Creating an Isoparametric Operation with 4-Axis Lead/Lag

You can create an Isoparametric Machining operation with 4-Axis Lead/Lag.

See Also
Isoparametric Machining
  1. From the Surface Machining section of the action bar, click Isoparametric Machining .
    An Isoparametric Machining entity is added to the manufacturing program. The Isoparametric Machining dialog box opens at the Geometry tab .
  2. Still in the Geometry tab, define the geometry:
    1. Click the red part surface in the icon then select the desired surfaces in the work area.

      The Face Wizard appears to help you select faces or belts of faces. These can be adjacent or non-adjacent.

    2. Click a red point in the icon then select the four corner points of the selected surfaces. Machining starts from point 1 to point 2, and finishes either from point 3 to 4 or 4 to 3 (depending on the One way or Zig zag tool path style).


  3. Go to the Strategy tab to specify parameters for:
    • Machining, e.g.:
      • Tool path style: Zig zag
      • Machining tolerance: 0.01mm
      • Max discretization step: 10000mm
      • Max discretization angle: 180deg
    • Radial, e.g.:
      • Stepover: Scallop height
      • Scallop height: 0.1mm
      • Skip path: None
      • Start extension: 0mm
      • End extension: 0mm
    • Tool Axis, e.g.:
      • Tool axis mode: 4-Axis lead/lag
      • Lead angle: 0deg
    A default reference tool axis (A) and 4-Axis Constraint arrow (N) are displayed. They are editable by double-click.
  4. Click the 4-Axis Constraint arrow (N).

    This is the normal to the plane in which the tool axis is constrained.

    1. In the dialog box that appears, modify the default direction as required.
  5. Click Preview in the dialog box to verify the parameters that you have specified.
    A message box appears giving feedback about this verification.
  6. Go to the Tool tab to select a tool.
  7. Go to the Feeds and Speeds tab to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the machining operation.
  8. Go to the Macros tab to specify the machining operation transition paths (approach and retract motion, for example).
  9. Click Display or Simulate to check the validity of the machining operation.
    • The tool path is computed.
    • A progress indicator is displayed.
    • You can cancel the tool path computation at any moment before 100% completion.


  10. Click OK in the Display or Simulate dialog box, and again in the main dialog box to create the machining operation.
    The tool path is created.