Outside of boundary

[Hoverflyer.mk2]

When you make a containment boundary, the toolpath is set to inside that boundary or with a specified offset.

How do I make a containment boundary to EXCLUDE that section in the boundary instead of having it as the cutting part?

Also can I have a boundary within a boundary?

[foxsquirrel]

can you post the file unzipped, its pretty simple but I don't follow what your trying to say. A picture is worth a 1000 words. I just drag a rectangle or circle then select it under containment boundry. The tool will stay inside of that area.

[Hoverflyer.mk2]

Thank you for your reply. I know how to create a containment boundary using that method, however like you said: "The tool will stay inside of that area."

What I want to do is keep the tool OUTSIDE of that area... Like a safe zone or something.

Here is an example pic:
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1223/boundary.png

[foxsquirrel]

I see what you are trying to do, if CADCAM picks up this thread he should be able to help, I am not much help on this.

[Superman]

To keep a tool away from a certain area
easiest method is to use a "Check surface"

If any tool would be on or within the check surface by the "Offset amount", then the toolpath in that area is deleted

in the example picture, you can
- create a flat surface from the rectangle geometry
- copy the underlying surface to another level and trim to a set geometry
this new surface is selected as the "Check Surface"
- put a hole in the drive surface, --> some gap settings, etc, may allow the tool to actually "dive" into the hole, so check carefully

[Stebedeff]

You can aswell "Trim " the rectangle from the pocket toolpath.

[WallyL7]

I use superman's method a lot. Since you already have the geometry you need drawn (for the containment), just make that into a surface. Then select "CHECK SURFACE" and pick that one.

Just make sure you draw it at the appropriate height in order to clear whatever it is you are avoiding. Your toolpath may jump over it or go around it depending on what path you are using...