CAM MillFace: Difference between revisions

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The [[Image:Path_Face.svg|24px]] [[Path_MillFace|Face Mill]] tool creates a path to perform a facing operation on a horizontal surface.
The [[Image:Path_Face.svg|24px]] [[Path_MillFace|Face Mill]] tool creates a path to perform a facing operation on a horizontal surface. This operation is generally used:
* to smooth out a rough stock surface
* to mill selected face(s) to desired depth in preparation for performing subsequent clearing operations within the boundary of the regions affected by this operation
* or, to apply a finishing surface to the selected face(s).
This operation contains a Boundary Shape property that allows for a modified selection area based upon the selected face(s).
[[Image:MillFace_Sample.png|none|600px|center|Sample image of Mill Face operation used to prepare stock surface for subsequent clearing operation.]]


== Usage == <!--T:13-->
== Usage == <!--T:13-->

Revision as of 22:12, 9 April 2021

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Path Face

Menu location
Path → Face
Workbenches
Path
Default shortcut
None
Introduced in version
-
See also
None

Description

The Face Mill tool creates a path to perform a facing operation on a horizontal surface. This operation is generally used:

  • to smooth out a rough stock surface
  • to mill selected face(s) to desired depth in preparation for performing subsequent clearing operations within the boundary of the regions affected by this operation
  • or, to apply a finishing surface to the selected face(s).

This operation contains a Boundary Shape property that allows for a modified selection area based upon the selected face(s).

Sample image of Mill Face operation used to prepare stock surface for subsequent clearing operation.
Sample image of Mill Face operation used to prepare stock surface for subsequent clearing operation.

Usage

Caveats

  • Using it on an inclined plane may produce unexpected results: it will still produce a path to cut a horizontal surface. The extent of the cut will be the horizontal projection of the inclined plane, performed at a height corresponding to the lowest point in that plane.
  • Since the path tools work on the geometry of the selected edges/faces only, and do not relate to the rest of the 3D model, the paths will not go beyond the bounds of the chosen plane, even if it is surrounded by unused stock or air. This will leave unmachined corners. These can sometimes removed with one of the dress-up tools to be found on the Path menu.

Vertical face milling

  • This tool will not work on a vertical plane or vertical non planar surface. Vertical operations can be achieved by using the face profile tool or edge profile tool. These will need the selection of a face or closed loop of edges including the top or bottom edge of the vertical surface desired). The extent of the path can then be reduced using the Boundary Dress-up tool to be found on the Path menu. With the Dress-up tool select Create Box option and reduce the size to limit the scope of the profile path. These settings will not allow the origin of the boundary box to be moved, however. This must be done by adjusting the Placement settings in the tree view.
  • This will work on compound surfaces such as several vertical planes or cylindrical surfaces joined together, so long as they form one continuous surface.

Options

Empty

Properties

Data

Empty

View

Empty

Scripting

See also: FreeCAD Scripting Basics.

Example:

#Place code example here.

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