Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Machining Strategies

Scott,

I think this is an area where you primarily have to base it on experience.
All the strategies are valid at times and it would be very hard to say when
a particular one is the way to go. Some of the methods are very specific to
solving a particular problem. If you are doing a one off part is very hard
to come up with the optimum strategy so you pretty well default to the
basics. If you are setting up to do a production run it is a lot easier as
you can invest the time to try a few methods and see what works. A lot also
depends upon the machine and controller you are using. If you have a machine
with a tool changer and a controller that can utilize it then using a
complex strategy with different cutters for different steps can be a
sensible approach. But if you are using manual tool changes and don't have
the cutters preset in a way to not lose your Z position than it is generally
more sensible to use a strategy that lets you make the least number of tool
changes even though it may not be as efficient. A lot will also depend upon
the required result.

As far as documenting the various strategies, that is software specific.
From the sounds of it I would guess that this is Visual Mill? If so you can
go into the help file and it will describe what each one does. It is up to
you to decide when it is sensible.

Tim
[Denver, CO]
Sherline at Deep Discounts
www.KTMarketing.com/Sherline

----- Original Message -----
> Where would I go to get information on machining strategies? I have
> software that can do pocketing, Z-Level contouring, rest milling,
> pencil milling, zig-zag, one way, two curves. . . However I don't
> understand how you choose one for machining a part. Is there a
> reference that describes the applications of these types of machining?
>
> TIA
>
> Scott
>
>
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