Generic Turning

• Turning overview
• Geometry selection consideration
• Toolpath Limits
• Custom stock definition
• Common options
• Roughing options
• Finishing options

Turning overview

External Cycle : The tool moves from the outside the inner part of the component.

Internal cycle : The tool moves from the inner part of the component to outside.Before proceed with internal cycle is necessary create a central hole in the component.

Is important also use a tool with dimension compatible with this hole diameter. You can find this information in tool catalogue .

To add this operation, from [MENU] -> Lathe  -> External or Internal Turning , depending on your needs.

See related article on how to associate geometry to an operation, and also page about [Step Profile] and [Coordinate] pattern.

They are useful with generic turning operation.

Here the screen related to external / internal turning machining.

Geometry Selection

Generic turning accept as geometry both open profiles and closed profiles.

The geometry require to be in the ZX Plane or a plane with same orientation.

Open Profile:

Closed Profile:

Depending on turning operation mode , the closed profile will be used only the interested part.

Toolpath limits

Without editing the selected geometry is possible limit the toolpath in Z+ Z- X+ X- directions.

You can find the toolpath limits properties in turning edit screen.

With this you feature can define the limits of working area.

Without Limit defined:

With Limit defined:

Custom stock definition

From build 321

Require experimental toolpath engine option enabled

If the stock is defined with "custom revolved geometry" option, the toolpath outside the stock area will be trimmed .

Is also possible define custom stock area at operation levels by selecting closed profile in ZX plane ( or in a plane with same orientation )

Common options

Plunge mode : Define how the profile is compensated by the tool angle. see dedicated page for more info. Link at bottom page.

Profile Start/End Extension : A tangent extension will be added to start/end of selected geometries

Turning direction - Traditional : Tool direction it's from Z+ to Z-

Turning direction - Reverse : Tool direction it's from Z- to Z+ , you need to select a compatible tool when you change this property.

Apply Fillet on sharp corner : Where applicable, a fillet will be created in sharp corner. In this way the tool will be always in touch with the part eliminating any imperfection at sharp corners.

Roughing options

Finish Allowance X / Z : It's the material thickness left by the roughing tool for the finishing operation.

Roughing Macro : Where applicable , it will print G71 macro code in output code instead of simple movements

Finish with same tool : Finishing allowance material will be removed by the roughing tool

Roughing Angle : (from build 321 ) Define the orientation of roughing passes Horizontal or Vertical

Both ways : (from build 321 ) Require tools with nose position in top (8) or down (6) directions.

The roughing toolpath engine will flip the next pass direction if this will short the linking movement.

Finishing operation options

Reverse direction on vertical wall : When enable , the turning direction will be inverted in 90° profile element. In some context , this may reduce tool vibration.

Vertical wall threshold : Will be considered only elements with length bigger than this value.

Multiple finishing passes : It create multiple finishing passes. The distance between passes is determined by finishing allowance thickness.

example : If you have a 0.3mm of finish allowance and 3 finish passes. Toolpath will generate 3 passes with a 0.1mm distance between them.