Simple tool move - can't figure it out.

[HankMcSpank]

Ok, this is driving me potty.

All I want is for my 3mm endmill to sink into the material...cut a 3mm deep slot 50mm long, when it's at the other end of the slot, sink down another 3mm into the material & traverse back where we started...and finally one more time....*but* to save time, I want the tool to stay down - this is my problem, no matter how I attempt this, the tool retracts up between each successive cut (even when I deselect 'retract')

So essentially...

sink 3mm
move right 50mm->
sink 3mm (no retract just sink a further 3mm down)
<-move left 50mm
sink 3mm (no retract just sink a further 3mm down)
move right 50mm->

I should end up with a slot 50mm long & 9mm deep.

I'm using three individual toolpaths to achieve the above.....in each one the target is the same single line (contour), no offset (ie endmill progresses along the centre of the line), tip as the 'tip comp'.


What would be the best way to approach this?

[Andre' B]

One way would be to create lines in and "S" shape for the entire path and just run a contour path on it.

Another would be the old 2D sweep using a horizontal line and a vertical line.

Edit:
Looks like with the 2D sweep you need to put the geometry at the edge of the cutter.

[guru]

Another way of doing this would be create a line at final depth (Z-9mm) from center to center of slot then contour that line, in contour parameter... set compensation to OFF, set contour type to ramp, in ramp parameter click on depth..input 3.0(mm), check box "MAKE PASS AT FINAL DEPTH" and don't forget to uncheck "Lead in/Out Box

[Superman]

Hank,
Select the contour you want the of the tool to follow-extend the geometry ends to allow plunging outside if possible, ends cannot be extended using the lead in/out dialog. Comps ON will give zig-zag G41 and G42 output for the contour, lead in/out does work (so be careful in your settings here), Comps OFF with 0.0 offset will use the contour as a tool centreline ( play with this to understand better to what it can do, hard to put it all down )

2D_Contour
Top of stock = 0
Depth= -9
Contour type = Ramp,
Ramp options = plunge, ramp depth=3, uncheck "Linearize helixes"

Steve

[dan78]

if no cutter comp, X0 is left start of slot Z0 top material then

G0 Z 1mm;
G1 Z -3mm;
G1 X 48.5mm;
G1 Z -6mm;
G1 X0;
G1 Z-9mm;
G1 X 48.5mm;

No R moves and of course fill in feeds

[Toonz]

Have you tried using "Depth Cuts" and turning on the "Keep Tool Down" option?