Some ops don't support check surfaces. I actually avoid using them when I can because they can be a nuisance at times as well.
Another quick and dirty surface to create would be "flat boundary". You can create this on any "planar" closed chain. If you have a contour which does not lie in a flat plane, use the xform project tool to make it flat.
I can't really think of any rules to give... I am sure you can see that in Mastercam there are 10 different ways to do almost everything and it all really comes down to user preference...
A few tips would be :
1. the surface doesn't necessarily have to be at the same height as your part. My example would work just as well if the surface was several cm above the part.
2. You may have to specify ABSOLUTE "cut depths" to achieve the desired result...
3. If using check surfaces, try to use a slightly different "stock to leave" for drive and check surfaces... example: drive.000mm, check -.001mm. The resulting toolpath will be smoother and with such a small stock to leave difference you'll most definitely not see any gouging or leftover stock...  |