Hi Jason,
For simple shapes such as circles and rectangles your approach will work but in general we have to always ensure every pocket shape will be cut correctly.
Imagine a random shape such as a figure 8 or dumbbell where the offsetting splits into multiple sections to the toolpath. You then don't know at what position the toolpath will finish cutting each section and returning it back to the start point (without retracting) might carve through the design.
Real designs / complex shapes often split into multiple regions when pocketing and the software has to ensure the cutter doesn't gouge into the design.
I hope this makes sense?
Tony |