Path Pocket Shape

Description
This tool creates a pocketing operation from selected bottom faces, or walls, of one ore more pockets of the jobs base object.

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



Usage

 * 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) Invoke the Pocket Shape command using several methods:
 * 3) * Pressing the button in the toolbar.
 * 4) * Using the then  keyboard shortcut.
 * 5) * Using the →   entry from the top menu.
 * 6) Adjust the desired properties

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.

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
 * : Maximum material removed on final pass. The height (thickness) of the last cutting level - set for a better finish.
 * : The height above which Rapid motions are allowed. (Rapid safety height between locations)
 * : Starting depth of Tool - first cut depth in Z
 * : Incremental step down of Tool during operation



Extension

 * : When enabled connected extension edges are combined to wires.
 * : Default length of extensions.

Face

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

Path

 * : make False, to prevent operation from generating code
 * : An optional comment for this Operation
 * : User assigned label
 * : Defines the Tool controller used in the Operation

Pocket

 * : Specifies a CW or CCW move for the cut
 * : Extra offset to apply to the operation. Direction is operation dependent. (Extra value to stay away from final profile- good for roughing toolpath)
 * : Attempts to avoid unnecessary retractions.
 * : Use 3D Sorting of Path (when multiple base geometries used).
 * : Start pocketing at center or boundary
 * : Select the horizontal step over (Percent of tool diameter: 100% = tool diameter)
 * : Uses the outline of the base geometry.
 * : Angle of the zigzag pattern. (Select the path angle relative to X axis.)

Rotation

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

Start Point

 * : The start point of this path
 * : make True, if manually specifying a Start Point, then enter Start Points in the property data Start Points field

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 Geometry

 * 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

 * : If selected, all potential extensions are visualized. Enabled extensions in purple, disabled extensions in yellow.
 * Enable
 * Disable
 * Clear
 * Disable
 * Clear

Operation

 * (Offset Pattern)
 * (Zig Zag Angle)
 * (Step Over)
 * : The distance the facing operation will extend beyond the boundary shape (base geometry)
 * (Step Over)
 * : The distance the facing operation will extend beyond the boundary shape (base geometry)

Scripting
FreeCAD Scripting Basics.

Example: