CAM Pocket Shape

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Drilling

CAM

Menu location
CAM Pocket Shape
CAM → Pocket Shape
Workbenches
CAM
Default shortcut
None
Introduced in version
-
See also
None
Contents 1 Description 2 Usage 3 Properties 4 Tasks Window Editor Layout 4.1 Base Geometry 4.2 Extensions 4.3 Depths 4.4 Heights 4.5 Operation 5 Scripting

Description

The Pocket Shape tool 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

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.
There are several ways to invoke the command:
- Press the CAM Pocket Shape button.
- Select the CAM → Pocket Shape option from the menu.
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 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

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

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

DataStart Depth
DataFinal Depth
DataStep Down

Heights

DataSafe Height
DataClearance Height

Operation

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)