3D Machining

Mill Complex Forms

What is 3D Machining?

3D machining operations use 3D geometry of the model to drive the toolpaths. You do not select any particular part of the model to mill - the operations are performed on the whole model (unless using Machining Regions). To contrast, 2D machining operations use selected edges of a model as an input.

3D Toolpaths

3D Roughing

Roughing toolpaths clear out the bulk of the material and set the work piece up for further finishing operations.

Cutout

Cutout toolpaths cut the internal and external edges of the part, releasing it from the stock.

Parallel Finishing

Sweeps a finishing path back and forth along the length of the model. Great for surface finish on the top.

Waterline Finishing

Machines around the model going deeper and deeper, similar to a water level changing around the model. Great for surface finish on the sides.

Pencil Trace Finishing

Cleans up fillets and rounded areas by tracing a path directly along them.

Unified Finishing

Automagically combines all 3 finishing operations into a single toolpath, giving optimal surface finish results on the tops, sides, and on fillets with 1 toolpath.

Toolpath Options

Each toolpath strategy has a handful of options that are easy to understand and set, unlike some other software that bombards you with complexity. Select your tool from the tool library, set feeds and speeds, and typically 2-3 more options and press go.
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