height needed to clear clamps and obstructions
 * : Final Depth of Tool- lowest value in Z
 * : The above which Rapid motions are allowed.
 * : Starting Depth of Tool- first cut depth in Z
 * : Incremental Step Down of Tool

Path

 * : make False, to prevent operation from generating code
 * : An optional comment for this Operation
 * : The direction that the toolpath should go around the part: Climb(ClockWise) or Conventional(CounterClockWise)
 * : Defines the Tool controller used in the Operation
 * : Clearing pattern to use
 * : Identify cutter boundary for operation.
 * : User assigned label

Rotation

 * : Automatically attempt Inverse Angle if initial rotation is incorrect.
 * : Set the cutter (spindle) tilt angle.
 * : Enable rotation to gain access to pockets or areas not normal to Z axis.
 * : Set fixed index for rotation.
 * : Select indexing mode: auto = automatic angle detaction; fixed = user set angle.
 * : Inverse the angle of the rotation.   Example: change a rotation from -22.5 to 22.5 degrees.
 * : Reverse orientation of Operation by 180 degrees.
 * : Set the axis for model rotation.
 * : Start index(angle) for rotation
 * : Stop index(angle) for rotation
 * : Stop index(angle) for rotation

Surface

 * : Z-axis offset from the surface of the object
 * : Enable optimization which removes unnecessary points from G-Code output
 * : The Sample Interval. Small values cause long wait times
 * : Step over percentage of the drop cutter path

Waste

 * : Ignore areas that proceed below specified depth.
 * : Depth used to identify waste areas to ignore.
 * : Cut through waste to depth at model edge, releasing the model.

Tasks Window Editor Layout
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 Location

 * Add: adds selected element(s) which should be the base(s) for the path(s)
 * Remove: remove the selected item(s) in the Base Location list
 * Edit: clear all items in the Base Location list